Page 62 - In A New World

"The boy has sense," said the captain approvingly.

"Well, good-by, boys," said Obed, wringing the hands of his two young
friends. "I shall feel awfully lonely, that’s a fact, but as you say, we may

meet again."

"Good-by, Obed," said each boy, trying not to look as sorrowful as he felt.

Obed Stackpole turned, and walked slowly away. His prospects were by no

means bright, for he was left without money or provisions in the Australian
wilderness, but at that moment he thought only of losing the
companionship of the two boys, and was troubled by the thought that they

might come to harm among the bushrangers.

"If I only knew where they were goin’ to take ’em," he said to himself, "I’d
foller and see if I couldn’t help ’em to escape."

To follow at once, however, he felt would be in the highest degree
imprudent, and he continued to move away slowly, but without any definite

idea of where he intended to go.

When Obed had disappeared, Fletcher came up to the boys, and said with a

smile:

"So you miss that Yankee, do you?"

"Yes, I do," answered Harry.

"You like him?"

"Yes."

"Then I don’t admire your taste. He’s rough and uncouth, and is more fitted
for a farm laborer than for society."

"That may be," said Harry, "but he is honest and reliable."