It was well Harry adhered to his determination. It saved him three pounds, and Fletcher was forced to pay his share, as he had not intended to do. While they were making purchases they were accosted by a tall loose-jointed man, whom it was easy to recognise as a Yankee.
“Goin’ to the mines, boys?” he asked in a strong nasal tone.
“Yes,” answered Harry.
“So am I. I’d like to hook on to your party if you ain’t no objections.”
For some reason Dick Fletcher did not appear to relish the proposal.
“I don’t think we can accommodate you,” he said abruptly.
“I think we can,” said Harry, who was beginning to be distrustful of Fletcher, and felt safer in adding another to the party. “There are but three of us, and we shall be glad of your company.”
Dick Fletcher looked angry, but did not venture to oppose the plan further.
On the last evening spent in Melbourne the boys decided to take a farewell walk about the city, not knowing when it would again be their fortune to see it. Neither Fletcher nor their new Yankee acquaintance was at hand, and they started by themselves. They did not confine themselves to the more frequented streets, but followed wherever fancy led.
They had no thought of an adventure, but one awaited them.