Part 10 (1/2)
”Did you part company with him then?”
”No; he pretended he had been in search of ood look-out Last evening we stopped at the Travellers' Rest, and Harry, here, overheard hi a scheentleman his room was better than his company, and he cleared out”
”I aer apprehensively
”We'll try to be ready for him,” said Obed coolly, ”but I don't mean to borrow any trouble”
By this tier He turned gratefully to Obed Stackpole
”How can I thank you for your great kindness?” he said earnestly ”I feel that you have saved my life”
”Tut, tut” said Obed, ”I've only done as you would have done in ry when he has enough and to spare But finish your story,is it since you parted company with that skunk, Fletcher?”
”I think it is only seven days, but it has seeh to relieve your hunger?”
”Yes, during the first four days, but not for the last three Part of the time I lost my way, and did not meet anyone I hope you will never know such torments as I have known in that time”
”Amen to that! And now, o back to Melbourne,” said the stranger hesitatingly
”If you say so, we'll fit you out with three days' provisions, and you can push on”
”I hardly like to go alone”
”I a the other way You see we haven't o on I ere on our way back, with our pockets well lined Although you have been robbed, you've got a good su for you in Melbourne”
”True; I shall be all right when I get there, but as I am at present situated, it seeood fortune”
”I'll tell you what you'd better do, Granger Co with us, and join the first party we meet bound for the city You will, at all events, be sure of your victuals till then”
”I believe your advice to be good, and will accept your kind invitation
When I met you I was about worn out, but the tea and food have put new life in th has returned”
After an hour's halt, the little party resuo so slowly, in consequence of the difficulties of the way, not caring, of course, to get ahead of the oxen, that Granger was easily able to keep up He proved to be a pleasant addition to the party, and all were glad to have exchanged Fletcher for hiether, however, for before nightfall they fell in with a party of eight persons bound for Melbourne The two parties halted, and had a conference Granger's story being told, they agreed to let him join their party, in consideration of a fair coreed to er,” said Obed, as they parted ”I think you're all right noish you good luck for the balance of your journey”
”Thank you, Mr Stackpole,” said Granger, grasping the Yankee's hand cordially ”If I do, I shall feel that I aood fortune I shudder to think ould have been my fate if I hadn't fallen in with you”
”Then don't think of it! Good-by Perhaps we shall er also shook hands with Harry and Jack, and so they parted on the best of terms