"Did you take the money?" demanded Mr. Brown.
"Vell, yes, I s'pose I did. At leastwise it vas found on me, although how it came in my pocket I don't know," and the fellow chuckled at his falsehood.
"And I suppose Murden told you that he had no further occasion for your services," I remarked.
"I think that he said something of the kind, but I vas so confused that I don't remember all that took place. I know one thing, though, that I ain't forgot."
"Well, what is it?"
"Vy, a slight kicking that I got, and a request never to show my head in Melbourne again;" and the fellow rubbed his person as though it was still sore.
"Now, one question more," Mr. Brown said; "what brought you to this part of the country?"
Steel Spring hesitated for a moment, and then requested us to promise secrecy before he divulged. We readily complied, when he asked us to step one side, and where we could be sure not to be overheard. We withdrew from the stragglers who were loitering about, followed by Steel Spring.
"I've got something to do that pays better than vaiting on Lieutenant Murden," he whispered.
"Is the occupation honest?" I asked.