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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of In A New World, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: In A New World
+       or, Among The Gold Fields Of Australia
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: July 23, 2008 [EBook #26111]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN A NEW WORLD ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Gary Sandino from a scanned text kindly provided
+by the Internet Archive (www.archive.org)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+IN A NEW WORLD
+
+AMONG THE GOLD-FIELDS OF AUSTRALIA
+
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+AUTHOR OF "FACING THE WORLD," "DO AND DARE," "RAGGED DICK SERIES,"
+"LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES," ETC.
+
+
+
+
+PHILADELPHIA
+
+PORTER & COATES
+
+
+
+FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.
+
+RAGGED DICK SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+  RAGGED DICK.
+  FAME AND FORTUNE.
+  ROUGH AND READY.
+  MARK THE MATCH BOY.
+  BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY.
+  RUFUS AND ROSE.
+
+TATTERED TOM SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+      FIRST SERIES.
+  TATTERED TOM.
+  PAUL THE PEDDLER.
+  PHIL THE FIDDLER.
+  SLOW AND SURE.
+
+TATTERED TOM SERIES.  4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
+  JULIUS.
+  THE YOUNG OUTLAW.
+  SAM'S CHANCE.
+  THE TELEGRAPH BOY.
+
+CAMPAIGN SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols.
+  FRANK'S CAMPAIGN.
+  PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE.
+  CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE.
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+      FIRST SERIES.
+  LUCK AND PLUCK.
+  SINK OR SWIM.
+  STRONG AND STEADY.
+  STRIVE AND SUCCEED.
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.  4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
+  TRY AND TRUST.
+  BOUND TO RISE.
+  RISEN FROM THE RANKS.
+  HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.
+
+BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+  BRAVE AND BOLD.
+  JACK'S WARD.
+  SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF.
+  WAIT AND HOPE.
+
+PACIFIC SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo.
+  THE YOUNG ADVENTURER.
+  THE YOUNG MINER.
+  THE YOUNG EXPLORERS.
+  BEN'S NUGGET.
+
+ATLANTIC SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols.
+  THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER.
+  DO AND DARE.
+  HECTOR'S INHERITANCE.
+  HELPING HIMSELF.
+
+WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+  BOB BURTON.
+  THE STORE BOY.
+  LUKE WALTON.
+  STRUGGLING UPWARD.
+
+NEW WORLD SERIES.  By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
+  DIGGING FOR GOLD.
+  FACING THE WORLD.
+  IN A NEW WOULD.
+
+_Other Volumes in Preparation._
+
+
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1893, BY PORTER & COATES.
+
+
+
+
+                     CONTENTS.
+
+         CHAPTER                         PAGE
+
+      I. OLD FRIENDS IN MELBOURNE,   .  .   1
+
+     II. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, .  .  .   9
+
+    III. FLETCHER ACTS SUSPICIOUSLY, .  .  18
+
+     IV. A TIMELY RESCUE,   .  .  .  .  .  26
+
+      V. STARTING FOR THE MINES,  .  .  .  31
+
+     VI. A NIGHT INCIDENT,  .  .  .  .  .  40
+
+    VII. PARTING COMPANY,   .  .  .  .  .  49
+
+   VIII. A VICTIM OF TREACHERY,   .  .  .  58
+
+     IX. A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE, .  .  .  66
+
+      X. FLETCHER TURNS UP AGAIN, .  .  .  74
+
+     XI. TAKEN CAPTIVE,  .  .  .  .  .  .  83
+
+    XII. THE HOME OF THE BUSHRANGERS,   .  91
+
+   XIII. A TRIAL AND ITS TRAGIC FINALE  . 100
+
+    XIV. ELECTION OF A NEW CAPTAIN,  .  . 108
+
+     XV. LOST IN THE WOODS, .  .  .  .  . 118
+
+    XVI. THE SHEPHERD'S HUT,   .  .  .  . 125
+
+   XVII. A WELCOME IN THE WILDS,  .  .  . 134
+
+  XVIII. A DANGEROUS ACQUAINTANCE,   .  . 142
+
+    XIX. A RUFFIAN FOILED,  .  .  .  .  . 151
+
+     XX. THE BOYS ARRIVE AT BENDIGO, .  . 130
+
+    XXI. BUYING A CLAIM, .  .  .  .  .  . 168
+
+   XXII. STRIKING LUCK,  .  .  .  .  .  . 177
+
+  XXIII. RAISING THE NUGGET,   .  .  .  . 186
+
+   XXIV. THE NUGGET IN DANGER, .  .  .  . 194
+
+    XXV. THE MIDNIGHT ROBBERY, .  .  .  . 202
+
+   XXVI. A THIEF'S EMBARRASSMENT, .  .  . 210
+
+  XXVII. BAFFLED CUPIDITY,  .  .  .  .  . 219
+
+ XXVIII. THE NUGGET IN SAFETY, .  .  .  . 227
+
+   XXIX. SELLING THE CLAIM, .  .  .  .  . 235
+
+    XXX. THE Two CONSPIRATORS, .  .  .  . 244
+
+   XXXI. TAKEN CAPTIVE,  .  .  .  .  .  . 253
+
+  XXXII. OBED IN A TIGHT PLACE,   .  .  . 262
+
+ XXXIII. THE TABLES ARE TURNED,   .  .  . 271
+
+  XXXIV. FAREWELL TO MELBOURNE,   .  .  . 279
+
+   XXXV. SOME OLD ACQUAINTANCES,  .  .  . 288
+
+  XXXVI. A HEART-BROKEN RELATIVE, .  .  . 293
+
+ XXXVII. HOME AGAIN,  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 300
+
+XXXVIII. THE BOYS' SECURE POSITIONS, .  . 307
+
+  XXXIX. CONCLUSION,  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 314
+
+
+
+
+IN A NEW WORLD.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+OLD FRIENDS IN MELBOURNE.
+
+A stout gentleman of middle age and two boys were sitting in the public
+room of a modest inn in Melbourne. The gentleman was known to the public
+as Professor Hemmenway, who announced himself on the programme of his
+entertainment as "The Magician of Madagascar," though he freely
+confessed to his confidential friends that he had never seen the island
+of that name.
+
+The two boys were Harry Vane and Jack Pendleton, American boys of
+sixteen. One had come to Australia as assistant to the professor, and
+had been accustomed to sing one or two popular songs at the magical
+entertainments which he gave, besides rendering himself generally
+useful. Jack Pendleton was a young sailor, who had resolved to try his
+fortune in the new country, either at the mines or in any other
+employment offering fair compensation, before resuming his profession.
+Harry and the professor had been passengers on board Jack's ship, and
+the two boys had struck up an enduring friendship. The ship had been
+wrecked, and they had spent some weeks together on an uninhabited
+island, from which they were finally rescued, as related in a preceding
+story, "Facing the World." It had been the professor's intention to give
+a series of performances in Melbourne and other parts of Australia, but
+the unexpected delay had led him to change his plans, and he now
+proposed to return to America at once. Harry Vane, however, having no
+near family ties, for he was an orphan, felt inclined to stay with Jack,
+and try his luck for a time in the New World, which appealed strongly to
+his imagination and youthful love of adventure. The day had arrived for
+the professor's departure, and he and the two boys were waiting for the
+lighter to take him down the Yarra Yarra River to the point of
+embarkation, eight miles distant.
+
+"Harry," said the professor kindly, "I don't like to leave you here. You
+are only sixteen, and I feel that it is a great undertaking for you to
+attempt to make a living so many thousand miles from your native land. I
+shall feel anxious about you."
+
+"I don't feel anxious about myself, professor," said Harry, with the
+confidence natural to youth. "I am young and strong, and I mean to
+succeed."
+
+"But suppose you fall sick?"
+
+"Then Jack will look out for me."
+
+"You may be sure of that, Harry," said the young sailor, with a glance
+of affection at Harry.
+
+"You might both fall sick."
+
+"Is it best to borrow trouble?" said Harry, smiling. "I think we shall
+come out all right. But I am sorry you won't stay with us, professor."
+
+Professor Hemmenway shook his head.
+
+"I am three times your age, Harry," he said, "and am not as hopeful or
+sanguine as you. Besides, I have a wife and children at home who are
+already very anxious at my long silence; I did indeed mean to make a
+professional tour of Australia, but the shipwreck, and those lonely
+weeks on the island changed my plans. Henceforth I shall restrict myself
+to America. I have a competence already, and can make an income at home
+twice as large as my expenses. Why should I incur any risks?"
+
+"I don't know but you are right, professor, but Jack and I are not so
+fortunate. Neither of us has a competence, and our prospects are
+probably better here than at home."
+
+"Remember, Harry, that if you return I shall be glad to continue your
+engagement and will even increase your salary."
+
+Jack Pendleton fixed his eyes anxiously on Harry's face. He feared that
+he would yield to the professor's persuasion, and leave him, but his
+anxiety was soon removed.
+
+"Thank you, professor," said Harry, "but I don't want to leave Jack. If
+I return in bad luck, I may look you up and see whether the offer still
+holds good."
+
+"Do so. You will always find a friend in me. But that reminds me, Harry,
+of an important consideration. If you are to remain here, you will want
+some money."
+
+"I have sixty dollars which I have saved up in your service."
+
+"And how much have you, Jack?"
+
+The young sailor colored, and looked a little uneasy.
+
+"I have only ten dollars," he answered.
+
+"That is, we have seventy dollars between us, Jack," said Harry
+promptly.
+
+"That is too little," said the professor, shaking his head. "You must
+let me be your banker."
+
+"On one condition, professor, with thanks for your kindness."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"A gentleman at home, Mr. Thomas Conway, President of the Craven County
+Railroad, has charge of two hundred and fifty dollars belonging to me. I
+was fortunate enough to save a railroad train from destruction, and this
+is the money the passengers raised for me. I will give you an order on
+him for the amount of your loan."
+
+"That is unnecessary, Harry; I am willing to wait till your return to
+America."
+
+"Something might happen to me, professor, and I shall feel more
+comfortable to think that my debts are paid."
+
+"Have your own way, then, Harry. Shall I give you the whole amount?"
+
+"No, professor, I am afraid it would make me less enterprising."
+
+"How much shall it be?"
+
+"Jack and I have seventy dollars between us. A hundred more ought to be
+sufficient."
+
+"As you please, Harry, but if you get into trouble, promise to
+communicate with me, and send for assistance."
+
+"I will, sir."
+
+At this moment a carriage drew up in front of the inn.
+
+"It is the carriage I ordered to take me to the lighter," said the
+professor. "You and Jack must go with me to the ship and see the last of
+me."
+
+"With great pleasure, sir. Come along, Jack."
+
+The hackman put the professor's trunk aboard the carriage, and they set
+out for the banks of the river. It was a new trunk, bought in Melbourne,
+for the professor's trunk and clothing had been lost at the time of the
+shipwreck. His first care had been to get a complete outfit in
+Melbourne, and he was now as well provided as when he left New York.
+
+The two boys found the trip down the river a pleasant one. The trip by
+land would have been considerably shorter, but the professor preferred
+the river. The distance to the mouth is nine miles. Vessels would be
+able to ascend the river but for two bars which obstruct its course. The
+city of Melbourne is situated chiefly on the north bank, and is at
+present a handsomely built and prosperous town of about five hundred
+thousand inhabitants. At the time of Harry's arrival it had less than
+half that number. The country bordering the river is not particularly
+inviting, but it was new, and the two boys regarded it with interest.
+The soil was barren and sandy, and the trees, which were numerous, were
+eucalyptus or gum trees, which do not require a rich soil, but grow with
+great rapidity on sterile soil.
+
+"What peculiar leaves?" said Harry, "they look like leather."
+
+"True," said the professor, "and you notice that instead of having one
+surface toward the sky and the other toward the earth they are placed
+edgewise."
+
+Soon they reached the mouth of the river, and there, just beyond the
+bar, rode the good ship _Arcturus_, on which the professor was to sail
+for Boston. His baggage was hoisted on board, and then the professor
+himself followed.
+
+"Will you come on board, boys?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir; we will go back by the lighter."
+
+"Then good-by, and God bless you and bring you good luck."
+
+Harry could not help feeling sober as he bade farewell to his good
+friend, the professor.
+
+"I have only you now, Jack," he said. "I don't know what lies before us,
+but we must stick fast to each other in sunshine and in storm."
+
+Jack's only answer was to seize Harry's hand and press it warmly.
+Nothing more was needed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE.
+
+The two boys returned to the Crown Hotel in time for dinner, of which
+they partook with the zest to be expected of boys thoroughly healthy.
+When the meal was over they repaired to the public room.
+
+"Now, Jack," said Harry, "it is necessary for us to settle on our
+plans."
+
+"All right," said Jack.
+
+"Have you anything to propose?"
+
+"No, Harry, you are smarter than I am, and I leave it to you."
+
+"Thank you, Jack, for your confidence, but we are on a par here. Neither
+of us knows much about Australia. We have a great deal to learn."
+
+"Then you had better decide for us both."
+
+"Very well, I accept the responsibility, but I prefer to talk over my
+plans with you. First of all, then, shall we stay in Melbourne, or
+strike for the mines?"
+
+"Just as you say, Harry, but I would prefer the mines."
+
+"I feel that way myself, and for that reason I have been making some
+inquiries. There are three principal localities, Ballarat, Bendigo, and
+Ovens. We might try one of the three, and if we don't have good luck
+make our-way to another."
+
+"Which shall we try first?"
+
+"I have thought of Bendigo. I hear of one party that cleared two
+thousand pounds out of one hole."
+
+"How much is that?" asked Jack, who was not very well acquainted with
+any but United States currency.
+
+"It is equal to ten thousand dollars," answered Harry.
+
+"That's a big pile of money," said Jack, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"True, but we mustn't expect to be so fortunate. It isn't everybody who
+succeeds as well as that."
+
+"I should be satisfied with a thousand, Harry."
+
+"And what would you do with it, Jack?"
+
+"Convey it home to my mother, Harry. But I would fix it so that my
+step-father couldn't get hold of it."
+
+"You are a good boy, Jack, for thinking so much of your mother. I wish I
+had a mother to provide for," and Harry Vane looked sober.
+
+"Do you know how far off Bendigo is, Harry?"
+
+"About a hundred miles. That is, it is seventy-five miles to Mount
+Alexander, and the mines are twenty-five miles to the north of that."
+
+"It won't take us long to travel a hundred miles," said Jack hopefully.
+
+"On the contrary, it will be a long and difficult journey, as far as I
+can find out. The country is full of bogs, swamps, and moist land."
+
+"Then we can't walk?"
+
+"No; the custom is to charter a cart, drawn by oxen, which will give a
+chance to carry a stock of provisions. The roads are not very well
+marked, and are often impassable."
+
+This description rather discouraged Jack, who was more used to the sea
+and its dangers than to land travel.
+
+"I wish we could go by water," he said.
+
+"So do I, Jack, but unfortunately Bendigo happens to be inland. However,
+you've got good stout legs, and can get along as well as the thousands
+that do go. Besides, it will give us a fine chance to see the country."
+
+"Ye-es," said Jack doubtfully, for he had very little of the traveller's
+curiosity that prompts so many to visit strange lands.
+
+"There's another difficulty besides the mud," continued Harry
+thoughtfully.
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"The bushrangers."
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"Haven't you heard of them?" asked Harry in surprise.
+
+"I heard two men speaking of them last night, but I didn't take much
+notice."
+
+"They are highwaymen--robbers, who wander about and attack parties of
+miners and travellers, and unless successfully resisted, strip them of
+all their property."
+
+"Are we likely to meet them?" said Jack eagerly.
+
+"I hope not; but we stand a chance of doing so."
+
+"When are we going to start?" asked Jack with alacrity.
+
+"Do you want to meet these gentlemen, Jack?" inquired Harry with a
+smile.
+
+"There'll be some fun about it," responded Jack.
+
+Harry shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I don't think there'll be much fun about being robbed," he said. "I
+would rather they would give us a wide berth, for my part."
+
+Jack did not answer, but from that time he was eager to set out for the
+mines. The hint of danger invested the journey with a charm it had not
+hitherto possessed in his eyes.
+
+While the boys were conversing, a tall man, with heavy black whiskers
+and wearing a rough suit and a slouch hat, appeared to listen
+attentively. At this point he rose from his seat, and lounged over to
+where Harry and Jack were seated.
+
+"Young gentlemen," he said, "do I understand that you are thinking of
+going to the mines?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Harry, surveying his inquirer with some attention.
+
+"And you talk of going to Bendigo?"
+
+"Yes; do you know anything about the place?"
+
+"I ought to. I only came from there last month."
+
+"What luck did you have there, may I ask?"
+
+"Pretty fair. I brought back about a hundred and fifty pounds in gold
+dust:"
+
+"And how long were you there?"
+
+"Four weeks."
+
+"That is pretty good pay for the time."
+
+"That's so, especially as I made little or nothing the first three
+weeks. I struck it rich the last week."
+
+"What do you say to that, Jack?" said Harry, turning to his companion;
+"nearly eight hundred dollars in a month."
+
+"That pays better than being a sailor," answered Jack, smiling.
+
+"I should say it did."
+
+"When do you expect to start?" asked the stranger.
+
+"As soon as we can get ready," Harry replied.
+
+"You are right there. Have you got money?"
+
+"Why?" asked Harry rather suspiciously.
+
+"It will cost something for an outfit."
+
+"Yes; we have a moderate sum with us."
+
+"That is well," said the stranger approvingly. "Do you know," he
+continued meditatively, "I have a great mind to go with you?"
+
+"Then you are not satisfied with your pile?" said Harry.
+
+"There's very little left of it," said their new acquaintance.
+
+"You haven't spent a hundred and fifty pounds in a month?" said Harry in
+surprise.
+
+"Pretty much. I may have twenty pounds left."
+
+"You must have been living high, then."
+
+"No. I have lived plainly, but the faro table has taken most of it. I'm
+so near broke that I may as well go back to the mines for a fresh supply
+before my money is all gone."
+
+"We shall be glad of your company, sir. May I ask if you are an
+Australian?"
+
+"I was born in England, but I have been out here half a dozen years."
+
+"And have not made your fortune yet?"
+
+"It is my own fault. I have been unable to keep money after I got it."
+
+"We are from America."
+
+"I surmised it," said the stranger. "That is a country I want to visit
+before I die. You have mines there, too."
+
+"Yes, but they are a long way from where we live."
+
+"My name is Fletcher--Dick Fletcher my friends call me."
+
+"I am Harry Vane, and my friend is Jack Pendleton."
+
+"We will drink to our better acquaintance. Here, John," addressing the
+barkeeper, "three glasses of ale here."
+
+"If you won't mind, Jack and I will take sarsaparilla."
+
+Fletcher stared at them in amazement.
+
+"You don't drink ale?" he said.
+
+"We belong to the temperance society," said Harry, smiling.
+
+"You won't keep that up long at the mines," said Fletcher, shrugging his
+shoulders.
+
+Harry did not reply, but quietly resolved that he would disprove that
+statement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+FLETCHER ACTS SUSPICIOUSLY.
+
+One circumstance led Harry to hurry his intended departure. He found to
+his dismay that the hotel charge for their very plain accommodations was
+a pound a day for each of them. The Crown inn was what would be called
+in an American city a one-horse hotel. There are plenty such to be found
+in the United States where the rate charged is but a dollar a day. But
+Melbourne was full of strangers, drawn thither by flaming accounts of
+the richness of the mines and the bright prospects of acquiring sudden
+fortunes, and war prices were prevalent everywhere.
+
+"Five dollars a day!" exclaimed Jack in open-eyed amazement. "Do they
+take us for millionaires?"
+
+"I began to think they were imposing upon us," said Harry, "till I made
+inquiries elsewhere. I find a pound a day is about the usual tariff for
+such accommodations as we have."
+
+"But we have only a small bedroom, and the meals are very common."
+
+"That is true, but it seems to make no difference."
+
+"Our money will soon be gone at that rate," said Jack soberly. "Mine is
+already gone."
+
+"No, it isn't, Jack. We are going to share and share alike, you know."
+
+"But that is imposing on you, Harry," protested the young sailor
+earnestly.
+
+"Let me judge of that, Jack; I'd a good deal rather have your company
+and half of the money than be alone and have the whole."
+
+"Thank you, Harry. You are a true friend. I can't do much for you, but
+I'll do what I can."
+
+"If I had known of the high prices, I would have drawn more money from
+the professor," continued Harry. "However, I can make this do. But I
+want to start to-morrow, if possible. We shall then be owing four days'
+board each, and that will make forty dollars."
+
+At this point Fletcher joined them.
+
+"By the way," said he nonchalantly, "I want to ask a little favor."
+
+"What is it?" asked Harry unsuspiciously.
+
+"I am rather short of money. Can you lend me five pounds?"
+
+Jack looked at Harry in alarm. He was afraid Harry would grant the
+favor, knowing his obliging disposition. But he didn't know our hero.
+Harry was ready to do anything for a near friend, but he was too prudent
+to waste his money on acquaintances who had no sort of claim on him.
+
+"I am sorry to refuse, Mr. Fletcher," he said, "but Jack and I are
+ourselves very poorly provided with money, and just before you came in
+we were considering how we could manage to pay for the necessary
+outfit."
+
+"Haven't you got five pounds?" asked Fletcher quickly.
+
+"Of course we have, or we should be unable to get to the mines."
+
+"Then I think you might oblige me," he continued, looking very much
+displeased.
+
+"I am the best judge of my circumstances," said Harry shortly.
+
+Fletcher looked hard at him, and saw that the boy he had to deal with
+had a mind of his own, and was not to be imposed upon easily. Still he
+made a farther effort.
+
+"Then I think," he said coldly, "I shall not be able to assist you in
+your preparations."
+
+"Just as you please," answered Harry promptly. "As you volunteered, I
+accepted your proposal. Now I will act for myself. I have heard of a
+party about to start, and I will arrange to join it."
+
+Fletcher felt that he was outgeneralled. He did not mean to let Harry
+and Jack slip through his fingers, for he had an idea, notwithstanding
+Harry's disclaimer, that he had a large sum of money, and thought he
+would be a good party to hang on to. He saw that he had made a false
+move, and hastened to repair it.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, assuming a hearty tone; "I was hasty, and I
+apologize. You are right, and I like you too well to cut up rough, just
+because you can't do me a favor. There, take my hand, and we will make
+it all up."
+
+"With pleasure," answered Harry, as he accepted the proffered hand, and
+Jack followed his example. Nevertheless Fletcher's demand had produced
+an unpleasant effect upon him. The coarse-grained selfishness of the man
+had shown through his outward varnish of good-fellowship, and he felt
+that henceforth he must be on his guard.
+
+"I may have to ask for some money, however," continued Fletcher, in an
+off-hand manner, "for it is necessary to buy supplies for our journey.
+You know we shan't be able to put up at hotels on our way, but must
+furnish our own meals."
+
+"So I have heard," answered Harry. "What is it customary to take?"
+
+"Well, it will be best to buy a bag of coffee, a sack of flour, some
+ship biscuits, potatoes, and sugar. That will do to start on, and we
+shall vary our diet by what we are able to kill on the way."
+
+"What can we kill?"
+
+"Well, kangaroo meat isn't bad, and we can bring down a few birds
+occasionally."
+
+"Then we shall need guns?"
+
+"Yes, it will be well to have them."
+
+This was another expense upon which Harry had not calculated. He began
+to think that he had been very improvident. The professor would readily
+have left him a hundred dollars more, and as it would have been repaid
+with his own money, he was sorry he had not availed himself of it.
+
+"How much do you think the supplies will cost?" asked Harry.
+
+"Well, you had better let me have ten pounds. I think that will be
+sufficient."
+
+"For the whole or for our share?" asked Harry pointedly.
+
+"For your share," answered Fletcher after a pause. "It seems to me you
+are very suspicious."
+
+Really he had intended to make the two boys pay for the whole stock of
+provisions and save his own purse, for he had in reality as much money
+as they.
+
+"I only wanted to understand clearly," said Harry quietly. "As we are in
+some sort partners, that is fair, is it not?"
+
+"Oh, yes," returned Fletcher, but he did not respond with any alacrity.
+"I'm always fair and above board, I am. No man can say that Dick
+Fletcher ever tried to get the best of him. Why, if I was better fixed I
+wouldn't let you two boys pay a cent. I'd shoulder the whole thing
+myself."
+
+"Your offer is a very kind one, Mr. Fletcher----"
+
+"Don't say Mr. Fletcher; call me Dick," interrupted their new
+acquaintance.
+
+"I will if you wish it, though as you are so much older, it hardly seems
+proper. What I was going to say was that Jack and myself are determined
+to pay our share. We couldn't accept any such favor as you mention."
+
+"That's all right. Now, if you let me have the ten pounds I'll take all
+the trouble off your hands, and have everything ready for a start
+to-morrow morning."
+
+"I would prefer to go with you and help select the articles."
+
+Fletcher looked disconcerted.
+
+"Oh, well, if you think I aint capable----" he began.
+
+"I think nothing of the kind, but I want to learn as much as I can. I
+may have to do it alone some time."
+
+It was well Harry adhered to his determination. It saved him three
+pounds, and Fletcher was forced to pay his share, as he had not intended
+to do. While they were making purchases they were accosted by a tall
+loose-jointed man, whom it was easy to recognize as a Yankee.
+
+"Goin' to the mines, boys?" he asked in a strong nasal tone.
+
+"Yes," answered Harry.
+
+"So am I. I'd like to hook on to your party if you aint no objections."
+
+For some reason Dick Fletcher did not appear to relish the proposal.
+
+"I don't think we can accommodate you," he said abruptly.
+
+"I think we can," said Harry, who was beginning to be distrustful of
+Fletcher, and felt safer in adding another to the party. "There are but
+three of us, and we shall be glad of your company."
+
+Dick Fletcher looked angry, but did not venture to oppose the plan
+further.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A TIMELY RESCUE.
+
+On the last evening spent in Melbourne the boys decided to take a
+farewell walk about the city, not knowing when it would again be their
+fortune to see it. Neither Fletcher nor their new Yankee acquaintance
+was at hand, and they started by themselves. They did not confine
+themselves to the more frequented streets, but followed wherever fancy
+led.
+
+They had no thought of an adventure, but one awaited them.
+
+As they were turning the corner of a narrow street, their attention was
+suddenly excited by a sharp cry of blended surprise and fright.
+
+"What is it, Jack?" asked Harry, grasping his companion by the arm.
+
+He did not need to await a reply, for by the indistinct light he saw two
+men struggling a few rods further on. One appeared to be an old man,
+with white hair, the other was a man of middle age. Clearly it was a
+case of attempted robbery.
+
+"Run, Jack, run!" said Harry, in excitement. "Let us help the old man!"
+
+"I'm with you," answered the young sailor briefly.
+
+Harry had in his hand a heavy cane--his only weapon--but he did not stop
+to consider the personal risk he was running. As he drew near, the old
+man, whose feeble strength was quite unequal to a conflict with a man so
+much younger, swayed and fell backward. His assailant bent over him, and
+despite his feeble resistance began to search his pockets, at the same
+time indulging in savage threats. The old man gave himself up for lost,
+but help was nearer than he anticipated.
+
+So occupied was the villain with his disgraceful work that he did not
+hear the approaching footsteps.
+
+His first intimation of them came in a sounding blow over his shoulders,
+given by Harry's stick, which was laid on with a good will.
+
+He jumped to his feet with an oath, and darted a rapid glance at his two
+assailants. Then, much to the surprise of Harry, he turned and ran
+rapidly away. It was a piece of great good luck, Harry thought, for he
+was not at all sure that he and Jack combined would have been a match
+for the highwayman.
+
+"Are you hurt, sir?" asked Harry, bending over the old man.
+
+"Not seriously," was the reply. "Will you kindly help me up?"
+
+With Jack's help Harry got the old man on his feet. He was a tall man,
+of splendid aspect, over sixty years of age. He looked like a gentleman
+of wealth and position.
+
+"You have had a narrow escape, sir," said our hero.
+
+"Yes, indeed," answered the old man, "thanks to your brave interference.
+It surprises me that my brutal assailant should have run away from two
+boys."
+
+"I am surprised also, sir. I feared we should have a hard fight. I
+suppose his object was robbery."
+
+"Yes, he must have heard in some way that I had a large sum of money
+about me. Thanks to you, it is safe."
+
+"I am very glad, sir."
+
+"Do you mind accompanying me to my house? This attack has made me
+timid."
+
+"With pleasure, sir."
+
+The old gentleman lived perhaps a quarter of a mile distant in a
+handsome house. He pressed the boys to enter, and they did so. He
+questioned them as to their plans, and then selecting two bank-notes of
+large denomination, urged the boys to accept them as a recognition of
+the help they had given him at a critical moment. The boys, however,
+declined positively to accept any compensation, but expressed their
+satisfaction at having been of service.
+
+"At least," said the old gentleman, "you must promise to call on me when
+you return from the mines. There is my card."
+
+"That we will do with pleasure, sir," answered Harry.
+
+He looked at the card, and read the name of Henry A. Woolson.
+
+"Harry," said Jack, as they resumed their walk, "do you know that robber
+had a look like Fletcher?"
+
+"So I thought, Jack, but I had only a glimpse, and could not be sure. I
+wish he were not to be in our party."
+
+"We must be on our guard; I don't fancy him much."
+
+When the boys saw Fletcher in the morning he appeared as usual, and they
+were disposed to think they were mistaken. Yet the lurking suspicion
+occurred to them from time to time, and made them feel uneasy.
+
+The next day they set out on their journey, accompanied by Dick Fletcher
+and Obed Stackpole.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+STARTING FOR THE MINES.
+
+Harry may be considered rash in his immediate acceptance of his Yankee
+acquaintance as a member of their party, but there are some men who need
+no letters of recommendation. Obed Stackpole certainly was not a
+handsome man. He was tall, lean, gaunt in figure, with a shambling walk,
+and his skin was tough and leathery; but in spite of all there was an
+honest, manly expression, which instantly inspired confidence. Both
+Harry and Jack liked him, but Dick Fletcher seemed to regard him with
+instinctive dislike.
+
+"What made you accept that scarecrow into our company?" he asked, when
+Stackpole had left them to make his own arrangements for leaving the
+city.
+
+Harry smiled.
+
+"He isn't a handsome man," he replied, "but I think he will prove a
+valuable companion."
+
+"You took no notice of my objection to him," said Fletcher, frowning.
+
+"Our company was too small," returned Harry. "From inquiry I find that
+parties seldom consist of less than half a dozen."
+
+"I know all about that," said Fletcher impatiently. "You might have been
+guided by me."
+
+"I shall be to some extent," answered Harry, "but not implicitly."
+
+"I am going to have trouble with that boy," thought Fletcher. "Wait till
+we get on the road." Aloud he said: "If you had mentioned the matter to
+me I would have found someone to go with us. You had better tell this
+Yankee that we haven't room for him, and I will do it now."
+
+Fletcher's persistence only aroused vague suspicions in Harry's breast.
+He felt glad that Stackpole was neither a friend nor likely to prove a
+confederate of Dick Fletcher, and was resolved to hold on to him.
+
+"I have invited him, and I won't take back the invitation," he said.
+
+"How old are you?" asked Fletcher abruptly.
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"I should think you were sixty by the tone you assume," said Fletcher
+with a sneer.
+
+"Do I understand, Mr. Fletcher," asked Harry steadily, "that you claim
+to control our party?"
+
+"Seeing that I am more than twice as old as you are, I am the natural
+head of the expedition."
+
+"I cannot admit any such claim. If you are not satisfied to be simply a
+member of the party, like the rest of us, I shall not be offended if you
+back out even now."
+
+This, however, did not suit Fletcher, and with a forced laugh he
+answered, "You are a strange boy, Vane. I suppose it's the way with your
+countrymen. I don't want to back out, as you term it. I fancy we shall
+get along together."
+
+"I wish he had decided to leave us," said Harry when the two boys were
+alone. "Somehow I distrust him."
+
+"I don't like him myself," said Jack, "but I don't see what harm he can
+do us."
+
+"Nor I, but I feel safer with this Yankee addition to our party."
+
+About ten o'clock the next morning the little party got off. It is
+needless to say that Obed Stackpole contributed his full share of
+expense, and more too, for he furnished the yoke of oxen that were to
+draw the cart which conveyed their provisions and other outfit.
+
+"I don't want to push in where I aint wanted," he said, "but I'm used to
+oxen, and if you want me to, I'll drive these critters, and you three
+can foller along as you please."
+
+"That'll suit me," said Fletcher with unusual graciousness. "I've no
+doubt you understand the business better than I do."
+
+"I ought to understand it," said Stackpole. "I was raised on a farm in
+New Hampshire, and used to drive oxen when I wasn't tall enough to see
+over their backs. I never thought then that I'd be drivin' a team in
+Australy."
+
+"What led you to come out here, Mr. Stackpole?" asked Harry.
+
+"Well, a kinder rovin' disposition, I guess. A year ago I was in
+Californy, but things didn't pan out very well, so when I read accounts
+of the gold fields out here, I jist dropped my pick and started, and
+here I am."
+
+"Didn't you find any gold-dust in California?" asked Fletcher, with
+sudden interest.
+
+"Well, I found _some_," answered the Yankee, with drawling deliberation,
+"but not enough to satisfy me. You see," he added, "I've got two to make
+money for."
+
+"And who are those two?" inquired Fletcher.
+
+"The first is my old dad--he's gettin' kinder broken down, and can't
+work as well as he could when he was a young man. He's got a
+thousand-dollar mortgage on his farm, and I want to pay that off. It'll
+kinder ease the old man's mind."
+
+"That a very excellent object, Mr. Stackpole," said Harry, who felt
+still more drawn to his plain, ungainly, but evidently good-hearted
+companion.
+
+"I think so myself," said Obed simply.
+
+"The other person is your wife, I fancy," said Fletcher.
