CHAPTER XXXIV. — FAREWELL TO MELBOURNE.
No further adventures or dangers befell the party on their way to Melbourne. It was thought possible that Captain Ring, in charge of the main body of the bushrangers, might attempt a rescue of his companions. No such attack took place. It might have been that he feared the issue of the conflict, but it is also possible that he experienced no poignant regret at the capture of Fletcher, who, he well knew, would have been glad to succeed him in command.
At first Fletcher was buoyed up by the hope of a rescue. Then, when that hope faded out, he sought for an opportunity to escape. In one case he would have succeeded but for the vigilance of Obed Stackpole. The latter, awakening suddenly, saw Fletcher, who in some way had got out of his fetters, stealing quietly away. He sprang to his feet and intercepted the fugitive.
"What, Fletcher! you don't mean to say you are goin' to leave us without sayin' goodby? We can't spare you, really."
Fletcher tried to shake himself free from the Yankee's detaining grasp.
"Let me alone, you scarecrow!" he exclaimed fiercely.
"Thank you for the compliment, Fletcher," said Obed. "I aint so han'some as you are, that's a fact, but I guess I'm a good deal better."
As he spoke his grip became stronger, and Fletcher found his efforts to escape absolutely futile.