Page 95 - In A New World

CHAPTER XVII. 98

"Where were you going?"

"To the mines at Bendigo."

"How large was your party?"

"There were only three of us--a countryman of ours and ourselves."

"Where is he?"

"The bushrangers robbed him and let him go."

"Why did they not release you and your friend?"

"Because, as a young member of the band told us, the captain meant to
spare us to join the band."

"You are young to be travelling to the mines. What countrymen are you?"

"We are Americans."

"Humph! your story sounds well enough, but how do I know that you are

not spies of the bushrangers?"

Harry Vane's eyes flashed indignantly.

"I hope you won't think so badly of us," he said.

The shepherd seemed somewhat impressed by his indignant denial, which

certainly seemed genuine enough, but wanted information on one point.

"How did you manage to escape? That doesn't seem very probable, at any

rate."

"We both took advantage of the excitement occasioned by the murder of
Captain Stockton--- " he began.