+
+"I expect she will be my wife when I get forehanded enough," replied
+Obed. "It's Suke Stanwood, one of Farmer Stanwood's gals. We was raised
+together, and we've been engaged for nigh on to five years."
+
+"Very romantic!" said Fletcher, but there was a veiled sneer in his
+tone, as he scanned with contemptuous amusement the ungainly figure of
+his Yankee companion.
+
+"I don't know much about such things," said Obed, "but I guess Suke and
+I will pull together well."
+
+"You are not exactly a young man," said Fletcher. "You've waited some
+time."
+
+"I'm thirty-nine last birthday," said Obed. "I was engaged ten years
+ago, but the girl didn't know her own mind, and she ran off with a man
+that came along with a photograph saloon. I guess it's just as well, for
+she was always rather flighty."
+
+"It is very strange she should have deserted a man of your attractions,"
+said Fletcher with a smile.
+
+Harry was indignant at this open ridicule of so honest and worthy a
+fellow as Stackpole, and he wondered whether the Yankee would be obtuse
+enough not to see it. His doubt was soon solved.
+
+"It looks to me as if you was pokin' fun at me, Fletcher," said Obed,
+with a quiet, steady look at the other. "I'm a good-natured fellow in
+the main, but I don't stand any nonsense. I know very well I'm a rough
+looking chap, and I don't mind your sayin' so, but I aint willin' to be
+laughed at."
+
+"My dear fellow," said Fletcher smoothly, "you quite mistake my meaning,
+I assure you. I am the last person to laugh at you. I think you are too
+modest, though. You are what may be called a 'rough diamond.'"
+
+"I accept your apology, Fletcher," said Obed. "If no offence was meant,
+none is taken. I don't know much about diamonds, rough or smooth, but at
+any rate I aint a paste one."
+
+"A good hit! Bravo!" laughed Fletcher. "You are a man of great
+penetration, Stackpole, and a decided acquisition to our party."
+
+"I'm glad you think so," said Obed dryly. "If I remember right, you
+didn't want me to join you."
+
+"At first I did not, but I have changed my mind. I didn't know you
+then."
+
+"And I don't know you now," said Obed bluntly. "If you don't mind, s'pose
+you tell us what brought you out here."
+
+Fletcher frowned and regarded the Yankee suspiciously, as if seeking his
+motive in asking this question, but his suspicions were dissipated by a
+glance at that honest face, and he answered lightly, "Really, there
+isn't much to tell. My father was a merchant of Manchester, and tried to
+make me follow in his steps, but I was inclined to be wild, incurred
+some debts, and finally threw up business and came out here."
+
+"Have you prospered as far as you've gone?"
+
+"Yes and no. I've made money and I've spent it, and the accounts are
+about even."
+
+"That means you haven't much left."
+
+"Right you are, my friend, but in your steady company I mean to turn
+over a new leaf, and go in for money and respectability. Now I've made a
+clean breast of it, and you know all about me."
+
+In spite of this statement there was not one of his three companions who
+did not feel sure that there was much in Fletcher's history which he had
+kept concealed, and possibly for very good reasons.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A NIGHT INCIDENT.
+
+The path of a gold-seeker in Australia was beset with difficulties. The
+country about Melbourne, and far inland, was boggy, the soil being
+volcanic, and abounding in mud which appears to have no bottom. The road
+to the mines was all the worse for having been ploughed up by bullock
+teams, and worked into a slough which proved the discouragement of
+mining parties. Some were even months in traversing the comparatively
+small distance across the country to the goal they sought. But the
+attraction of money, which is said to make the mare go, enabled them to
+triumph at last over the obstacles that intervened. It was not long
+before our party began to understand the nature of the task they had
+undertaken. The cart sank up to the hubs in a bog, and the oxen stood
+still in patient despair.
+
+"Well, if this don't beat all creation!" ejaculated Obed. "I've been in
+the Western States, and I thought I knew something about mud, but
+Australy's ahead. I say, Fletcher, is there much of this that we've got
+to go through?"
+
+"Mud's the rule, and dry land the exception," answered Fletcher coolly.
+
+"Well, that's comfortin'!" remarked Stackpole, drawing a deep breath. "I
+s'pose people do get through after a while."
+
+"Yes, generally. I was six weeks getting to the Ovens once."
+
+"I wish we had some ovens to bake this mud," said Obed, with a grim
+smile at his joke. "It would take a powerful large one."
+
+There was nothing for it but dogged perseverance. It took an hour to get
+the oxen and cart through a bog a hundred feet across, and the
+appearance of the party, when they finally reached the other side, was
+more picturesque than attractive.
+
+"How would Clinton get along here?" suggested Harry. "I can imagine the
+poor fellow's despair."
+
+"His trousers would suffer some," said Jack. "I think it would break his
+heart. The sea is much nicer. If we could only go by water," and the
+young sailor looked down at his mud-bedraggled clothes, and his shoes
+caked thickly over with the tenacious mud.
+
+"Yes, the sea would be cleaner at any rate. I agree with you there,
+Jack."
+
+Arrived on the other side of the bog, they were obliged to give the
+tired cattle a rest. Indeed, they needed rest themselves.
+
+At the end of the day they made an encampment. As well as they could
+judge, they were about eight miles from Melbourne.
+
+"Eight miles; and how far is the whole distance?" asked Harry.
+
+"About a hundred miles," answered Fletcher.
+
+"At this rate, we can go through in twelve or thirteen days, then."
+
+"You mustn't expect this rate of speed," said Fletcher. "We shan't
+average over five miles."
+
+"Well, I hope we'll get paid for it," said Obed. "If we don't I'd better
+have stayed in Californy. We haven't any such mines as this in that
+country."
+
+"You'd better have stayed there," said Fletcher dryly, and he evidently
+wished that his companion had done so.
+
+"'Variety's the spice of life,' as my old schoolmaster used to say,"
+responded Obed. "I kinder want to see what Australy is like. All the
+same I don't want to stump through to the other side of the globe."
+
+The travellers encamped for the night in a dry spot among a group of
+gum-trees, and it may readily be believed that all slept well. The boys
+felt dead tired, and it was with difficulty they were awakened in the
+morning.
+
+About five o'clock Fletcher opened his eyes. He was one who slept fast,
+so to speak, and obtained as much refreshment from an hour's sleep as
+most people do from a period twice as long. He had been lying on the
+ground wrapped in a blanket, as was the case with the other members of
+the party.
+
+Raising himself, and leaning on his elbow, he saw that they were all
+fast asleep. He nodded with satisfaction, and getting on his feet he
+approached Obed Stackpole with noiseless tread. The Yankee was sleeping
+with his mouth wide open, occasionally emitting a sonorous snore through
+his aquiline nose. He was not beautiful to look upon, as Fletcher
+evidently thought.
+
+"Ill-favored brute!" he ejaculated. "I'd like to choke him!"
+
+If any special advantage had been likely to accrue to him, Fletcher's
+conscience would not have been likely to stand in the way of violence;
+but his purpose now was different.
+
+"The fellow must have gold about him," muttered Fletcher. "I wonder
+whether I can get at it without waking him up."
+
+Obed seemed to be in a profound slumber, but it was a peculiarity of our
+Yankee friend to wake at the least touch. This, of course, was not known
+to Dick Fletcher, who felt that there would be no risk in a careful
+exploration of Obed's pockets.
+
+He thrust his hand into one of the Yankee's pockets with the practiced
+skill of a pickpocket, when an entirely unexpected result followed.
+
+"Why, you skunk, what in creation are you about?" exclaimed Obed,
+suddenly seizing Fletcher by the throat.
+
+"Let me go!" said Fletcher, struggling violently, but ineffectually, to
+free himself.
+
+"Not till you've told me what you are after."
+
+"Let go, and I'll tell you."
+
+Obed loosened his grip, saying sternly, "Are you a pickpocket, my
+enterprising friend, or what is the meaning of all this business?"
+
+"You had better not insult me!" said Fletcher angrily. "I'm no more a
+pickpocket than you are."
+
+"Then what is the meaning of your little game? Maybe you got up in your
+sleep."
+
+"No, I didn't. I just waked up, and thought I'd like to have a smoke,
+but had no matches. I thought you might have some in your pocket."
+
+"Why didn't you wake me up and ask me?"
+
+"You looked so comfortable, and I thought you needed rest after a hard
+day's work, so I decided to help myself."
+
+"It looks like it," responded Obed dryly. "So that's all you were after,
+was it?"
+
+"Of course," said Fletcher, regaining confidence. "What else could it
+be?"
+
+"Well, it strikes me it's rather takin' a liberty with a gentleman to
+search his pockets while he's asleep, that's all! In Californy,
+Fletcher, if you had been caught doin' it, ten chances to one you'd have
+been lynched, and lynchin' isn't usually regarded as comfortable or
+desirable. Where's your cigar?"
+
+"I haven't any, but I've got a pipe."
+
+"Well, I do happen to have a few matches in my other pocket, but I'd
+rather you'd ask for 'em next time."
+
+"I will. The fact is, I ought to have brought some with me. It's very
+strange, old traveller as I am."
+
+"It would have been a little better than borrowin' them of a sleepin'
+man without leave. Don't do it again, Fletcher."
+
+"I'm not very likely to borrow them of you again, except when you're
+awake," said Fetcher with a short laugh. "Do you always wake up so
+easy?" he asked, in some curiosity.
+
+"Always. I sleep mighty sound, but the least touch wakes me up."
+
+"I shall remember that," thought Fletcher. "This Yankee is rather a
+dangerous man to tackle. I won't attempt it again unless I have the
+decided advantage."
+
+"I hope you'll excuse me, Mr. Stackpole," he said aloud in a smooth
+tone. "I used to travel with a friend--a great chum of mine--and we
+never stood on ceremony with each other. I ought to have remembered that
+you and I are comparatively new acquaintances."
+
+"Perhaps it will be best," said Obed dryly. "You see when I wake up I
+don't always have my wits about me, and I might cut up rough before I
+had time to think."
+
+"Oh, no apologies, I beg," said Fletcher, waving his hand.
+
+"Who's apologizin'?" demanded Obed, in surprise.
+
+"Never mind, it's all right! I thought you were apologizing for seizing
+me by the throat. As you say, you waked up suddenly, and didn't have
+your wits about you."
+
+"Well, I know!" ejaculated Obed half to himself. "I didn't think of that
+way of puttin' it. You're a cute fellow, Fletcher."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Stackpole. Now I will have my smoke;" and Fletcher,
+though he did not care for it, by way of removing any lingering
+suspicion, lit his pipe and puffed away with apparent pleasure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+PARTING COMPANY.
+
+"I mistrust that man Fletcher," said Obed to Harry Vane the next day,
+taking the opportunity when, at one of their rests, the man referred to
+had sauntered into the woods.
+
+"I don't like him myself," said Harry. "Have you any particular reason
+for mistrusting him?"
+
+"He was searchin' my pockets last night when he thought I was asleep,"
+answered Obed, and he related the incident of the night before.
+
+"It looks suspicious," said Harry. "I have not much money, but I don't
+care to lose what I have."
+
+"I should like to shake him, but I don't see how we can very well. He's
+a reg'lar member of the party."
+
+"We can be on our guard at any rate," said Harry. "I'll tell Jack, and
+advise him to be careful also."
+
+At this point Dick Fletcher returned. He looked suspiciously from one to
+the other, under the impression that something had been said about him.
+He asked no questions, however, and no information was volunteered. He
+could not but observe, however, that there was more or less restraint in
+the manner of his companions toward him, and that they were not disposed
+to be social.
+
+That day they made nine miles, the road being slightly better than the
+day before. About five o'clock they reached a rude wayside inn, over the
+door of which was a swinging sign, on which was printed:
+
+TRAVELLERS' REST.
+
+"We might as well stop here, instead of camping out," said Fletcher.
+
+"I'm agreeable," said Obed, "if the tax isn't too high."
+
+"Oh, Linton is moderate in his charges," said Fletcher. "I've known him
+a good while. He's a good fellow."
+
+This was not a very valuable recommendation in the opinion of Obed and
+the two boys, but they had no objection to becoming guests of the
+establishment.
+
+It was a rude building, and the accommodations were very limited. In
+fact, there were but two sleeping rooms. One of these Fletcher occupied,
+and the other was given up to the other members of the party, there
+being two beds.
+
+"I'd rather bunk in with you, if you don't mind," said Stackpole to
+Harry. "I don't feel easy in the same room with Fletcher."
+
+"We shall be very glad of your company, Mr. Stackpole."
+
+"If I snore, just come and turn me over. I don't want to disturb
+nobody."
+
+"I think Jack and I will be too sound asleep to be disturbed by your
+snoring," said Harry with a laugh. "However, if there is any occasion, I
+will follow your directions."
+
+The landlord was a broad-shouldered man of moderate stature, who had
+lost the sight of one eye. The other, being covered with a green shade,
+gave him an ill look. His manner, however, was hearty, and showed a
+bluff, off-hand cordiality, as he welcomed the party to the
+hospitalities of the Travellers' Rest. He was familiarly called "Larry,"
+by Fletcher, who greeted him like an old comrade.
+
+The supper consisted in part of their own supplies, with some small
+additions from the larder of the inn. It was, at any rate, an
+improvement upon their camp fare, and the boys enjoyed it.
+
+After supper they sat down on a settle in front of the inn, but
+presently Fletcher strayed away into the woods at the back of the house.
+Some fifteen minutes later Larry Linton also got up, but ostentatiously
+went in a different direction.
+
+"I'm going a little ways to a squatter's to speak about some
+vegetables," he said.
+
+"If you don't mind company, I'll go along too," said Obed.
+
+"Better not," answered Larry. "There's a boggy spot which a stranger is
+likely to fall into."
+
+"I've had enough of bogs," said Obed, shrugging his shoulders. "Seems to
+me you haven't got much besides bogs out in Australy."
+
+So Linton went off by himself. After he was fairly out of the way, Obed
+said, turning to the two boys. "Did you think I wanted to go off with
+Linton?"
+
+"I supposed so, as you made the proposal."
+
+"I only wanted to find out if he wanted me or not. I have my
+suspicions."
+
+"What kind of suspicions?"
+
+Harry was the speaker, as usual, for Jack never took the lead when Harry
+was present.
+
+"Fletcher and Linton are too thick together to suit me," answered the
+Yankee. "Looks as if they was in league together."
+
+"Do you think they have arranged a meeting?"
+
+"That's just what I do think."
+
+"But they have gone in different directions," objected Jack.
+
+"Bless your simple heart, my boy, that's done on purpose," said Obed.
+"Can't they fetch round together without our knowing it?"
+
+"I didn't think of that," Jack admitted.
+
+"Mr. Stackpole," said Harry after a moment's thought, "if you and Jack
+will keep each other company, I will explore a little myself. I may
+happen to be at the conference."
+
+"Be careful if you do, Harry," said Obed. "Don't run no risk."
+
+"I'll look out for that."
+
+In the rear of the house, and almost reaching to it, was a forest of
+eucalyptus trees. It was unfavorable to Harry's purpose that these trees
+rise straight from the ground, and are not encumbered by underbrush. It
+was very pleasant walking though, and Harry sauntered along at his
+leisure. He almost forgot the object of his enterprise, until some half
+an hour later, in the stillness of the woods, his quick ear caught the
+sound of voices.
+
+He was instantly on the alert. The voices, he doubted not, were those of
+Dick Fletcher and Larry Linton. He moved forward cautiously, and soon
+espied the speakers. They were sitting on the ground, under the
+overreaching boughs of a gigantic tree. Harry managed to get near enough
+to listen to the conversation, being himself concealed from view behind
+the trunk of a neighboring tree.
+
+"Is there much money in the party?" he heard Linton ask.
+
+"I can't tell you. The boys haven't got much, but that long-legged
+Yankee has probably got considerable."
+
+"What sort of a man is he?"
+
+"He's likely to prove a troublesome customer. He is muscular, as you can
+see, and not easily scared."
+
+"Has he any suspicion of you?"
+
+"Yes; I put my foot in it the other night."
+
+"How's that?"
+
+"I saw him sleeping like a boy, and thought there was no danger of his
+waking up, so I took the liberty to explore his pockets. Before I could
+say Jack Robinson he had me by the throat, and wanted to know what I was
+after."
+
+"That was awkward. How did you get out of it?"
+
+"Lied out! Told him I was looking for matches, as I wanted a smoke."
+
+"Did he swallow it down?"
+
+"He didn't contradict me, but it has made him watchful and suspicious.
+If I'd got the money, I was ready to make tracks, and leave them to find
+their way as they could."
+
+At this point the two rose and walked away, leaving Harry in his
+position behind the tree. As soon as he thought it was safe he came out,
+and made the best of his way to the inn, getting there about fifteen
+minutes before Fletcher appeared, but without the landlord. During that
+interval he had time to communicate what he had heard to Obed
+Stackpole.
+
+"Just what I expected!" said Obed. "The treacherous skunk! So he's in
+league with the landlord, is he? I'll fix him."
+
+He cautioned the two boys not to show by their manner that they had made
+any discovery, but to appear as usual.
+
+The next morning the party started as usual. They plodded on for almost
+a mile, when Obed, turning quickly to Fletcher, said:
+
+"Let me look at that weapon of yours a minute."
+
+Fletcher unsuspiciously handed it over.
+
+"I think I shall _keep_ this, Fletcher," said Obed, eying him steadily.
+"I'm pained to have to bid you good-by."
+
+"What does all this mean?" blustered Fletcher.
+
+"It means that your room is better than your company. We'd better
+part."
+
+"Would you rob me? That revolver is mine, and I paid for a share of the
+things in the cart."
+
+"I'll allow you the vally of them and pay you on the spot, but we can't
+go on together."
+
+Suiting the action to the word, Mr. Stackpole handed over a handsome sum
+of money.
+
+"But I don't want to sell my revolver," repeated Fletcher. "What am I to
+do out here alone, and unarmed."
+
+"You'd better go back to your friend Larry Linton. He'll look out for
+you."
+
+"You will regret this high-handed proceeding!" exclaimed Fletcher
+angrily.
+
+"Maybe I shall, and maybe I shan't," answered Obed indifferently. "I'll
+risk it."
+
+Fletcher halted a moment as if undecided, then turned back, and was soon
+out of sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A VICTIM OF TREACHERY.
+
+All the party felt relieved to be rid of Fletcher. Without being able to
+prove anything against him, all believed him to be unworthy of
+confidence. Now they were a united party, and whatever might be the
+hardships of the trip they were ready to sympathize and co-operate with
+each other.
+
+They had already learned that it was no holiday trip they had
+undertaken. The bogs have already been referred to. In addition the heat
+was oppressive in the middle of the day. Then the numerous insects that
+infest Australia--the ants, flies, and scorpions--were most troublesome.
+They had to be very careful to avoid being bitten, for the bite of any
+these is severe and dangerous. On the day succeeding their parting from
+Fletcher they accomplished but six miles, the road being unusually
+swampy.
+
+"I feel about tuckered out," said Obed, about the middle of the
+afternoon, just after he had extricated the team, by great personal
+effort, from a morass. "If I'd 'a' known as much of the country before
+startin' I wouldn't have started at all."
+
+"It's a long road that has no ending," said Harry, smiling. He, too, was
+very tired, but youth is hopeful.
+
+"It's the worst country I ever travelled in, by a long shot. If I ever
+make my pile, I'll take the first steamer back to Frisco."
+
+"Who's that?" suddenly exclaimed Jack.
+
+Obed and Harry, looking up, saw a forlorn-looking figure approaching
+them. It was a man of middle age, and emaciated in appearance, looking
+the image of despair. He tottered rather than walked, from exceeding
+weakness.
+
+"For Heaven's sake give me something to eat! I am almost famished," he
+cried.
+
+"Why, certainly, friend," answered Obed, rising and advancing to meet
+the stranger. "We don't keep a first-class hotel, but you're welcome to
+what we've got. Are you travellin' alone?"
+
+"Yes, if you call it travelling. I've been dragging myself along for
+several days, hoping to find somebody that would give me aid."
+
+"Well, you've found somebody. Here, sit down, for you don't seem able to
+stand, and we'll provide for you. Harry, bring some biscuit and cold
+meat, won't you, and Jack had better build a fire. A cup of tea will put
+new life into you, my friend."
+
+The biscuit were soaked in water and given to the stranger. He devoured
+them like a man in the last stages of hunger.
+
+"Go slow, my friend. Your stomach must be weak," said Obed.
+
+"If you only knew the gnawing at my vitals," said the new-comer. "I have
+not tasted food for three days."
+
+"I never was in that fix, though I did go hungry for twenty-four hours
+once in Californy. You'd better believe I pitched in when I got to where
+victuals were."
+
+"How did that happen, Mr. Stackpole?" asked Harry.
+
+"I was lost in the mountains," answered Obed, "and couldn't find any
+trace of a livin' creature except an old miser, who pointed a musket at
+me, and didn't dare to let me into his hut. I don't think I could have
+stood it three days."
+
+"That goes to the right spot," said the stranger, after he had gulped
+down two cups of tea. "Now I'm ready to die without complaining."
+
+"If it's all the same to you, I think you'd better get ready to live,"
+said Obed.
+
+"I'd rather die now than suffer as I have done in the last three days,"
+
+"You won't have to. We've got plenty and to spare."
+
+"But I have no money. I have been robbed of everything."
+
+"Robbed! How is that?"
+
+"It's rather a long story. You may not have patience to hear it."
+
+"We've got time enough, and patience enough, but perhaps you don't feel
+strong enough to talk."
+
+"I didn't before you relieved my hunger. The food and the tea have put
+new life into me, as you predicted they would."
+
+"Then go ahead, stranger. We're all anxious to hear your story."
+
+"I am an Englishman," began the unknown, "and my name is Ralph Granger.
+When the report reached England of the richness of the Australian
+gold-fields, I sold out my business, and was among the first to come out
+here. By the sale of my business I realized about five hundred pounds.
+Three hundred I left with my wife--I have no children--to keep her while
+I was gone. It is very fortunate that I took this precaution and left
+her so well provided for, since, had I brought all my money with me, it
+would all have been lost."
+
+The three adventurers looked at each other soberly. The ill fortune of
+their new acquaintance did not augur very well for their good fortune.
+
+"Then you had bad luck," said Harry inquiringly.
+
+"On the contrary I had good luck," replied the stranger.
+
+"Good luck!" repeated Harry in surprise. "Then how----"
+
+"How did I come into this plight? That is what you were about to ask?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You will soon learn. On reaching this country I was in doubt whether to
+go to Ballarat or Bendigo, but finally decided upon the latter."
+
+"We are bound for Bendigo," said Jack.
+
+"So I inferred. Ballarat is in a different direction. Very well, I
+reached Bendigo three months since. For a time I was unlucky. I found
+next to no gold, and the prices of living used up about all the money I
+had left after the expense of getting there. Just when I was on the
+point of giving up in despair my luck turned. I made a strike, and
+during the next six weeks I unearthed gold to the value of a thousand
+pounds."
+
+"That certainly wasn't bad luck."
+
+"It was extraordinarily good luck, and naturally drew the attention of
+the rest of the camp. This was unfortunate, for in such a settlement, as
+may well be supposed, there are many reckless adventurers, ex-convicts,
+and men utterly destitute of principle."
+
+"Then you were robbed at the camp?"
+
+"Not then nor there. I took the precaution to send the greater part of
+my money to Melbourne by experts. Destitute and lost, I have six hundred
+pounds in Melbourne awaiting my arrival, but for all that, I should
+probably have starved to death but for my opportune meeting with you."
+
+"Come, then, you've got something to live for, after all," said Obed.
+
+"Yes, you are right. Let me once get to Melbourne and I am all right. I
+shall buy a passage ticket to Liverpool, and carry with me the balance
+of my money. With all that I have lost I shall go home richer than I
+came."
+
+"But how did you lose your money?" asked Jack, who was eager to have his
+curiosity gratified.
+
+"When I got ready to leave the gold-fields, there was no party which I
+could join. I did not like to go alone. In this emergency a man who had
+been working an adjoining claim offered to go with me. He professed to
+have been fortunate, and to be ready to go back to the city. I saw no
+reason to distrust him, and accepted his proposal. We bought each a
+horse, made other preparations, and set out together. He won upon my
+confidence, and I told him everything. He was very comfortably fixed
+himself, he told me, and was glad he had fallen in with me, as he had
+been afraid of being robbed on the journey. All went pleasantly for
+three days, but on the morning of the fourth day when I awoke I found
+myself alone. A little startled, I felt for my gold, which I carried in
+a belt around my waist. It was gone, and so was my horse. Of course you
+guess how it happened. My companion had robbed me during the night, and
+left me in the woods utterly destitute."
+
+"What was the name of your companion?" asked Obed quickly.
+
+"He called himself Fletcher."
+
+"I thought so!" exclaimed Obed, slapping his leg with emphasis. "We know
+the gentleman a little ourselves."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE.
+
+"You have not met Dick Fletcher?" said Ralph Granger in surprise.
+
+"Yes, we only parted from him this morning."
+
+"Did he rob you?"
+
+"No, but he tried to."
+
+Here Obed gave an account of Fletcher's searching his pockets during the
+night.
+
+"He thought I was sound asleep," he continued, "and so I was, but it
+doesn't take much to wake me. When I gripped his throat, he concluded
+he'd tackled the wrong man."
+
+"Did you part company with him then?"
+
+"No; he pretended he had been in search of matches, and I pretended to
+believe it, but kept a good look-out. Last evening we stopped at the
+Travellers' Rest, and Harry, here, overheard him and the landlord out in
+the woods concocting a scheme to rob us, so I just told the gentleman
+his room was better than his company, and he cleared out."
+
+"I am afraid he will turn up again," said Granger apprehensively.
+
+"We'll try to be ready for him," said Obed coolly, "but I don't mean to
+borrow any trouble."
+
+By this time their new acquaintance had satisfied his hunger. He turned
+gratefully to Obed Stackpole.
+
+"How can I thank you for your great kindness?" he said earnestly. "I
+feel that you have saved my life."
+
+"Tut, tut." said Obed, "I've only done as you would have done in my
+place. Obed Stackpole isn't the man to let anyone go hungry when he has
+enough and to spare. But finish your story, my friend. How long is it
+since you parted company with that skunk, Fletcher?"
+
+"I think it is only seven days, but it has seemed a month."
+
+"And didn't you meet anybody humane enough to relieve your hunger?".
+
+"Yes, during the first four days, but not for the last three. Part of
+the time I lost my way, and did not meet anyone. I hope you will never
+know such torments as I have known in that time."
+
+"Amen to that! And now, my friend, what are your plans?"
+
+"I should like to go back to Melbourne," said the stranger hesitatingly.
+"If you say so, we'll fit you out with three days' provisions, and you
+can push on."
+
+"I hardly like to go alone."
+
+"I am sorry, for your sake, that we are going the other way. You see we
+haven't made our pile yet, and must go on. I wish we were on our way
+back, with our pockets well lined. Although you have been robbed, you've
+got a good sum waiting for you in Melbourne."
+
+"True; I shall be all right when I get there, but as I am at present
+situated, it seems very uncertain when I shall have that good fortune."
+
+"I'll tell you what you'd better do, Granger. Come along with us, and
+join the first party we meet bound for the city. You will, at all
+events, be sure of your victuals till then."
+
+"I believe your advice to be good, and will accept your kind invitation.
+When I met you I was about worn out, but the tea and food have put new
+life in me, and my strength has returned."
+
+After an hour's halt, the little party resumed their march. They were
+compelled to go so slowly, in consequence of the difficulties of the
+way, not caring, of course, to get ahead of the oxen, that Granger was
+easily able to keep up. He proved to be a pleasant addition to the
+party, and all were glad to have exchanged Fletcher for him. They were
+not destined to travel long together, however, for before nightfall they
+fell in with a party of eight persons bound for Melbourne. The two
+parties halted, and had a conference. Granger's story being told, they
+agreed to let him join their party, in consideration of a fair
+compensation which he agreed to make on his arrival at Melbourne.
+
+"Good-by, Granger," said Obed, as they parted. "I think you're all right
+now. I wish you good luck for the balance of your journey."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Stackpole," said Granger, grasping the Yankee's hand
+cordially. "If I do, I shall feel that I am indebted to you for my good
+fortune. I shudder to think what would have been my fate if I hadn't
+fallen in with you."
+
+"Then don't think of it! Good-by. Perhaps we shall meet again."
+
+Granger also shook hands with Harry and Jack, and so they parted on the
+best of terms.
+
+"I wonder whether we shall meet with any more of that mean skunk
+Fletcher's victims," said Obed. "He's in a pretty mean business."
+
+"There's no doubt about that," said Harry. "I'd rather live poor all my
+life than live by fleecing my neighbors."
+
+Toward the close of the day they entered a much pleasanter country. In
+place of sandy clay, baked hard in the sun, alternating here and there
+with a moist bog, they came to tall grass, trees of great height, and
+meadows suitable for grazing. The cattle revelled in the rich feed, and
+Obed suffered them to eat their fill, feeling that they had worked hard
+and deserved it. Though it was rather earlier than usual, they decided
+to encamp for the night near the margin of a creek, shaded by trees of a
+gigantic size.
+
+Harry looked longingly at the clear stream, and a vision rose before him
+of a pond in his native town where he had been accustomed to bathe.
+
+"Jack," said he, "let's have a swim."
+
+"I'm with you," said Jack promptly. "I'll bet you a shilling I'll be in
+the water first."
+
+"I'll make a try for it anyway." But Jack, being more simply dressed,
+was as good as his word, and plunged into the creek first. Harry was
+scarcely half a minute behind. The boys swam, dived, and frolicked as
+boys of their age will, and were loath to come out at the last. After
+their experience of mud and heat the bath seemed to them delicious.
+
+"I haven't enjoyed myself so much since I came to Australia," said Harry
+with a deep sigh of satisfaction. "I wish I could have a bath every
+evening."
+
+"So do I," said Jack; "I mean to have another to-morrow morning."
+
+They slept soundly all night, but early in the morning, as consciousness
+returned, Harry was startled by the sound of hearty laughter. He looked
+at Jack and Obed in amazement, but both were fast asleep. Indeed, the
+sound seemed to come from above. He looked up into the tree beneath
+which they had encamped, but could see no person concealed among the
+branches. He did, however, notice a peculiar looking bird, and it dawned
+upon him that the laughter proceeded from it. He remembered now to have
+heard of the bird peculiar to Australia, popularly known as "the
+laughing jackass." This was the first chance he had had of hearing it,
+and he woke up Obed and Jack to hear it also.
+
+"That beats all I ever heard," said Mr. Stackpole. "I wish he'd tell us
+what's the joke, and we'll laugh too."
+
+This was not the only sound they heard. A flock of white cockatoos were
+roosting on the tree, and favored the party with their dissonant cries.
+They are described as having "most sharp and rasping voices."
+
+"If that's singing," said Obed. "I shan't be afraid to try it myself."
+
+"Don't you sing, Mr. Stackpole?" asked Jack, smiling.
+
+"I thought I could once, when I was in my teens. I attended a singing
+school, and went in the attic one Sunday mornin' to practise. Soon my
+father was at the foot of the stairs, and asked me what I meant by
+sawin' boards up in the attic Sunday mornin'."
+
+Of course the boys laughed, but in spite of Obed's disclaimer thought
+they would prefer listening to him to the cockatoos.
+
+They got ready to move at seven, the boys having made sure of a bath
+first. They were not destined to proceed far, however. About ten
+o'clock, as they were skirting the woods, six men on horseback rode out
+from the leafy covert. They seemed inclined to dispute the passage of
+the party.
+
+"What can they want?" ejaculated Harry, with a startled look.
+
+"I expect they are bushrangers," said Obed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+FLETCHER TURNS UP AGAIN.
+
+Harry didn't need to be told that bushrangers in Australia correspond to
+bandits in Italy and highwaymen in other countries. The escaped convicts
+and desperate characters who are naturally attracted to a new country,
+readily adopted the wild and lawless life of the bushrangers. Stories of
+their outrages were common enough, and among the dangers apprehended in
+a journey to or from the mines, that of meeting with a party of this
+gentry was perhaps the most dreaded.
+
+Though Obed Stackpole betrayed no emotion, but was outwardly quiet, his
+heart sank within him when he saw the bushrangers strung along the
+road.
+
+"I guess our trip to the mines must be given up," said he in a low voice
+to Harry.
+
+Meanwhile Harry had been scanning the faces of the men who confronted
+them, and made a surprising discovery.
+
+"Look, Obed," he said eagerly, "at that man on the extreme right."
+
+Mr. Stackpole did look.
+
+"Dick Fletcher, as I'm a living sinner!" he ejaculated.
+
+But at this point the leader of the bushrangers broke silence.
+
+"Do you surrender?" he asked in brief, commanding accents.
+
+"I think we shall have to, squire," answered Obed, to whom the demand
+was naturally addressed. "But I would like to ask a question or two if
+you don't mind."
+
+"Go on."
+
+"Are we prisoners of war? I didn't know for my part that there was any
+war in this country."
+
+"I have no time for foolish discussion," was the stern reply. "You must
+give up what money you have about you."
+
+"It's mighty inconvenient, squire. I'm a good many thousand miles away
+from home, and----"
+
+"Peace, fool! Produce whatever you have of value."
+
+"I haven't got much. You've tackled the wrong man, squire."
+
+"Fletcher, search that man!" said the captain of the band.
+
+Dick Fletcher dismounted from his horse, and with evident alacrity
+advanced to the side of the Yankee.
+
+"I think we've met before," said Obed significantly.
+
+"I think we have," said the outlaw, showing his teeth. "I told you we
+should meet again."
+
+"I can't say I'm overjoyed at the meeting. However, I respect you more
+now, when you show yourself in your true colors, than when you sneaked
+up to me at night, and searched my pockets, pretending all the while to
+be a friend."
+
+"Take care how you talk!" said Fletcher, frowning. "Yesterday you were
+three to one, now you are in my power."
