The Argus at KellyGang 19/11/1879 (3)

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Captain Moonlite

Mr Baynes was angry that Lindon was not at his post and throwing the reins of his horse over the fence, he entered by the back gate for the purpose of going into the homestead. He was faced by four men, who covered him with two guns and two revolvers. He was then ordered to throw up his hands by "Moonlite and another man, whom "Moonlite called "No 1", but whose name subsequently transpired to be Rogan. Mr Baynes identified the leader of the gang with the man who had been seekig employment the night previously. Before Mr Baynes could recover himself from the sudden attack he was kicked by "Moonlite" and bustled into the house, where he waa confined with the previous arrivals. Mr Baynes was then ordered down upon his knees and told his life was forfeited. He could choose knife or pistol as his readiest way of shuffling off this mortal coil. He declined either but "Moonlite" pricking him with the knife, told him he had it in for him Mr Baynes acted throuthout the whole ordeal in a manner reflecting credit upon himself, and though subsequently in a very precarious position, he never evinced the slightest sign of fear.

Time was flying, and the shades of night had gathered about when the Messrs Macdonald wended their way homeward, little dreaming of the inhopitable reception with which they were to be met. The Messrs Macdonald were rather more than astonished when they found their homestead m the hands of outlaws Mr C F J Macdonald, the new proprietor of Wantabadgery had just received a welcome addition to his homestead in the shape of a younger brother. The latter gentleman Mr C A Macdonald has lately arrived from the old country and his first visit was to his brother in the wild bush of Australia. These gentlemen just retumed from an inspection of the station were rudely met with, "But come now boys it s no good the game is up. Get off and ship in with your mates. Mr Macdonald sen. on dismounting was imme diately seized and forced among the other prisoners. The younger brother would not dismount seeing only a young man in front of him and resisted to some considerable extent. But hearing some one give orders to pot him at once if he further resisted he immediately dismounted and rushed after his brother into the house.

He never thought that he had arrived in a country where within 12 hours train journey from the metropolis he, would meet with bushrangers. Before dismounting however he saw the gleam of a pistol presented wiitin a short diatance of his forehead. Moonlite then asked were any more guests expected and the reply was "None." "If any more do come," he said, "I will shoot them." After dinner the Messrs Macdonald and Baynes were ordered to bed and were all sent into one small room. Captain Moonlite previous to this had strictly forbidden any of his men to insult anyone in the house and requested that if such a thing were done he might be immediately informed of the fact and he would shoot the one in fault. "I do this for fear any woman should be insulted which I would not allow for one moment," he said. On Sunday morning the Macdonalds and Baynes were allowed to walk about the yard for a short time but were afterwards hustled into the laundry and plenty of provisions were emitted in the shape of tea sugar flour and beef. But they were to understand they were put on rations. Strict orders were also given that a plentiful supply of water should be given to the prisoners. After being searched the watches and chains be longing to the gentlemen were returned to them. It was about this time that Mr Baynes whilst the youngest bushranger was eating his meal said "This is bad work, very bad work."

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