At that time they were not actually bushrangers, but their offences were well known, so they took to the bush to save being captured. Their little gang of two was soon joined by another.

Although they wore crepe over their faces, McIntyre was too well known for the disguise to have any effect. He had served his time, at a place near Carwell, called Woodlawn, then owned by William Tyndale.

They came to Nevell's place after nightfall. Firstly they sought the men's huts, and having bailed up the occupants marched them off to the house.

They then compelled them to enter the room where the Nevell family were assembled. Mr Nevell was sitting by the fireside and refused to bulge.

He had been robbed previously by men holding pistols and knew it was useless to resist.

He told his unwanted visitors to take what they wanted; so they allowed him to remain with one of their number to stand guard over him. The other two ransacked the house.

They took 70 pounds in cash besides foodstuffs and tobacco out of the store.

In all they managed to decamp with about 100 pounds worth of stores, together with three horses with their saddles on which to carry the stolen goods.

Mr Neville's eldest son John, and his brother joined the police in pursuit. They soon caught the third man and recovered a quantity of the stolen articles.

The other two were perfect terrors on the road for some time.

They visited Tunabutta, a property on the Mudgee Road, then belonging to the late William Bowman, and on the same night stuck up the Mudgee mail at Stoney Pinch.

After further escapades Rook was shot by police at Heffron's Hole near the head of the Cudgegong River. It was their practice to make their rendezvous of retreat when necessary, and lay quiet for some time. On this

occasion, however, the police were there before them, lying in ambush for the culprits.

Upon the arrival of the outlaws, McIntyre set about making a fire and Rook was attended to drawing water.

Rook was fatally shot by the police from their hiding place.

As soon as McIntyre heard the shot he managed to escape by climbing nearby rocks . He was subsequently caught years after,

whilst in a drunken sleep in a public house in one of the suburbs of Sydney.

Mr Nevell offered a reward of 25 pounds each for the capture or shooting of either McIntyre or Rook.

As Rook had been shot two policeman lay claim to the reward.

Thus a dispute arose. It was known that one's gun was loaded with ball, and the other's with buckshot.

To settle the matter the body was exhumed and examined.

The doctor informed the coroner that both charges had struck Rook and "that either would of killed him."

Therefore the award was equally divided.

Now some information about the third bushranger.

He was a newly arrived immigrant. Since his coming he had been employed on Bandangora property near the Capertee railway station as hut keeper for the owners' shepherds.

There he was arrested by young John Nevell and John's brothetr-in-law, William Hawker.

The man handed over the money stolen from Carwell and Mr. Nevell's gold watch.

On being charged at Bathurst he received 15 years' penal servitude.

The stolen clothing was never recovered, but all the horses taken were duly returned to their rightful owners.