+
+"So you're a highway robber, are you, Fletcher? Well, I can't say I'm
+very much surprised. I guess that's what you're most fit for."
+
+"Do you want me to kill you?" said Fletcher, touching his hip pocket.
+"It isn't safe for you to insult me."
+
+"Just so! You have a right to be brave with all them men at your side."
+
+"What are you doing there, Dick Fletcher? Why don't you proceed to
+business?" demanded the leader impatiently.
+
+"Empty your pockets, Stackpole!" said Fletcher in a peremptory tone.
+
+"All right."
+
+The Yankee plunged his hands into his pockets, and produced in
+succession a jackknife, a plug of tobacco, a bunch of keys, and a couple
+of buttons.
+
+"Take them, Fletcher," he said, "if you want 'em more than I do."
+
+"What do you mean with this tomfoolery?" demanded Fletcher, perceiving
+an impatient frown on the face of his chief. "Hand over your money."
+
+"I guess you'll have to search me, Fletcher. You've done it before,"
+answered Obed imperturbably. "I've mislaid my money, and you may know
+where it is better than I do."
+
+Fletcher took him at his word, and proceeded to search, using some
+roughness about it.
+
+"Be careful, Fletcher," said Obed. "I'm a tender plant, and mustn't be
+roughly handled."
+
+Every pocket was searched, but no money was found. Dick Fletcher looked
+puzzled.
+
+"I can't find anything," he said to the captain.
+
+"Rip open his clothes," said the leader impatiently. "He has some place
+of concealment for his gold, but it won't avail. We shall find it."
+
+Fletcher whipped out a knife and was about to obey directions, but Obed
+anticipated him.
+
+"I'll save you the trouble, Fletcher," he said. "As you're bound to have
+the money, I may as well give it up. Just hand over that jack-knife,
+won't you?"
+
+Fletcher hesitated, not understanding his meaning.
+
+"Oh, I'll give it back to you if you want it, but I need it to get the
+money."
+
+Upon this the knife was given back to him.
+
+Obed cut open the lining of his pantaloons, and drew out four five-pound
+bank-notes. They were creased and soiled, but this did not impair their
+value.
+
+"I guess that's what you were after," said Obed. "I can't say you're
+welcome to them, but that doesn't make any difference to you, I take
+it."
+
+"Is that all you've got?" demanded the chief of the bushrangers, looking
+very much disappointed.
+
+"Every cent, squire."
+
+The leader turned to Fletcher.
+
+"Didn't you tell us this man was well fixed?" he asked.
+
+"I thought so," answered Fletcher, crestfallen.
+
+"I thought you _knew_ it. Why, this is a contemptibly small sum, and
+doesn't pay for our trouble."
+
+"You're right, squire," said Obed. "It aint worth carryin' away. You may
+as well give it back, Fletcher."
+
+"That's a different matter," continued the captain. "Once more, is that
+all the money you have about you?"
+
+"It is, squire."
+
+"Be careful what you say, for if we catch you in a lie, we'll string you
+up to the nearest tree."
+
+"It's as true as preachin', squire. I never lie. I'm like Washington. I
+dare say you've heard of him."
+
+A further search was made, but no money was found, luckily for Obed,
+since there is reason to believe that the outlaw would have carried out
+his threat.
+
+"The fellow here fooled you, Fletcher," said the captain sternly. "Take
+care how you bring us any more false reports."
+
+"There are the boys," suggested Fletcher, uncomfortable under the
+rebuke.
+
+"Search them also."
+
+This was done, or rather it would have been done, had not Harry and
+Jack, fully realizing the futility of resistance, produced promptly all
+the money they had. So much, however, had been spent on the outfit, that
+between them they could only muster about seven pounds.
+
+"Humph!" said the captain contemptuously, "that's a big haul, upon my
+word!"
+
+"There are the cattle and supplies," said Fletcher.
+
+"They will be of use. Here, Peter, do you and Hugh drive the team into
+the woods, and prepare some dinner for the band. We will be there
+directly."
+
+Two men, unmounted, who seemed to be servants, came forward, and
+proceeded to obey orders.
+
+"Hold on, squire!" exclaimed Obed in alarm. "You aint goin' to take our
+team, are you?"
+
+"Most certainly I am. If you had had a large sum in money, we would have
+spared you this. As it is, we must have them."
+
+"But we shall starve, without money or food."
+
+"That is nothing to me."
+
+"Well, boys, come along," said Obed in a despondent tone. "Our prospects
+aint over bright, but something may turn up."
+
+Meanwhile there was a quiet conference among the bushrangers.
+
+"Hold!" said the captain, as Harry and Jack were about to leave the
+scene with their older companion. "_You_ can go," turning to Obed, "but
+the boys remain with us."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+TAKEN CAPTIVE.
+
+Harry and Jack exchanged a glance of dismay. To be stripped of all they
+had was a serious misfortune but in addition to be made prisoners by the
+bushrangers was something of which they had not dreamed. Obed, too, was
+taken aback. He had become attached to his young companions, and he was
+very sorry to part with them. He could not forbear a remonstrance.
+
+"Look here, squire," he said familiarly to the captain, "what do you
+want to keep the boys for? They won't do you any good, and it'll cost
+considerable to keep 'em. They're pretty hearty."
+
+Harry and Jack could not help laughing at this practical argument.
+
+The captain of the bushrangers frowned.
+
+"I am the best judge of that," he said. "You are lucky to be let off
+yourself. Don't meddle with matters that don't concern you."
+
+"Take me, if you want to," said Obed independently. "I shall be lonesome
+without the boys."
+
+"You had better go while there is a chance," said the captain
+menacingly. "If you give me any more trouble, I will have my men tie you
+to a tree, and leave you here."
+
+Harry was afraid the threat would be carried out, and begged Obed to
+make no further intercession.
+
+"I have no doubt we shall meet again," he said. "These gentlemen will no
+doubt release us soon."
+
+He was by no means confident of this, but he thought it politic to take
+things cheerfully.
+
+"The boy has sense," said the captain approvingly.
+
+"Well, good-by, boys," said Obed, wringing the hands of his two young
+friends. "I shall feel awfully lonely, that's a fact, but as you say, we
+may meet again."
+
+"Good-by, Obed," said each boy, trying not to look as sorrowful as he
+felt.
+
+Obed Stackpole turned, and walked slowly away. His prospects were by no
+means bright, for he was left without money or provisions in the
+Australian wilderness, but at that moment he thought only of losing the
+companionship of the two boys, and was troubled by the thought that they
+might come to harm among the bushrangers.
+
+"If I only knew where they were goin' to take 'em," he said to himself,
+"I'd foller and see if I couldn't help 'em to escape."
+
+To follow at once, however, he felt would be in the highest degree
+imprudent, and he continued to move away slowly, but without any
+definite idea of where he intended to go.
+
+When Obed had disappeared, Fletcher came up to the boys, and said with a
+smile:
+
+"So you miss that Yankee, do you?"
+
+"Yes, I do," answered Harry.
+
+"You like him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I don't admire your taste. He's rough and uncouth, and is more
+fitted for a farm laborer than for society."
+
+"That may be," said Harry, "but he is honest and reliable."
+
+He might perhaps unconsciously have emphasized the word honest. At any
+rate, Fletcher so understood him, and took offence at the implication.
+
+"Look here, young whipper-snapper," he said roughly, "you'd better take
+care how you talk. You are in my power, and something will happen to you
+if you are insolent."
+
+"What have I said to offend you?" asked Harry, looking the bushranger
+calmly in the face. "I am not speaking of you, but of Mr. Stackpole."
+
+"You meant to insinuate that there was a difference between us."
+
+"That ought not to offend you, as you have so poor an opinion of him."
+
+Harry evidently had the best of it, and Fletcher felt cornered, for he
+did not care to court the charge of dishonesty.
+
+"Perhaps you didn't mean anything," he growled. "If so, all is well, but
+you had best be careful."
+
+"Follow me, men," said the leader. He turned his horse's head and rode
+into the wood.
+
+The eucalyptus trees are very tall, some attaining a height of hundreds
+of feet. They begin to branch high up, and there being little if any
+underbrush in the neighborhood, there was nothing to prevent the passage
+of mounted horsemen. The ground was dry also, and the absence of bogs
+and marshy ground was felt to be a great relief.
+
+The boys were on foot, and so were two or three of the bushrangers'
+party. As already intimated, they were of inferior rank and employed as
+attendants. In general the party was silent, but the boys overheard a
+little conversation between the captain and Dick Fletcher, who rode
+beside him.
+
+"You haven't distinguished yourself this time, Fletcher," said the chief
+in a dissatisfied tone. "You led me think that this party had money
+enough to repay us for our trouble."
+
+"It isn't my fault," said Fletcher in an apologetic tone. "The Yankee
+completely deceived me. He was always boasting of his money."
+
+"He doesn't seem like that kind of a man," said the captain
+thoughtfully. "What could have been his object?"
+
+"He must have meant to fool me. I am ashamed to say he did."
+
+"Couldn't you have found out whether his boasts were correct?"
+
+"That is just what I tried to do," answered Fletcher. "I crept to his
+side early one morning, and began to explore his pockets, but he woke up
+in an instant and cut up rough. He seized me by the throat, and I
+thought he would choke me. That made me think all the more that he
+carried a good deal of money about with him."
+
+"The boys, too--did you think they were worth plundering?"
+
+"Oh, no, I never was deceived about them," replied Fletcher promptly. "I
+concluded that, even if they had money, the Yankee was their guardian,
+and took care of it. They are all Americans, you know."
+
+He spoke glibly, and the captain appeared to credit his statements. The
+boys listened with interest, and with a new appreciation of Fletcher's
+character. They could easily have disproved one of his statements, for
+they knew very well that Obed never boasted of his money, nor gave
+anyone a right to suppose that he carried much with him. On this point
+he was very reticent, and neither of them knew much of his
+circumstances. However, it would have done no good to contradict
+Fletcher, for his word with the captain would have outweighed theirs,
+and he would have found a way to punish them for their interference.
+
+"In future," said the captain, "I advise you to make sure that the game
+is worth bagging. As it is, you have led us on a fool's errand."
+
+"That may be," Fletcher admitted, "but it wasn't so last time. The
+Scotch merchant bled freely, you must allow."
+
+"Yes, you did better then."
+
+As Harry listened he began to understand that Fletcher acted as a decoy,
+to ingratiate himself with parties leaving Melbourne for the mines, and
+then giving secret information to the bushrangers with whom he was
+connected, enabling them to attack and plunder his unsuspecting
+companions.
+
+"That's a pretty mean sort of business," he said to Jack, when he had an
+opportunity to speak to him without being overheard. "I'd rather be a
+robber right out than lure people into danger."
+
+"So would I," responded Jack. "That Fletcher's worse than a pirate."
+
+Still they went on, so slowly that the boys, though compelled to walk,
+had little difficulty in keeping up. They were necessarily anxious, but
+their predominant feeling was of curiosity as to their destination, and
+as to the bushrangers' mode of life.
+
+At length they came out of the woods into more open ground.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE HOME OF THE BUSHRANGERS.
+
+On a slight rise stood a collection of huts, covered with sheets of the
+bark of the gum-tree, held on by ties of bullock hide. For the most part
+they contained but one room each. One, however, was large and, the boys
+afterward learned, was occupied by the captain of the bushrangers.
+Another served as a stable for the horses of the party.
+
+This Harry judged to be the home of the outlaws, for no sooner had they
+come in sight of it than they leaped from their horses and led them up
+to the stable, relieving them of their saddles. Then the bushrangers sat
+down on the ground, and lounged at their ease. The attendants forthwith
+made preparations for a meal, appropriating the stores which had just
+been taken from Obed and the boys. The captives were not sorry that
+there was a prospect of a meal, for by this time they were hungry. They
+followed the example of their companions, and threw themselves down on
+the ground. Next to them was a young bushranger, apparently about
+twenty-two years of age, who had a pleasant face, indicative of good
+humor.
+
+"How do you like our home?" he asked, turning to Harry with a smile.
+
+"It is a pleasant place," answered Harry.
+
+"How would you like to live here?"
+
+"I don't think I should like it," Harry replied honestly.
+
+"And why not? Is it not better than to be pent up in a city? Here we
+breathe the pure air of the woods; we listen to the songs of the birds;
+we are not chained to the desk or confined from morning till night in a
+close office."
+
+"That is true, but are there not some things you do not like about it?"
+asked Harry significantly.
+
+"Such as what?"
+
+"Is it not better to earn your living, even if you are chained to a
+desk, than to get it as you do?"
+
+Harry felt that he was rather bold in asking this question, but he was
+reassured by the pleasant face of the young outlaw.
+
+"Well," admitted the latter, "there are some objections to our life."
+
+"It would not do for all to get their living as you do."
+
+"That is true. Some must work, in order that others may relieve them of
+a portion of their property."
+
+"Are you not afraid of being interfered with?"
+
+"By the mounted police?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"We are strong enough to overcome them," said the bushranger
+carelessly.
+
+"What is the name of your captain?" asked Harry.
+
+"Stockton. No doubt you heard of him in Melbourne."
+
+Harry shook his head.
+
+The outlaw seemed surprised. "I thought everybody in Australia had heard
+of Ben Stockton," he said. "He has a great name," he added with evident
+pride. "He is as strong as a lion, fears nothing, and his name is
+associated with some of the most daring robberies that have ever taken
+place in this country."
+
+"And still he is free," said Harry suggestively.
+
+"The authorities are afraid of him. They have offered a reward for his
+capture, but it doesn't trouble him. He only laughs at it."
+
+They were far enough away from the rest of the party to carry on their
+conversation unheard--otherwise, neither Harry nor his informant would
+have ventured to speak with so much freedom. At this eulogium, however,
+Harry scanned, with some curiosity, the face and figure of the famous
+bushranger, who was sitting about three rods distant. He was a man of
+large frame, powerfully built, with hair and beard black as night, and
+keen, penetrating eyes that seemed to look through those upon whom they
+were fixed. He had about him an air of command and conscious authority,
+so that the merest stranger could not mistake his office. About his
+mouth there was something which indicated sternness and cruelty. He was
+a man to inspire fear, and Harry, after a steady examination, felt no
+surprise at the man's reputation.
+
+"How long has he been captain?" asked Harry.
+
+"Ever since I joined the band," answered the young man. "I don't know
+how much longer."
+
+"How long have you been a member of the band?"
+
+"Five years."
+
+"You must have been a mere boy when you joined."
+
+"I was seventeen. I am twenty-two now."
+
+"I should like to ask you a question, but you may not like to answer
+it."
+
+"Go on! If I don't care to answer, I will tell you so."
+
+"What induced you to join the bushrangers?"
+
+"I will tell you," said the young man, showing neither offence nor
+reluctance. "I was employed in Melbourne in a business establishment.
+One of my fellow-clerks stole some money, and, to screen himself,
+managed to implicate me by concealing a part of the stolen money in my
+coat pocket. I knew no way to prove my innocence, and my employer was
+not a man to show pity, so I escaped from Melbourne and took refuge in
+the bush. There I fell in with Captain Stockton, who offered me a place
+in his band. I accepted, and here I am."
+
+"But for the act of your fellow clerk you would have been an honest
+business man today, then?"
+
+"Very likely."
+
+"What a pity!" said Harry regretfully, for he was much attracted by the
+open face and pleasant manners of the young man.
+
+"So I thought at first, but I became used to it. After a while I grew to
+like the free life of the bush."
+
+"I don't call it free. You can't go back to Melbourne for fear of
+arrest."
+
+"Oh, yes, I have been there several times," said the young man
+carelessly.
+
+"How did you manage it?" asked Harry, puzzled.
+
+"I disguised myself. Sometimes the captain sends me on special
+business."
+
+"Like Fletcher?" asked Harry quickly.
+
+"No; I shouldn't like that work. It suits him, however."
+
+"I never should have taken you for a bushranger. You look too honest."
+
+The other laughed.
+
+"I think I was meant to be an honest man," he said. "That is, I am
+better suited to it. But fate ordained otherwise."
+
+"Fate?"
+
+"Yes; I believe that everything that happens to us is fated, and could
+not have been otherwise."
+
+"You think, then, that you were fated to be a bushranger?"
+
+"I am sure of it."
+
+"That, then, accounts for it not troubling you."
+
+"You are right. We can't kick against fate, you know."
+
+"I shouldn't like to believe as you do," said Harry earnestly.
+
+"You'll come to believe it sooner or later," said the outlaw, with an
+air of conviction.
+
+"Then what is the use of trying to lead a good and honorable life?"
+
+"That's just what I say. There isn't any use."
+
+Harry had never before met anyone holding such views of fate. He was
+interested, but repelled. He felt that he could not and would not accept
+any such idea, and he said so.
+
+"You'll change your mind after you become one of us," said his
+companion.
+
+"After what?" ejaculated Harry.
+
+"After you become one of us."
+
+"But that will never be. How can you think such a thing!"
+
+"Because I know it is to be. Why do you think the captain brought you
+here? He had your money, and couldn't get any more out of you."
+
+"Do you really mean what you say?" asked Harry, his heart filled with a
+sickening apprehension that this might be true.
+
+"Of course I do. The captain likes young people. You two boys are smart
+and bright, and he is going to make you members of the band."
+
+"He can't! I'll die first!" exclaimed Harry with suppressed energy.
+
+"You will see. But hush! don't speak so loud. For my part I shall be
+very glad to have you among us. You will be companions for me. You are
+only about a year younger than I was when I joined."
+
+At this moment their companion was called away, and Harry, bending
+toward Jack, whispered in his ear: "I am afraid he is right about the
+captain's intentions. We must try to escape as soon as there is any
+chance."
+
+"I'm with you," Jack whispered back.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A TRIAL AND ITS TRAGIC FINALE.
+
+Harry was very much disturbed by the communication of his new
+acquaintance, whose name he ascertained to be Wyman. It was not very
+pleasant, of course, to be a prisoner, but this he could have borne,
+being confident, sooner or later, of escaping. But to be forced to join
+these lawless men, and render himself, like them, an outlaw and outcast
+from respectable society, seemed terrible. He determined that, come what
+would, he would preserve his integrity and his honest name. He might be
+ill-treated, but they could not force him to become a bushranger. He
+talked the matter over with Jack, and the young sailor agreed with him.
+
+Presently the meal was ready, and the two boys were served with the
+rest. Notwithstanding their precarious position, each ate heartily It
+takes a good deal to spoil the appetite of a growing boy.
+
+After eating, the captain, clearing his throat, addressed the band:
+
+"My men," he said, "we have refreshed ourselves by eating, and now a
+less pleasant scene awaits us. I am your captain, and to me you have
+sworn implicit obedience. Is it not so?"
+
+"Yes, yes!" answered the bushrangers.
+
+"It is a necessity of our position. We have withdrawn from the world,
+and we lead a free, untrammelled life in the bush. We scorn the laws
+that the colonists have made, and prefer to govern ourselves. Is this
+so?"
+
+There was a hoarse murmur of assent.
+
+"As a consequence," the captain proceeded, "we are hunted like wild
+beasts. Our enemies have laid plots to ensnare us, but thus far they
+have not succeeded. While we stand together we are safe."
+
+Again there were signs of assent and approval as Captain Stockton
+paused.
+
+"But one thing is essential. There must be no traitor, no malcontents
+among us. A large reward has been offered for my apprehension--five
+thousand pounds! It shows how much they are afraid of us," and he raised
+his head with unconscious pride. "Against open enemies we can hold our
+own, but not against the secret foe who sits beside us as a friend, and
+eats and drinks with us. When such a one is found, what shall be his
+fate?"
+
+He paused for a reply, and it came from the lips of all in one stern
+word--"Death!"
+
+"I am answered," said the captain. "The sentence has been pronounced,
+not by my lips but by your own."
+
+Here he turned to two attendants, who were stationed near at hand.
+"Bring forth the traitor," he said.
+
+The two men disappeared within one of the huts, and immediately
+reappeared, leading behind them a third, with his hands tied behind him.
+His face was covered by a black cloth, which effectually screened his
+features from the general observation. All eyes were turned on the
+unhappy man. Harry and Jack regarded the scene with painful interest.
+They guessed what was coming.
+
+"Complete your task!" said the captain with a wave of his hand.
+
+The two guards set the offender with his back to a tree, and producing a
+rope, quickly passed it round his waist and tied him securely, with his
+screened face toward the band.
+
+"Wretch!" said the captain in a terrible voice, "you thought to betray
+us, and expose us to punishment and death, but the doom which you were
+ready to bring upon us has recoiled upon yourself. You would have sold
+your captain and comrades for gold. They have pronounced your doom, and
+it is _Death!_ Have you anything to say?"
+
+The victim did not speak, but slowly inclined his head in hopeless
+submission to his fate.
+
+"You have nothing to say for yourself. Is there anyone to speak for
+you?"
+
+One of the bushrangers sprang forward impetuously. "Yes, captain, I will
+speak for him."
+
+Captain Stockton frowned fiercely, but uttered one word, "Speak!"
+
+The daring outlaw, who had stepped forward a little from the line,
+commenced: "This man is my brother. We were nursed by the same mother,
+we played together by the same fireside, we grew into manhood together,
+and together we joined this band of brothers."
+
+He paused a moment, and the captain said briefly, "Well?"
+
+"Now," continued the brother, "you would condemn him to a shameful
+death, which he does not deserve."
+
+"What!" exclaimed the captain, his face becoming pale with anger; "what
+do you dare to say? Do you question the justice of our sentence? Would
+you excuse a traitor?"
+
+"He is no traitor!" said the brother boldly.
+
+"Was he not caught attempting to escape? Answer me instantly."
+
+"Yes, but he had no intention of betraying any of us."
+
+"What then was his object?" demanded Captain Stockton sternly.
+
+"He meant to leave you. He had become tired of the life of a bushranger.
+He wished to return to the paths of honesty, and live by labor at some
+respectable trade."
+
+"And why was this? Why, after so many years, had he become tired of our
+noble independence?"
+
+"In one of his missions, undertaken in the interest of the fraternity,
+he had made the acquaintance of a young girl, modest and attractive. He
+wished to marry her, but as a bushranger he knew this was impossible.
+Therefore, he resolved to leave our band, and enter upon a new life. He
+would never have uttered a word to imperil the safety of his captain or
+his comrades."
+
+"And you expect us to believe this?" said the captain with a sneer.
+
+"I do. I swear it is true."
+
+"And what do you expect me to do, Robert Graham?"
+
+"To consider his temptations, and to show mercy upon him."
+
+"Perhaps also you expect me to release him, and bid him go his way to
+the maiden who is waiting for him."
+
+"It would be a generous act."
+
+"But I am not so generous," said the captain. "Your plea is ingenious,
+but I put no faith in it. It is utterly improbable. You and your brother
+have been with us for seven years. You have become accustomed to our
+ways. He was faithful and loyal till the love of gold made him a
+traitor. What he sought was blood money."
+
+"No, a thousand times, no!" exclaimed the brother earnestly.
+
+"I say it is so," said Captain Stockton harshly. "It is plain to every
+member of the band. Yet, because you have never transgressed, I have
+been willing to listen to you, remembering that he is your brother."
+
+"Spare his life at least; even if you are convinced that he is guilty.
+He has not lived his life half out. Be merciful!"
+
+"I cannot," answered the captain in an inflexible tone. "If I yielded to
+such a weakness all discipline would be at an end. If treachery is to be
+pardoned, who knows which one among you might be the next to imitate the
+example of this man. No! justice is stern, and punishment must be
+inflicted. The guilty must be punished though the heavens fall. Men,
+stand aside!"
+
+[Illustration: The Death of the Bushranger Captain.]
+
+This was addressed to the two men who stood, one on each side of the
+condemned bushranger.
+
+They obeyed the command of their chief and he, raising his revolver,
+pointed it at the breast of the unhappy offender.
+
+There was a moment of intense excitement. Harry and Jack were
+spellbound. Their faces were pale, and wore an expression of horror.
+They were about to see a human life taken. They could hardly forbear
+uttering a groan.
+
+The silence was broken by a sharp, explosive sound. The deadly weapon
+had done its work; but it was not the captive who had received the
+winged messenger of death. It was the captain himself who staggered and
+with one convulsive movement fell prone to the earth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+ELECTION OF A NEW CAPTAIN.
+
+The excitement among the bushrangers was intense. Simultaneously they
+started forward, and two of them, bending over, lifted the body of their
+prostrate leader. But he was already dead. The bullet had reached his
+heart, and probably he never knew what hurt him.
+
+Robert Graham, the man who had caused his death, stood erect and
+unflinching.
+
+He threw his weapon upon the ground, folded his arms, and said, in a
+tone devoid of fear: "Comrades, do with me what you will. I could not
+help doing what I did. It was either my brother's life or his. Sandy was
+innocent of the crime charged against him. He had no thought of
+treachery, though he did mean to leave your ranks. Is there anyone among
+you that would stand by and see his brother murdered before his eyes
+when he had the means of preventing it?"
+
+The bushrangers looked at each other in doubt. They had at first
+accepted the captain's statement that Sandy Graham was a traitor. His
+brother's explanation of his attempted desertion put a new face on the
+matter. Then, again, there was not one among them that had not tired of
+their despotic leader. Alive, he had impressed them with fear, and held
+them in strict subordination, but he was far from popular, and had no
+real friend among them. So, though they were startled and shocked, there
+was no one to shed a tear over the dead. It was a moment of doubt when a
+leader was wanted.
+
+"Well," said Robert Graham, after a pause, "what are you going to do
+with me? I wait your pleasure."
+
+"He ought to be served as he served the captain," said Fletcher, who
+disliked Graham, and had always been a toady to Captain Stockton.
+
+"I say no," rejoined Rupert Ring, a man of medium height, but of great
+muscular development. "It was a terrible deed, but had my brother--I
+have a brother in England, whom I have not seen for fifteen years--been
+in Sandy Graham's shoes, I would have done the same."
+
+There was a half murmur, which seemed like approval.
+
+"And after all," continued Ring, "though Sandy Graham was in fault, he
+is not the first man that has been beguiled by a fair face."
+
+"No, no!" was heard from several of the bushrangers.
+
+"I don't wish to speak ill of the dead, but he drew the reins too tight
+at times. He forgot that we have rights."
+
+Again there was a murmur of assent. It was evident that he was carrying
+his comrades with him.
+
+"I move, therefore, that we pass over Robert Graham's deed as one to
+which he was impelled by brotherly affection, and that we restore Sandy
+Graham to his place in our ranks, on condition that he does not repeat
+the offence. Those who agree with me, hold up their right hands."
+
+All hands were raised except that of Fletcher.
+
+"Release the prisoner," said Ring, turning to the two attendants.
+
+Instantly the rope was cut, the dark cloth was removed, and Sandy
+Graham, a tall, athletic, good-looking fellow, stepped forth, his face
+pale from the terrible strain to which he had been subjected.
+
+"Comrades, brothers," he said, in a voice indicating deep emotion, "I
+thank you for giving me back my life. It shall be devoted to your
+service."
+
+The first to press forward, and grasp his hand convulsively was his
+brother, Robert Graham.
+
+"Robert," said Sandy, "but for your brave act I should have been lying
+dead instead of him," and he pointed, with a shudder, to the dead
+captain.
+
+"For your sake, Sandy," said Robert solemnly, "I have shed human blood.
+To save your life, I have become a murderer."
+
+"No, Robert, you cannot be called that any more than if you had shed
+blood in self-defence."
+
+Their conversation was interrupted by Rupert Ring.
+
+"Comrades," he said, "the captain is dead. We can do nothing without a
+leader. We should appoint one at once."
+
+Here Fletcher pushed forward.
+
+"I am the oldest in service among you," he said. "I was the trusted
+friend of Captain Stockton. I submit that I have the best claim to be
+your leader."
+
+But among bushrangers, as in other communities, the man who is the most
+anxious to secure office is very apt to be left in the lurch. Now, it
+happened that Fletcher was by no means a favorite in the band. He was
+sly and sneaking in his methods, currying favor with the captain, even
+at the expense of manliness and self-respect, and there were serious
+doubts as to his courage. If he had been wiser, he would not have made a
+boast of his standing with the late leader, for the men were heartily
+tired of his tyranny, and resolved to elect someone in his place who
+bore no similarity to him.
+
+Rupert Ring smiled slightly as he heard Fletcher's modest claim.
+
+"Comrades," he said, "you have heard Fletcher's appeal. It is true that
+he is the oldest in service among you. It is for you to consider whether
+that entitles him to the post of leader. Those of you who are in favor
+of Dick Fletcher as your leader will signify it by raising your right
+hands."
+
+Fletcher's eye wandered anxiously around the circle. To his chagrin not
+a single hand was raised save his own. There was a cheer of derision
+which brought an angry flush to his cheek.
+
+Then a clear voice was heard. It was that of the young man, Wyman, whose
+conversation with the two boys has already been recorded.
+
+"I nominate Rupert Ring for our leader," he said.
+
+There was a chorus of approval, which emboldened Wyman to add: "As he
+can't very well put the question on his own nomination, I will do so.
+Those of you who want Ring for your captain, please hold up your right
+hands." All hands were raised except that of Fletcher.
+
+"That settles it," said Wyman, who was unversed in parliamentary
+language. "I call for three cheers for Captain Ring!"
+
+The woods echoed to the lusty cheers of the bushrangers. It was evident,
+from the general expression of satisfaction, that the choice was a
+popular one.
+
+"Comrades," said the new captain modestly, "I did not look for this
+promotion, as you may have thought from my taking the lead just now, but
+I saw that it was necessary for somebody to act. I don't know whether
+you have made a wise choice or not, but I will do my best to make you
+think so. Since I am your captain, it is my duty first to see that
+proper honor is paid to the remains of your late captain, whom sudden
+death has overtaken. You two lift the body and carry it into yonder
+cabin."
+
+The two attendants did so.
+
+"Prepare a coffin, and at daybreak we will commit him to the earth.
+Whatever else may be said of him, he was a brave man, and knew not
+fear."
+
+"That is true," said Robert Graham in a low voice.
+
+"As to his faults, those we have no further concern with. All of us have
+faults and no doubt grave ones."
+
+Fletcher, till now, had sulked in silence. He was terribly disappointed
+that he had been passed over and Rupert Ring promoted to the place of
+chief, but since it was so he felt that it was politic to stand well
+with the new administration.
+
+"Captain Ring," he said, extending his hand, "let me be the first to
+congratulate you on your election as our captain."
+
+Ring smiled slightly. He had never liked Fletcher.
+
+"I accept your congratulations, Fletcher," he said, "and condole with
+you on your own disappointment. We can't all be leaders."
+
+"I hope to enjoy your favor, as I did that of Captain Stockton,"
+continued Fletcher smoothly.
+
+"That will depend on yourself," said Ring shortly.
+
+"I would like to suggest that the two boys"--here Fletcher turned in the
+direction where Harry and Jack had been standing, and ejaculated in
+dismay, "I don't see them. What has become of them?"
+
+"They have taken advantage of the excitement and confusion to run away,
+I fancy," said the new captain quietly.
+
+This was quite true. Just after the fatal shot had been fired, and the
+attention of all had been taken up by the tragedy, Harry had whispered
+to Jack, "Now's our time to escape, Jack. Follow me!"
+
+"I'm with you," responded Jack promptly, and no one noticed the two as
+they vanished among the trees.
+
+"Shall I go after them, Captain Ring?" asked Fletcher in excitement.
+"I'll take another man, and scour the woods for them."
+
+"It is not necessary," said Ring indifferently. "Let them go! They would
+only be in our way."
+
+"But," protested Fletcher, "Captain Stockton meant to take them into the
+band. They are bright and smart boys, and would grow up into useful
+members."
+
+"Heaven forbid!" said Ring earnestly. "Our lives are spoiled already,
+and we have no chance but to continue. Leave them to grow up innocent."
+
+"This is strange talk for a captain of bushrangers," said Fletcher,
+disappointed.
+
+"Remember that I am your captain," retorted Ring sharply, "and don't
+attempt to interfere with me! Go, I would be alone."
+
+Fletcher slunk away, mortified and disappointed. It was well for the two
+boys that he had not been elected captain.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+LOST IN THE WOODS.
+
+Yes, the two boys had escaped. When the excitement produced by the fatal
+shot was at its height, it had flashed upon Harry like an inspiration
+that then, if ever, was the time to escape. He knew that it would be at
+the risk of their lives, and but for one consideration it is doubtful if
+he would have been willing to incur the peril of the attempt. But he
+felt that to stay was to run a risk as great that of being compelled to
+join the ranks of the bushrangers, and of that he had a great dread.
+
+The boys never stopped running till they had set half a mile between
+them and the camp of the bushrangers. Jack was the first to show
+distress.
+
+"Hold on, Harry," he said, panting, "I am all out of breath."
+
+Harry instantly slackened his speed.
+
+"Look back, Jack," he said anxiously; "see if you can discover anyone
+pursuing us."
+
+"I see no one," answered Jack after a prolonged look.
+
+"They have other things to think of," said Harry. "The murder of their
+captain has put all thoughts of us out of their heads. When the
+excitement has subsided a little, I am afraid they will look for us. How
+terrible it was!" he added with a shudder.
+
+"Yes," returned Jack. "I saw that man--the captive's brother--lift his
+weapon and point it at the captain. Almost before I could speak it was
+discharged and the captain fell. He must have been killed instantly."
+
+"I little thought what lay before me when I left home," said Harry.
+
+"I wish I knew what lies before us now," said Jack.
+
+"I am afraid our prospects are rather dark. We must take care at any
+rate not to fall again into the hands of the bushrangers. I am most
+afraid of that man Fletcher. If he could have his way, he would show us
+no mercy."
+
+"Let us go on again," said Jack. "I only stopped to catch my breath."
+
+"You are right, Jack. The farther we get away from the bushrangers the
+better."
