The True Story of the KellyGang of Bushrangers Chapter 13 page 7

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After dealing with Mr Rankin, Ned Kelly, accompanied by Living and Richards, went in search of Mr Gill, the other man who had fled from the bank, but he had hidden himself away in the bed of a creek and they were unable to find him. This was a great disappointment to Kelly as Mr Gill was the editor of the local newspaper, and the bushranger wished him to print an account of his life and great deeds, which he had either written himself or got some friend—perhaps Joe Byrne who was the litterateur of the gang—to write for him. Not being able to see the editor, Kelly called at his house where he met Mrs Gill and endeavoured to persuade her to take the manuscript, saying he would pay for the printing; but she steadily refused to have anything to do with the matter, and, to prevent Kelly’s temper becoming more dangerous. Living asked for the writing, promising that he would see that it was printed. Mr Living kept his word; and the production—a bombastic eulogy of Kelly’s prowess, with tirades against the police and some account of the murders at the Wombat—eventually appeared in print.

For some hours after the bank had been robbed the outlaws held possession of the town, and though acting in some respects with apparent rashness, they really made their safety secure by the number of hostages they had all the time under the revolver muzzles of one or more of them. Ned Kelly walked about the town and entered another hotel where there were several people, any of whom he said might kill him, but with the result of the wholesale slaughter in the township.

At Jerilderie was particularly noticeable that Ned Kelly and Byrne were the leading spirits of the gang—Ned in undisputed authority, but Byrne an able and trusted lieutenant, while the other two played minor parts and were treated by Ned Kelly in the most contemptuous fashion. Between him and Hart there was some temper shown, and it appeared on one occasion that revolvers might be used. Hart had stolen watches and other property from several of the prisoners who complained to Kelly. The leader was most indignant, called Hart a ‘thing,’ and made him return the stolen property. One of Hart’s prizes was taken from a Wesleyan clergyman and, in ordering Hart to give it back. Kelly told him if he wanted a watch to get a good one. Acting on this principle himself, he robbed the bank manager.

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