In A New World: or, Among The Gold Fields Of Australia

Rupert Ring smiled slightly as he heard Fletcher's modest claim.

"Comrades," he said, "you have heard Fletcher's appeal. It is true that he is the oldest in service among you. It is for you to consider whether that entitles him to the post of leader. Those of you who are in favor of Dick Fletcher as your leader will signify it by raising your right hands."

Fletcher's eye wandered anxiously around the circle. To his chagrin not a single hand was raised save his own. There was a cheer of derision which brought an angry flush to his cheek.

Then a clear voice was heard. It was that of the young man, Wyman, whose conversation with the two boys has already been recorded.

"I nominate Rupert Ring for our leader," he said.

There was a chorus of approval, which emboldened Wyman to add: "As he can't very well put the question on his own nomination, I will do so. Those of you who want Ring for your captain, please hold up your right hands." All hands were raised except that of Fletcher.

"That settles it," said Wyman, who was unversed in parliamentary language. "I call for three cheers for Captain Ring!"

The woods echoed to the lusty cheers of the bushrangers. It was evident, from the general expression of satisfaction, that the choice was a popular one.

"Comrades," said the new captain modestly, "I did not look for this promotion, as you may have thought from my taking the lead just now, but I saw that it was necessary for somebody to act. I don't know whether you have made a wise choice or not, but I will do my best to make you think so. Since I am your captain, it is my duty first to see that proper honor is paid to the remains of your late captain, whom sudden death has overtaken. You two lift the body and carry it into yonder cabin."

The two attendants did so.

"Prepare a coffin, and at daybreak we will commit him to the earth. Whatever else may be said of him, he was a brave man, and knew not fear."

"That is true," said Robert Graham in a low voice.

"As to his faults, those we have no further concern with. All of us have faults and no doubt grave ones."

Fletcher, till now, had sulked in silence. He was terribly disappointed that he had been passed over and Rupert Ring promoted to the place of chief, but since it was so he felt that it was politic to stand well with the new administration.

"Captain Ring," he said, extending his hand, "let me be the first to congratulate you on your election as our captain."

Ring smiled slightly. He had never liked Fletcher.

"I accept your congratulations, Fletcher," he said, "and condole with you on your own disappointment. We can't all be leaders."

"I hope to enjoy your favor, as I did that of Captain Stockton," continued Fletcher smoothly.

"That will depend on yourself," said Ring shortly.

"I would like to suggest that the two boys" – here Fletcher turned in the direction where Harry and Jack had been standing, and ejaculated in dismay, "I don't see them. What has become of them?"

"They have taken advantage of the excitement and confusion to run away,

I fancy," said the new captain quietly.

This was quite true. Just after the fatal shot had been fired, and the attention of all had been taken up by the tragedy, Harry had whispered to Jack, "Now's our time to escape, Jack. Follow me!"

"I'm with you," responded Jack promptly, and no one noticed the two as they vanished among the trees.

"Shall I go after them, Captain Ring?" asked Fletcher in excitement.

"I'll take another man, and scour the woods for them."

"It is not necessary," said Ring indifferently. "Let them go! They would only be in our way."

"But," protested Fletcher, "Captain Stockton meant to take them into the band. They are bright and smart boys, and would grow up into useful members."

"Heaven forbid!" said Ring earnestly. "Our lives are spoiled already, and we have no chance but to continue. Leave them to grow up innocent."

"This is strange talk for a captain of bushrangers," said Fletcher, disappointed.

"Remember that I am your captain," retorted Ring sharply, "and don't attempt to interfere with me! Go, I would be alone."

Fletcher slunk away, mortified and disappointed. It was well for the two boys that he had not been elected captain.

CHAPTER XV. LOST IN THE WOODS

Yes, the two boys had escaped. When the excitement produced by the fatal shot was at its height, it had flashed upon Harry like an inspiration that then, if ever, was the time to escape. He knew that it would be at the risk of their lives, and but for one consideration it is doubtful if he would have been willing to incur the peril of the attempt. But he felt that to stay was to run a risk as great that of being compelled to join the ranks of the bushrangers, and of that he had a great dread.

The boys never stopped running till they had set half a mile between them and the camp of the bushrangers. Jack was the first to show distress.

"Hold on, Harry," he said, panting, "I am all out of breath."

Harry instantly slackened his speed.

"Look back, Jack," he said anxiously; "see if you can discover anyone pursuing us."

"I see no one," answered Jack after a prolonged look.

"They have other things to think of," said Harry. "The murder of their captain has put all thoughts of us out of their heads. When the excitement has subsided a little, I am afraid they will look for us. How terrible it was!" he added with a shudder.

"Yes," returned Jack. "I saw that man – the captive's brother – lift his weapon and point it at the captain. Almost before I could speak it was discharged and the captain fell. He must have been killed instantly."

"I little thought what lay before me when I left home," said Harry.

"I wish I knew what lies before us now," said Jack.

"I am afraid our prospects are rather dark. We must take care at any rate not to fall again into the hands of the bushrangers. I am most afraid of that man Fletcher. If he could have his way, he would show us no mercy."

"Let us go on again," said Jack. "I only stopped to catch my breath."

"You are right, Jack. The farther we get away from the bushrangers the better."

Before them was a densely wooded hill. The way had become difficult with the scrub bushes that filled up the distance between the trees. The latter were no longer the same which they had hitherto encountered, the tall and stately eucalyptus, but were smaller and wider branched.

"We can't make our way here, Harry," said Jack despondently.

"Oh, yes, we can. Besides, don't you see, the rougher and more difficult the way, the less are we likely to be followed. I am willing to go through a good deal to save capture."

"So am I," answered Jack. "You are always right. Push ahead, and I'll follow."