Page 45 - In A New World

CHAPTER VIII.

A VICTIM OF TREACHERY.

All the party felt relieved to be rid of Fletcher. Without being able to prove
anything against him, all believed him to be unworthy of confidence. Now

they were a united party, and whatever might be the hardships of the trip
they were ready to sympathize and co-operate with each other.

They had already learned that it was no holiday trip they had undertaken.
The bogs have already been referred to. In addition the heat was oppressive

in the middle of the day. Then the numerous insects that infest
Australia--the ants, flies, and scorpions--were most troublesome. They had

to be very careful to avoid being bitten, for the bite of any these is severe
and dangerous. On the day succeeding their parting from Fletcher they
accomplished but six miles, the road being unusually swampy.

"I feel about tuckered out," said Obed, about the middle of the afternoon,

just after he had extricated the team, by great personal effort, from a
morass. "If I’d ’a’ known as much of the country before startin’ I wouldn’t
have started at all."

"It’s a long road that has no ending," said Harry, smiling. He, too, was very

tired, but youth is hopeful.

"It’s the worst country I ever travelled in, by a long shot. If I ever make my

pile, I’ll take the first steamer back to Frisco."

"Who’s that?" suddenly exclaimed Jack.

Obed and Harry, looking up, saw a forlorn-looking figure approaching

them. It was a man of middle age, and emaciated in appearance, looking the
image of despair. He tottered rather than walked, from exceeding weakness.

"For Heaven’s sake give me something to eat! I am almost famished," he
cried.