Page 47 - In A New World

"I’d rather die now than suffer as I have done in the last three days,"

"You won’t have to. We’ve got plenty and to spare."

"But I have no money. I have been robbed of everything."

"Robbed! How is that?"

"It’s rather a long story. You may not have patience to hear it."

"We’ve got time enough, and patience enough, but perhaps you don’t feel
strong enough to talk."

"I didn’t before you relieved my hunger. The food and the tea have put new

life into me, as you predicted they would."

"Then go ahead, stranger. We’re all anxious to hear your story."

"I am an Englishman," began the unknown, "and my name is Ralph

Granger. When the report reached England of the richness of the Australian
gold-fields, I sold out my business, and was among the first to come out
here. By the sale of my business I realized about five hundred pounds.

Three hundred I left with my wife-- I have no children--to keep her while I
was gone. It is very fortunate that I took this precaution and left her so well

provided for, since, had I brought all my money with me, it would all have
been lost."

The three adventurers looked at each other soberly. The ill fortune of their
new acquaintance did not augur very well for their good fortune.

"Then you had bad luck," said Harry inquiringly.

"On the contrary I had good luck," replied the stranger.

"Good luck!" repeated Harry in surprise. "Then how— "