Page 90 - In A New World

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.