Of weird and ghastly shape.

There was silence, save for the summer breeze

Which swayed the tops of the mess-mate trees,

And the torrent's noisy flow.

Awhile the figure seemed to stand,

Then waved a shadowy, spectral hand,

And pointed down below.

* Written for the Town and Country Journal, March 25th,
1876, with reference to the well-known Cataract near Berrima.

With wild vague thoughts my fancy strove

Of hidden riches, and treasure trove,