Page 52 - In A New World

"I believe your advice to be good, and will accept your kind invitation.
When I met you I was about worn out, but the tea and food have put new

life in me, and my strength has returned."

After an hour’s halt, the little party resumed their march. They were
compelled to go so slowly, in consequence of the difficulties of the way,
not caring, of course, to get ahead of the oxen, that Granger was easily able

to keep up. He proved to be a pleasant addition to the party, and all were
glad to have exchanged Fletcher for him. They were not destined to travel

long together, however, for before nightfall they fell in with a party of eight
persons bound for Melbourne. The two parties halted, and had a
conference. Granger’s story being told, they agreed to let him join their

party, in consideration of a fair compensation which he agreed to make on
his arrival at Melbourne.

"Good-by, Granger," said Obed, as they parted. "I think you’re all right
now. I wish you good luck for the balance of your journey."

"Thank you, Mr. Stackpole," said Granger, grasping the Yankee’s hand

cordially. "If I do, I shall feel that I am indebted to you for my good
fortune. I shudder to think what would have been my fate if I hadn’t fallen
in with you."

"Then don’t think of it! Good-by. Perhaps we shall meet again."

Granger also shook hands with Harry and Jack, and so they parted on the
best of terms.

"I wonder whether we shall meet with any more of that mean skunk

Fletcher’s victims," said Obed. "He’s in a pretty mean business."

"There’s no doubt about that," said Harry. "I’d rather live poor all my life

than live by fleecing my neighbors."

Toward the close of the day they entered a much pleasanter country. In
place of sandy clay, baked hard in the sun, alternating here and there with a