Page 191 - In A New World

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