Page 190 - In A New World

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