The shades of night had deepened over the landscape and the songs of the birds in the bush had ceased.
Far across the pasture lands of the Australian ranch moved a line of men and horses that gradually approached the ranch like robbers.
Their movements were almost noiseless, and their leader addressed his followers in low tones.
Nothing told of the approach of the enemy, and the night winds did not waft to the doomed ranch tidings of the swoop.
On a little rise not far from the sheep sheds the band halted, and Blacklocks addressed his men.
He told them of the marvelous treasure in the secret vaults of the ranch, and of the vengeance they would take.
When he concluded he gave the command to march on, and the column moved again.
It neared the ranch.
The guards did not stop its march; indeed there were no guards in sight, and everything seemed in readiness for the attack.
Suddenly the air rang with fierce shouts, and the rapid gallop of horses was heard.