+
+Before them was a densely wooded hill. The way had become difficult with
+the scrub bushes that filled up the distance between the trees. The
+latter were no longer the same which they had hitherto encountered, the
+tall and stately eucalyptus, but were smaller and wider branched.
+
+"We can't make our way here, Harry," said Jack despondently.
+
+"Oh, yes, we can. Besides, don't you see, the rougher and more difficult
+the way, the less are we likely to be followed. I am willing to go
+through a good deal to save capture."
+
+"So am I," answered Jack. "You are always right. Push ahead, and I'll
+follow."
+
+For three or four hours the boys kept on their way. They surmounted the
+hill, and found a clearer country. Finally, turning to the right they
+came upon an open tract. By this time it was growing dark, and the boys
+were feeling both fatigued and hungry.
+
+"I think we can rest now, Jack," said Harry.
+
+With a sigh of relief Jack threw himself on the ground.
+
+"This is worse than any work I did on shipboard," he said.
+
+Harry smiled.
+
+"I don't think it is likely to cure you of your love for the sea, Jack,"
+he said. "Though I haven't your fondness for sea life, I confess I would
+rather be on the deck of a good stanch ship than here."
+
+"Harry," said Jack anxiously, "when do you think we shall find something
+to eat? I am terribly hungry."
+
+"So am I, Jack. It's the hard walk that has increased our appetite."
+
+"I have often thought I might be afloat in an open boat without anything
+to eat, but I never expected to be caught in such a pickle on land."
+
+"A good many things have happened to us to-day that we didn't expect,"
+said Harry. "Do you know, Jack, it seems the longest day I ever spent?"
+
+"I can say the same."
+
+"This morning we set out with Obed, free from care. We have been
+captured by bushrangers, taken to their camp, seen the murder of their
+leader, escaped, and after walking for miles through a rough wilderness
+here we are, tired out and in danger of starvation."
+
+"Don't say any more, Harry," said Jack faintly. "I can realize it
+without your description."
+
+"I wish Obed were with us," said Harry, after a pause. "Perhaps he could
+think of some way out of our trouble. He is an experienced man, and is
+used to roughing it. As for me, I feel helpless."
+
+"Do you think there is likely to be any house near at hand?"
+
+"It doesn't look like it," said Harry, shaking his head.
+
+"I don't think I should mind much being caught and carried back by the
+bushrangers, if they would give me a good supper," said Jack ruefully.
+
+"Poor Jack!" said Harry compassionately; "I do believe you are suffering
+for food."
+
+"I told you so, Harry."
+
+"My appetite no doubt will come later. At present I am not very
+uncomfortable. Well, Jack, there is only one thing to do. We must
+explore further and see if we can find any trace of a human habitation.
+Suppose you go to yonder knoll, and climb the tree at the top. Then use
+your eyes for all they are worth. They are better than mine, at any
+rate, for you are accustomed to use them at sea. All sailors, I have
+heard, are farsighted."
+
+Jack was ready to obey Harry, feeling much more confidence in his
+judgment and discretion than in his own. He accordingly followed his
+advice, and with a sailor's agility mounted the tree. Then shading his
+eyes with his hand, he looked earnestly, first in one direction, then in
+another.
+
+"Well, Jack?" inquired Harry anxiously, for he, too, appreciated the
+gravity of their situation.
+
+There was a pause; then Jack called out joyfully: "I see a light: yes, I
+am sure I see a light."
+
+"Whereaway?"
+
+"Straight ahead, or a little to the left."
+
+"Take a good look, Jack, so as to be sure of your bearings. Then we will
+make our way toward it with the best speed we can muster."
+
+Jack scrambled down from the tree with his face actually cheerful. The
+prospect of a meal had put new life into him.
+
+"Follow me!" he said. "I don't think it can be more than a mile away."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE SHEPHERD'S HUT.
+
+Not feeling their fatigue so much now that they were buoyed up by the
+hope of shelter and food, the two boys plodded on. The way was at times
+difficult, and there was no glimpse of the light which Jack had seen
+from the tree-top.
+
+"Do you think you are on the right track, Jack?" asked Harry anxiously.
+
+"Yes, I feel sure of it," answered the young sailor.
+
+"It would be very unlucky if we had wandered from the right direction."
+
+"Yes, I should feel like lying down and giving up, but I am sure I am
+right."
+
+Events proved that Jack was right. They came to an open place, from
+which they could distinctly see the light gleaming from a dwelling only
+forty rods away.
+
+"There, what did I tell you?" demanded Jack triumphantly.
+
+"You are right, Jack. I am glad enough to admit it. Now the question is,
+will the people who occupy the house let us in?"
+
+"They can't be so inhuman as to refuse. Pass on, Harry."
+
+They were not long in reaching the hut. It was one of those slab huts
+which are used by shepherds. They are lonely enough, the stations being
+in some instances twenty miles from the nearest dwelling. This was a
+single dwelling, the home of one of the out keepers. The chief stations
+are usually an aggregation of dwellings. In the yard was a pile of wood
+for fuel. Close at hand was a paddock surrounded by a rail fence, over
+which hung a number of sheepskins. All these evidences of habitation
+cheered the hearts of the lonely boys.
+
+Harry went up to the door and knocked.
+
+His knock appeared to create some commotion inside. A voice was heard,
+and then there was audible the barking of a dog, but no one came to the
+door.
+
+"Suppose you knock again, Harry," said Jack.
+
+"They must have heard my first knock. Perhaps they don't want to let us
+in."
+
+However, Harry knocked again.
+
+Again the dog inside barked, this time with fierce emphasis.
+
+"Is there no one inside but the dog?" thought Harry anxiously. Having no
+weapon with him, he took a piece of a broken rail, so that in case of
+necessity he might have a means of defence.
+
+He was about to venture on a third knock when a tremulous voice, which
+the boys at once recognized as that of a girl, was heard from within.
+
+"Who are you? What do you want?"
+
+"We are two boys who have lost our way, and are almost starved,"
+answered Harry. "For Heaven's sake let us in, and give us something to
+eat."
+
+There was a pause, the girl being evidently undecided.
+
+"Are there only two of you?" she asked.
+
+"Only two."
+
+"You are sure there is no one with you?"
+
+"No one."
+
+"And you are boys?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What brings you here--in this lonely place, at this hour?"
+
+"We are on our way to the gold-fields of Bendigo."
+
+"But this is off the road."
+
+"I know it. The fact is, we were captured by the bushrangers, and have
+made our escape. We plunged into the woods, thinking we were less likely
+to be caught and carried back."
+
+There was a change in the girl's tone as she said: "Is this really true?
+You are not bushrangers yourselves?"
+
+"No, I hope not," answered Harry with a boyish laugh.
+
+This laugh, which sounded natural and genuine, evidently inspired the
+girl with confidence.
+
+"If I let you in, will you promise to do no mischief?" she asked.
+
+"You shall have no cause to regret admitting us, we promise that."
+
+There was still a little pause of indecision, and then a bolt was drawn,
+and the door opened. The two boys saw in the doorway a pleasant-faced
+girl of fourteen, whose eyes fell upon them not without a shade of
+anxiety. But when she saw that the two visitors were boys not much older
+than herself, there was a look of relief, and she said: "I will trust
+you. Come in if you like. Hush, Bruno!"
+
+This was addressed to a large shepherd dog that stood beside her, eying
+them suspiciously.
+
+A weight seemed lifted from the hearts of the two boys, as they caught
+sight of the comfortable interior of the hut. On the one side of the
+room was a large open fireplace, on which a good fire was burning. The
+flickering flames helped illumine the apartment, and diffused a
+home-like air, which was most grateful to the two tired wanderers.
+
+"You are very kind to admit us," said Harry. "You have no idea how great
+a favor it is."
+
+"I would have let you in before, but I thought you might be
+bushrangers," said the girl.
+
+"We don't look much like bushrangers, do we?" said Harry with a smile.
+
+The girl smiled too. She was evidently pleased with the appearance of
+her two visitors.
+
+"No; if I had seen you, I should have known better than to think you
+belonged to their band. Come in and sit down by the fire."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Harry and Jack seated themselves on a settle near the fire, and the girl
+continued to eye them curiously.
+
+"I suppose you are boys," she said.
+
+"We don't call ourselves men yet," answered Harry.
+
+"I never saw a boy before," was the unexpected remark of their young
+hostess.
+
+"WHAT!" ejaculated the two boys in concert.
+
+"I scarcely ever saw anybody," explained the girl. "My father and I live
+here alone, and have lived here for years. He has a flock of fifteen
+hundred sheep to watch and tend. Sometimes another shepherd calls here,
+and we had a visit from the bushrangers last year."
+
+"It must be very lonely for you," said Harry in a sympathetic tone.
+
+"Yes, it is; but I am used to it. Father is away all day, but he leaves
+Bruno to keep me company."
+
+"Come here, Bruno!" said Jack in a coaxing tone.
+
+Bruno eyed Jack dubiously, and finally walked up to him deliberately,
+and allowed himself to be stroked.
+
+"Bruno doesn't think we are bushrangers," said Jack, smiling.
+
+"He did at first, though," the girl replied with an answering smile.
+"Have you been walking all day?"
+
+"Yes; the greater part of the day."
+
+"Then you must be hungry."
+
+"We are almost starved!" said Harry tragically. "Are we not, Jack?"
+
+"I am quite starved," said the young sailor.
+
+"Then I must get you some supper," said the girl in a hospitable tone.
+
+"Thank you," said Harry earnestly. "Will you let me know your name?" he
+asked.
+
+"My name is Lucy."
+
+"My grandmother's name was Lucy," said Jack.
+
+"Then you may look upon me as your grandmother," said the girl
+demurely.
+
+Of course all three laughed heartily at this absurdity. Then Lucy moved
+about with quick steps, and soon a goodly supper of mutton-chops was
+fizzling in the frying-pan, sending forth savory odors that made their
+mouths water. Presently Lucy drew out a table, and placed upon it the
+chops and some cold bread.
+
+"I would boil some potatoes," she said, "but you might not like to wait
+so long."
+
+"I think we won't wait, Lucy."
+
+"You haven't told me your name," said Lucy as they drew up to the
+table.
+
+"My name is Harry Vane," said the possessor of that name.
+
+"And mine is Jack Pendleton."
+
+"Harry and Jack," repeated Lucy, nodding.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And where do you come from?"
+
+"From America."
+
+"Isn't that a long way off?"
+
+"Yes, thousands of miles off; seven or eight, I think."
+
+"You are very young to walk so far," said Lucy, "but perhaps you rode.
+Did the bushrangers steal your horses?"
+
+"We came over the sea," said Harry. "Jack is a sailor."
+
+Lucy looked at Jack curiously, as if a sailor were a strange species of
+animal.
+
+At this point Bruno raised his head, looked toward the door, and began
+to bark.
+
+"I think my father must be close by," said Lucy. "Bruno is always the
+first to hear him."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+A WELCOME IN THE WILDS.
+
+Before Lucy could reach the door, it was opened, and a stalwart man of
+middle age paused on the threshold, in evident surprise.
+
+"Whom have you here, Lucy?" he asked in a tone of displeasure.
+
+"Two boys, papa, who came here in distress, having lost their way."
+
+"Did I not caution you against admitting strangers?" continued her
+father with a slight frown.
+
+"Yes, but these are boys, not men."
+
+Harry Vane thought it was time to start.
+
+"I hope, sir," he said, "you won't blame your daughter for her kindness
+to us. We stood greatly in need of friendly help, having been robbed of
+everything by the bushrangers, from whom we managed by good luck to
+escape some hours since."
+
+The shepherd regarded Harry keenly, and proceeded to cross-examine him.
+
+"You say you were captured by the bushrangers?" he said.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"When was this?"
+
+"This morning, just after breakfast."
+
+"Where did it happen?"
+
+Harry told him.
+
+"Where were you going?"
+
+"To the mines at Bendigo."
+
+"How large was your party?"
+
+"There were only three of us--a countryman of ours and ourselves."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"The bushrangers robbed him and let him go."
+
+"Why did they not release you and your friend?"
+
+"Because, as a young member of the band told us, the captain meant to
+spare us to join the band."
+
+"You are young to be travelling to the mines. What countrymen are you?"
+
+"We are Americans."
+
+"Humph! your story sounds well enough, but how do I know that you are
+not spies of the bushrangers?"
+
+Harry Vane's eyes flashed indignantly.
+
+"I hope you won't think so badly of us," he said.
+
+The shepherd seemed somewhat impressed by his indignant denial, which
+certainly seemed genuine enough, but wanted information on one point.
+
+"How did you manage to escape? That doesn't seem very probable, at any
+rate."
+
+"We both took advantage of the excitement occasioned by the murder of
+Captain Stockton----" he began.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the shepherd in profound astonishment, "Captain
+Stockton murdered! When? By whom?"
+
+Of course Harry told the story, but that need not be repeated.
+
+The shepherd listened in evident excitement.
+
+"If this is true," he said, "nothing better could have happened for this
+part of Australia. This man--Stockton--is noted everywhere as the most
+desperate and cruel of the bushrangers. I can't begin to tell you how
+many atrocious crimes he has committed. He killed my brother in cold
+blood three years since,"--here the shepherd's face darkened--"because
+he defended the property of another, and tried to save it from being
+stolen. If he is dead I am deeply, profoundly grateful!"
+
+"You need have no doubt on that point, sir," said Harry. "Jack and
+myself saw him shot down. There can be no doubt of his death."
+
+"I believe you speak the truth. You don't look as if you were deceiving
+me. So you took the opportunity to give the bushrangers legbail, eh?"
+
+"We didn't stay to bid them good-by," said Harry, smiling. "We ran till
+we were out of breath, but saw no one on our track. Probably it was some
+time before we were thought of, and our escape noticed. We have been
+walking ever since, and were ready to drop with hunger and fatigue when
+we espied the light of your cottage, and ventured to ask for help."
+
+"You are welcome to all that we can do for you," said the shepherd, his
+tone changing. "I was suspicious at first, for the bushrangers are up to
+all sorts of tricks, but the news you have brought insures you a
+welcome. At last my poor brother is avenged, and the bloodthirsty
+villain who killed him has gone to his account. You don't know who is
+elected in his place?"
+
+"No, sir, we came away at once."
+
+"Of course, of course; I should have thought of that."
+
+"I hope it isn't Fletcher," said Jack.
+
+"Ha! what do you know of Dick Fletcher?"
+
+"More than we want to. He it was who passed himself off on us as a
+returned miner, and betrayed us into the hands of his comrades."
+
+"I know of him, too. He would be as bad as the captain if he dared, but
+he is a coward. His turn will come after a while. But, Lucy,"--here he
+addressed his daughter,--"you are not treating your guests very well.
+Where are your potatoes and other vegetables?"
+
+"They were so hungry they preferred not to wait for them, papa."
+
+"You may put them in the pot now. I want them, and I think our young
+friends will be able to eat them later."
+
+"You are very kind, sir, but I am afraid Jack and I will not be able to
+compensate you. The bushrangers took all we had, and left us
+penniless."
+
+"I don't want your money, boy. You are welcome to all you get in this
+house. We don't have visitors very often. When they do come, they have
+no bills to pay."
+
+"Unless they are bushrangers, father!" said Lucy with a smile.
+
+"If they are bushrangers, they will meet with a still warmer reception,"
+said the shepherd grimly. "And now, daughter, hurry up supper, for I
+have a very fair appetite myself."
+
+Lucy moved about quietly but actively in obedience to her father's
+directions. An hour later, or perhaps less, the table was spread once
+more, and all got up to it. The boys, though the edge of their appetite
+was taken away, managed to eat the vegetables with a relish, not having
+had a chance to eat any for a considerable time, except at their hotel
+in Melbourne.
+
+After supper they sat down beside the fire and talked. Living so much
+alone, the shepherd and his daughter were anxious to hear all that the
+boys could tell them of the great world from which they lived aloof.
+Later in the evening, the shepherd, whose name, by the way, was Andrew
+Campbell, said, "Now, let us have a little music. Lucy, bring me the
+bagpipe."
+
+His daughter went into an adjoining room, and brought out a Highland
+bagpipe, which Campbell received, and straightway began to play upon it
+some characteristic Scotch tunes. It was loud and harsh, but the boys
+enjoyed it for want of better.
+
+"Don't you sing, Miss Lucy?" asked Harry, when her father laid down the
+instrument.
+
+"No," answered the girl, smiling. "I wish I did. Father is very fond of
+singing."
+
+"Aye, am I; Lucy's mother sang, but the gift has not descended to her."
+
+"Harry is a professional singer," said Jack. "He sings in public."
+
+"Please sing something, then," pleaded Lucy.
+
+"If you really wish it," answered Harry.
+
+"I shall be glad to hear you, young sir," said the shepherd.
+
+Harry hesitated no longer, but sang at once, choosing such Scotch
+melodies as he knew in preference. The shepherd's eyes glistened, and he
+was evidently much moved.
+
+"It calls back my early days, when as a lad I trod the heath in
+Scotland," he said. "You are a fine singer. I don't mind when I have
+enjoyed an evening as much."
+
+"I am very glad, sir, if I have been able in this way to repay your
+kindness," said Harry.
+
+"Don't speak of it, lad," said the shepherd, lapsing into his Scotch
+mode of speech. "We shan't miss the bit sup we have given you."
+
+At nine o'clock all retired for the night, for the shepherd must be up
+early in the morning to look after his flocks. Harry and Jack slept in a
+small room back. They were very tired, and fell asleep as soon as their
+heads struck the pillow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+A DANGEROUS ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+Though the boys were very much fatigued they were up in time for an
+early breakfast the next morning. It consisted of muttonchops, potatoes,
+bread, and coffee, and they were prepared, notwithstanding their hearty
+supper of the night before to do full justice to it.
+
+The shepherd had got over his first impression, and nothing could be
+more friendly than his manner toward them. He gave a still stronger
+proof of his confidence and friendship.
+
+"So you think of going to the mines, my lads," he said.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I don't know about the wisdom of your plans. It isn't all that find the
+gold they look for. Are you expecting to come back with fortunes?"
+
+"They would not be unwelcome, sir," said Harry, "but we shall at any
+rate like the advantage of it, and we are young enough to try
+experiments."
+
+"That's true; but about the gold I'm thinkin' you'll be disappointed. At
+any rate I'll make you an offer--the two of you. Stay here and help me
+tend sheep. I'll give you your living and clothes, and when you are
+twenty-one, I will make you a present of a hundred sheep each to start
+in business for yourselves."
+
+The proposal took Harry and Jack by surprise. They could not but observe
+that Lucy's face brightened with hope, as she awaited their answer. It
+was clear that she hoped it would be favorable. It must be acknowledged
+that this made a considerable impression upon them. Lucy was a pretty
+girl, and they felt flattered by her desire that they should remain. But
+their resolution was only shaken, not changed. They had but to look
+about them at the unbroken solitude to feel that life under such
+circumstances would be unendurable. Both of them had led lives of
+activity and excitement, and neither felt prepared to settle down, but
+they felt grateful.
+
+"Jack and I thank you for your kindness, Mr. Campbell," said Harry, "and
+consider your offer a good one. But it would be lonely for us here, and,
+though we may change our minds, we would like to try the gold-fields
+first."
+
+"It's only natural, lads," said the shepherd. "You are young, and you
+crave excitement. When you are as old as I am, you won't mind the quiet.
+Go, then, to Bendigo, but if you have bad luck, come back here, and you
+shall be welcome to stay as long as you like, and to accept my offer if
+you feel like it then."
+
+"I am sorry you won't stay," said Lucy, with a shade of sadness.
+
+"I wish we could be contented to do so," said Harry. "You may be sure we
+won't forget your kindness, Miss Campbell."
+
+"Do you mean me?" asked Lucy, smiling. "I never was called Miss Campbell
+before."
+
+"I will say Lucy, if you will allow me."
+
+"I would rather you did."
+
+"Then good-by, Lucy. We shall always remember you."
+
+"And you will come back some day?"
+
+"If we can."
+
+"Then good-by, and don't forget your promise."
+
+There was a suspicious moisture in the girl's eyes, for she knew that
+when the young visitors were gone she would feel lonelier than ever.
+
+"That's a nice girl, Jack," said Harry after a pause.
+
+"That's so, Harry. I never saw a girl so nice before," responded Jack
+emphatically.
+
+"Do you know, Jack," said Harry, turning to him with a smile, "it is
+just as well we are going away."
+
+"What do you mean, Harry?"
+
+"If we stayed here till we were both young men, we might both fall in
+love with Lucy, and quarrel over her."
+
+"I might fall in love with her, but I would never quarrel with you,
+Harry," said Jack affectionately.
+
+"No, Jack, I don't think you would. Nothing shall ever divide us."
+
+"You are very kind to a poor sailor boy," said Jack. "You know a great
+deal more than I, and I am not fit to be your friend."
+
+"Take care, Jack, I may quarrel with you if you say anything against
+yourself. Fit or unfit, you are my chosen friend, and I should not be
+willing to exchange you for anyone else I have ever met."
+
+"Not even for Montgomery Clinton?" said Jack archly.
+
+"Not even for him, with all his stock of trousers."
+
+Reference was made to a young man from Brooklyn, a fellow passenger on
+the ship _Nantucket_, who had acquired the reputation of a dude, and had
+afforded much amusement to all on board. He will be remembered by the
+readers of the preceding volume, "Facing the World."
+
+The boys did not set out on their journey empty-handed. Lucy, by
+direction of her father, had packed a basket with provisions enough to
+last them two or three days. The shepherd wished also to lend them some
+money, but this Harry declined.
+
+"We might not be able to pay it back," he said.
+
+"I shan't miss it, lads, if you don't," urged the shepherd.
+
+"We might be robbed of it as we were of our other money, sir. We thank
+you all the same."
+
+But they gladly accepted the basket of provisions, without which,
+indeed, they might have fared badly in that uninhabited wilderness.
+
+"How far is it to Bendigo?" Harry had asked the shepherd.
+
+"Twenty-five miles, or thereabouts," was the answer.
+
+"If it were a straight road and good travelling we might be there by
+night."! "But it is neither. You will be fortunate if you reach there in
+three or four days."
+
+"Give us the direction, and we will try it, sir."
+
+The two young travellers, refreshed by their night's sleep and two
+substantial meals, made good progress, and by noon found themselves,
+despite the difficulties of the way, seven miles distant from the
+station where they had received such hospitable treatment. By this time
+they were hungry, and were glad to sit down at the base of a gigantic
+gum-tree and attack the provisions they had brought with them. They were
+in good spirits and chatted cheerfully. Many thousands of miles away
+from home, without a penny in their pockets, and with only a basket of
+provisions between them and starvation, they did not allow themselves to
+be depressed by their uncertain prospects, but looked forward
+hopefully.
+
+"Jack," said Harry, "it seems so lonely here, I could easily believe
+that we two are alone in the world."
+
+"It does seem so," said Jack.
+
+"I feel a little like Robinson Crusoe on his island."
+
+"Am I to be Friday?" asked Jack, with a smile.
+
+Jack had read very few books, but who is there who has not read Robinson
+Crusoe?
+
+"I don't think you are of the right color, Jack, but I would a good deal
+rather have you than Friday."
+
+They were not so far away from human companionship as they supposed, as
+they soon learned to their dismay. Suddenly they heard a crunching as of
+steps upon the brush, and turning, they saw, with alarm, a tall muscular
+man with matted locks unprotected by a hat, a long untrimmed beard, and
+a suit hanging in tatters over his gaunt, bony figure. His eyes were
+fixed with a famished look upon the open basket of provisions.
+
+The boys started to their feet in affright.
+
+"Give me food!" said the stranger in a hoarse voice.
+
+Harry took some bread and meat from the basket, and handed them to the
+stranger, who devoured them in silence. His appetite seemed enormous,
+and the boys saw in dismay that if he kept on there would be very little
+left. It was necessary, in self-defence, to limit the man's rapacity.
+
+"More, more!" he cried, when he had eaten all that had been given him.
+
+"We have given you all we can spare," said Harry firmly.
+
+"Give me the basket, or I will kill you both!" exclaimed the tramp, his
+eyes suffused with blood, and gleaming with fierce anger.
+
+As he spoke, he raised a knotted stick which had served him as a cane,
+and swung it menacingly above his head.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A RUFFIAN FOILED.
+
+Harry and Jack were brave boys, and not easily daunted, but the attitude
+of the stranger was so menacing, and his frame so indicative of
+strength, that they were both alarmed. Had their need of the provisions
+been less urgent they would have surrendered them without a struggle,
+but they felt that it was a question possibly of continued life or
+starvation, and this inspired them to resistance.
+
+Holding the basket in his hand, Harry retreated behind a tree, and began
+to parley.
+
+"You are asking too much," he said. "We have given you a meal. We need
+the rest for ourselves."
+
+"No palavering, boy!" said the tramp roughly. "I need it more than you
+do. Give it to me, or I will kill you."
+
+"If I only had some weapon," thought Harry.
+
+While he was hesitating, the tramp with a quick movement sprang to where
+he stood, clutched him by the collar, and flinging him on his back put
+his knee on his breast, saying between his closed teeth, "Now I will
+kill you, young jackanapes! I'll teach you to interfere with me."
+
+Poor Harry thought his last moment had come. He was powerless against
+his enemy, whose wild rage, shown in his distorted features, seemed
+capable of anything. His sole helper was Jack, who flung himself on the
+giant, and sought with his boyish strength to pull him away, but in
+vain.
+
+"I'll choke the life out of you, you young beast!" exclaimed the tramp,
+preparing to clutch Harry by the throat. The moment was a critical one
+for the poor boy, whose career came near ending then and there.
+
+But assistance came when least expected.
+
+A man who had approached, unseen by either of the three, jumped from the
+underbrush and with one powerful blow sent the tramp sprawling on the
+ground beside his intended victim.
+
+[Illustration: Obed Rescues the Boys from the Tramp.]
+
+"You're rather out of your reckoning, you mean skunk!" he exclaimed. "If
+there's any killin' to be done round here, I'm goin' to do it."
+
+"Obed Stackpole!" ejaculated the boys in heartfelt delight, and they
+were rushing forward to greet him, but he waved them back.
+
+"Yes," he said, "it's Obed himself. I'll talk to you in a minute, after
+I've got through with this consarned villain."
+
+By this time the tramp, though startled and dazed, was on his feet, and
+preparing to make a desperate assault on the Yankee. But though quite as
+strong, and possibly stronger than Obed Stackpole, he had now to
+encounter a foe by no means to be despised. Moreover, he had laid down
+his knotted stick, and Obed had secured it. It was a formidable weapon,
+and Mr. Stackpole was quite ready to make use of it.
+
+"Give me my stick!" shouted the tramp hoarsely.
+
+"I mean to," responded the Yankee coolly. "Where will you have it?"
+
+He stepped back warily, as the other advanced, holding the stick in a
+strong grasp, while he kept his eyes steadily fixed on his opponent. He
+was cool, but his enemy was enraged, and rage made him incautious.
+
+He made a desperate clutch at the stick, but with a powerful sweep Obed
+struck him on the side of the head, and he fell like an ox, stunned and
+insensible.
+
+"That settles you, my friend, I guess," said Obed. "You brought it upon
+yourself, and you've got no one else to blame. Watch him, Harry, to see
+that he doesn't come to himself, while I tie his hands."
+
+Obed whipped a strong cord from his pockets, and secured the wrists of
+the prostrate enemy, tying them securely together.
+
+"Will you tie his feet, too?" asked Jack.
+
+"No, it is not necessary. He can't do any harm now. I came in the nick
+of time, boys, didn't I?"
+
+"Indeed you did!" said Harry earnestly. "He was beginning to choke me."
+
+"What was it all about?"
+
+"We had given him a meal, but he wanted to make off with the basket
+besides. As this would have left us utterly without food, I objected."
+
+"The mean skunk! I'm glad I came up in time to settle him."
+
+"Won't you have something to eat yourself, Mr. Stackpole?" asked Harry,
+bethinking himself that his deliverer might need refreshment.
+
+"I don't mind if I do," answered Obed. "The fact is, I'm feeling kinder
+hollow. I feel a gnawin' at my vitals that isn't pleasant. This is prime
+fodder; where did you raise it?"
+
+While Obed was eating--with hearty relish, it may be added--Harry
+related briefly what had befallen Jack and himself since they had parted
+company.
+
+"You're in luck, boys," was Obed's comment. "You fared better than I,
+for you've had your square meals, while I've had only one besides
+this."
+
+"Where was that?" asked Harry.
+
+"At the same place where you passed the night. I got there about an hour
+after you left, as well as I can make out. The gal was very kind, and
+gave me a tip-top breakfast. I ate till I was ashamed, and then left off
+hungry. That's why I've got such an appetite now. Yesterday I didn't
+have but one meal, and I've had to make up for that."
+
+"Did Lucy tell you we had passed the night at her father's house?"
+
+"Lucy! Seems to me you got mighty familiar," said Obed in a jocular
+tone. "She didn't tell me what her name was. I suppose she looked upon
+me as a dried-up old bach."
+
+"She's a nice girl," said Harry emphatically.
+
+"So she is. I'm with you there. But about your question--I asked her if
+she had seen anything of two chaps about your size, and she told me
+enough to show me I was on your track. She told me which way you went,
+and I follered. She was a little shy at first, not knowin' but I might
+be an enemy of yours, but when she'd made up her mind to the _contrary_
+she up and told me everything. Well, I struck your trail, and here I
+am."
+
+"I for one am delighted to see you, Obed," said Harry cordially.
+
+"And I for two," added Jack, smiling.
+
+Mr. Stackpole seemed gratified by the pleasure evinced by the boys.
+
+"Well," he said, "we're together once more, and now we must hold a
+council of war, and decide what's to be done."
+
+"With him?" asked Jack, pointing to the tramp.
+
+"With him first of all; I take it you don't want me to invite him to
+join our party?"
+
+"His room is better than his company," said Harry.
+
+"I agree with you. According to my idea, we may as well leave him where
+he lies."
+
+"But won't he starve?"
+
+"He can get his hands free after awhile," said Obed, "but not till after
+we are at a safe distance. You needn't be afraid about him. Anyhow the
+world wouldn't lose much if he did take passage for another."
+
+"That's so, Obed, but I wouldn't like to feel that we were responsible
+for his death."
+
+At this moment the prostrate man opened his eyes, and as his glance
+lighted on Obed, they gleamed with the old look of rage. He tried to get
+up, and of course discovered that his hands were tied.
+
+"Loosen my hands, you scoundrel!" he exclaimed.
+
+"If you mean me by that pet name, my esteemed friend," said Obed, "I
+respectfully decline. I'd rather look at you with your hands tied."
+
+"Do you want me to kill you?" demanded the tramp furiously.
+
+"Not at present! when I do I'll let you know. Come, boys, we may as well
+be going. This gentleman would rather be left alone."
+
+"Unloose me first, and I won't harm you," said the other, trying to
+struggle to his feet.
+
+"I don't mean you shall. Good-by, my friend. I can't say I wish to meet
+you again. I will take the liberty to carry off your stick, as you won't
+need it with your hands tied."
+
+Obed and the boys started off, followed by the most fearful execrations
+from their late acquaintance. They had scarcely gone a quarter of a mile
+when they met two mounted police, who halted their horses and inquired:
+"Have you seen anything of a man, tall and spare, dark hair and eyes. We
+have traced him to this neighborhood, and think he must be near."
+
+"What has he done?" asked Obed curiously.
+
+"Murdered a man at the mines, in a drunken brawl."
+
+"We've just parted company with him," said Obed. "I found him
+experimentin' on my young friend here, but come up in time to block his
+game."
+
+"Put us on his track, and we will share the reward of a hundred pounds
+with you."
+
+"I'll do it. Boys, stay here and I'll go back with these gentlemen. I'll
+join you in an hour."
+
+Obed was as good as his word. Within an hour he was back again, with the
+two policemen, followed by the man whom we have called the tramp.
+
+His hands were more securely fastened now by a pair of handcuffs.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+THE BOYS ARRIVE AT BENDIGO.
+
+"You are entitled to half the reward offered for the apprehension of
+this man," said the leader of the police to Obed Stackpole. "I
+congratulate you. Fifty pounds is a sum not to be despised."
+
+"Especially when a man has been robbed of all he possesses by
+bushrangers," said Obed. "If you'll excuse me, captain, why does your
+government allow them rascals to roam round the country, plundering and
+killing honest men?"
+
+The captain of police shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"We can't help it, my good man. We do all we can," he answered.
+
+"In my country we would soon put a stop to it."
+
+"You mean America?"
+
+"Yes; the land of the Stars and the Stripes," said Obed proudly.
+
+"It is more difficult here," observed the police captain. "The nature of
+the country makes pursuit difficult. Besides, we have had so many
+convicts sent out here in past years that there is a large proportion of
+lawless men in the colony. Some of these men have made themselves very
+formidable. There is Captain Stockton, for instance."
+
+"_Was_, you mean, captain."
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"Captain Stockton is dead."
+
+"Do you mean this? How do you know?" inquired the captain of police
+eagerly.
+
+"He was killed yesterday by one of his men."
+
+"What evidence have you of this?" demanded the captain incredulously.
+
+"Them two boys saw him shot," said Obed, indicating Harry and Jack.
+
+"Tell me all about it, young man," said the captain to Harry. "It will
+be good news at Bendigo. Returning miners are always in fear of this
+famous bushranger, Stockton. He doesn't care so much to attack parties
+bound to the mines, for they are not supposed to have much with them,
+but those returning to Melbourne generally carry more or less gold, and
+are worth capturing."
+
+Harry gave a succinct account of his adventures while in the power of
+the bushrangers, and the scene of which he had been a witness. The
+captain of police listened attentively.
+
+"This is good news," he remarked. "There will be a new captain
+appointed, of course, but there is not another man connected with the
+gang who can take Stockton's place or do as much mischief as he has
+done."
+
+"How far are we from Bendigo, captain?" asked Obed.
