Part 24 (1/2)
CHAPTER XX
THE BOYS ARRIVE AT BENDIGO
”You are entitled to half the reward offered for the apprehension of this ratulate you Fifty pounds is a sum not to be despised”
”Especially when a ers,” said Obed ”If you'll excuse overn and killing honest ed his shoulders
”We can't help it, ood man We do all we can,” he answered
”In my country ould soon put a stop to it”
”You mean America?”
”Yes; the land of the Stars and the Stripes,” said Obed proudly
”It is more difficult here,” observed the police captain ”The nature of the country makes pursuit difficult Besides, we have had so e proportion of lawless men in the colony Some of these men have made themselves very formidable There is Captain Stockton, for instance”
”_Was_, you mean, captain”
”I don't understand you”
”Captain Stockton is dead”
”Do you mean this? How do you know?” inquired the captain of police eagerly
”He was killed yesterday by one of his men”
”What evidence have you of this?” demanded the captain incredulously
”The Harry and Jack
”Tellood news at Bendigo Returning er, Stockton He doesn't care so much to attack parties bound to the mines, for they are not supposed to have enerally carry ave a succinct account of his adventures while in the power of the bushrangers, and the scene of which he had been a witness The captain of police listened attentively
”This is good news,” he remarked ”There will be a new captain appointed, of course, but there is not anotherwho can take Stockton's place or do as much o, captain?” asked Obed
”Two days' journey, or perhapswe have no money”
”You will have half the reward Your share will be fifty pounds”
”That won't do us any good now, unless you'll be kind enough to advance us a part of that sum”
”I would if I were able, but I am not provided with any money beyond what I need You and the boys may come with us, however, if you wish”