"And you are boys?"
"Yes."
"What brings you here—in this lonely place, at this hour?"
"We are on our way to the gold-fields of Bendigo."
"But this is off the road."
"I know it. The fact is, we were captured by the bushrangers, and have made our escape. We plunged into the woods, thinking we were less likely to be caught and carried back."
There was a change in the girl's tone as she said: "Is this really true? You are not bushrangers yourselves?"
"No, I hope not," answered Harry with a boyish laugh.
This laugh, which sounded natural and genuine, evidently inspired the girl with confidence.
"If I let you in, will you promise to do no mischief?" she asked.