CHAPTER XXX.
PERILOUS SITUATION DURING THE FIRE.—STEEL SPRING TURNS UP.
As Murden crouched down by my side, he loosened his pistols in his belt, and whispering to me, requested that I would follow his example. While I wondered at his command, he spoke to his men, and then I understood his motive.
"During our long connection with the police force," the lieutenant said, "we have never been placed in a situation like the present. We have undergone almost starvation—we have had bushrangers howling at our heels and ready to kill all who fell behind while on the march—we have been nearly dead for the want of water—we have been surrounded by natives wielding poisoned spears, and you know that a prick from them is death—we have enjoyed good and bad fortune together, have we not?"
"We have," replied the men, with one accord.
"And during all the scenes through which we have passed, have I not shared your dangers and toils?" Murden asked.
"That you have," the police said, uttered in a tone of voice that showed they should like to see the man who would gainsay it.
"I ask you these questions, men, because all dangers through which we have, passed were nothing compared to the present. Our safety depends upon our actions."
"Our actions?" repeated the men, in great surprise.