"And he has ridden all the way back, has he? A very zealous officer, Miss Ellison, a very zealous young officer, indeed."
But Kate was too anxious, and shaken, to mark the significance of Mr. Barker's tone.
"Don't tease her," his wife said, in a low voice. "She is terribly upset and shaken, and can hardly stand.
"Ah! What is that?"
The interruption was caused by a low groan from the fallen bush ranger.
"Shoot him dead, sah," Jim, who was supporting his master's head, exclaimed. "Don't let dat fellow come 'live no longer."
"I can't do that, Jim," Mr. Barker said, moving towards the fallen man. "The man is a thorough scoundrel, a murderer, and a robber; but he is harmless now. One cannot wish he should recover, even for his own sake; for there is enough against him to hang him, ten times over. However, we must do what we can for the poor wretch."
So saying, he mixed some brandy with a little water in the cup, and poured it between the bush ranger's lips.
"Is it mortal?" Mrs. Barker asked, as he rejoined her.
"I think so," he said. "I fancy he is shot through the lungs.