+
+"Two days' journey, or perhaps more."
+
+"A long distance, considering we have no money."
+
+"You will have half the reward. Your share will be fifty pounds."
+
+"That won't do us any good now, unless you'll be kind enough to advance
+us a part of that sum."
+
+"I would if I were able, but I am not provided with any money beyond
+what I need. You and the boys may come with us, however, if you wish."
+
+"I should like nothing better, captain. Once at Bendigo, and we'll
+manage to shift for ourselves."
+
+"Very well, so let it be."
+
+I pass over the events of the next two days. Obed and the boys, after
+all their troubles, found themselves provided with an official escort,
+and on the morning of the third day arrived at the famous gold-fields of
+Bendigo.
+
+Ballarat and Mount Alexander preceded Bendigo in point of time, but
+Bendigo has been far more productive. As the little party descended a
+hill made white by the sandy dirt thrown out of the mines, they saw
+below them Bendigo Creek, yellow as the Tiber, running sluggishly
+through the valley, which on either side had been dug up by prospectors
+for gold. All about on the slopes of the hills and in the valley were
+rude huts, hastily put together, the homes of the miners. Some of them
+were built of solid trunks of trees laid horizontally, after the
+American backwoods order of architecture. The interstices were generally
+daubed with clay to make them water-tight, and the roofs were covered
+with sheets of bark, kept down by logs laid upon them. There were tents,
+also, made of slabs, and covered with canvas. Still others were covered
+with bullock hides.
+
+To Harry and Jack the sight was a novel one, and they regarded the
+extemporized village with interest.
+
+Obed's eyes glistened, and he rubbed his hands with delight.
+
+"This seems like home," he said. "It's just like Shantytown in
+Californy, where I worked three months last year. I say, boys, how do
+you like it?"
+
+"I shouldn't like to live here very long," said Harry.
+
+"I like shipboard better," said Jack.
+
+"I agree with you, boys," said Obed, "but it'll suit me well enough if I
+can find enough gold here. When I've made my pile, Australy won't hold
+me long. I shall make tracks for America. We have no bushrangers
+there."
+
+"But you have Indians," retorted the police captain, who did not quite
+relish the strictures upon the colony of which he was an official. "I
+would rather be captured by a bushranger than scalped by an Indian."
+
+"I agree with you, captain, but the Indians won't scalp you unless you
+go where they are. I never saw one till I was past twenty-one."
+
+"Indeed!" said the captain in evident surprise. "I thought they were all
+over the country. Why, one of your countrymen told me they would
+sometimes surprise families within ten miles of your great city of New
+York, and scalp them all. He said he was brought up--raised, he called
+it--twenty miles away, and was obliged to barricade the doors and
+windows every night, and keep a supply of loaded muskets by the side of
+his bed, to resist the Indians in case they made a night attack."
+
+Obed laughed till the tears came to his eyes, and the two boys also
+looked amused.
+
+"Did you believe all this, captain?" he asked.
+
+"Why not?" asked the captain, looking offended. "My informant was a
+countryman of yours."
+
+"He was stuffing you, captain."
+
+"_Stuffing_ me! I don't understand," said the captain, puzzled.
+
+"He saw that you knew very little of America, and he practised a little
+on your credulity--isn't that the word?"
+
+"How do I know but you are doing the same now? Probably you want to give
+me a favorable idea of your country."
+
+"I only want you to judge it correctly, captain. Why, there aint no more
+danger of being scalped in New York than in London."
+
+"I presume not, _in_ New York, but I am speaking of the neighborhood of
+New York."
+
+"So am I. I'll tell you what, captain, if you can find me a case of a
+man that's been scalped within five hundred miles of New York within the
+last fifty years, I'll give you my share of the reward. Of course if
+it's in Canada, it don't count."
+
+"I can't accept any such wager. I have no means of proving it, even if
+it is so."
+
+"That's true, squire; but I'll give you an idea. Harry, how many Indians
+have you ever seen in your life?"
+
+"About half a dozen," answered Harry, after a pause for reflection.
+
+"And you, Jack?"
+
+"I never saw one that I can remember."
+
+"And yet you were both born in the States. You see, captain, Indians are
+not so abundant in our country as you supposed. Jack has never seen an
+Indian, but he has seen a bushranger; eh, Jack?"
+
+"I have seen more than I wanted to," answered Jack, smiling.
+
+By this time they had descended the hill, and were on the borders of the
+mining settlement. They had now attracted the attention of the miners,
+and when the prisoner was recognized there went up an angry shout, and a
+band of swarthy, bearded men advanced menacingly to meet them.
+
+"Give him to us!" they cried. "Give up the murderer! We will make short
+work of him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+BUYING A CLAIM.
+
+The face of the prisoner, as he met the angry glances of the miners,
+betrayed extreme fear. In spite of his terrible crime, Harry could not
+help pitying him when he saw the gray pallor that overspread his
+countenance.
+
+The captain of the police was a brave and determined man, and though his
+little force was outnumbered five to one he showed no signs of
+yielding.
+
+"What is it you want, men?" he demanded sternly.
+
+"We want that man--the murderer," was the unanimous cry.
+
+"What would you do with him?"
+
+"String him up to the nearest tree," replied a brawny miner.
+
+"There is no occasion for you to punish him--he is in the hands of the
+law," replied the captain.
+
+"He may escape. We want to make sure of him."
+
+"I will answer for it that he does not escape. You know me, and you can
+accept my assurance. Is that satisfactory?"
+
+There was a sullen murmur among the miners. It was evident that they
+were not wholly satisfied.
+
+The captain of police watched them keenly and saw that there was danger
+of an attack.
+
+He drew a pistol, and holding it firmly in his hand, said: "The first
+man that interferes with me in the discharge of my duty, dies. I give
+you fair warning."
+
+A determined man generally carries his point, even against odds. Had the
+captain showed the slightest sign of wavering, the mob would have been
+upon him. But they saw that he was in earnest, and meant what he said.
+
+"How long is he to live?" asked the brawny miner already referred to,
+after a slight pause.
+
+"I shall take him before the magistrate at once, and you know he is not
+likely to defer punishment."
+
+The police magistrate who dispensed justice, and frequently injustice,
+at Bendigo, was noted for his severity, and this assurance seemed to
+satisfy the miners. They followed the cavalcade, however, to make sure
+that the captain kept his word. It may be stated here that, at this
+early period in the history of the colony, the judicial forms which
+prevail in other countries were for the most part dispensed with, and
+punishment was swift and certain, especially where life or property had
+been attacked.
+
+Harry and Jack followed the crowd to a wooden structure more pretentious
+than most of the buildings roundabout. The magistrate--whom I will call
+Judge Wood--was at hand. He was a short, stout man, of severe aspect,
+and had a harsh voice.
+
+"Whom have we here?" he asked quickly.
+
+The captain of police answered the question, relating also where and
+under what circumstances the capture was made.
+
+"What have you to say for yourself, my man?" he asked, turning to the
+prisoner.
+
+"I am innocent," was the reply in trembling accents.
+
+"Of course. You all are. I never had a man brought before me who was not
+innocent," said the magistrate with a sneer. "Have you any
+accomplices?"
+
+"Your honor, I am innocent, as I have already told you."
+
+"Answer my question!" said the magistrate sternly.
+
+"No, your honor."
+
+"Ha! You alone are guilty then. Captain, are there any witnesses? though
+it is hardly necessary. The man's face shows his guilt."
+
+It will easily be seen how much hope the prisoner had of getting off
+with such a judge presiding at the trial. Luckily for the cause of
+justice the man was undoubtedly guilty, and so the judicial proceedings,
+hurried and one-sided as they were, did not entail any injustice. In
+half an hour the trial was completed, a conviction was obtained, and the
+unhappy wretch was sentenced to execution on the following morning.
+Meanwhile he was to be confined in a structure set apart as a prison.
+
+"Well, are you satisfied?" asked the captain, as he passed the
+ringleader of the miners.
+
+"I don't see the use of waiting till morning," grumbled the miner. "The
+job might as well have been finished up at once."
+
+"You can rest satisfied. The man hasn't long to live."
+
+This proved to be the case. During the night Harry and Jack, who were
+accommodated with beds in a hut near the prison, heard a noise and a
+sound of men's voices, but they were too fatigued and worn-out to be
+thoroughly roused. In the morning, when they left the hut, they needed
+no explanation. From a lofty branch of a gum-tree a hundred yards to the
+west dangled the body of the unfortunate criminal, a terrible spectacle,
+contrasting painfully with the bright and cheerful morning. They learned
+afterward that the prison had been guarded by a volunteer company of
+miners, who detected, or feigned to detect, the prisoner in an attempt
+to escape,--probably the latter,--and forcing an entrance, laid violent
+hands upon him, and saved the law officers the trouble of executing
+him.
+
+The captain of police didn't learn what had happened till morning. As it
+chanced, Obed Stackpole was with him when he received the information.
+
+He took it very coolly.
+
+"What are you goin' to do about it, captain?" asked Obed.
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Do you allow such doin's here?"
+
+"It doesn't matter much. The man was to have been executed this morning
+at any rate. He only lost a few hours. It has saved us some trouble."
+
+"Suppose he was an innocent man?"
+
+"But he wasn't, you know. And now, Mr. Stackpole, if you will come with
+me, I will see about your getting your share of the reward."
+
+"Thank you, captain. I won't deny that it'll be particularly convenient,
+seein' I'm reduced to my last cent."
+
+The police captain exerted himself in a very friendly manner, and owing
+to the absence of red tape which in an older settlement might have
+occasioned delay, that same day our Yankee friend was made happy by
+receiving the sum of fifty pounds.
+
+He called the boys to him, and dividing the money, as well as he could,
+into three equal parts, he offered one each to Harry and Jack.
+
+"Now we start alike," he said. "There's nearly seventeen pounds apiece.
+It seems a good deal, but it won't last long here. We must find
+something to do before long."
+
+"That's just what I want," said Harry, "I came out here to work, and
+make money, not to loaf about."
+
+"That's the way with me," said Jack, but his tone was not so hopeful or
+cheerful as Harry's.
+
+"Confess now, Jack," said Harry, "you would rather be on board ship than
+here at the diggings."
+
+"I would," said Jack; "wouldn't you?"
+
+"Not yet. There is no money to be made on board ship."
+
+"When you've made your pile, my lad," said Obed, "you can go back to
+Melbourne, and easily get a berth on board some merchant ship bound to
+Liverpool or New York. There is a great demand for sailors at that
+port."
+
+This made Jack more cheerful. He was willing to stay a while, he said,
+and help Harry and Mr. Stackpole, but in the end he must return to his
+old life.
+
+Mr. Stackpole and the boys took a long walk, and reconnoitred the
+diggings on both sides of Bendigo creek. Toward the middle of the
+afternoon they came upon a thin, melancholy looking young man, who was
+sitting in a despondent attitude with his arms folded.
+
+"Are you sick, my friend?" asked Obed.
+
+"I am very ill," was the answer. "I don't think I shall ever be any
+better."
+
+Further questioning elicited the information that he had taken a severe
+cold from exposure two months before, in consequence of which his lungs
+were seriously affected.
+
+"Why do you stay here, then?" asked Obed.
+
+"I shall go back to Melbourne as soon as I have sold my claim."
+
+"What do you want for it?"
+
+"It is worth fifty pounds. I will take twenty-five."
+
+Obed after careful inquiry judged that it was a bargain. He proposed to
+the two boys to join him in the purchase of the claim. They felt that
+they could safely follow his judgment, and struck a bargain. So before
+twenty-four hours had passed, the three friends were joint proprietors
+of a claim, and had about eight pounds apiece to meet expenses till it
+began to yield a return.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+STRIKING LUCK.
+
+"Now, boys," said Obed, "we have some hard work before us. Mining isn't
+like standing behind a counter, or measuring off calico. It takes
+considerable more muscle."
+
+"I am used to hard work," said Jack, "but you'll have to show me how."
+
+"I'll keep up with Jack," said Harry manfully. "You won't have to charge
+either of us with laziness."
+
+"I believe you, boys. There isn't a lazy bone in either of you. As I
+have experience, I'll boss the job, and all you'll have to do will be to
+obey orders."
+
+"All right, captain!" said Jack, touching his cap, with a smile.
+
+This, then, was the understanding between the three, and it was
+faithfully adhered to. The two boys, sensible of their ignorance, were
+very ready to obey Obed, and he found them willing workers. They
+installed themselves in a cabin which had been occupied by the man they
+bought out. He gave them the use of it, having no further occasion for
+it himself, and they began to keep house as one family. They lived
+roughly enough, and yet, so high were all articles of food, on account
+of the trouble and expense of transportation from Melbourne, that it
+cost them as much as would have paid for living at a respectable hotel
+in the States.
+
+All three entered upon their labors with high hopes. The first day and
+the second day yielded no results, but, as Obed reminded them, a miner
+needs to be patient. But when one week--two weeks--passed, and the
+amount of gold found amounted to less than ten dollars, all three began
+to look sober.
+
+"This is beginning to look serious, boys," said Obed thoughtfully, as
+they set about their work on the first day of the third week. "Our claim
+aint pannin' out very rich."
+
+"My store of money is panning out very fast," said Harry, with a faint
+smile.
+
+"I've got less than two pounds left," said Jack. "What are we going to
+do when it's all gone?"
+
+"I don't know," said Obed, "unless we catch another murderer."
+
+The boys smiled, but not hilariously. They felt, as Obed expressed it,
+that matters were indeed becoming serious. To run short of money nearly
+ten thousand miles from home was no light thing.
+
+"We might sell the claim," suggested Harry.
+
+Obed shook his head.
+
+"I don't think we could," he replied. "Everybody would understand our
+reason for selling--that we despaired of finding any gold--and instead
+of getting twenty-five pounds, I doubt if you could get twenty-five
+shillings for it. You know about how long twenty-five shillings would
+last us."
+
+"I suppose there is nothing to do but to keep on," said Harry.
+
+Obed nodded. "You've said it," he returned. "Let us keep up good heart,
+my boys. Don't borrow trouble. When things come to the worst, we'll
+decide what to do then."
+
+By way of setting the example of cheerfulness, Obed began to whistle
+"Yankee Doodle," and the boys joined in. It was not altogether a
+successful effort, but it made them feel a little more cheerful. At all
+events it attracted a listener--a tall, shabby-looking tramp, who had
+been wandering about for a day or two, visiting one claim after another,
+trying to raise a loan.
+
+"I say, you're uncommon jolly, you chaps," he began, as he stood in a
+lounging attitude watching the little party at their work.
+
+"If we are it's a credit to us," returned Obed dryly, "for there isn't
+much to be jolly about."
+
+"Isn't your claim a good one?"
+
+"That's what we're trying to find out. Where's yours, stranger?"
+
+The tramp returned an evasive answer and shambled off.
+
+"Do you think he's got a claim, Obed?" asked Jack.
+
+"No; but he's prowling around to see what he can pick up."
+
+"Do you think he's a thief?"
+
+"I think he's willing to be. He heard us whistling, and thought we'd
+found something."
+
+"We are safe from robbery for the present." said Harry.
+
+"Yes, there's that advantage about being poor. It reminds me of old Jack
+Pierce in our village."
+
+"What about him?" asked Harry.
+
+"He read in the paper one day that a certain bank had burst. So he went
+home in a hurry to see if he had any bills on that bank. He found that
+he had no bills on that bank or any other--and then he felt better."
+
+Harry laughed.
+
+"It was a poor consolation, I think," he said. "I remember hearing a
+sermon from our minister at home in which he said that riches were a
+great responsibility, but I don't think I should mind taking the
+responsibility."
+
+"That's my idee, Harry. I am afraid there isn't much chance of our
+having that responsibility, but there's one thing we can do if we don't
+make the claim pay."
+
+"What's that, Obed?"
+
+"We can join the bushrangers."
+
+"Will you set us the example?" asked Harry, smiling.
+
+"I'm not quite desperate enough yet. We'll try the claim a little
+longer. But I'm gettin' tuckered out. We'll go and get some dinner and
+then start diggin' again."
+
+They repaired to their cabin, and solaced themselves with food. Then
+they threw themselves down in the shadow of the cabin to rest, and Obed
+pulled out his pipe. This was a solace which the boys didn't enjoy. They
+were sensible enough to know, that, whatever may be said of men, boys
+only receive injury from the use of tobacco. In the resolution to
+abstain, they were upheld and encouraged by Obed, who, veteran smoker as
+he was, did not approve of smoking.
+
+"You're better off without it, boys," he said. "It won't do you no good.
+I wish I could leave it off."
+
+"Why don't you?" asked Harry.
+
+"Easier said than done, my boy. Let me see, I was only turned of
+thirteen when I used to slink off to the barn and smoke, for I knew
+father wouldn't let me if he knew it. It made me sick at first, but I
+thought it was makin' a man of me, and I kept on. Well, the habit's on
+me now, and it's hard to break. It don't hurt a man as much as a boy,
+but it don't do him any good, either. Jack, did you ever smoke?"
+
+"No, Obed; but one of the sailors gave me a piece of tobacco to chew
+once. I didn't like it and spit it out."
+
+"The best thing you could do. I wish all boys were as sensible."
+
+In their hours of rest the three often chatted of home. Their
+conversation was generally of one tenor. They liked to fancy themselves
+returning with plenty of money, and planned how they would act under
+such pleasant circumstances. Instead of the barren hills among which
+they were encamped, familiar scenes and faces rose before them, and the
+picture was so attractive that it was hard to come back to the cheerless
+reality.
+
+"Well, boys," said Obed, at the end of an hour, "we may as well go to
+work again. The gold's waitin' for us."
+
+It was an old joke, and scarcely elicited a smile now. In fact, the boys
+felt that they had waited a long time for the gold. It was not,
+therefore, with a very hopeful feeling that they obeyed the summons and
+returned to the claim. Though of a sanguine disposition, they began to
+doubt seriously whether their efforts would ever be rewarded. They had
+pretty much lost the stimulus of hope.
+
+About four o'clock, when Jack was at work with the pick, something
+curious happened. Instead of sinking into the earth it glanced off, as
+from something hard.
+
+"What is it, Jack?" asked Obed quickly.
+
+"I must have struck a rock, Obed."
+
+"Here, give me the pick," said Obed eagerly.
+
+He struck, and lo! a yellow streak became plainly visible.
+
+"Boys," said he in an agitated voice, "I believe our luck has come."
+
+"What do you mean, Obed?"
+
+"I believe we've found a nugget;" and to the boys' intense surprise he
+immediately began to cover it up with dirt.
+
+"What's that for?" asked Harry.
+
+"Hush! we mustn't take it out now. Somebody might be looking. We'll wait
+till it's darker."
+
+Just then the tramp before mentioned strolled up.
+
+"What luck, friends?" he asked.
+
+"Same as usual," answered Obed, shrugging his shoulders. "Don't you want
+to buy the claim?"
+
+"Not I," and the tramp, quite deceived by his manner, kept on his
+round.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+RAISING THE NUGGET.
+
+"It's lucky we covered up the gold," said Obed, in a low voice. "That's
+the last man I wanted to discover our good luck."
+
+"Shan't we keep on working?" asked Harry, in excitement.
+
+"I will just probe a little to form some idea of the size of the
+nugget," answered Obed.
+
+"Then you think it is a nugget?" asked Jack eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I think our luck has come at last, boys. I think we will be able
+to pull up stakes and go back to America. But about keeping on now, we
+shall need to be cautious. Someone might come by, and see what we are
+about."
+
+Then Harry made a suggestion.
+
+"Let Jack go up to the top, and if anyone comes he can whistle. That
+will put us on our guard."
+
+"A good idea!" said Obed.
+
+So Jack threw himself on the ground in a listless posture, and the other
+two continued their explorations. They dug all about the boulder, which
+proved to be about a foot in diameter. It was embedded in clay, from
+which it was separated with some difficulty. It was encased in quartz,
+but the interior was bright, glittering gold.
+
+"It's a regular beauty," said Obed in a low tone, his eyes glittering
+with excitement. "It isn't once in a dog's age that so big a nugget is
+discovered."
+
+"How much do you call it worth, Obed?" asked Harry in the same low
+tone.
+
+"That's hard tellin', Harry; but it's worth ten thousand dollars
+easy."
+
+"Thank God!" ejaculated Harry fervently. "That will release us from our
+imprisonment, and enable us to go back to America."
+
+"You are right, Harry, but the hardest job lies before us."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"To get it out without observation, and keep it secure from thieves."
+
+"We'll do our best. Only you give the orders, Obed."
+
+"Then, first and foremost, we'll cover it up again, and go up till
+evening, when we will secure it, and carry it to our cabin."
+
+So said, so done. They joined Jack at the limit of the excavation.
+
+"Is it all right?" asked the young sailor eagerly.
+
+"Yes," answered Harry.
+
+"Is it really a big one?"
+
+"Yes; we can all go back to America, Jack."
+
+"And I can once more be a sailor?"
+
+"Yes, if you like it."
+
+Jack was told of their plan of removing the nugget by night, and saw at
+once that it was a wise one.
+
+"Shall we go to the cabin now?" he asked.
+
+"No, Jack; it won't do to leave our treasure unguarded. We will lounge
+here and make sure that no one robs us of our discovery."
+
+[Illustration: Finding the Nugget.]
+
+So they sat down, and Obed lighted his pipe once more.
+
+A neighbor strolled up and sat down beside them.
+
+"You are leaving off work early," he said.
+
+"Yes," answered Obed with a yawn, "we might as well take it easy. It's
+hard work--this mining."
+
+"What luck?"
+
+"Our luck is to come," said our Yankee friend. "How is it with you?"
+
+"I have got out seventy-five dollars this week," answered the other
+complacently.
+
+"Whew! that's good! What do you say to swapping claims?"
+
+"Oh, no," answered the neighbor, wagging his head jocosely. "I'm not so
+green. The fact is, Mr. Stackpole, I don't want to discourage you, but I
+don't believe you'll ever see the money you put into this hole. Come
+now, what did you pay?"
+
+"Five and twenty pounds."
+
+"If you can get five pounds for it, my advice is, sell."
+
+"I don't know but you're right," said Stackpole in a rueful tone. "Will
+you give me five pounds for it?"
+
+"Ho, ho! I might give you five shillings, though it would be a risk."
+
+"Then I don't think we'll sell, eh, Harry?"
+
+"We had better give it away than take that sum," said Harry, carefully
+veiling his inward exultation.
+
+They went to their cabin at the usual time and indulged themselves in a
+better supper than usual, feeling that they could afford to do so. It is
+wonderful how success stimulates the appetite.
+
+"I don't know when I have been so hungry, Obed," said Harry.
+
+"I feel the same way," chimed in Jack.
+
+"A light heart increases the appetite, boys, but sometimes I've felt
+wolfish when my heart was heavy. Fifteen months ago I was in Californy,
+and down on my luck. Things had been goin' contrary, and I hadn't money
+enough to buy a square meal. I didn't like to tell my friends, bein' a
+bit proud. One day when I was feelin' so hungry that I wouldn't have
+turned up my nose at a Chinaman's diet--rat pie--an old acquaintance met
+me and asked me to dine with him. Did I accept? Well, I should smile. I
+did smile all over my face, as I sat down to the table. You'd better
+calculate that I made my knife and fork fly. Finally my friend remarked,
+looking kind of queer, 'You've got a healthy appetite, Stackpole.' I
+answered, 'It sort of runs in our family to eat whenever we get a
+chance.' 'Good joke!' said he, laughing. But it was no joke when he came
+to pay the bill, I tell you."
+
+"I'll remember that, Obed," said Harry, smiling, "and when I invite you
+to dinner, I'll first inquire whether you've had anything to eat for a
+week back."
+
+"I generally eat for a weak stomach," returned Obed, venturing on a
+little joke at which the boys felt bound to laugh.
+
+As they sat at the door of their cabin, they kept a good lookout in the
+direction of their claim. They could not afford, now that success was in
+their grasp, to have it snatched away. But they discovered no suspicious
+movements on the part of anyone. In fact, no one suspected that they had
+"struck it rich." So poor was the general opinion of their claim, that
+they would have found it hard to obtain a purchaser at any price. Had
+there been the least suspicion, the camp would have been greatly
+excited.
+
+As a rule, the miners retired early. They became fatigued during the
+day, and sleep was welcome. There was, indeed, a gambling saloon at some
+distance, frequented by the more reckless, but generally good hours were
+observed in the camp.
+
+About half past eleven, Obed nudged Harry and Jack, who had fallen
+asleep.
+
+"What is it?" asked Harry, in a drowsy tone.
+
+"Hush!" whispered Obed. "Don't make any more noise than you can help. I
+think it will be safe to go and secure the nugget now."
+
+This was enough. Harry was wide awake in an instant, and he in turn
+roused Jack.
+
+There was no elaborate toilet to make, for they had thrown themselves
+down in their day attire. They left the cabin, and by the faint light of
+the moon, which was just ready to retire for the night, they found their
+way to the claim without being observed.
+
+Fifteen minutes' work, and the task was accomplished. The nugget was
+raised, and wrapped in a red bandanna handkerchief, which Obed had
+brought all the way from his New England home.
+
+"It must weigh seventy-five pounds," whispered Obed exultantly. "Boys,
+we're in tall luck. It was worth coming out to Australy for. We'll keep
+it in the cabin over night, and to-morrow we'll put it where it will be
+safe."
+
+They gained the cabin without having been seen so far as they knew. Of
+the hundreds of men sleeping within a furlong's distance, not one
+dreamed of a discovery which was to draw the attention of the whole
+colony to Bendigo. But they had not wholly escaped observation. One pair
+of eyes had detected them in their midnight walk.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE NUGGET IN DANGER.
+
+The tramp, who has already been introduced to the reader, had spent the
+evening at the gambling house, having come into possession, during the
+day, of a small sum of money, given him by a compassionate miner. He had
+risked it, and for a time been successful, so that at the end of an hour
+he might have left off with twenty pounds. But the fatal fascination of
+the game drew him on till all his winnings melted away, and he left the
+cabin at midnight without a penny in his pocket, so far as he knew.
+There was, however, a shilling which he had overlooked, and did not
+discover till he was already some distance away. He was tempted to
+return, and probably would have done so, had not his roving eyes
+discovered Obed and the two boys returning from their claim with the
+nugget.
+
+"What are they up to," he asked himself in amazement, "that keeps them
+out of bed till after midnight? There's something up. I wonder what it
+is."
+
+He had reason to be surprised. With the exception of those who, like
+himself, spent the night in gambling (when he was in funds), no one in
+the camp was awake or stirring. And of all, none kept more regular hours
+than Obed and the two boys.
+
+Casting about for some explanation, the tramp's attention was drawn to
+the burden that Obed carried.
+
+"What can it be?" he asked himself wonderingly. Then, with a flash of
+conviction, he said to himself: "A nugget! They've found a nugget as
+sure as I'm a sinner!"
+
+The tramp was intensely excited. His covetous soul was stirred to its
+depths. The opportunity he had been waiting for so long had come at
+length. It meant fortune for him. Qualms of conscience about
+appropriating the property of another troubled him not at all. He meant
+to have the nugget, by fair means or foul.
+
+The would-be thief understood well, however, that there would be
+difficulties in the way of accomplishing his design. Obed and the two
+boys were broad awake, and half an hour--perhaps an hour, must elapse
+before he could feel sure that they would be asleep. In the meantime it
+would be best to keep away from the cabin, lest someone inside might see
+him lurking near, and suspect his purpose.
+
+While he is keeping watch from a distance, let us enter the cabin.
+
+Obed and the boys are sitting on their rude pallets, congratulating
+themselves on having secured the nugget, and removed it from the mine
+unobserved. Harry had made a remark to that effect, when Obed Stackpole
+responded, "Do you know, boys, I feel sort of uneasy to-night."
+
+"Why?" asked Jack.
+
+"I'm afraid someone might have seen us on our way from the mine."
+
+"I couldn't see anybody," Harry remarked.
+
+"Nor I, but there may have been someone, nevertheless. The fact is, I
+never expected to be uneasy on account of my wealth, but that's the way
+the case stands just at present. When we were poor I slept like a top."
+
+"I suppose you wouldn't care to get rid of your care by throwing the
+nugget away," Harry said with a smile.
+
+"I'm not so uneasy as that yet, but I should feel a little safer if we
+and the nugget could be transported to Melbourne in five minutes."
+
+"Suppose someone did see us?" queried Jack.
+
+"Then we may expect a visit some time tonight."
+
+"One of us might remain awake, Obed."
+
+"That would be rather hard on us, for we are all tired. I don't believe
+I could stay awake all night if I tried."
+
+"Is there any way of concealing the nugget?"
+
+"I don't know. If we had a cellar that would be a good place, but----"
+
+"Stop, I have an idea!" cried Harry eagerly.
+
+"Well, Harry, out with it."
+
+"We can put the nugget in the trunk."
+
+There was an old trunk, covered with hair, which had been left by the
+last occupant of the cabin. The lock was broken, and it was not of much
+use or value, but the boys occasionally used it as a seat.
+
+"What security would that be?" said Obed. "It is easy enough to open the
+trunk."
+
+"I know it, but I have another idea. Wrap up that stone in the
+handkerchief in place of the nugget. The thief--if one should
+come--would see it, and make off with it without stopping to examine its
+contents."
+
+Obed smiled grimly.
+
+"That's a good idea," he said. "I believe you're right, boy. It's dark,
+and the thief couldn't tell the difference till he came to examine it."
+
+Stones and fragments of rock are rare in that part of Australia, and I
+am not prepared to explain how this particular rock found its way into
+the mining village. The boys had found it, however, and thinking it
+might be of some use had carried it to the cabin. Never, however, in
+their wildest imaginings had it entered into their minds to conceive the
+use to which they were now putting it.
+
+No sooner said than done. The nugget was taken from the enfolding
+bandanna, and dropped into the trunk, which Obed placed at the head of
+his pallet.
+
+"I wish there was a lock and key," he said. "I should somehow feel
+safer."
+
+"It's no use wishing," said Harry. "We've got to take things as we find
+them."
+
+"That's true philosophy, boy. Now get the rock, and tie it up."
+
+Harry did so.
+
+"Where shall I put it?" he asked.
+
+"Anywhere where it can be seen easily. We won't trouble the thief to
+look round much. We'll make everything easy for him."
+
+When the transfer was effected, the boys laughed with glee.
+
+"Do you know, Obed," said Harry. "I shall be rather disappointed now if
+the thief doesn't come."
+
+"I can get along without him," said Obed dryly.
+
+"But it'll be such a good joke, Obed."
+
+"I don't care so much about jokes as I did when I was your age, Harry. I
+used to be a great feller for jokes when I was along in my teens. Did I
+ever tell you the joke I played on the schoolmaster?
+
+"Well, I was attendin' the district school the winter I was sixteen, and
+I expect I was rather troublesome, though there wasn't anything
+downright bad about me. But I remember one day when I stuck a bent pin
+in the chair the master usually sot in, and I shan't forget till my
+dyin' day how quick he riz up when he sot down on it."
+
+Obed chuckled at the recollection, and so did the boys. Their sympathies
+ought to have been with the schoolmaster, but I am sorry to say that did
+not prevent their enjoying the joke.
+
+"Were you found out?" asked Jack.
+
+"Not exactly, but I think the master always suspected me. At any rate he
+was always cuffin' me and pullin' my hair. I didn't mind the fust so
+much as the last. So one day I got my mother to cut my hair close to my
+head. When I went to school the master gave me a queer look. He knew
+what made me have my hair cut. The next time I got into mischief he
+called me up, and instead of pullin' my hair he pulled my ears till I
+hollered. 'Now go home and get your ears cut off,' he said, but I
+didn't."
+
+"It seems to me the joke was on you that time, Obed."
+
+"I've surmised as much myself," said Obed, laughing quietly. "But I'm
+tired, boys, and I believe I shall have to go off to sleep, nugget or no
+nugget."
+
+"All right! Good-night, Obed."
+
+"Good-night, boys."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE MIDNIGHT ROBBERY.
+
+The thief had little difficulty in entering the cabin. No one in the
+mining settlement thought of locking the outer door or closing the
+windows. In many cases the doors were left ajar; in some cases there
+were none. It was not necessary, therefore, to become a housebreaker.
+Entrance then was the least difficulty.
+
+The tramp, however, was not quite easy in his mind. He didn't care for
+the two boys, but he glanced with apprehension at the reclining figure
+of the tall gaunt Yankee, who was thin but wiry, and possessed of more
+than ordinary physical strength.
+
+"If he should tackle me," thought the midnight visitor with a shudder,
+"it would be all up with me. He could shake the life out of me."
+
+But the stake was a valuable one--it would in all probability make him
+comfortable for life, if judiciously husbanded--and Obed's slumber
+seemed so profound that there appeared to be no risk. Nevertheless the
+tramp trembled, and his heart was in his mouth as he stealthily got in
+through the open window, and moved toward the nugget, or what he
+supposed to be such. He had one eye on Obed as he reached for the
+bundle. It was with difficulty that he could lift it, so heavy was it,
+but this only encouraged him, and made his eyes sparkle covetously. The
+heavier it was, the more valuable it must be. Were it twice as heavy, he
+would be willing to carry it ten miles, enduring cheerfully all the
+fatigue it might entail. No thought of the rightful owners or of their
+disappointment disturbed him. That greed of gain which hardens the heart
+and banishes all scruples, held firm dominion over him.
+
+He lifted the bundle, and as noiselessly as he entered he made his
+egress through the window.
+
+He thought he was unobserved, but he was mistaken.
+
+Harry Vane was usually a heavy sleeper. He had slept through many a
+thunder-storm at home, and under ordinary circumstances he would have
+slept through this entire night. But the thought of the nugget, even in
+his sleeping hours, weighed upon him and entered into his dreams.
+Singularly, he was dreaming at this very moment that it was being
+stolen, and in the intensity of his excitement all at once he became
+broad awake, just as the thief was disappearing through the window. With
+a startled look he glanced toward the place where the false nugget had
+been placed.
