"Of course, of course; I should have thought of that."
"I hope it isn't Fletcher," said Jack.
"Ha! what do you know of Dick Fletcher?"
"More than we want to. He it was who passed himself off on us as a returned miner, and betrayed us into the hands of his comrades."
"I know of him, too. He would be as bad as the captain if he dared, but he is a coward. His turn will come after a while. But, Lucy,"—here he addressed his daughter,—"you are not treating your guests very well. Where are your potatoes and other vegetables?"
"They were so hungry they preferred not to wait for them, papa."
"You may put them in the pot now. I want them, and I think our young friends will be able to eat them later."
"You are very kind, sir, but I am afraid Jack and I will not be able to compensate you. The bushrangers took all we had, and left us penniless."
"I don't want your money, boy. You are welcome to all you get in this house. We don't have visitors very often. When they do come, they have no bills to pay."
"Unless they are bushrangers, father!" said Lucy with a smile.