Page 188 - In A New World

"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.