+
+It was gone!
+
+Evidently the thief had been taken in, and the thought amused him so
+much that he almost unconsciously laughed aloud. The sound fell on the
+ears of the receding thief, and filled his heart with apprehension,
+though he fancied it was a sound emitted in sleep. Still, it might
+precede awakening.
+
+Once out of the window he did not stand upon the order of his going, but
+fled with a speed remarkable considering the weight of the bundle he
+carried.
+
+Harry rose from his bed, and though he felt sure the thief had been
+deceived, he still, in order to make sure, opened the trunk and felt for
+the lump of gold. With a thrill of joy he found it still there. Then he
+could give way to his sense of amusement, and laughed long and loud. He
+did not, however, arouse Jack and Obed, who, like himself, were sound
+sleepers. He didn't like, however, to have all the amusement to himself,
+so he shook the Yankee till he awoke.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Obed, in a drowsy tone.
+
+"We've been robbed," answered Harry.
+
+"What!" exclaimed Mr. Stackpole in dismay, bounding from his pallet, now
+thoroughly awake. "What is that you say?"
+
+"The nugget is gone!" said Harry.
+
+"Confusion!" ejaculated Obed. "When? Who took it?"
+
+"Don't be alarmed, Obed," said Harry quietly. "It's only the bogus
+nugget. The real one is safe where we hid it."
+
+"Tell me all about it, Harry. What skunk has been in here?"
+
+"You know the man that was spying about our claim--the tramp."
+
+"Did you see him?"
+
+"Not till he was just getting out of the window."
+
+Harry recounted briefly his sudden awakening, and the sight that greeted
+him as he opened his eyes.
+
+"I wish I'd been awake. I'd have boosted him out of that window," said
+Obed grimly.
+
+"I have no doubt you would, Obed," said Harry, laughing, "but I think we
+needn't feel much of a grudge against the poor fellow. When he comes to
+examine his booty by daylight, it's my impression he'll feel sick
+enough."
+
+Obed laughed too. "I'd like to be looking on when he makes the
+discovery," he said. "He'll look green enough, I guess."
+
+"How could the fellow have found out that we had found it?" said Harry,
+with a puzzled expression.
+
+"He must have been out late and seen us coming from the mine."
+
+"It is lucky we thought of hiding it, and leaving the rock in its place,
+Obed."
+
+"That's so. The rock came in handy for once."
+
+"Do you think there is any danger of another visit to-night?"
+
+"No; he probably won't discover how he has been tricked till morning."
+
+"And even if he does he may suppose that this rock is what we brought
+with us."
+
+"Possibly. Still, Harry, I think we'd better keep awake and watch
+to-night. It will only be for one night, as to-morrow we can make
+arrangements to send the nugget by express to Melbourne."
+
+"I thought we should be carrying it there ourselves."
+
+"No, it would not be safe. To-morrow everybody will know that we have
+found a nugget, and if we attempted to carry it ourselves we should not
+get ten miles away without being attacked, and perhaps killed."
+
+"Then we can send it by express?" queried Harry.
+
+"Yes, I have inquired into this--not that I thought we would be lucky
+enough to need the information. The government escorts charge one per
+cent., and besides the Crown exacts a royalty of ten per cent."
+
+"That's pretty steep, isn't it, Obed?"
+
+"I will cheerfully bear my part of it," said Obed. "I remember there was
+an old fellow in our place who owned considerable property--at any rate
+he was taxed for fifteen thousand dollars. Whenever taxes became due he
+was always groanin' and predictin' that he'd end his days in the
+poorhouse. My father, who was only taxed for fifteen hundred, said to
+him one day, 'Mr. Higgins, if you'll give me half of your property, I'll
+agree to pay taxes on the whole, so that you'll have nothing to pay.'"
+
+"Did he accept?" asked Harry, with a smile.
+
+"Not much, but he stopped growlin'. It may have given him a new idea of
+the matter."
+
+"How soon do you think of getting away, Obed?"
+
+"As soon as we have sold the claim," answered the Yankee. "When it gets
+reported round the camp what we've found there'll be plenty that'll want
+to buy it on speculation, you may be sure of that."
+
+"I didn't think of that," said Harry, his eyes brightening. "We're
+luckier than I thought."
+
+"Yes," answered Obed jocularly, "we're men of property now. I'm afraid
+we'll have to pay taxes ourselves when we get home."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+A THIEF'S EMBARRASSMENT.
+
+When the thief left Obed Stackpole's cabin with his booty his heart was
+filled with exultation. He had been drifting about for years, the
+football of fortune, oftener down than up, and had more than once known
+what it was to pass an entire day without food. And all this because he
+had never been willing to settle down to steady work or honest industry.
+He had set out in life with a dislike for each, and a decided preference
+for living by his wits. Theft was no new thing for him. Once he had
+barely escaped with his life in one of the Western States of America for
+stealing a horse. He had drifted to Australia, with no idea of working
+at the mines or anywhere else, but with the intention of robbing some
+lucky miner and making off with the proceeds of his industry.
+
+Well, he had succeeded, and his heart was light.
+
+"No more hard work for me," he said to himself joyfully, "no more
+privation and suffering. Now I can live like a gentleman."
+
+It never seemed to occur to him that a thief could by no possibility
+live like a gentleman. To be a gentleman, in his opinion, meant having a
+pocketful of money.
+
+He would like to have examined the nugget, but there was no time, nor
+was there light enough to form an opinion of it. Besides, Obed and the
+two boys might at any moment discover their loss, and then there would
+be pursuers on his track. He could not hide it, for it was too large,
+and anyone seeing what he carried would suspect its nature and
+character.
+
+The responsibility of property was upon him now. It was an unaccustomed
+sensation. This thief began now to dread an encounter with other
+thieves. There were other men, as well as himself, who had little
+respect for the rights of property, and this he well knew.
+
+"Where shall I go?" he asked himself in perplexity.
+
+It would not do to stay in the neighborhood of the mining camp. By dawn,
+or as soon as tidings of the robbery should spread, there would be an
+organized pursuit. In any mining settlement a thief fares hard. In the
+absence of any established code of laws, the relentless laws of Judge
+Lynch are executed with merciless severity. Beads of perspiration began
+to form on the brow of the thief as he realized the terrible danger he
+had incurred. What good would it do him after all to get away with the
+nugget if it should cost him his life, and that was a contingency, as
+his experience assured him, by no means improbable.
+
+"If I were only in Melbourne," he said to himself, "I would lose no time
+in disposing of the nugget, and then would take the first ship for
+England--or anywhere else. Any place would be better than Australia, for
+that will soon be too hot to hold me."
+
+It was one thing to wish, and another to realize the wish. He was still
+in the immediate vicinity of the mining camp, and there were almost
+insuperable difficulties in the way of getting far from it with his
+treasure safe.
+
+The thief kept on his way, however, and after a while reached a piece of
+woods.
+
+"This will be a good place to hide," he bethought himself. "I may be
+able to conceal the nugget somewhere."
+
+His first feeling of exultation had given place to one of deep anxiety
+and perplexity. After, he was not as happy as he anticipated. Only
+yesterday he had been poor--almost destitute--but at any rate free from
+anxiety and alarm. Now he was rich, or thought he was, and his heart was
+filled with nervous apprehension.
+
+He wandered about for two or three hours, weary and feeling great need
+of sleep, but afraid to yield to the impulse. Suppose he should lose
+consciousness, and sleep till morning: the first man who found him
+asleep would rob him of the precious nugget, and then he would be back
+again where he had been the day before, and for years back. The dream of
+his life had been fulfilled, and he was in no position to enjoy it.
+Oftentimes God grants our wishes only to show us how little they add to
+our happiness.
+
+It was no light burden--this heavy nugget which he was forced to carry
+with him, and, drowsy as he was, more than once he stumbled with it and
+came near falling. But at last he saw before him a cabin--deserted,
+apparently--and his heart was filled with joy. It would afford him a
+place to obtain needed repose, and there would be some means of hiding
+his rich treasure.
+
+He peered timidly into the cabin and found it empty. On the floor in the
+corner was a pallet. He put the nugget under the upper part, thus
+raising it and supplying the place of a pillow. It was hard enough, as
+the reader will imagine, but it was better than nothing; and appeared to
+combine safety with a chance to rest.
+
+The thief fell asleep, and slept soundly. When he awoke it was bright,
+and the morning was evidently well advanced. In an instant consciousness
+came, and with anxious thought he felt for the nugget. It was still
+there, as he realized joyfully. He was on the point of examining it,
+when a step was heard. He looked up startled, and saw a man entering the
+cabin. This man was such another as himself--an adventurer--and the
+tramp remembered to have seen him about the camp. He was an ill-favored
+man, poorly dressed, and might have passed for a brother of the first
+comer so far as his moral qualities and general appearance were
+concerned.
+
+"Halloa!" the new arrival said, gazing with a little surprise at the
+prostrate man.
+
+"Halloa," returned the other, surveying the new arrival with
+apprehension.
+
+"Is this your crib?"
+
+"No, I'm only passing the night here."
+
+"Haven't I seen you at the mines?"
+
+"Yes, I have been there."
+
+"And now you are leaving, are you?"
+
+"I don't know exactly. I haven't made up my mind."
+
+"Well I am. I'm out of luck."
+
+"So am I."
+
+"There's nothing to be done at the mines."
+
+"Just my idea!"
+
+"Humph! what do you think of doing?"
+
+"I don't know. I want to get away for one thing."
+
+"So do I. Suppose we keep company, friend. Two are more social than one,
+eh?"
+
+This proposal gave the first man anxious thought. If he had a companion,
+he could not hide for any length of time the fact that he was in
+possession of the nugget. Yet he did not know how to refuse without
+exciting suspicion. The new arrival noticed it, and it stirred up anger
+in him.
+
+"Perhaps I aint good enough for you?" he said, frowning.
+
+"No, no, it isn't that," said the first eagerly.
+
+"Don't you want me to go with you?" demanded the new arrival bluntly.
+"Yes or no."
+
+"Have you got any money?" asked the thief, "because I haven't."
+
+"No more have I. We'll be equal partners."
+
+"Then I'm afraid we won't get very far."
+
+"You'll get as far as I will. But I say, what is that under your head,
+pard?"
+
+The question had come at last. The thief trembled, and answered
+nervously:
+
+"It's--it's--I am using it for a pillow," he faltered.
+
+"Let us see your pillow," said the new arrival suspiciously.
+
+The thief came to a sudden determination, suggested by necessity. Two
+would make a stronger guard than one, and, though this man was not the
+one he would have selected, accident had thrown them together, and he
+would risk it.
+
+"Look here, my friend," he said, "it's a great secret."
+
+"Oh, a secret, is it?"
+
+"Yes, but I am going to make you my confidant. I am greatly in need of a
+friend and partner, and I'll make it worth your while to stand by me.
+I'll give you a quarter of--what I have here--if you'll see me safe to
+Melbourne."
+
+"What is it, pard? Out with it, quick!"
+
+"It's--a nugget, and the biggest one that's been found at Bendigo since
+they commenced mining."
+
+"A nugget! Great Jehoshaphat! Let me see it!"
+
+The thief drew the bundle--still wrapped in Obed's red bandanna--from
+underneath the pallet, while his companion in intense excitement bent
+over to catch a glimpse of the treasure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+BAFFLED CUPIDITY.
+
+An expression of surprise and dismay, almost ludicrous, appeared on the
+faces of the two adventurers as the contents of the handkerchief were
+revealed.
+
+"Why, it's nothing but a rock!" exclaimed the new-comer, with an oath.
+
+The thief stared at him in helpless consternation, and was unable to
+utter a word.
+
+"What does all this mean?" asked the new-comer sternly. "If you are
+humbugging me, I'll----" and he finished the sentence with an oath.
+
+"I don't know what it means," answered the thief in a disconsolate tone.
+"I'm just as much surprised as you are."
+
+"Where did you get it? How came you to make such a fool of yourself?"
+demanded the new-comer, frowning heavily.
+
+"You know that Yankee and the two boys who have a claim next to
+Pickett's?"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Last night I was coming from the Hut"--that was the local name of the
+cabin devoted to gambling purposes--"when I saw them coming from their
+claim. The Yankee had this ---- rock tied up in yonder handkerchief. Of
+course, I supposed it was a nugget. No one would suppose he was taking
+all that pains with a common rock."
+
+"Go on! Did you follow them?"
+
+"Yes; that is, I kept them in sight. They entered their cabin, and I
+waited, perhaps three-quarters of an hour, till they had time to fall
+asleep."
+
+"Were you near the cabin all the time?"
+
+"No; I didn't dare to be too near for fear I should be observed. I
+wanted the nugget, but I didn't want to run any risk."
+
+"I have no doubt you were very prudent," said the second, with an
+unpleasant sneer. Doubtless he would have done the same, but his
+disappointment was so great that he could not resist the temptation of
+indulging in this fling at the man who had unintentionally contributed
+to it.
+
+"Of course I was," said the first, with some indignation. "Would you
+have had me enter the cabin while they were all awake, and carry it off
+under their very eyes? That would be mighty sensible."
+
+"At any rate, then you would have got the genuine nugget."
+
+"What do you mean? Do you think there was a nugget?"
+
+"Of course I do. It's as plain as the nose on your face, and that's
+plain enough, in all conscience. They've played a trick on you."
+
+"What trick?"
+
+"It appears to me you are mighty stupid, my friend. They hid away the
+real nugget, and put this in its place. That Yankee is a good deal
+sharper than you are, and he wasn't going to run no risks."
+
+"Do you believe this?" asked the thief, his jaw falling.
+
+"There's no doubt of it. They've had a fine laugh at your expense before
+this, I'll be bound."
+
+"Just my luck!" ejaculated the thief dolefully. "After all the pains
+I've taken, too."
+
+"Yes, it is hard lines on a poor industrious man like you!" said the
+new-comer cynically. "You're not smart enough to be a successful
+thief."
+
+"I suppose you are," retorted the other resentfully.
+
+"Yes, I flatter myself I am," returned the other composedly. "When I
+take anything, at any rate I have the sense to take something worth
+carrying away--not a worthless rock like this. You must have had a fine
+time lugging it from the mines."
+
+"It nearly broke my back," said the thief gloomily.
+
+"And now you don't know what to do with it? Take my advice, my friend,
+and carry it back to the original owner. He may find it handy another
+time."
+
+"I'll be blessed if I do," growled the unhappy thief.
+
+"I doubt that," said his companion dryly. "However, do as you please. It
+don't interest me. I don't think on the whole I will accept your offer
+of a partnership. When I take a partner I want a man with some small
+supply of brains."
+
+The first looked at him resentfully. He did not like these taunts, and
+would have assaulted him had he dared, but the new-comer was powerfully
+built, and evidently an unsafe man to take liberties with. He threw
+himself back on the pallet and groaned.
+
+"Well," said the second after a pause, "when you've got through crying
+over spilt milk, will you kindly tell me where I can get something to
+eat?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"Humph! that's short and to the point. It is something I would like very
+much to know, for my part. I feel decidedly hungry."
+
+"I have no appetite," said the luckless thief mournfully.
+
+"You will have, after a while. Then you can't think of any cabin near by
+where we could get a breakfast?"
+
+"There's Joe's.'"
+
+"Where's Joe's?"
+
+"About a mile from here on the road to the camp."
+
+"Are you acquainted with Joe?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is your credit good with him?"
+
+"I think he would trust me for a breakfast."
+
+"And me? You can introduce me as a friend of yours."
+
+"You haven't been talking like a friend of mine," said the first
+resentfully.
+
+"Perhaps not. However, you must make allowances for my natural
+disappointment. You led me into it, you know."
+
+"If it comes to that, I have done you no harm. Even if the nugget wasn't
+real, you had no claim to it."
+
+"You excited my hopes, and that's enough to rile any man--that is, when
+disappointment follows. However, there's no use crying over spilt milk.
+I have an idea that may lead to something."
+
+"What is it?" asked the thief with some eagerness.
+
+"I will tell you--after breakfast. My ideas don't flow freely when I am
+hungry. Come, my friend, get up, and lead the way to Joe's. I have an
+aching void within, which needs filling up. Your appetite may come
+too--after a walk."
+
+Somehow this man, cool and cynical as he was, impressed his fellow
+adventurer, and he rose obediently, and led the way out of the cabin.
+
+"I wish I knew what was your idea," he said.
+
+"Well, I don't mind telling you. I believe the Yankee did find a
+nugget."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"You haven't got it, but you may get it--that is, we may get it."
+
+"I don't see how. He will be on his guard now."
+
+"Of course he will. I don't mean that we should repeat the blunder of
+last night. You may be sure he won't keep it in his cabin another
+night."
+
+"Then how are we to get it?"
+
+"Follow him to Melbourne. He'll carry it there, and on the way we can
+relieve him of it."
+
+"There's something in that."
+
+"We shall be together, and he won't take me in as readily as he did you.
+After breakfast, if we are lucky enough to get any, we must go back to
+the camp, and find out what we can about his plans. Do you think anyone
+saw you last night when you were in the cabin?"
+
+"No."
+
+"That is well. Then you won't be suspected. But I can't say a word more
+till I have had breakfast."
+
+After half an hour's walking--it was only half a mile, but the soil was
+boggy, rendering locomotion difficult--they reached a humble wayside
+cabin, which was in some sort a restaurant, and by dint of diplomacy and
+a promise of speedy payment, they secured a meal to which, despite their
+disappointment, they did ample justice.
+
+Breakfast over, they resumed their fatiguing walk, and reached the
+mining camp about ten o'clock.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+THE NUGGET IN SAFETY.
+
+Fatigued by their exertions of the previous days and the late hours they
+had kept, Obed and the boys rose at a later hour than usual. About eight
+o'clock Obed opened his eyes, and noticed that his two young companions
+were fast asleep.
+
+"It's time to get up, boys," he said, giving them a gentle shake.
+
+The boys opened their eyes, and realized, by the bright sunshine
+entering the cabin, that the day was already well advanced.
+
+"What time is it, Obed?" asked Harry.
+
+"Past eight o'clock. We shall be late at our work."
+
+He smiled, and his smile was reflected on the faces of the boys. Their
+success of the day before made it a matter of indifference whether they
+accomplished a good day's work or not.
+
+"What are we going to do about the nugget, Obed?" asked Harry.
+
+"After breakfast we will carry it to the office of the commissioner, and
+get his receipt for it."
+
+"I shall be glad to get it out of our hands," said Jack.
+
+"If that is the case, Jack, suppose you give your share to me," said
+Harry, in joke.
+
+"I didn't mean to get rid of it in that way," said the young sailor.
+
+"You would be as ready to give it as I to accept it," said Harry. "No,
+Jack, I want you to have your share. I am sure you will have a use for
+it."
+
+After breakfast the three emerged from the cabin, bearing the precious
+nugget with them. They did not meet anyone on their way to the office of
+the commissioner, for all the miners had gone to their work. This suited
+them, for until they had disposed of the nugget, they did not care to
+have their good luck made public.
+
+The royal commissioner was a stout Englishman with a red face and
+abundant whiskers of the same color. He chanced to be at the door of the
+office as the party appeared.
+
+"Well, can I do anything for you?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir; you can give us a receipt for this nugget."
+
+"Nugget!" ejaculated the commissioner, fixing his eyes for the first
+time on the burden which Mr. Stackpole carried. "Bless my soul! you
+don't mean to say that you have found a nugget of that size!"
+
+"That's just what we've done," answered Obed.
+
+"When did you find it?"
+
+"Well, we took it from the mine about midnight. We found it in the
+afternoon, but calculated we'd better take possession when there wasn't
+so many lookin' on. I say, Mr. Commissioner, I don't think it would
+agree with me to be a rich man. I got broken of my rest last night, from
+havin' the nugget in the cabin."
+
+"You ran very little risk. No one could have found out that you had it
+in your possession," remarked the commissioner.
+
+"That's where you are mistaken, commissioner. We came near being robbed
+of it only an hour after we brought it home."
+
+"Bless my soul! How did that happen?"
+
+"A pesky thief sneaked in, and carried it off, as he thought."
+
+"How could he think he carried it off when he did not?"
+
+Upon this Obed explained the trick to which he had resorted, and the
+commissioner laughed heartily.
+
+"Do you know the man--the thief, I mean?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, it is, a man that has been prowlin' round the camp for some weeks,
+not doin' anything, but watchin' for a chance to appropriate the
+property of some lucky miner. I'd like to see the fellow's face when he
+opens the handkerchief this morning, and finds the rock."
+
+"It appears you have lost a handkerchief, at any rate," said the
+commissioner, with a smile.
+
+"He's welcome to it," answered Obed, "if it will comfort him any. I
+brought it away from home two years ago, and now I can afford to buy
+another."
+
+By this time the nugget had been carried into the office and exposed to
+view.
+
+"It is a splendid specimen," said the commissioner admiringly. "It is
+certainly the largest that has ever been found in this camp."
+
+"Has any been found before?" asked Harry.
+
+"Yes; six months ago a Scotch miner, named Lindsay, found one weighing
+twenty-two pounds and some ounces."
+
+"Is he here now?"
+
+"Yes, and without a shilling."
+
+"Didn't his nugget benefit him any then?" asked Harry.
+
+"It became a curse to him. He obtained some thousands of dollars for it,
+and all went in three months."
+
+"How did he get rid of it?"
+
+"In drinking and gambling. Two months since he drifted back to the camp
+in rags. He did not have money enough to buy a claim, but being a good
+practical miner he got a chance to work a claim on shares for another
+man, who had just come out from Melbourne, and who knew very little of
+mining. I hope you will make better use of your money. Are these boys
+your partners?"
+
+"Yes, Mr. Commissioner, they are equal partners. What's one's luck, is
+the luck of all."
+
+Meanwhile the commissioner was weighing the nugget on a pair of scales.
+The three awaited the result with great interest.
+
+"It weighs seventy-four pounds and four ounces," he announced. "My
+friend, it will be famous in the annals of Australia. If I am not
+mistaken, when it is known it will create a stampede to our mines."
+
+"About how much do you think it will realize?" asked Obed.
+
+"At a rough guess, I should say fifteen thousand dollars. It may be more
+and it may be less."
+
+Obed Stackpole's rough face was fairly radiant.
+
+"I say, boys," he remarked, turning to Harry and Jack, "that's a pretty
+good day's work, isn't it?"
+
+"I should say so, Obed."
+
+The commissioner made out a receipt, which Obed put away carefully in
+his pocket.
+
+"That's better than carrying the nugget round," he said.
+
+"I suppose you will go to Melbourne," said the commissioner.
+
+"Yes, we shall start in a day or two."
+
+Here Obed paused, for it occurred to him that there were practical
+difficulties in the way of carrying out his plan.
+
+"That is," he added slowly, "if we can raise the money. I suppose we
+can't borrow on the nugget?"
+
+"No, but I can suggest a way out of your difficulties. You can sell your
+claim. It will realize a good round sum, as the one from which the
+nugget has been taken."
+
+"That's so, Mr. Commissioner. Thank you for the suggestion. Boys, there
+is still some business before us. We'll realize something extra, it
+seems. I don't care how much, if it's only enough to take us to
+Melbourne."
+
+Just then a miner entered the office, and seeing the nugget instantly
+made it his purpose to report the lucky find throughout the camp. The
+effect was instant and electrical. Every miner stopped work, and there
+was a rush to the commissioner's office to see the nugget. All were
+cheered up. If there was one nugget, there must be more. Confidence was
+restored to many who had been desponding. Obed and the two boys were the
+heroes of the hour, and the crowd came near lifting them on their
+shoulders, and bearing them off in triumph.
+
+Obed felt that this was a good time to sell the claim.
+
+"Boys," he said, "we struck it rich and no mistake. How rich I don't
+know. There may be other nuggets where this came from. But I and my
+partners want to go back to America. The claim's for sale. Who wants
+it?"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+SELLING THE CLAIM.
+
+"Let's adjourn to the mine," said Tom Lewis, a short, sturdy
+Englishman.
+
+"Yes, let's see the place where the nugget was found," echoed another.
+
+"All right! I'm agreeable," said Obed.
+
+Followed by a crowd of miners, Obed Stackpole strode to the claim where
+he had "struck it rich." In spite of his homely face and ungainly form
+there was more than one who would have been willing to stand in his
+shoes, homeliness and all. The day before little notice was taken of
+him. Now he was a man who had won fame at a bound.
+
+They soon stood around the lucky claim.
+
+"It isn't much to look at, gentlemen," said Obed, "but looks is
+deceptive, as my old grandmother used to tell me. 'Handsome is as
+handsome does,' and this 'ere hole's done the handsome thing for me and
+my partners, and I venture to say it hasn't got through doin' handsome
+things. It's made three of us rich, and it's ready to make somebody else
+rich. Who'll be the lucky man? Do I hear a bid!"
+
+"Fifty pounds," said Tom Lewis.
+
+"That'll do to start on, but it won't do to take. Fifty pounds I am
+offered. Who says a hundred?"
+
+A German miner offered a hundred, and Tom Lewis raised ten pounds.
+
+A Scotch miner, Aleck Graham, offered a hundred and twenty-five.
+
+From that time the bids rose slowly. Obed showed himself an excellent
+auctioneer--indeed he had had some experience at home--and by his dry
+and droll remarks stimulated the bidding when it became dull, and did
+not declare the claim sold till it was clear no higher bid could be
+obtained.
+
+"Three hundred pounds, and sold to Frank Scott," he concluded. "Mr.
+Scott, I congratulate you. I calculate you've made a pretty good
+investment, and I shouldn't wonder if you'd find another nugget within a
+week. 'Birds of a feather flock together,' as my writing-book says, and
+'it never rains but it pours.'"
+
+Frank Scott came forward and made arrangements for the payment of the
+sum he had offered. Within five minutes he was offered an advance of
+twenty-five pounds for his bargain, which put him in good humor, though
+he declined it. I may as well say here, since we are soon to bid
+farewell to Bendigo, that the claim yielded him double the amount of his
+investment, and though this was not up to his expectations, he had no
+reason to regret his purchase.
+
+The little crowd of miners were just separating when two new-comers
+appeared on the scene. They were the well-matched pair who had met
+earlier in the morning at the deserted cabin. For convenience' sake we
+will call them Colson and Ropes, the former being the man who had stolen
+the nugget, as he supposed.
+
+"What's all this crowd?" said Colson in a tone of curiosity.
+
+Ropes put the question to Tom Lewis, who chanced to be passing.
+
+"Haven't you heard about the nugget?" asked Lewis.
+
+"What nugget?" asked Colson innocently.
+
+"That slab-sided Yankee, Obed Stackpole, found a nugget last night--a
+regular monster--and he's been selling his claim. I bid for it, but I
+didn't bid high enough."
+
+"Where's the nugget?" asked Colson eagerly.
+
+"In charge of the commissioner, who will send it under escort to
+Melbourne."
+
+Colson expected this intelligence. Still he looked downcast. The chance
+of getting hold of it under such circumstances seemed very small.
+
+"What did the claim go for?" questioned Ropes.
+
+"Three hundred pounds. Frank Scott bought it."
+
+"That's a pretty steep price."
+
+"Yes, but there may be another nugget."
+
+"And there may not."
+
+"Then he'll be a loser. Of course there's a risk."
+
+"Is the Yankee going to stay around here?" asked Colson.
+
+"No; he and the two boys are going to Melbourne. I believe they are
+going back to America."
+
+"It's a shame that such a prize should go to Americans," said Colson, in
+a discontented tone.
+
+He would have been very glad to head a movement for robbing Obed and the
+boys of the proceeds of their lucky discovery, on this flimsy ground.
+But Tom Lewis was a fair-minded man.
+
+"I don't see what that has to do with it," said he. "They found it, and
+they have a right to it. Of course, I'd rather it had been me; but it
+wasn't, and there's an end of it."
+
+"Some people are born lucky!" grumbled Colson, as Lewis walked away. "I
+never had any luck."
+
+"The nugget you found wasn't quite so valuable," returned Ropes grimly.
+
+"No; I tugged away for nothing. My arms and shoulders are stiff enough
+this morning. And now the nugget is out of our reach."
+
+"But not the three hundred pounds," said Ropes significantly.
+
+"The price of the claim?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That's true, but it won't do us any good."
+
+"The Yankee will carry that with him. It's worth trying for."
+
+The suggestion seemed to strike Colson favorably. The two held a
+whispered consultation, which seemed to yield mutual satisfaction. They
+were, indeed, congenial spirits, and agreed upon one point, that it was
+better to make a living by knavery than by doing honest work for honest
+wages. Yet there is no harder or more unsatisfactory way of living than
+this. Ill-gotten gains seldom benefit the possessor, and the plans of
+wicked men often fail altogether.
+
+Gradually the two had drawn near to the claim, and at last drew the
+attention of Obed and the boys.
+
+Obed's thin face lighted up with satisfaction as he recognized the man
+who had attempted to steal the nugget.
+
+"Good-mornin', squire," he said politely. "You look kind of tired, as if
+you was up late last night."
+
+Colson eyed him sharply. "Does he suspect?" thought he. "Yes," he
+answered, in an indifferent tone, "I didn't rest very well."
+
+"Where did you pass the night?"
+
+"'Round here," he answered vaguely.
+
+"You look as if you had been taking a long walk."
+
+"You are very observing," said Colson, not over pleased.
+
+"I always was. It pays a man--sometimes."
+
+"I hear you've struck it rich," said Colson, not caring to take notice
+of the other's significant tone.
+
+"Found a nugget, they tell me," interpolated Ropes. "How big was it?"
+
+"Weighs about seventy-five pounds!"
+
+"That is luck!" said Colson, with a sickly smile. He could scarcely help
+groaning as he thought of his loss.
+
+"Well, yes, it is tolerable hefty. I reckon me and the boys will be able
+to take it easy for a few years. But we came near losin' it, after
+all."
+
+"How's that?" Colson asked, but he did not venture to meet Obed's
+glance.
+
+"Some skunk saw us bringin' back the nugget, and prowled round till he
+thought we was all asleep. Then he got into the cabin and carried it
+off. That is, he thought he did, but we was a little too sharp for him.
+We tied up a big rock in my handkerchief, and I guess he had a sweet
+time carryin' it off."
+
+"Ha, ha! A good joke!" said Colson, but his laughter was mirthless.
+
+"I thought you'd enjoy the joke, squire," said Obed. "How I pity the
+poor fellow! His arms must ache with luggin' the old rock. The best of
+it is we know the fellow that took it."
+
+"You do?" ejaculated Colson, his jaw dropping.
+
+"Yes, Harry woke up just in the nick of time and saw him scootin' out of
+the cabin. If I should tell the boys 'round here, I reckon they'd lynch
+him!" added Obed quietly.
+
+"Just so," assented Colson, but his face was of a sickly hue, and taking
+Ropes by the arm he hurried him away.
+
+"That fellow's well scared," said Obed, turning to his two young
+companions. "I reckon he'll make himself scarce till we're out of the
+way."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+THE TWO CONSPIRATORS.
+
+Obed and the boys made arrangements to travel with the party sent by the
+commissioner as an escort to the nugget and other sums intrusted to it
+by different miners. The strong guard gave them a sense of security
+which they would not have had under other circumstances.
+
+They were all in high spirits. They were no longer penniless
+adventurers, but, though not rich, were possessed of enough gold to make
+them feel so. Now that they were well fixed they were all filled with a
+strong desire to see their home across the sea.
+
+"I suppose, Obed, you'll be getting married soon after you reach home?"
+said Harry.
+
+"The very first thing I shall do will be to pay off the mortgage on
+dad's farm," said Mr. Stackpole. "I want to see him a free man, with a
+home that can't be taken from him. Then I'll look after the other
+matter."
+
+"You are right, Obed. I only wish I had a father to help and care for,"
+said Harry soberly.
+
+"I've got a step-father," said Jack, "but I don't feel much like helping
+him."
+
+"You have a mother, Jack."
+
+"Yes, but I shall have to be careful about giving her money, for her
+husband would get it away from her before long."
+
+"Well, boys, we won't borrow trouble before the time comes. For all I
+know Suke Stanwood may have got tired of waitin' for me, and married
+some other feller."
+
+"In that case, Obed, I suppose you would die of a broken heart."
+
+"Not much, but I don't mind sayin' that I should feel uncommon blue."
+
+Two days elapsed before Obed and his party started on their return trip.
+Meanwhile Colson and Ropes had disappeared. The boys had expected to see
+them about the camp, but they had vanished.
+
+"I wonder what has become of them?" said Harry, just as they were
+starting.
+
+"I reckon they're hatchin' some new mischief, wherever they are,"
+returned Obed composedly. "You maybe sure they're not engaged in any
+honest work."
+
+"Perhaps Colson is trying to sell his nugget," suggested Jack with a
+smile.
+
+"He's welcome to all he can get for it," said Obed.
+
+Obed was very near the truth in his conjecture. Their greed was excited
+by thoughts of the nugget which our three friends had discovered, and
+their brains were busied with plans for obtaining possession of it. The
+chances didn't seem very encouraging. It was under strong escort, and it
+would be sheer madness for the two to attack an armed party. It would
+require a much larger force than they could command to make an attack at
+all practicable.
+
+With no special plans, but with the hope that something would turn up in
+their favor, the two men started for Melbourne in advance of the
+government party. They were indebted for the requisite funds to a
+successful theft by Colson, who was an expert in his line. It is
+unnecessary to chronicle their daily progress. We will look in upon them
+on the fourth day.
+
+They were making toilsome progress, over the boggy road, when all at
+once they were confronted by three bushrangers headed by Fletcher.
+
+"Surrender, or you are dead men!" exclaimed Fletcher, with a boldness
+which will be easily understood when it is considered that his force
+outnumbered the travellers two to one.
+
+Neither Colson nor Ropes appeared to be frightened. Indeed, they were
+looking for such an encounter.
