Page 75 - In A New World

"And why was this? Why, after so many years, had he become tired of our
noble independence?"

"In one of his missions, undertaken in the interest of the fraternity, he had

made the acquaintance of a young girl, modest and attractive. He wished to
marry her, but as a bushranger he knew this was impossible. Therefore, he
resolved to leave our band, and enter upon a new life. He would never have

uttered a word to imperil the safety of his captain or his comrades."

"And you expect us to believe this?" said the captain with a sneer.

"I do. I swear it is true."

"And what do you expect me to do, Robert Graham?"

"To consider his temptations, and to show mercy upon him."

"Perhaps also you expect me to release him, and bid him go his way to the
maiden who is waiting for him."

"It would be a generous act."

"But I am not so generous," said the captain. "Your plea is ingenious, but I
put no faith in it. It is utterly improbable. You and your brother have been

with us for seven years. You have become accustomed to our ways. He was
faithful and loyal till the love of gold made him a traitor. What he sought
was blood money."

"No, a thousand times, no!" exclaimed the brother earnestly.

"I say it is so," said Captain Stockton harshly. "It is plain to every member
of the band. Yet, because you have never transgressed, I have been willing

to listen to you, remembering that he is your brother."

"Spare his life at least; even if you are convinced that he is guilty. He has
not lived his life half out. Be merciful!"