> <a 
> 
href=http://members.tripod.com/~AusBoy/AussieSKA.gif
> external site image</a>
> 
> is converted to:
> 
> <a href='../_AusBoy/AussieSKA.gif'>external site 
> image</a>

The engine tried to download the link, obviously (due 
to +*.gif, I think). But no members.tripod.com/_AusBoy 
folder?!
Please give the full URL so that I can test that - 
shouldn't happend!