+
+"All right, gentlemen," said Ropes quietly. "We are quite ready to
+surrender."
+
+"Empty your pockets," was the next order.
+
+"All right again!" said Ropes. "I am sorry to say we haven't much to
+surrender."
+
+"Is this all you have?" asked Fletcher, frowning when a pound and ten
+shillings were delivered to him as their united contributions to the
+bushrangers' fund.
+
+"We haven't a penny more."
+
+"Search them!" said Fletcher to his followers.
+
+A search, however, failed to bring to light anything more.
+
+"Why, you poor tramps!" exclaimed Fletcher in disgust. "You are unworthy
+the attention of gentlemen."
+
+"Perhaps not, captain," answered Colson. "May I have a word with you in
+private?"
+
+Not without suspicion Fletcher granted this unexpected request, and
+stepped aside with Colson a few paces, taking care, however, to keep
+near enough to his party to insure his safety.
+
+"Well, what have you to say?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"I have no money to give you," replied Colson, "but I have information
+that will enable you to obtain a great deal."
+
+"What is your object in telling me this?" demanded Fletcher, still
+suspiciously.
+
+"The fact is, my friend and I want to join with you in the enterprise,
+and get a fair share of the booty."
+
+"Do you wish to join our band, then?"
+
+"Well, not permanently, but for a little while."
+
+"Out with the information, then!"
+
+"Will you agree to our terms?"
+
+"What are they?"
+
+"We want half of the prize."
+
+"You are very modest," said Fletcher in a sarcastic tone. "How much will
+it amount to?"
+
+"Not far from a hundred thousand dollars."
+
+Fletcher pricked up his ears. This was indeed a prize worth trying for.
+
+"Give particulars," he said.
+
+"A big nugget is on the way to Melbourne, or will be in a day or two. It
+was found at Bendigo. I don't know how much it will net, but probably
+seventy-five thousand dollars. Then there is a considerable amount of
+dust besides."
+
+"Who is to carry it? Is it in the hands of a private party?"
+
+"No, it is under government escort."
+
+Fletcher's countenance changed.
+
+"That is a different matter," he said. "There is danger in attacking a
+government party."
+
+"Think of the big sum at stake."
+
+"It would require the co-operation of the whole band."
+
+"Suppose it does."
+
+"There will be more to divide it among. The captain would not agree for
+a moment to give away half."
+
+"Say a third, then."
+
+"I am not authorized to make any bargain. That will be for the captain
+to decide. You had better tell me all you know about it, and I will lay
+it before the captain and secure you the best terms I can on
+conditions----"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"That you give me quarter of your share."
+
+"That is unreasonable," said Colson, disappointed.
+
+"Then go ahead and rob the government train yourself."
+
+Colson saw that he was helpless, and must submit to any terms proposed.
+He accordingly signified his assent.
+
+"Very well, then," said Fletcher, "you may come with us, and I will
+introduce you to the captain. By the way, who found the nugget? You have
+not told me that."
+
+"A Yankee and two boys."
+
+"What was the Yankee's name?" asked Fletcher eagerly.
+
+"Stackpole--Obed Stackpole."
+
+Fletcher whistled.
+
+"I know the man," he said. "The boys are about sixteen--one a sailor?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I know them all, and I owe them all a grudge. There is nothing I should
+like better than to take all they have and leave them penniless."
+
+"I don't like them myself," said Colson, thinking this was the way to
+curry favor with his new acquaintance.
+
+"You know them also?"
+
+"Yes; they have treated me meanly."
+
+Colson probably referred to their substituting a common rock for the
+rich nugget, and so subjecting him to mortification and disappointment.
+
+Fletcher asked him a few more questions, and then with the new
+accessions plunged into the woods, and led his party to the headquarters
+of the bushrangers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+TAKEN CAPTIVE.
+
+The new recruits, on being introduced to the captain of the bushrangers,
+were subjected to a searching examination by the chief, a suspicion
+having arisen in his mind that the two were spies sent out by the
+government to lure the outlaws into a trap. He was convinced after a
+while that they were acting in good faith, and a conference was called
+to decide what should be done in the matter. On this point opinions
+differed. The nugget, of course, would be a valuable prize, but it would
+be impossible to dispose of it in Melbourne, as the fact of its
+discovery would have been published, and any person attempting to sell
+it would be instantly arrested. This view was held by Captain Ring
+himself.
+
+"That objection is easily met," said Fletcher.
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"One of the band could be sent to America to dispose of it. He could
+carry it in his trunk as ordinary luggage."
+
+"Perhaps you would like to undertake the commission," said Captain
+Ring.
+
+"I should be very willing," said Fletcher eagerly.
+
+"I don't doubt you would," returned the captain, in a sarcastic tone.
+"Who would insure your making over the proceeds to us?"
+
+"I hope you don't doubt my integrity," said Fletcher, with an air of
+virtuous indignation.
+
+"Perhaps I had better say nothing on that subject, Fletcher. The band
+are unwilling to subject you to the temptation--that's all. Many good
+men go wrong."
+
+"You might send someone with me," suggested Fletcher, unwilling to give
+up the tempting prospect.
+
+"We haven't got the nugget yet," answered the captain dryly.
+
+Colson and Ropes had listened with interest to the discussion. They
+began to fear that nothing would be done. They would have been as much
+opposed as anyone to trusting Fletcher, as he had not inspired them with
+confidence. It takes a rogue to detect a rogue, and they already
+suspected his true character. Their hope of revenge on Obed Stackpole
+seemed slipping through their fingers.
+
+"The Yankee and the two boys have a good deal of gold about them,"
+suggested Colson. "Of course it isn't much, compared with the nugget,
+but it is better than nothing."
+
+"How much has the Yankee?" demanded King.
+
+"Three hundred pounds at least."
+
+"That is something, but as he will travel with the government escort, we
+should have to attack the whole party."
+
+"Not necessarily. I have a plan that I think will work."
+
+"Detail it."
+
+Colson did so. What it was will appear in due time.
+
+Meanwhile Obed and the two boys had started on their way to Melbourne.
+With a strong military escort they gave themselves up to joyful
+anticipations of the bright future that opened before them. They no
+longer entertained apprehensions of being waylaid, being secure in the
+strength of their party.
+
+They travelled by easy stages, and at night camped out. A sentry was
+always posted, who stood guard while the rest were asleep, for, unlikely
+as an attack might be, it was deemed necessary to provide against it.
+
+Often, however, after supper Obed and the two boys would take a walk
+together, in order to talk over their plans without interruption from
+others. On the third evening they unwittingly walked a little further
+than usual. Harry was the first to notice it.
+
+"Hadn't we better return, Obed?" he said. "We must be a mile from the
+camp."
+
+"You are right," said Obed. "It would be rather unlucky to meet with the
+bushrangers, just as we are gettin' on so well."
+
+"That's true; we mustn't run any risks."
+
+They started to return, when Jack, stopping suddenly, said, "I thought I
+heard a groan."
+
+"So did I," said Harry.
+
+They paused, and the groan was repeated. It appeared to come from a
+couple of rods to the left in the recesses of the forest.
+
+"If there's any poor critter in pain we ought to help him," said Obed,
+"come along, boys!"
+
+It was not difficult to discover the spot from which the groan
+proceeded. A man of middle age lay outstretched beneath a tree, with an
+expression of pain on his face.
+
+"What's the matter, my friend?" asked Obed, standing over him.
+
+"The bushrangers have robbed and beaten me," said the prostrate man
+feebly.
+
+"You don't say so! How long since?"
+
+"About an hour."
+
+"Then they must be near by," said Harry.
+
+"No; they went away as soon as they got my money."
+
+Meanwhile Jack had been attentively examining the face of the alleged
+victim. He quietly beckoned to Harry to move off to a little distance.
+
+"Well, Jack, what is it?" asked Harry, somewhat surprised.
+
+"That man is one of the bushrangers. I remember his face very well. It
+is one of the gang that captured us."
+
+Harry was naturally startled.
+
+"Are you sure of this?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I know him as well as I do Obed."
+
+"Then it is a plot. We must get away if we can. There is danger in
+staying here."
+
+"You are right there, Harry."
+
+"I will go up and take Obed's place while you call him away."
+
+Harry advanced to the side of the victim, and said quietly, "Jack wishes
+to speak to you a moment, Obed. He thinks we can carry this gentleman
+with us, as he has lost all his money."
+
+"Very well," said Obed, and walked to where Jack was standing.
+
+Harry scrutinized the man's face, and he too recognized him as one of
+the gang--but his face did not betray his suspicions.
+
+"Were you robbed of much money?" he asked in a sympathizing tone.
+
+"I had the value of a hundred pounds with me," said the other feebly.
+
+"I suppose you came from Bendigo like ourselves?"
+
+"Yes; have you been lucky?"
+
+"We had some luck, but we are tired of mining, and are going back to
+Melbourne. Would you like to have us take you along also?"
+
+"Yes, if you would be so kind."
+
+At this moment Obed's voice was heard.
+
+"Come here, Harry; we'll make a litter to carry our friend there if he
+is unable to walk."
+
+"All right, Obed."
+
+There might have been something in Obed's voice that betrayed him. At
+any rate, the victim, looking up, eyed him keenly, and then, to the
+surprise of the boys, gave a sharp whistle. Their suspicions were at
+once kindled, and they started to run, but too late. From the underbrush
+there sprang out three bushrangers, accompanied by Colson and Ropes, who
+covered the boys with their weapons.
+
+"Halt there!" exclaimed Fletcher in a tone of authority.
+
+"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Obed with apparent coolness, though his
+heart sank within him.
+
+"Yes, it's I, Mr. Stackpole," returned Fletcher, with a grim smile. "I
+hope you're better fixed than when we met last. I hear you've found a
+nugget."
+
+"One of those gentlemen with you can give you information about that,"
+said Obed, indicating Colson.
+
+Colson frowned and bit his lip.
+
+"He has told us about it."
+
+"Ask him for it, then. He broke into our tent the night we found it and
+carried it off."
+
+"Is this true?" demanded Fletcher, eying Colson suspiciously.
+
+"No, it's a lie. The nugget is in charge of a mounted escort on the way
+to Melbourne."
+
+"What have you done with _your_ nugget, Colson?" asked Obed.
+
+Colson did not reply.
+
+"There's no time to waste here. Stackpole, you and the boys will have to
+go with us. Here, you two men, close behind them. We must not let them
+escape."
+
+The party started with the captives in the middle. It was decidedly a
+bad outlook for our three friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+OBED IN A TIGHT PLACE.
+
+It must be confessed that the reflections of Obed and the two boys were
+far from pleasant. The cup of happiness had been dashed from their lips
+just as they had begun to taste it. Then again it was very mortifying to
+watch the exultation of Fletcher and Colson, who had finally triumphed
+over them after being successfully baffled.
+
+"The worst of it is," said Obed to Harry, who was walking alongside of
+him, "that them skunks have got the best of it. It's their time to crow
+now."
+
+"That's the way I feel," said Harry soberly. "I believe I would rather
+have lost twice as much to anybody else."
+
+"We haven't lost all, that's a comfort. They will take the money we have
+with us, but if ever we escape to Melbourne, there is the nugget money
+waiting for us."
+
+Just then Colson stepped up with a smile on his face.
+
+"It strikes me I've got about even with you, friend Stackpole," he
+said.
+
+"Don't call me friend, Colson; I don't own any man as friend who acts
+like you. So you're a bushranger, are you?"
+
+"Certainly not," answered Colson, amazed.
+
+"It looks like it," remarked Obed significantly.
+
+"I am merely in the company of the bushrangers just at present."
+
+"Aiding and abetting them in their scheming. That's so, isn't it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"You haven't any interest in the plunder, then?"
+
+Now, one of the bushrangers was within hearing, and Colson didn't
+venture to say "No," or it would be virtually giving up his share of the
+money taken from Obed and the boys.
+
+"I don't care to answer any of your questions," he said stiffly.
+
+"I don't wonder--not a mite, Colson. Still I'd like to ask one."
+
+"What is it? I don't promise to answer it, though."
+
+"Didn't you find that nugget rather heavy?" asked Obed slyly.
+
+Colson didn't answer, but frowned, for the subject was a sore one.
+
+"How many miles did you carry it, if I may be so bold?"
+
+"I don't care to discuss the subject."
+
+"I shouldn't if I were you. It makes me laugh when I think how you must
+have looked when you found out it was nothing but common rock."
+
+"How much does it weigh?" inquired Colson, in a tone of curiosity.
+
+"Somewhere between fifty and five hundred pounds. Are you thinking of
+attacking the guard? I wouldn't if I were you. They are prepared for
+gentlemen of your kind. You'd be more likely to carry off lead than
+gold."
+
+"Confound the fellow!" thought Colson. "He looks as if he had the best
+of me--I must worry him a little."
+
+"Do you know that you are in a very ticklish position?" he asked.
+
+"I can't say it's a position I fancy much. Did you put our friends here
+on the track?"
+
+"Yes, I did," answered Colson in a tone of satisfaction.
+
+"I thought so. That identifies you with them, Colson. You may find it
+used against you in a court of justice."
+
+"I am no more a bushranger than you are," said Colson uneasily.
+
+"I would respect you more if you was, Colson. They're open and
+aboveboard, anyway. You want to profit by the same means, but sneak out
+of it and say you're not a bushranger. It'll be hard to persuade the
+courts of that."
+
+"I have nothing to do with courts."
+
+"You may have yet. Let me give you a piece of advice."
+
+"What is it?" demanded Colson suspiciously.
+
+"Join the band permanently. You're a man after Fletcher's own heart. You
+and he will make a good match."
+
+"Who is that mentioning my name?" asked Fletcher, who happened to be
+within hearing.
+
+"I took that liberty, squire. I've been advisin' Colson here to join
+your band."
+
+"What is that for?"
+
+"I think it's a business that will suit him. His talents all lie in that
+direction. He'll be like a brother to you, Fletcher."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"He don't like the idea. He seems to feel above you. He says he is only
+keepin' company with you for a short time."
+
+"Is that true?" demanded Fletcher, eying Colson with displeasure.
+
+"I never said any such thing," said Colson eagerly. "He twists my words.
+I have the greatest respect for the bushrangers, whom I regard as
+gentlemen."
+
+"Perhaps that is the reason you don't feel gratified to join them,
+Colson?"
+
+Fletcher laughed at this palpable hit, but Colson looked annoyed.
+
+"I don't expect to remain in this section of the country long," said
+Colson deprecatingly, for he was very much afraid of offending Fletcher.
+"Of course I can't form any permanent ties."
+
+"It might be better for you to leave, Colson. I've an idee that it isn't
+good for your health to stay around here very long. You haven't made a
+shinin' success so far. Now, as to that nugget which you stole----"
+
+"Do you mean to insult me? I never took any nugget."
+
+"That's so. You're right there, Colson. But you thought you had, all the
+same. Fortunately, it's where you can't get at it."
+
+"I have something to say on that point," said Fletcher. "I understand
+the nugget is very valuable."
+
+"I'm glad to hear it. You're a judge. I have an idee of that sort
+myself."
+
+"About how much does it weigh?"
+
+"About seventy-five pounds. I don't mind gratifying your innocent
+curiosity, Fletcher."
+
+Fletcher's eyes sparkled.
+
+"It must be very valuable," he said.
+
+"I reckon it is."
+
+"At what do you estimate it--twenty thousand dollars?"
+
+"Not as much as that."
+
+"It ought to come pretty near it, though."
+
+Obed did not answer.
+
+"It's a great prize. You were very lucky."
+
+"So I thought at the time. I don't feel so certain, now," said Obed
+dryly.
+
+"I think half of it will be enough for you."
+
+"What do you mean, Fletcher?"
+
+"I mean that we shall want half of it."
+
+"How are you going to get it?"
+
+"We mean to hold you prisoner till half the proceeds are brought in from
+Melbourne."
+
+Obed's countenance fell. He had not thought of this.
+
+Colson's eyes glistened with pleasure. Till that lucky suggestion was
+made he saw no way of securing a share of the great prize.
+
+"That's a nice scheme, Fletcher," said Obed, regaining his composure.
+
+"So I think. You and the boys would still have a good sum of money. What
+do you say? Shall we make a little friendly arrangement to that effect?
+You could give me an order for half the sum realized, and on my securing
+it you would be released."
+
+"I shall have to talk it over with my partners here," returned Obed.
+"They're equally interested with me."
+
+"Better do so now."
+
+"I won't till evenin', when we have more time."
+
+Fletcher rode away under the impression that Obed was favorably disposed
+to his plan.
+
+"When I get the money," he said to himself, "I can decide whether to let
+the fellow go or not. I don't care for the boys, but I'd like to give
+this Yankee a good flogging, he's so confoundedly sarcastic. Plague take
+it, the fellow doesn't know when he's down, but talks as if he was on
+equal terms with me."
+
+Meanwhile, though Fletcher did not know it, the train of bushrangers had
+steadily advanced to the neighborhood of the place where the government
+escort were encamped.
+
+In fact, he was ignorant that they were so near. But Obed knew it, and
+he was watching his opportunity to apprise his friends of his situation.
+Harry had noticed the same thing. Lest he should make a premature
+revelation, Obed placed his hand to his lips, as a sign of silence.
+Harry understood, and seemed indifferent, but his heart was beating fast
+with excitement.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+THE TABLES ARE TURNED.
+
+It was certainly an oversight in Fletcher not to have ascertained the
+situation of the government encampment. He was under the impression that
+it was in a direction opposite to that in which they were moving, and
+this determined his course. He was therefore wholly unconscious of
+danger, and tranquil in mind, though his situation was critical.
+
+Obed was puzzled to know in what manner to get the necessary
+intelligence to his comrades. Chance gave him a suggestion. The man next
+him wore round his neck a whistle--designed doubtless to use in case of
+emergencies. It was of rather peculiar shape.
+
+"That's an odd whistle you've got there, my friend," he said, "where did
+you get it?"
+
+"In Melbourne," answered the fellow unsuspiciously.
+
+"I think I've seen one like it in the States. Let me look at it a
+minute."
+
+The bushranger allowed Obed to take it in his hand.
+
+Suddenly Mr. Stackpole put it to his mouth, and gave a sharp, loud
+whistle that awakened the echoes in the forest.
+
+Like a flash Fletcher turned from his place at the head of the train and
+eyed the bushranger with a frown. Obed had dropped the whistle, and was
+walking on with an innocent look.
+
+"What is this foolery, Hogan?" demanded Fletcher sharply. "Don't you
+know better than to whistle?"
+
+"I didn't, lieutenant," answered Hogan. "It was this man here."
+
+"The Yankee?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How did he get the whistle?"
+
+"He asked to look at it."
+
+"What does this mean, Stackpole?" asked Fletcher angrily.
+
+"Don't get riled, squire," said Obed imperturbably. "I just wanted to
+try it, that's all. I had a whistle once a little like it. When I was
+workin' for old Deacon Plummer in New Hampshire----"
+
+"Confound old Deacon Plummer!" retorted Fletcher impatiently. "Don't you
+know I might have you shot for what you've done?"
+
+"Shot for whistling! Well, that beats all I ever heard of. I say,
+squire, your laws are stricter than any I ever came across. I didn't
+think I was doin' any harm."
+
+"I will overlook it this time, but if you take any such liberty again,
+I'll have you tied to a tree and whipped."
+
+"That's better than bein' shot, anyway. I won't do it again, squire. I
+aint particularly anxious to get into trouble."
+
+"These Yankees are about as stupid and presuming as any people I ever
+met," Fletcher remarked to the comrade who rode beside him. "That fellow
+is a nuisance, but I mean to teach him a lesson before twenty-four hours
+are over."
+
+Obed and the two boys awaited with anxiety the result of the summons.
+The camp was but an eighth of a mile away, but hidden by the trees.
+
+"Will they hear it?" thought Obed.
+
+It is doubtful whether this would have been the case, but luckily for
+our three friends one of the escort--by name Warner--was taking a walk
+in the woods, and heard the whistle. His curiosity was excited, and
+peering through the trees he saw the bushrangers and their captives.
+
+He was a man of promptness, and returning to the camp with all
+expedition made a report to the officer in command.
+
+"How many are there in the band?" inquired Captain Forbush.
+
+Warner reported.
+
+The captain immediately started, under Warner's guidance, with ten men,
+and arranged to intercept the bushrangers.
+
+The first intimation Fletcher had of his danger was the sudden
+appearance of the government soldiers, who broke through the underbrush
+and took the astonished bushrangers in the flank.
+
+"Surrender instantly, or you are dead men!" exclaimed Forbush sternly.
+
+Fletcher fell back in dismay, and was at first speechless with
+consternation.
+
+"Do you surrender?" repeated the government officer impatiently.
+
+Fletcher's eye ran over the party that confronted him. They outnumbered
+his own forces two to one. He felt that resistance would be useless.
+
+"We will release our captives if you let us go," he said.
+
+"So you would make conditions? You are in no condition to do that. We
+propose to free your captives, and to take you to our camp."
+
+"You had better not," said Fletcher, hoping to intimidate the officer.
+"Our main band is close at hand, and they will avenge us."
+
+"I'll take the risk," said Forbush indifferently. "Throw down your
+arms!"
+
+As this order was given with each of the bushrangers covered by the
+weapons of his own party, the bushrangers found it prudent to comply.
+
+"Very well; now follow me."
+
+First, however, the rifles surrendered by the bushrangers were gathered
+up, and in their defenseless condition they were marched to the
+government camp. It added to Fletcher's annoyance that the weapons
+dropped by his party were picked up and carried by their late captives,
+Obed and the two boys.
+
+"So you're comin' to make us a visit, Fletcher?" said Obed, with an
+exasperating smile. "It's just as well as if we had gone home with you.
+We shall be together anyway, and I know you value our society."
+
+"I'd like to strangle you," muttered Fletcher.
+
+"Thank you, but I don't think I should enjoy it. I've seldom met a
+kinder-hearted man, Fletcher, but you have queer ways of showing it."
+
+Probably the most discomfited members of the party were Colson and
+Ropes. All their schemes had miscarried, and they felt that they were in
+a genuine scrape. If they could only convince the officers that they
+were innocent companions of the bushrangers, they might yet escape.
+Accordingly, when they reached the camp Colson advanced to Captain
+Forbush and said: "Ahem! captain, my friend Ropes and I wish to express
+our thanks to you for your timely rescue, and would like to travel under
+your escort to Melbourne."
+
+"What does the man mean?" asked Forbush, turning to Obed.
+
+"Suppose you ask him," suggested Obed, with a smile of enjoyment.
+
+"Like your friends here we were captured, but a little earlier. I
+hope--ha, ha!--you don't take us for bushrangers? That would be a great
+joke, eh, Ropes?"
+
+"Just so," answered Ropes.
+
+"Suppose you ask Fletcher," again suggested Obed.
+
+"Are these men followers of yours, Mr. Fletcher? They say you captured
+them."
+
+"They did, did they?" returned Fletcher, eying the two men in a manner
+by no means friendly. "It is a lie. They came to me and reported that
+your party were carrying a nugget to Melbourne, and wanted us to attack
+you, and get possession of it. In that case they demanded a share of the
+proceeds. The dogs! so they want to get favor at our expense, do they?"
+
+"Do you know anything about them, Mr. Stackpole?" asked Captain
+Forbush.
+
+"Yes, captain, and I am convinced that my friend Fletcher tells the
+exact truth. That skunk there [indicating Colson] tried to steal the
+nugget the very night of its discovery, and broke into my cabin for the
+purpose. He's a sly, underhand thief, and not to be compared with a bold
+bushranger. I respect them for their pluck at any rate."
+
+"Don't believe him! He's prejudiced against us," whined Colson.
+
+"Gentlemen," said Captain Forbush, "I will comply with your request and
+allow you to travel with me to Melbourne--under guard!"
+
+Fletcher and the bushrangers looked pleased at this announcement. Their
+own prospects were not very bright, but they were glad to find that
+Colson and Ropes were to share their fate.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+FAREWELL TO MELBOURNE.
+
+No further adventures or dangers befell the party on their way to
+Melbourne. It was thought possible that Captain Ring, in charge of the
+main body of the bushrangers, might attempt a rescue of his companions.
+No such attack took place. It might have been that he feared the issue
+of the conflict, but it is also possible that he experienced no poignant
+regret at the capture of Fletcher, who, he well knew, would have been
+glad to succeed him in command.
+
+At first Fletcher was buoyed up by the hope of a rescue. Then, when that
+hope faded out, he sought for an opportunity to escape. In one case he
+would have succeeded but for the vigilance of Obed Stackpole. The
+latter, awakening suddenly, saw Fletcher, who in some way had got out of
+his fetters, stealing quietly away. He sprang to his feet and
+intercepted the fugitive.
+
+"What, Fletcher! you don't mean to say you are goin' to leave us without
+sayin' goodby? We can't spare you, really."
+
+Fletcher tried to shake himself free from the Yankee's detaining grasp.
+
+"Let me alone, you scarecrow!" he exclaimed fiercely.
+
+"Thank you for the compliment, Fletcher," said Obed. "I aint so han'some
+as you are, that's a fact, but I guess I'm a good deal better."
+
+As he spoke his grip became stronger, and Fletcher found his efforts to
+escape absolutely futile.
+
+"I should like to choke you," he said fiercely.
+
+"I've no doubt you would, Fletcher. It would be a nice amusement for
+you, but I'm not quite ready for the operation just yet. When I am I'll
+let you know."
+
+"But for you, I would have got away," said Fletcher, in bitter
+disappointment.
+
+"I guess you would. It's lucky I opened my eyes in time. There'd have
+been mournin' in this camp if you'd got away, Fletcher. You're wastin'
+yourself in the woods. You're fitted to adorn Melbourne society, and it
+won't be my fault if you don't arrive there."
+
+At that moment Captain Forbush awoke.
+
+"What's happened?" he asked anxiously.
+
+"One of our friends was takin' French leave, that's all," said Obed. "I
+woke just in time to persuade him to stay a little longer."
+
+"Ha! so Fletcher was trying to escape, was he? I am indebted to you, Mr.
+Stackpole, for frustrating his plan. We can't spare him at all events. I
+would rather lose any two of his companions."
+
+"You see, Fletcher, how much we value your society," said Obed. "It was
+cruel in you to leave us."
+
+"You're a fool!" exclaimed Fletcher, darting a look of hate at Obed.
+
+"You never did appreciate me, Fletcher. All I want is your good."
+
+Fletcher was secured in such a way that escape was no longer possible.
+In due time he and his comrades reached Melbourne as captives, and were
+transferred to the civil authorities. It may be well to add here that
+they were tried, and sentenced to a prolonged term of imprisonment.
+Colson and Ropes fared a little better, their term being only half as
+long. They submitted sullenly to their fate, but singularly seemed more
+embittered against Obed Stackpole than against any of the officers
+through whose hands they passed. Obed would have fared badly had he
+fallen unprotected into their hands.
+
+It was a joyful day for our young hero, as well as his three companions,
+when they saw rising before them the roofs and spires of Melbourne.
+During the weeks that had elapsed since their departure, they had not
+only "roughed it," but they had met with a series of adventures which
+were pleasanter to remember than to pass through. Twice they had been
+captives, but each time they had been providentially rescued. Harry felt
+that God had watched over him, and delivered him from danger and the
+schemes of wicked men, and his confidence and trust in an Overruling
+Power were stronger than ever.
+
+It was some days before they secured the money resulting from the
+disposal of the nugget. When the matter was finally arranged, they found
+themselves in possession of about sixteen thousand dollars. This
+included the sum realized from the sale of the mining claim.
+
+"That gives us about five thousand three hundred dollars apiece," said
+Harry, after a brief calculation.
+
+"I can't believe it," said Jack, who really seemed bewildered by his
+good fortune. "Why, it's wonderful!"
+
+"So it is, Jack. I dare say you are the richest young sailor of your age
+in the world."
+
+"I don't know about that, but I feel as rich as a Vanderbilt."
+
+"When does the next steamer start, Obed?"
+
+"In four days. Can you be ready in that time?"
+
+"I would get ready to start to-morrow if necessary."
+
+"So would I. Melbourne is a nice city, but I'd rather be on dad's farm,
+eatin' supper in the old kitchen, than in the best hotel here."
+
+"After all, there's no place like home, Obed."
+
+"That's a fact, but perhaps Jack doesn't feel so."
+
+"My home isn't what it was once," said Jack soberly. "If mother hadn't
+married again it would have been different, but I never can like or
+respect my step-father."
+
+"There's one place you ought to visit before you start for home, Harry,"
+suggested Obed.
+
+"I mean to see the city pretty thoroughly before I go, as I don't
+imagine I shall ever come this way again."
+
+"That's all right, but it isn't what I mean."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"Do you remember the old gentleman you saved from a ruffian the night
+before you started for the mines?"
+
+"Mr. Woolson, yes."
+
+"You ought to call, you and Jack."
+
+"I'll go this morning. Will you come too, Jack?"
+
+"I'll go with you anywhere, Harry," said the young sailor, whose
+affection and admiration for Harry were very strong.
+
+About ten o'clock the boys entered the office of Mr. Woolson. It was
+situated in one of the handsomest blocks in Little Collins Street, and
+they learned that he was a wholesale merchant and importer.
+
+"Is Mr. Woolson in?" Harry asked of a clerk.
+
+"He is in the inner office. Have you business with him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Admitted into the inner office, the boys saw the old gentleman seated at
+a large desk with a pile of papers and letters before him. They were by
+no means certain that he would recognize them, but he did so instantly.
+
+"I am glad to see you, my young friends," he said, rising and shaking
+hands with them. "I have thought of you often, and of the great service
+you did me. Have you just returned from the mines?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I hope you have had good luck."
+
+"Wonderful luck. Jack and I are worth over five thousand dollars
+apiece."
+
+"Bless my soul! Why it only seems a week since you went away."
+
+"It is nearly three months, and seems longer to us, for we have passed
+through a great deal."
+
+"I shall be glad to hear a full account, but I have not time in business
+hours. Will you do me the favor to dine with me at my house to-night and
+spend the evening?"
+
+"With pleasure, sir."
+
+"Then I shall expect you. The hour is six o'clock sharp."
+
+The boys met the engagement, and passed the time most agreeably. Jack
+felt a little bashful, for Mr. Woolson lived in fine style, and Jack was
+not used to an elegant house or table.
+
+When the cloth was removed, Mr. Woolson asked the boys their plans.
+
+"We intend to sail for New York next Saturday," said Harry. "That is as
+far as we have got."
+
+"If you were willing to stay in Melbourne, I would give you a place in
+my counting-room."
+
+"Thank you, sir, but I prefer to live in America."
+
+"Then I will give you a letter to my nephew and business correspondent
+in New York. He will further any business views you may have."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"And I will do the same for your friend, if he desires."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Jack, "but I mean to keep on as a sailor; I hope
+some day to be a captain."
+
+"I will give you a place on one of our ships, and you shall be promoted
+as rapidly as you are qualified to rise."
+
+Jack looked gratified, for he knew the value of so powerful a friend.
+
+Late in the evening the boys took leave of the hospitable merchant, and
+three days afterward they embarked for New York.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+SOME OLD ACQUAINTANCES.
+
+We will now return to America, and for the benefit of those readers who
+are not familiar with Harry's early adventures, as narrated in the story
+of "Facing the World," I will give a brief account of his story before
+setting out on the voyage to Australia.
+
+Left an orphan, with a scanty patrimony amounting to three hundred
+dollars, Harry left it all in the hands of his father's friend, Mr.
+Benjamin Howard of Ferguson, and set out, not in quest of a fortune, but
+of a livelihood. He had been recommended by his father to seek a cousin
+of his, John Fox of Colebrook, and place himself under his guardianship.
+He visited Mr. Fox, but found him so mean and grasping that he left him
+after a brief stay, preparing to face the world without assistance. Mr.
+Fox, who had two children, Joel and Sally, was greatly disappointed, as
+he bad hoped to get control of the boy's slender property, and convert
+it to his own use. He pursued Harry, but was unable to overtake and
+capture him.
+
+Months passed, and John Fox heard nothing of his wandering relative.
+
+One day, however, he came home triumphant.
+
+"Well, Maria," he said, addressing his wife, "I've heard of Harry
+Vane."
+
+"You don't say!" ejaculated Joel, his face screwed up into an expression
+of curiosity. "What did you hear? Where is he?"
+
+"Joel," answered his father, with an attempt at solemnity, "the
+judgments of the Lord have fallen upon your unhappy cousin."
+
+"What do you mean, Mr. Fox?" asked his wife, showing curiosity in turn.
+
+"I mean that he is lying dead at the bottom of the sea."
+
+"Don't be so tantalizing, Mr. Fox. If you know anything about the boy,
+out with it!"
+
+When Mrs. Fox spoke in this tone her husband knew that she would not
+stand any nonsense. So he answered without delay. "Soon after he left
+our happy home, Maria, he shipped on board the _Nantucket_, as a common
+sailor, I presume, and the ship was lost off in the Southern Ocean with
+all on board."
+
+"How awful, pa," said Sally, who alone of all the family had felt kindly
+toward Harry, "and he was so good-looking, too!"
+
+"He wasn't a bit better looking than Joel," said her mother sharply.
+
+"Oh, ma!"
+
+"It's true. I never could see any good looks in him, and it doesn't
+become you, miss, to go against your own brother. How did you find it
+out, Mr. Fox?"
+
+"I came across an old copy of the _New York Herald_, giving an account
+of the disaster, and mentioning Harry Vane as one of the passengers. Of
+course it's a mistake, for he must have been one of the common
+sailors."
+
+"Well, I reckon there's no call for us to put on mourning," said Mrs.
+Fox.
+
+"I don't know about that. It might look better."
+
+"What do we care about Harry Vane?"
+
+"My dear, he left property," said Mr. Fox significantly. "There's three
+hundred dollars in the hands of that man in Ferguson, besides the money
+he got for saving the train, as much as two hundred dollars. As we are
+his only relatives, that money ought to come to us by rights."
