Page 66 - In A New World

CHAPTER XII.

THE HOME OF THE BUSHRANGERS.

On a slight rise stood a collection of huts, covered with sheets of the bark
of the gum-tree, held on by ties of bullock hide. For the most part they

contained but one room each. One, however, was large and, the boys
afterward learned, was occupied by the captain of the bushrangers. Another

served as a stable for the horses of the party.

This Harry judged to be the home of the outlaws, for no sooner had they

come in sight of it than they leaped from their horses and led them up to the
stable, relieving them of their saddles. Then the bushrangers sat down on

the ground, and lounged at their ease. The attendants forthwith made
preparations for a meal, appropriating the stores which had just been taken
from Obed and the boys. The captives were not sorry that there was a

prospect of a meal, for by this time they were hungry. They followed the
example of their companions, and threw themselves down on the ground.

Next to them was a young bushranger, apparently about twenty-two years
of age, who had a pleasant face, indicative of good humor.

"How do you like our home?" he asked, turning to Harry with a smile.

"It is a pleasant place," answered Harry.

"How would you like to live here?"

"I don’t think I should like it," Harry replied honestly.

"And why not? Is it not better than to be pent up in a city? Here we breathe
the pure air of the woods; we listen to the songs of the birds; we are not

chained to the desk or confined from morning till night in a close office."

"That is true, but are there not some things you do not like about it?" asked
Harry significantly.