"There is much truth in what he says," replied the officer, after a moment's thought; "the judges act upon the principle that it is better ten innocent persons should die, than one robber escape. They do not prove a man guilty, but require him to prove that he is innocent; hence the burden of proof rests upon the defendant, and he has no means of establishing, unless possessed of unbounded wealth, the fallacy of such reasoning."
"And the people of Australia call that law?" I asked, indignantly.
"That is law, and very good law, too," replied Murden; "you can hardly wonder at such a state of things, when you take into consideration the lawlessness of the bands swarming over these vast plains, and attacking every party weaker than themselves."
Murden walked towards the hut as though he declined to converse any further on the subject; but just then his eyes fell on Bimbo, who was seated under the shed, within sight of the sentry, and the idea occurred to make search on the premises for the goods which we had overheard him talk about.
"Ho, Bimbo," he said, "show us where the stolen property is kept, and perhaps I may interfere to save your life."
"So help me, God, lieutenant, I don't know what you mean. I never stole a single thing in my life."
"Then how came you to be sent to Australia for ten years?" asked the officer, with a sneer.
"Because I was unjustly suspected, as I am now. A man swore that I broke into a store when he knew I was nowhere near the building."
"It won't do, Bimbo," replied the officer, sending the fellow back to his place. "Remember, I have offered you a fair chance to act as a government witness, but you decline."