Page 55 - In A New World
P. 55
CHAPTER X.
FLETCHER TURNS UP AGAIN.
Harry didn’t need to be told that bushrangers in Australia correspond to
bandits in Italy and highwaymen in other countries. The escaped convicts
and desperate characters who are naturally attracted to a new country,
readily adopted the wild and lawless life of the bushrangers. Stories of their
outrages were common enough, and among the dangers apprehended in a
journey to or from the mines, that of meeting with a party of this gentry
was perhaps the most dreaded.
Though Obed Stackpole betrayed no emotion, but was outwardly quiet, his
heart sank within him when he saw the bushrangers strung along the road.
"I guess our trip to the mines must be given up," said he in a low voice to
Harry.
Meanwhile Harry had been scanning the faces of the men who confronted
them, and made a surprising discovery.
"Look, Obed," he said eagerly, "at that man on the extreme right."
Mr. Stackpole did look.
"Dick Fletcher, as I’m a living sinner!" he ejaculated.
But at this point the leader of the bushrangers broke silence.
"Do you surrender?" he asked in brief, commanding accents.
"I think we shall have to, squire," answered Obed, to whom the demand
was naturally addressed. "But I would like to ask a question or two if you
don’t mind."
"Go on."
