Page 68 - In A New World

"The authorities are afraid of him. They have offered a reward for his
capture, but it doesn’t trouble him. He only laughs at it."

They were far enough away from the rest of the party to carry on their

conversation unheard--otherwise, neither Harry nor his informant would
have ventured to speak with so much freedom. At this eulogium, however,
Harry scanned, with some curiosity, the face and figure of the famous

bushranger, who was sitting about three rods distant. He was a man of large
frame, powerfully built, with hair and beard black as night, and keen,

penetrating eyes that seemed to look through those upon whom they were
fixed. He had about him an air of command and conscious authority, so that
the merest stranger could not mistake his office. About his mouth there was

something which indicated sternness and cruelty. He was a man to inspire
fear, and Harry, after a steady examination, felt no surprise at the man’s

reputation.

"How long has he been captain?" asked Harry.

"Ever since I joined the band," answered the young man. "I don’t know how

much longer."

"How long have you been a member of the band?"

"Five years."

"You must have been a mere boy when you joined."

"I was seventeen. I am twenty-two now."

"I should like to ask you a question, but you may not like to answer it."

"Go on! If I don’t care to answer, I will tell you so."

"What induced you to join the bushrangers?"