"If you know me, pray tell me my name," Murden said, in as gruff a tone as he could assume.
"I can't mention your name at present, but from your looks I've no doubt that you are some murdering scoundrel. Any jury would convict you without hesitancy."
Fred and I exploded with laughter, and even Steel Spring, fortified as he was with the protection of Murden, and a full pardon for all past offences, roared with glee.
Mr. Brown looked astonished and indignant, but he did not give up his hostile attitude. Even his men lost their savage glare, and waited for an explanation, which we were in no hurry to give.
"Put up your pistols, Mr. Brown," I said; "you have no use for them here."
"But what is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"Send your men to the station-house, and we will explain."
"But these—"
He pointed to the supposed bushrangers.
"We will go bail for their appearance to-morrow morning," I replied.