"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."