Part 15 (1/2)
Harry was very much disturbed by the communication of his new acquaintance, whose name he ascertained to be Wyman It was not very pleasant, of course, to be a prisoner, but this he could have borne, being confident, sooner or later, of escaping But to be forced to join these lawless men, and render himself, like them, an outlaw and outcast from respectable society, seemed terrible He deterrity and his honest naht be ill-treated, but they could not force hier He talked the reed with him
Presently the meal was ready, and the two boys were served with the rest Notwithstanding their precarious position, each ate heartily It takes a good deal to spoil the appetite of a growing boy
After eating, the captain, clearing his throat, addressed the band:
”My , and now a less pleasant scene awaits us I am your captain, and to me you have sworn implicit obedience Is it not so?”
”Yes, yes!” answered the bushrangers
”It is a necessity of our position We have withdrawn from the world, and we lead a free, untrammelled life in the bush We scorn the laws that the colonists have overn ourselves Is this so?”
There was a hoarse murmur of assent
”As a consequence,” the captain proceeded, ”we are hunted like wild beasts Our enemies have laid plots to ensnare us, but thus far they have not succeeded While we stand together we are safe”
Again there were signs of assent and approval as Captain Stockton paused
”But one thing is essential There e reward has been offered for my apprehension--five thousand pounds! It sho much they are afraid of us,” and he raised his head with unconscious pride ”Against open eneainst the secret foe who sits beside us as a friend, and eats and drinks with us When such a one is found, what shall be his fate?”
He paused for a reply, and it came from the lips of all in one stern word--”Death!”
”I am answered,” said the captain ”The sentence has been pronounced, not by my lips but by your own”
Here he turned to two attendants, ere stationed near at hand
”Bring forth the traitor,” he said
The two men disappeared within one of the huts, and i behind them a third, with his hands tied behind him
His face was covered by a black cloth, which effectually screened his features froeneral observation All eyes were turned on the unhappy arded the scene with painful interest
They guessed as co
”Complete your task!” said the captain with a wave of his hand
The two guards set the offender with his back to a tree, and producing a rope, quickly passed it round his waist and tied him securely, with his screened face toward the band
”Wretch!” said the captain in a terrible voice, ”you thought to betray us, and expose us to punish upon us has recoiled upon yourself You would have sold your captain and coold They have pronounced your doo to say?”
The victim did not speak, but slowly inclined his head in hopeless sub to say for yourself Is there anyone to speak for you?”
One of the bushrangers sprang forward impetuously ”Yes, captain, I will speak for him”
Captain Stockton frowned fiercely, but uttered one word, ”Speak!”
The daring outlaho had stepped forward a little from the line, commenced: ”This man is ether by the saether we joined this band of brothers”
He paused a moment, and the captain said briefly, ”Well?”
”Now,” continued the brother, ”you would condemn him to a shameful death, which he does not deserve”