shed that was used as a shambles. Here he found the other two men,
and no doubt the proposition was made.

"There's something up," said the old man, as soon as Jerry was gone.

"Of course there's something up," said Joe. "Those fellows didn't
come all the way to Boolabong for nothing."

"It's something about young Heathcote," suggested the father.

"If it is," said Jack, "what's that to you?"

"They'll get themselves hanged, that's all about it."

"That be blowed," said Jack; "you go easy and hold your tongue. If
you know nothing, nobody can hurt you."

"I know nothing," said Joe, "and don't mean. If I had scores to quit
with a fellow like Harry Heathcote, I should do it after my own
fashion. I shouldn't get Boscobel to help me, nor yet such a fellow
as Nokes. But it's no business of mine. Heathcote's made the place
too hot to hold him. That's all about it." There was no more said,
and in an hour's time Jerry returned, to the family. Neither the
father nor brother asked him any questions, nor did he volunteer any
information.

Boolabong was about fourteen miles from Medlicot's Mill. Nokes had
walked this distance in the morning, and now retraced it at night--
not going right across Gangoil, as he had falsely boasted of doing
early in the day, but skirting it, and keeping on the outside of the