Page 89 - In A New World

"No one."

"And you are boys?"

"Yes."

"What brings you here--in this lonely place, at this hour?"

"We are on our way to the gold-fields of Bendigo."

"But this is off the road."

"I know it. The fact is, we were captured by the bushrangers, and have
made our escape. We plunged into the woods, thinking we were less likely

to be caught and carried back."

There was a change in the girl's tone as she said: "Is this really true? You

are not bushrangers yourselves?"

"No, I hope not," answered Harry with a boyish laugh.

This laugh, which sounded natural and genuine, evidently inspired the girl

with confidence.

"If I let you in, will you promise to do no mischief?" she asked.

"You shall have no cause to regret admitting us, we promise that."

There was still a little pause of indecision, and then a bolt was drawn, and

the door opened. The two boys saw in the doorway a pleasant-faced girl of
fourteen, whose eyes fell upon them not without a shade of anxiety. But
when she saw that the two visitors were boys not much older than herself,

there was a look of relief, and she said: "I will trust you. Come in if you
like. Hush, Bruno!"