Part 4 (1/2)

”I think nothing of the kind, but I want to learn as much as I can I may have to do it alone some time”

It ell Harry adhered to his determination It saved him three pounds, and Fletcher was forced to pay his share, as he had not intended to do While they werepurchases they were accosted by a tall loose-jointed nize as a Yankee

”Goin' to thenasal tone

”Yes,” answered Harry

”So am I I'd like to hook on to your party if you aint no objections”

For some reason dick Fletcher did not appear to relish the proposal

”I don't think we can accommodate you,” he said abruptly

”I think we can,” said Harry, as beginning to be distrustful of Fletcher, and felt safer in adding another to the party ”There are but three of us, and we shall be glad of your cory, but did not venture to oppose the plan further

CHAPTER IV

A TIMELY RESCUE

On the last evening spent in Melbourne the boys decided to take a farealk about the city, not knohen it would again be their fortune to see it Neither Fletcher nor their new Yankee acquaintance was at hand, and they started by themselves They did not confine themselves to the more frequented streets, but folloherever fancy led

They had no thought of an adventure, but one awaited the the corner of a narrow street, their attention was suddenly excited by a sharp cry of blended surprise and fright

”What is it, Jack?” asked Harry, grasping his companion by the arm

He did not need to await a reply, for by the indistinct light he saoa few rods further on One appeared to be an old e Clearly it was a case of attempted robbery

”Run, Jack, run!” said Harry, in excitement ”Let us help the oldsailor briefly

Harry had in his hand a heavy cane--his only weapon--but he did not stop to consider the personal risk he was running As he drew near, the old th was quite unequal to a conflict with a er, swayed and fell backward His assailant bent over hian to search his pockets, at the saave himself up for lost, but help was nearer than he anticipated

So occupied was the villain with his disgraceful work that he did not hear the approaching footsteps

His first intiiven by Harry's stick, which was laid on with a good will

He julance at his two assailants Then, much to the surprise of Harry, he turned and ran rapidly away It was a piece of great good luck, Harry thought, for he was not at all sure that he and Jack cohway over the old man