Page 97 - In A New World

"I hope it isn't Fletcher," said Jack.

"Ha! what do you know of Dick Fletcher?"

"More than we want to. He it was who passed himself off on us as a
returned miner, and betrayed us into the hands of his comrades."

"I know of him, too. He would be as bad as the captain if he dared, but he is
a coward. His turn will come after a while. But, Lucy,"--here he addressed

his daughter,--"you are not treating your guests very well. Where are your
potatoes and other vegetables?"

"They were so hungry they preferred not to wait for them, papa."

"You may put them in the pot now. I want them, and I think our young
friends will be able to eat them later."

"You are very kind, sir, but I am afraid Jack and I will not be able to
compensate you. The bushrangers took all we had, and left us penniless."

"I don't want your money, boy. You are welcome to all you get in this
house. We don't have visitors very often. When they do come, they have no

bills to pay."

"Unless they are bushrangers, father!" said Lucy with a smile.

"If they are bushrangers, they will meet with a still warmer reception," said

the shepherd grimly. "And now, daughter, hurry up supper, for I have a
very fair appetite myself."

Lucy moved about quietly but actively in obedience to her father's
directions. An hour later, or perhaps less, the table was spread once more,

and all got up to it. The boys, though the edge of their appetite was taken
away, managed to eat the vegetables with a relish, not having had a chance

to eat any for a considerable time, except at their hotel in Melbourne.