"He and his victim are now in the shaft. Had he succeeded in killing both of us, he would not only have got all the gold we had obtained in the claim, but some more besides." This story excited in the minds of all present, a feeling of horror, joined to a keen desire for retribution. Several shouted out to the old convict--commanding him to come up; that his crime was known, and escape would be impossible. The murderer must have heard every word; but no answer was returned either to the threats or commands of those above. There was no occasion for the latter, either to be in haste, or in any way uneasy about the man making his escape. He could not possibly get clear from the trap, into which his partner had so adroitly cajoled him. He must either come out of the shaft, or starve at the bottom of it. The policemen, soon after, arrived upon the ground; and were made acquainted with all the circumstances. One of them hailed the convict--commanding him "in the Queen's name" to come up. "You are our prisoner," said the policeman, "you cannot escape; and you may as well surrender at once." There was no answer. One of the policemen then placed himself in a bowline knot at the end of the rope; and was gently lowered down into the shaft--several men standing by at the windlass. "Hold there!" cried the convict from below. "The instant you reach the bottom, I'll drive my pick-axe through you." The men at the windlass ceased turning--leaving the policeman suspended half way down the shaft. He was a man of superior courage; and, cocking his revolver, he called to the convict: that he was going down anyhow--adding, that the first move made to molest him in the execution of his duty, would be a signal for him to blow out the brains of the man who should make it. He then called to the miners at the windlass to "lower away." "Drop your pick!" shouted the policeman, as he came near the bottom of the shaft--at the same time covering the convict with his revolver. The murderer saw the folly of resisting. It was impossible for him to escape--even could he have killed the officer, and a dozen more besides. Some of the "Queen's Jewellery" was soon adjusted upon his wrists; and the rope, having been fastened around his body, he was hoisted up into the light of heaven. The policemen were going to stop, until they could examine the body of the murdered man; but they perceived that the indignation of the crowd was fast rising to such a pitch, that it was necessary for the prisoner to be carried to some place of security--else he might be taken out of their hands. None of the spectators seemed anxious either to rescue, or kill the man. Each one appeared to be satisfied by getting a kick or blow at him. The mind of every honest miner on the ground had been shocked by the cruel crime that had been committed; and each appeared to think he had himself a score of revenge to wipe off against the perpetrator.