By this time their new acquaintance had satisfied his hunger. He turned gratefully to Obed Stackpole.
“How can I thank you for your great kindness?” he said earnestly. “I feel that you have saved my life.”
“Tut, tut,” said Obed, “I’ve only done as you would have done in my place. How long is it since you parted company with that skunk, Fletcher?”
“I think it is only seven days, but it has seemed a month.”
“And didn’t you meet anybody humane enough to relieve your hunger?”
“During the first four days, but not for the last three. Part of the time I lost my way, and did not meet any one. I hope you will never know such torments as I have known in that time.”
“Amen to that! And now, my friend, what are your plans?”
“I should like to go back to Melbourne,” said the stranger hesitatingly.
“If you say so, we’ll fit you out with three days’ provisions, and you can push on.”
“I hardly like to go alone.”