"This is good news," he remarked. "There will be a new captain appointed, of course, but there is not another man connected with the gang who can take Stockton's place or do as much mischief as he has done."
"How far are we from Bendigo, captain?" asked Obed.
"Two days' journey, or perhaps more."
"A long distance, considering we 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."
"I should like nothing better, captain. Once at Bendigo, and we'll manage to shift for ourselves."
"Very well, so let it be."
I pass over the events of the next two days. Obed and the boys, after all their troubles, found themselves provided with an official escort, and on the morning of the third day arrived at the famous gold-fields of Bendigo.