+
+"That's so, husband. On the whole, I'll put a black ribbon on my
+bonnet."
+
+"And I'll wear a black necktie," said Joel. "How much of the money am I
+to have?"
+
+"Wait till we get it," said his father shortly.
+
+"What steps do you propose to take in this matter, Mr. Fox?" queried his
+wife.
+
+"I'm going to Ferguson to-morrow, to see Mr. Benjamin Howard. Of course
+he won't want to give up the money, but I'll show him I mean business,
+and am not to be trifled with."
+
+"That's right, pa," said Joel approvingly.
+
+"Five hundred dollars will give us quite a lift," said Mrs. Fox
+thoughtfully.
+
+"So it will, so it will, my dear. Of course, I'm sorry to hear of the
+poor boy's death, but I shall insist upon my rights, all the same."
+
+Mrs. Fox warmly approved of her husband's determination, being quite as
+mean and money-loving as he.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+A HEART-BROKEN RELATIVE.
+
+Late in the afternoon, John Fox knocked at the door of Benjamin Howard,
+in the town of Ferguson. It was a hundred miles distant from Colebrook,
+his own residence, and he grudged the three dollars he had spent for
+railroad fare; still he thought that the stake was worth playing for.
+
+"I am John Fox of Colebrook," he said, when Mr. Howard entered the room.
+"You may have heard of me."
+
+"I have," answered Mr. Howard, slightly smiling.
+
+"I am the only living relative of Harry Vane, that is, I and my
+family."
+
+"I have heard Harry speak of you," said Mr. Howard, non-committally.
+
+"Yes, poor boy! I wish he were alive;" and Mr. Fox drew out a red
+bandanna handkerchief and covered his eyes, in which there were no
+tears.
+
+"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Howard, startled.
+
+"Then you haven't heard?"
+
+"Heard--what?"
+
+"That he sailed in the ship _Nantucket_, which was lost, with all on
+board, in the Southern Ocean?"
+
+It so happened that Mr. Howard had received a letter from Harry after
+his arrival in Australia, and so knew that Harry was not lost. For a
+moment he thought Mr. Fox might have later information, but saw that it
+was not so. He decided to draw Mr. Fox on, and ascertain his object in
+calling.
+
+"I hope that this is not so," he said gravely.
+
+"There is not a doubt of it," answered Fox. "There's an account of the
+loss of the vessel in the _New York Herald._ I cut it out, and have it
+in my pocket-book. Would you like to see it?"
+
+"If you please."
+
+Mr. Fox produced the scrap, and asked triumphantly, "Doesn't that settle
+it?"
+
+"Suppose that it does, what then?"
+
+"What then? It follows that Harry's money comes to me and my family, as
+the only surviving relatives. You've got money of his, the boy told
+me."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"About how much?"
+
+"About three hundred dollars."
+
+"So I thought. That money ought to be handed over to me."
+
+"I don't see that, Mr. Fox."
+
+"You don't see that?" interrogated Fox sharply. "Do you mean to keep it
+yourself?"
+
+"Not for my own use; I am not that kind of a man, Mr. Fox. But I have no
+authority to hand the money over in the unceremonious way you expect."
+
+"Why not? Isn't the boy dead?"
+
+"I have no proof of it."
+
+"What better proof do you want than the _New York Herald?_"
+
+"The account in the _Herald_ may contain errors."
+
+"Perhaps you think the boy could swim to shore a few hundred miles,"
+suggested John Fox with sarcasm.
+
+"No, I don't think that likely."
+
+"Then what possible chance had he to escape?"
+
+"He might have been rescued by a passing vessel."
+
+"Look here, Mr. Howard," said Fox indignantly, "you don't mean what you
+say. You evidently mean to keep that money from the lawful claimants. I
+am not much surprised. I expected it. But I can tell you here and now
+that John Fox isn't a man to be cheated and imposed upon. I mean to have
+my rights."
+
+"Are you aware, Mr. Fox, that your language is offensive and
+insulting?"
+
+"I don't care. I came here for justice. That money ought not to be in
+your hands, who are no kith nor kin to Harry Vane. It ought to go to me,
+and I mean to sue you for it."
+
+"Mr. Fox, I propose to obey the law, but it appears to me that you are
+taking it for granted that Harry Vane is dead without sufficient
+proof."
+
+"What more proof do you want than this paragraph? The fact is, you don't
+want to believe it."
+
+"No!" answered Mr. Howard in a tone of emotion, "I don't want to believe
+that poor Harry is dead."
+
+"Nor I," said John Fox. "If the boy hadn't been foolish and left my
+happy home, he'd have been alive to-day. But we can't alter facts. He's
+dead, and all our grief won't bring him back."
+
+Benjamin Howard looked at the man curiously. "His grief doesn't seem to
+be very profound," he thought. "I will test him."
+
+"Even if I were convinced that poor Harry was dead," he said, "I should
+not deliver up the money till you had established a legal claim to it."
+
+"So you mean to put all possible obstacles in my way," said John Fox,
+provoked. "I thought so. But, Mr. Howard, let me tell you that you can't
+rob the orphan."
+
+"Meaning yourself?"
+
+"No, I mean the dead boy--that is the orphan's estate--without settling
+with _me._ I am a man of influence, I'd have you know, and I'll put the
+matter in the hands of the lawyer right off."
+
+"It might be well, first, to listen to what I have to say."
+
+"Aha! he's scared!" thought John Fox.
+
+"I'm ready to hear what you've got to say," he answered, "but it won't
+influence me a particle."
+
+"I think it will. Harry Vane is alive!"
+
+"What!" ejaculated John Fox, his face expressing his dismay. "It's a
+lie. I don't believe it."
+
+"Georgie," said Mr. Howard to his little son, who just then entered the
+room, "go to my desk and bring me Harry Vane's letter."
+
+This was done at once, John Fox meanwhile sitting in painful suspense.
+
+"This letter," said Mr. Howard, taking it in his hand, "was posted, as
+you see, at Melbourne, Australia. Harry was shipwrecked on an island,
+from which he finally escaped, and was carried to Melbourne. He writes
+me that he has gone to the mines, and is hoping to find some gold
+there."
+
+"Is this true?" asked Fox in a hollow voice.
+
+"I will read you the letter, and show you the signature."
+
+"I think it's a forgery."
+
+"No chance of that. I know Harry Vane's handwriting well. But you don't
+look well, Mr. Fox. I thought you would be pleased to hear that Harry
+had escaped from the perils of shipwreck and is alive."
+
+John Fox did not reply, but after examining the letter he rose with a
+rueful countenance, and departed unceremoniously, a badly disappointed
+man.
+
+"It'll cost me three dollars to get back," he groaned, "and I shall have
+to stop at a hotel, for there is no train till to-morrow. 'Most ten
+dollars gone altogether--just thrown away! I'm a very unlucky man."
+
+The news he carried home brought grief to Mrs. Fox and Joel. Only Sally
+seemed glad that Harry was still living. For so expressing herself she
+was severely rebuked by her mother.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+HOME AGAIN.
+
+It was a bright, beautiful morning when our three friends landed in New
+York. Their voyage had been a favorable one, and they had made some
+pleasant acquaintances, but they were overjoyed to tread once more the
+familiar streets and see the familiar sights of the American
+metropolis.
+
+They registered at a quiet hotel on the European system, intending to
+remain in the city a few days. They sought out a prominent broker and
+asked his advice about the investment of their money. He received them
+in a friendly manner, and gave them the best advice in his power. Each
+reserved three hundred dollars for present use.
+
+It was a novelty to all of them to be free from anxiety on the score of
+money, and it may well be believed that all enjoyed the feeling.
+
+The second morning, as they were walking down Broadway, their eyes fell
+upon a familiar figure. Directly in front of them they beheld a slender
+young man, dressed in the extreme of fashion, swinging a light cane. As
+he walked along it was easy to see that he was on the most comfortable
+and agreeable terms with himself, and firmly persuaded that he was an
+object of general admiration.
+
+"Montgomery Clinton!" exclaimed Harry and Jack simultaneously.
+
+"You don't mean to say you know that critter!" said Obed, eying Mr.
+Clinton with evident curiosity.
+
+"Yes, he was one of the _Nantucket_ passengers, and shipwrecked with
+us," said Harry. "He did not remain in Australia, but took a return
+vessel at once."
+
+"That was lucky. A critter like that wouldn't be of much account at the
+mines."
+
+"Stop! I am going to speak to him."
+
+Harry quickened his step, and touched Mr. Clinton on the shoulder.
+
+Clinton turned languidly, but when he saw who it was his face expressed
+undisguised pleasure.
+
+"Mr. Vane!" he exclaimed. "I'm awfully glad to see you, don't you
+know?"
+
+"You haven't forgotten my friend Jack, I hope," said Harry, indicating
+the young sailor.
+
+"I am glad to see him, too," said Mr. Clinton, with modified pleasure,
+offering two fingers for Jack to shake, for he had not forgotten that
+Jack had been a sailor.
+
+"When did you come from Australia?" asked Clinton.
+
+"We only arrived day before yesterday."
+
+"And what luck did you have at the mines?"
+
+"We struck it rich. We are all capitalists, Jack and all."
+
+"You don't say so! I wish I had gone with you, really now."
+
+"I don't think you'd have liked it, Mr. Clinton. We had a hard time. We
+had to wade through mud and mire, and sleep on the ground, and twice we
+were captured by bushrangers. They wanted Jack and myself to join the
+band."
+
+"You don't say so--really?"
+
+"They might have made you a bushranger, Mr. Clinton, if they had caught
+you."
+
+"I never would consent, never!" said Mr. Clinton, with emphasis.
+
+Jack smiled at the idea of the elegant Mr. Clinton being transformed
+into an outlaw and bushranger.
+
+"I am awfully glad I did not go with you," he said, shuddering.
+
+"Let me make you acquainted with my friend, Mr. Obed Stackpole, Mr.
+Clinton," said Harry. "He was with us in all our trials and dangers."
+
+Montgomery Clinton surveyed Obed with evident curiosity. The long gaunt
+figure of the Yankee was clad in a loose rough suit which was too large
+for him, and Clinton shuddered at the barbarous way in which he was
+attired.
+
+"Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Stickpole," he said politely.
+
+"_Stack_pole, if it's all the same to you, friend Clinton," corrected
+Obed. "Glad to see any friend of Harry's and Jack's. You look as if you
+had just come out of a bandbox."
+
+"Ob, thank you," said the gratified dude. "You're awfully kind. My
+friends think I have a little taste in dress."
+
+"My friends never paid me that compliment," said Obed. "Say, how do you
+like my fit out?"
+
+"I--I don't think they have very good tailors in Australia," said
+Clinton hesitatingly.
+
+"Have you as many pairs of trousers as ever, Mr. Clinton?" asked Harry.
+
+"I have only nineteen, Mr. Vane, but I shall order some more soon."
+
+"Nineteen pairs of breeches!" ejaculated Obed in amazement. "What in the
+name of Jehoshaphat do you want of so many?"
+
+"Well, I don't want to have people get used to seeing me in the same
+trousers, don't you know, so every day I wear a different pair."
+
+"It must cost a mint of money to buy so many clothes."
+
+"Oh, I have accounts with four or five tailors. They're willing to wait,
+don't you know. They appreciate a gentleman's custom."
+
+"How long do they wait?" asked Harry.
+
+"I'm owing some two years. There's lots of fellows make them wait as
+long."
+
+"That aint my way," said Obed. "I pay cash. Don't they make a fuss?"
+
+"Oh, they send in their bills, but I don't take any notice of them,"
+said Clinton languidly.
+
+"Then, young man," said Obed, "let me advise you to pay your bills, and
+get back your self-respect. I'd go six months with only a single pair of
+breeches, sooner than cheat a tailor out of a new pair."
+
+"I never wear breeches," drawled Clinton, with a shudder. "I don't know
+what they are. Mr. Vane, those trousers you have on are very unbecoming.
+Let me introduce you to my tailor. He'll fit you out in fashionable
+style."
+
+"Thank you. I believe I do need a new pair."
+
+"Will he fit me, too?" asked Obed.
+
+"He don't make--breeches!" said Clinton disdainfully.
+
+"A good hit, by Jehoshaphat!" exclaimed Obed, slapping Clinton on the
+back with such emphasis that he was nearly upset.
+
+"Don't hit quite so hard," said the dude ruefully. "You nearly upset me,
+don't you know?"
+
+"I know it now. The fact is, friend Clinton, you ought to be shut up in
+a glass case, and put on exhibition in a dime museum."
+
+"How awfully horrid!" protested Clinton.
+
+"You're more fit for ornament than use."
+
+"You're awfully sarcastic, Mr. Stackpole, don't you know?" said Clinton,
+edging off cautiously. "I must bid you good-morning, Mr. Vane, as I have
+to buy a new neck tie. I will go to the tailor's any day."
+
+"What was such a critter made for, anyway?" queried Obed, when Clinton
+was out of hearing. "He looks for all the world like a tailor's dummy."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+THE BOYS SECURE POSITIONS.
+
+Before leaving New York, Harry Vane decided to call upon the nephew to
+whom Mr. Woolson of Melbourne had given him a letter of introduction.
+Upon inquiry, he found that John Woolson & Co. (the style of the firm)
+were large importers in the lower part of the city.
+
+Accompanied by Jack, he called one morning. Mr. John Woolson, a
+courteous gentleman, about forty years of age, received him with
+politeness, which changed to cordiality when he had read his uncle's
+letter.
+
+"My uncle writes here that you two young gentlemen recently rendered him
+an important service."
+
+"We were fortunate enough to save him from being robbed," said Harry
+modestly.
+
+"And maltreated, also, I presume," said the nephew. "When did you arrive
+in New York?"
+
+"Last Thursday, sir."
+
+"Did you leave my uncle well?"
+
+"He looked in excellent health."
+
+"How long do you remain in the city? What are your plans?"
+
+"We think of leaving to-morrow. We wish to see friends from whom we have
+long been parted."
+
+"My uncle wishes me to offer you a position in my establishment, Mr.
+Vane. If that will meet your views, I shall be happy to receive you."
+
+"I should like nothing better, sir," replied Harry, his eyes sparkling.
+
+"Will fifteen dollars a week satisfy you to begin with?"
+
+"But, sir, I can't hope to earn as much as that."
+
+"Well perhaps not, just at first," said the merchant, smiling; "but if
+your looks don't belie you, it will not be long before your services
+will be worth that sum. At any rate I am ready to pay it."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Harry gratefully. "When would you wish me to
+commence?"
+
+"When you please. You had better take a vacation of a month to visit
+your friends. Then come to the city, and enter my employment."
+
+Harry renewed his thanks, and Mr. Woolson turned to Jack.
+
+"Yon have been trained as a sailor, I believe," he said.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do you wish to follow the sea?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Jack promptly. "I love the sea."
+
+"Then I will find you a good position on one of my ships, commend you
+specially to the captain as a young friend of mine, and promote you as
+fast as your progress in seamanship will warrant my doing so."
+
+Now it was Jack's turn to look jubilant, for nothing could have suited
+him better.
+
+"You too will want a vacation. Take as long as you like, and then come
+to me. By the way, I don't know how you are situated as regards money.
+If either of you desires an advance, I shall be glad to accommodate
+you."
+
+"We met with good luck at the mines," said Harry, "and are both well
+supplied with money. We thank you, however, for your kind offer."
+
+The boys left the office in high spirits.
+
+"I don't see but our prospects are bright, Jack," said Harry.
+
+"I didn't think so when we were on the island," said Jack, "or when we
+were captives among the bushrangers."
+
+"No; we have certainly seen some hard times. Let us hope that we have
+had our share, and may look forward now to happier days."
+
+Now that their future was arranged, the boys were in a hurry to leave
+the city and visit their friends. Obed sympathized with them.
+
+"Boys," said he, "I'm gettin' kinder homesick. There's an old man and a
+girl I want to see, and tell 'em of my good luck."
+
+"Your father and----"
+
+"Suke Stanwood. Suke has been waitin' for me five years, and there aint
+no need of waitin' any longer. If all goes well she'll be Mrs. Obed
+Stackpole within a month."
+
+"She may not be able to get her wedding things so soon, Obed."
+
+"She don't need any wedding things. Any dress'll do to be married in."
+
+"You will send us some cards and cake, I hope, Obed."
+
+"Better'n that: I'll send you an invite to the weddin'."
+
+"Then it'll have to come soon, Obed. I shall be gone to the city, and
+Jack to sea within a month."
+
+"Then we'll hurry it up. It'll give me a good excuse. But there's one
+thing I'm going to do before I get married."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"Pay off the mortgage on dad's farm. It's only a thousand dollars, but
+dad couldn't lift it if he lived to a hundred."
+
+"And what are you going to do, Obed?"
+
+"There's a farm alongside I can buy for twenty-five hundred dollars,
+with a comfortable house thrown in. I can buy it, and have more than
+enough money left to furnish the house and stock the farm."
+
+"I wish you happiness, Obed; but don't you think you'll ever pine to be
+back in Australia?"
+
+"I may hanker after a sight of Fletcher and his two cronies, Colson and
+Ropes," returned Obed with dry humor, "but we can't have everything in
+this world, and I'll try to rub along with the blessings I have."
+
+Let me add here that Obed carried out his programme. He paid the
+mortgage, bought the farm, and in less than three weeks he was a married
+man. Harry and Jack were at the wedding, and received great attention
+from all Obed's friends. To the inhabitants of the little village it
+seemed wonderful that boys so young should have traveled so far, and
+passed through such varied experiences.
+
+"I expect an invite to each of your weddings, boys," said Obed, as they
+were on the point of leaving him. "One good turn deserves another."
+
+"You will have to exercise a little patience, Obed," said Harry,
+smiling.
+
+"Don't wait as long as I did," said Obed. "I got to be a cranky old
+bachelor before I hitched horses."
+
+"Mrs. Stackpole will soon cure you of that," said Harry, with a smile.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+When Harry had completed his business in New York, he took the train at
+once to his native village. His arrival made quite a sensation. Not only
+Mr. Howard, his father's friend, received him with joy, but there were
+many other friends besides who rejoiced in his good fortune.
+
+"You have been very fortunate, Harry," said Mr. Howard. "You tell me
+that you have about five thousand dollars?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and it makes me feel rich."
+
+"Besides the two thousand dollars I have in charge for you."
+
+"Two thousand dollars!" ejaculated Harry in amazement. "You mean three
+hundred, Mr. Howard."
+
+"No, I mean what I say," replied his friend, with a smile.
+
+"But I don't understand----"
+
+"Don't you remember the fifty shares of mining stock you placed in my
+hands?"
+
+"Yes, they were given me by my father. I thought them worthless."
+
+"A month ago I learned the contrary. I took the liberty, without
+consulting you, as you were absent, to sell them. They realized
+seventeen hundred dollars net, thus carrying up the amount in my hands
+to two thousand dollars."
+
+"Is it possible that I am worth seven thousand dollars? It seems
+wonderful!"
+
+"But the best of it is that it is true. Then was there not a sum of
+money which you received for saving a railroad train?"
+
+"Yes, I have used part of it, but one hundred and fifty dollars remain.
+It is in the hands of a Mr. Conway, president of the road."
+
+"Then it appears to me, Harry, taken in connection with your offer of
+employment in New York, you are in a very enviable position. How old are
+you?"
+
+"I shall soon be seventeen."
+
+"Then you are beginning the world young. Continue to deserve good
+fortune, and you are likely to prosper."
+
+Before returning to New York Harry felt inclined to visit his would-be
+guardian, John Fox, whose treatment of him has been recorded at length
+in "Facing the World."
+
+He took the train, as before, to Bolton, and thence went by stage to
+Colebrook. He walked to the Fox mansion, and going up to the front door
+knocked.
+
+The door was opened by Mrs. Fox herself. She did not immediately
+recognize Harry in his handsome suit, with a gold chain crossing his
+vest, attached, it may be added, to a handsome gold watch, which he had
+bought in New York.
+
+"What is your business, young man?" she asked.
+
+"Don't you remember me, Mrs. Fox?" asked Harry.
+
+"Land's sake! It aint Harry Vane!" she exclaimed in wonder.
+
+"Yes, it is," answered Harry, smiling. "I hope Mr. Fox and Joel are
+well."
+
+"Come in, and I'll call Joel. You've been doing well, aint you?" she
+asked, surveying him with eager curiosity.
+
+"I have been very fortunate indeed."
+
+"I thought you was drowned--wrecked on a ship or something."
+
+"If I was, I have come to life again."
+
+"Well, well, it's strange. I'll call Joel."
+
+Joel, who was at the barn, soon entered.
+
+He, too, surveyed Harry curiously.
+
+"How d'y' do?" he said. "I never expected to set eyes on you again. Is
+that a gold watch you have?"
+
+"Yes, Joel."
+
+"Let me see it. How much did it cost?"
+
+"A hundred dollars, besides the chain."
+
+"Gosh! Aint that a sight of money! Did you spend all your money on it?"
+
+"No, I bought a chain too."
+
+"To my mind you was very foolish to spend all your hard earnin's that
+way! There's no fool like a young fool," said Mrs. Fox severely.
+
+"But, Mrs. Fox, I have some money left."
+
+"How much?" asked Joel eagerly.
+
+"Seven thousand dollars."
+
+"Gosh all Jerusalem! you aint yarnin', be you? Seven thousand dollars!"
+
+"Who's talkin' of seven thousand dollars?" asked a familiar voice, as
+Mr. Fox entered the room.
+
+"Harry Vane says he's worth seven thousand dollars!" exclaimed Joel in a
+tone made up of amazement, jealousy, and wonder.
+
+"Is that true?" asked John Fox in equal amazement.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Fox."
+
+"But how on 'arth----"
+
+Then Harry gave a full explanation, with which I don't propose to
+trouble the reader, as it would be a twice-told tale.
+
+"Some folks seem born to luck!" said Mr. Fox furiously, when Harry had
+completed his story. "Joel may work and toil all his life, and he won't
+get no seven thousand dollars. It seems hard!"
+
+John Fox had been much impressed by Harry's luck, and his avaricious
+soul was busying itself with some scheme for turning it to his personal
+advantage.
+
+"I'm glad you've been so lucky, Harry," he said with affected
+cordiality. "It beats all, I must say. I've no doubt you are ready now
+to carry out your dear father's dyin' wish."
+
+"What was that, Mr. Fox?"
+
+"He wanted me to be your guardeen. It stands to reason a boy of sixteen
+aint to be trusted with so much money. Now I'm an experienced man of
+business, and I'm willin' to be your guardeen, and I won't charge you a
+cent for takin' care of your property except board money."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Fox," said Harry, with an amused smile, "but I am
+offered a place in New York at fifteen dollars a week, and I have
+friends who will advise me about the investment of my money."
+
+"Fifteen dollars a week!" repeated Mr. Fox dolefully. "Can't you get a
+place for Joel in the same store?"
+
+"If I can find Joel a satisfactory place in the city I will do so," said
+Harry, "but I ought to say that my employer only pays me high wages out
+of favor."
+
+"I'll take ten," said Joel eagerly. "You know you and me was always
+friends, Harry."
+
+"Joel always liked you," said politic Mr. Fox.
+
+Harry knew better, but he was on good terms with the world, and he did
+not dispute this statement.
+
+"I'll do what I can," he said. "Meanwhile, Mr. Fox, I should like to
+make Joel and his sister a small present."
+
+He gave them each a ten-dollar bill, which made Joel's eyes sparkle with
+joy.
+
+Mr. Fox renewed his suggestion that Harry select him as a "guardeen,"
+but Harry politely but firmly declined to entertain the proposal.
+Nevertheless, when he left the house, he was warmly urged to come again
+and often. He understood the reason of the cordiality, and knew very
+well that if he had come back poor his reception would have been very
+different.
+
+Before going back to New York he made a visit of a couple of days to his
+old friend and employer, Professor Hemmenway, the prestidigitateur, who
+was delighted with the success of his young friend. He offered Harry a
+new engagement, but of course it was declined.
+
+In New York he met Jack, and inquired how he had fared.
+
+"I found my step-father dying," answered Jack. "In fact he drank himself
+to death after wasting all mother's property. But I have bought her a
+small house, and insured her an income sufficient to keep her
+comfortable. The last will require some of my principal, but I shall be
+earning good wages, and can make it up when I return home."
+
+"When do you sail, Jack?"
+
+"Next week, on one of Mr. Woolson's ships. I am to go to China."
+
+"I hope you'll steer clear of the island we were wrecked on, Jack."
+
+"I never want to see it again, Harry; still it brought us luck."
+
+"I shall be sorry to part with you, Jack. I wish you could be content to
+stay in New York."
+
+"No, Harry, I can't give up the sea yet. It is my great ambition to
+command a ship myself some time."
+
+"I think you will accomplish it, Jack, for you stand well with the
+owners."
+
+Five years have passed. Harry and Jack are each twenty-one. Harry
+occupies a confidential position with the firm, and is likely to be a
+partner before he is much older. Jack is first mate, and will be a
+captain before he is twenty-five. His mother is living, and happy in his
+success, and enjoying the comfortable home he has provided for her.
+
+Harry obtained a position for Joel in the city, but he proved
+unsatisfactory to his employer and was soon discharged. Another
+situation he held as brief a time. At last he was obliged to go home and
+assist his father, who treats him almost as penuriously as he would have
+done Harry. Joel is dissatisfied and unhappy, and his mother thinks he
+was born to bad luck, but those who know Joel think his want of success
+springs from a different source. Harry and Jack obtained success because
+they deserved it. If Joel were more like them he too might succeed. And
+I am sorry to say he is looking forward impatiently to the time when he
+shall inherit his father's property. It is very wrong, but perhaps Mr.
+Fox himself is partly to blame.
+
+Whenever Jack comes home from a voyage he calls upon Harry, and together
+they talk over their adventures in a New World. Sometimes Obed Stackpole
+calls also. He has two boys, whom he has named respectively Harry and
+Jack in honor of his two companions in Australia.
+
+
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+FAMOUS
+
+CASTLEMON
+
+BOOKS.
+
+BY
+
+HARRY
+
+CASTLEMON.
+
+Illustration: Specimen Cover of the Gunboat Series.
+
+No author of the present day has become a greater favorite with boys
+than "Harry Castlemon;" every book by him is sure to meet with hearty
+reception by young readers generally. His naturalness and vivacity lead
+his readers from page to page with breathless interest, and when one
+volume is finished the fascinated reader, like Oliver Twist, asks "for
+more."
+
+** Any volume sold separately.
+
+
+
+GUNBOAT SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 6 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7 50
+Frank, the Young Naturalist  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank in the Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank on the Prairie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank on a Gunboat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank before Vicksburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank on the Lower Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+GO AHEAD SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Go Ahead; or, The Fisher Boy's Motto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+No Moss; or, The Career of a Rolling Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Tom Newcombe; or, The Boy of Bad Habits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank among the Rancheros  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank in the Mountains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Sportsman's Club Afloat  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Sportsman's Club among the Trappers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+FRANK NELSON SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols. 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Snowed Up; or, The Sportsman's Club in the Mts . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Frank Nelson in the Forecastle; or, The Sportsman's Club among the
+Whalers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Boy Traders; or, The Sportsman's Club among the Boers  . . . . . 1 25
+
+BOY TRAPPER SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+The Buried Treasure; or, Old Jordan's "Haunt"  . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Boy Trapper; or, How Dave Filled the Order . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Mail Carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+ROUGHING IT SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+George in Camp; or, Life on the Plains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+George at the "Wheel; or, Life in a Pilot House  . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+George at the Fort; or, Life Among the Soldiers  . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+ROD AND GUN SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Don Gordon's Shooting Box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Rod and Gun  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Young Wild Fowlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+FOREST AND STREAM SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Joe Wayring at Home; or, Story of a Fly Rod  . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Snagged and Sunk; or, The Adventures of a Canvas Canoe . . . . . . . 1 25
+Steel Horse; or, The Rambles of a Bicycle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+WAR SERIES. By Harry Castlemon. 4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth,
+extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5 00
+True to his Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Rodney, the Partisan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Marcy, the Blockade Runner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Marcy, the Refugee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+OUR FELLOWS; or, Skirmishes with the Swamp Dragoons. By Harry Castlemon.
+16mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+
+
+ALGER'S
+
+RENOWNED
+
+BOOKS.
+
+BY
+
+HORATIO
+
+ALGER, JR.
+
+Illustration: Specimen Cover of the Ragged Dick Series.
+
+Horatio Alger, Jr., has attained distinction as one of the most popular
+of books for boys, and the following list comprises all of his best
+books.
+
+*** Any volume sold separately.
+
+RAGGED DICK SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 6 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box   . . . . . . .$7 50
+Ragged Dick; or, Street Life in New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Fame and Fortune; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Mark, the Match Boy; or, Richard Hunter's Ward . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Rough and Ready; or, Life among the New York Newsboys  . . . . . . . 1 25
+Ben, the Luggage Boy; or, Among the Wharves  . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Bufus and Rose; or, the Fortunes of Rough and Ready  . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+TATTERED TOM SERIES. (FIRST SERIES.) By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols.,
+12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . .$5 00
+Tattered Tom; or, The Story of a Street Arab . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Paul, the Peddler; or, The Adventures of a Young Street Merchant . . 1 25
+Phil, the Fiddler; or, The Young Street Musician . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Slow and Sure; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+TATTERED TOM SERIES. (SECOND SERIES.) 4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5 00
+Julius; or the Street Boy Out West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Young Outlaw; or, Adrift in the World  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Sam's Chance and How He Improved it  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Telegraph Boy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. (FIRST SERIES.) By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols.,
+12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . .$5 00
+Luck and Pluck; or John Oakley's Inheritance . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Sink or Swim; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Strong and Steady; or, Paddle Your Own Canoe . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Strive and Succeed; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad  . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. (SECOND SERIES.) By Horatio Alger, Jr. 3 vols.,
+12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . .$5 00
+Try and Trust; or, The Story of a Bound Boy  . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Bound to Rise; or Harry Walton's Motto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Risen from the Ranks; or, Harry Walton's Success . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Herbert Carter's Legacy; or, The Inventor's Son  . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+CAMPAIGN SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Prank's Campaign; or, The Farm and the Camp  . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Paul Prescott's Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Charlie Codman's Cruise  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$5 00
+Brave and Bold; or, The Story of a Factory Boy . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Jack's Ward; or, The Boy Guardian  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Shifting for Himself; or, Gilbert Greyson's Fortunes . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Wait and Hope; or, Ben Bradford's Motto  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 35
+
+PACIFIC SERIES By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols. 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5 00
+The Young Adventurer; or, Tom's Trip Across the Plains . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Young Miner; or, Tom Nelson in California  . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Young Explorer; or, Among the Sierras  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Ben's Nugget; or, A Boy's Search for Fortune. A Story of the Pacific
+Coast 1 25
+
+ATLANTIC SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5 00
+The Young Circus Rider; or, The Mystery of Robert Rudd . . . . . . . 1 25
+Do and Dare; or, A Brave Boy's Fight for Fortune . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Hector's Inheritance; or, Boys of Smith Institute  . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Helping Himself; or, Grant Thornton's Ambition . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 4 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box   . . . . . . .$5 00
+Bob Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Store Boy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Luke Walton  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Struggling Upward  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+NEW BOOK BY ALGER.
+
+DIGGING FOR GOLD. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
+Illustrated 12mo. Cloth, black, red and gold . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+
+
+
+A
+
+New Series
+
+of Books.
+
+Indian Life
+
+and
+
+Character
+
+Founded on
+
+Historical
+
+Facts.
+
+Illustration: Specimen Cover of the Wyoming Series.
+
+By Edward S. Ellis.
+
+*** Any volume sold separately.
+
+BOY PIONEER SERIES. By Edward S. Ellis. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully
+illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Ned in the Block House; or, Life on the Frontier . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Ned in the "Woods. A Tale of the Early Days in the West  . . . . . . 1 25
+Ned on the River . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+DEERFOOT SERIES. By Edward S. Ellis.
+In box containing the following. 3 vols., 12mo. Illustrated  . . . .$3 75
+Hunters of the Ozark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Camp in the Mountains  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+The Last "War Trail  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+LOG CABIN SERIES. By Edward S. Ellis.
+3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In
+box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Lost Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1 25
+Camp-Fire and Wigwam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Footprints in the Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+WYOMING SERIES. By Edward S. Ellis. 3 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated.
+Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$3 75
+Wyoming  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Storm Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Cabin in the Clearing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+NEW BOOKS BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.
+
+Through Forest and Fire. 12mo. Cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+On the Trail of the Moose. 12mo. Cloth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+By C. A. Stephens.
+
+Rare books for boys--bright, breezy, wholesome and instructive; full of
+adventure and incident, and information upon natural history. They blend
+instruction with amusement--contain much useful and valuable information
+upon the habits of animals, and plenty of adventure, fun and jollity.
+
+CAMPING OUT SERIES. By C. A. Stephens.
+6 vols., 12mo. Fully illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors.
+In box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7 50
+Camping Out. As recorded by "Kit"  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Left on Labrador; or The Cruise of the Schooner Yacht "Curfew."
+ As recorded by "Wash" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Off to the Geysers; or, The Young Yachters in Iceland.
+ As recorded by "Wade" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+Lynx Hunting. From Notes by the author of "Camping Out"  . . . . . . 1 25
+Fox Hunting. As recorded by "Raed" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+On the Amazon; or, The Cruise of the "Rambler."
+ As recorded by "Wash" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 25
+
+
+
+By J. T. Trowbridge.
+
+These stories will rank among the best of Mr. Trowbridge's books for the
+young and he has written some of the best of our juvenile literature.
+
+JACK HAZARD SERIES. By J. T. Trowbridge.
+6 vols., 12mo. Fully Illustrated. Cloth, extra, printed in colors. In
+box $7 50
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of In A New World, by Horatio Alger
+
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