as a guarantee for fidelity as to local colour and descriptive detail.
I take this opportunity of acknowledging the prompt and liberal
recognition of the tale by the proprietors of the `Sydney Mail',
but for which it might never have seen the light.

ROLF BOLDREWOOD.

117 Collins Street West,
Melbourne, 12th December 1888.




Robbery Under Arms

by Rolf Boldrewood
(Pseudonym of Thomas Alexander Browne)




Chapter 1



My name's Dick Marston, Sydney-side native. I'm twenty-nine years old,
six feet in my stocking soles, and thirteen stone weight.
Pretty strong and active with it, so they say. I don't want to blow
-- not here, any road -- but it takes a good man to put me on my back,
or stand up to me with the gloves, or the naked mauleys.