"'Cos I hadn't got any more bullets," was the frank answer; and on examination of his powder pouch, we found such to be the case.
"What have you done with your ammunition?"
"Vell, I had to live on something, so I used to shoot into flocks of parrots; but I've skeered 'em all hoff, I believe."
"And why did you not try to get hold of a sheep? There are plenty of those within five miles of the forest."
"And get pinked by the hold shepherd wid the long gun?" he demanded, with a knowing grin, which showed that he had heard of the skill of the old man with his smooth bore.
"You have confessed that you once belonged to a gang of bushrangers, and you may have been guilty of many crimes. It is a duty which we owe to the government to either hang you, or else deliver you to the police. Which do you prefer?"
"Vell, to tell the plain truth, I don't like neither plan, and I don't b'leeve that you will do it."
"Why?" we asked, astonished at his assurance
"'Cos, then I couldn't help you get the dirt out if you give me up to the police. I'd peach 'bout it," and then you'd have to fork over to the government, and would get nothing for your pains."
"But suppose we should despatch you on the spot?"
"But there's no use s'posing any thing of the kind. 'Mericans don't often kill people in cold blood."
"You know that we are Americans?" we demanded, in astonishment.
"Of course I does. Didn't I 'ear all about ye vile I vas at the mines? Didn't the papers bring hus the news?"
"But how do you know that we are those which the papers mention?"
"'Cos I guess at it, and I don't think I'm a great deal hout of the way."
"And if we consent to spare your life you will consent to lend us your aid in searching for the gold?" I asked. "Won't I? You just try me and see if I don't serve you 'bout right. I'm a regular hout and houter ven I takes a likin' to any one."
"On these conditions we will consent to protect and spare you. But mind, no tricks. The first indications which we discover of your playing us false, shall be your last moment on earth."
"All right," replied the long-legged individual, with a chuckle of delight.
"Now, tell us what your name is," Fred demanded.
"Steel Spring," he answered, with another grin.
"Then, Mr. Steel Spring, as you say that you are a good cook, we will test your truthfulness. Return with us to the cart, and let us see a sample of your skill."