Page 189 - In A New World

"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.