Page 58 - In A New World

CHAPTER X. 61

Fletcher whipped out a knife and was about to obey directions, but Obed
anticipated him.

"I’ll save you the trouble, Fletcher," he said. "As you’re bound to have the

money, I may as well give it up. Just hand over that jack-knife, won’t you?"

Fletcher hesitated, not understanding his meaning.

"Oh, I’ll give it back to you if you want it, but I need it to get the money."

Upon this the knife was given back to him.

Obed cut open the lining of his pantaloons, and drew out four five-pound
bank-notes. They were creased and soiled, but this did not impair their

value.

"I guess that’s what you were after," said Obed. "I can’t say you’re welcome

to them, but that doesn’t make any difference to you, I take it."

"Is that all you’ve got?" demanded the chief of the bushrangers, looking
very much disappointed.

"Every cent, squire."

The leader turned to Fletcher.

"Didn’t you tell us this man was well fixed?" he asked.

"I thought so," answered Fletcher, crestfallen.

"I thought you knew it. Why, this is a contemptibly small sum, and doesn’t
pay for our trouble."

"You’re right, squire," said Obed. "It aint worth carryin’ away. You may as

well give it back, Fletcher."