On one occasion, he used to tell, a band of convicts attempted to escape from the Island; but their attempt was frustrated by the guard.

The twelve convicts implicated in the outbreak were put on their trial, found guilty, and sentenced to death by strangulation, as hanging really was in those days.

Word was sent to headquarters in Sydney, and instructions were asked for to carry the sentence into effect.

The laconic order was sent back from Sydney to "hang half of them." The Captain acknowledged the humour of the despatch, though it placed him in a difficulty.

Which half should he hang, when all were equally guilty?
In his pleasant way the Captain used to tell how he acted in the dilemma.