"It is more difficult here," observed the police captain. "The nature of the country makes pursuit difficult. Besides, we have had so many convicts sent out here in past years that there is a large 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.
"Them two boys saw him shot," said Obed, indicating Harry and Jack.
"Tell me all about it, young man," said the captain to Harry. "It will be good news at Bendigo. Returning miners are always in fear of this famous bushranger, Stockton. He doesn't care so much to attack parties bound to the mines, for they are not supposed to have much with them, but those returning to Melbourne generally carry more or less gold, and are worth capturing."
Harry gave 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.