The narrative unfolds in the Australian bush, where a group of men, stranded due to flooding, gather around a campfire and share stories. One man, a seasoned mail contractor, recounts a harrowing experience from nearly two decades prior while delivering mail between two towns. During a particularly harsh dry season, he arrives at a familiar waterhole late at night, exhausted and cold. As he approaches a fire in the distance, he discovers three men engaged in a sinister act: they are burning the remains of two corpses. The contractor, hidden in the shadows, witnesses their gruesome task and overhears their conversation, revealing their intent to eliminate any witnesses. Terrified, he manages to escape on his horse and rides to the nearest town, where he later falls ill with fever. While recovering, he learns that the police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of two hawkers, the Colemans, who had last been seen near the same waterhole. Evidence suggests they were murdered, and the contractor's account of the fire and the men he saw becomes crucial. The investigation reveals that the Colemans had a hidden stash of money, which the murderers failed to find. Eventually, the police identify one of the suspects, a man named Campbell, who had been seen with the Colemans before their disappearance. Despite the lack of direct evidence, circumstantial details lead to Campbell's conviction and execution for the crime. The contractor's chilling tale serves as a reminder of the dangers lurking in the bush and the dark side of human nature. The story concludes with the contractor expressing relief at being safe, reflecting on the horrors he witnessed.
By Rolf Boldrewood · First published 1891 · Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Thriller