Page 72 - In A New World

CHAPTER XIII.

A TRIAL AND ITS TRAGIC FINALE.

Harry was very much disturbed by the communication of his new
acquaintance, whose name he ascertained to be Wyman. It was not very

pleasant, of course, to be a prisoner, but this he could have borne, being
confident, sooner or later, of escaping. But to be forced to join these

lawless men, and render himself, like them, an outlaw and outcast from
respectable society, seemed terrible. He determined that, come what would,
he would preserve his integrity and his honest name. He might be

ill-treated, but they could not force him to become a bushranger. He talked
the matter over with Jack, and the young sailor agreed with him.

Presently the meal was ready, and the two boys were served with the rest.
Notwithstanding their precarious position, each ate heartily It takes a good

deal to spoil the appetite of a growing boy.

After eating, the captain, clearing his throat, addressed the band:

"My men," he said, "we have refreshed ourselves by eating, and now a less

pleasant scene awaits us. I am your captain, and to me you have sworn
implicit obedience. Is it not so?"

"Yes, yes!" answered the bushrangers.

"It is a necessity of our position. We have withdrawn from the world, and
we lead a free, untrammelled life in the bush. We scorn the laws that the

colonists have made, and prefer to govern ourselves. Is this so?"

There was a hoarse murmur of assent.

"As a consequence," the captain proceeded, "we are hunted like wild

beasts. Our enemies have laid plots to ensnare us, but thus far they have not
succeeded. While we stand together we are safe."