Page 51 - In A New World

"How can I thank you for your great kindness?" he said earnestly. "I feel
that you have saved my life."

"Tut, tut." said Obed, "I’ve only done as you would have done in my place.

Obed Stackpole isn’t the man to let anyone go hungry when he has enough
and to spare. But finish your story, my friend. How long is it since you
parted company with that skunk, Fletcher?"

"I think it is only seven days, but it has seemed a month."

"And didn’t you meet anybody humane enough to relieve your hunger?".

"Yes, during the first four days, but not for the last three. Part of the time I
lost my way, and did not meet anyone. I hope you will never know such

torments as I have known in that time."

"Amen to that! And now, my friend, what are your plans?"

"I should like to go back to Melbourne," said the stranger hesitatingly. "If

you say so, we’ll fit you out with three days’ provisions, and you can push
on."

"I hardly like to go alone."

"I am sorry, for your sake, that we are going the other way. You see we
haven’t made our pile yet, and must go on. I wish we were on our way back,
with our pockets well lined. Although you have been robbed, you’ve got a

good sum waiting for you in Melbourne."

"True; I shall be all right when I get there, but as I am at present situated, it
seems very uncertain when I shall have that good fortune."

"I’ll tell you what you’d better do, Granger. Come along with us, and join
the first party we meet bound for the city. You will, at all events, be sure of

your victuals till then."