YES, the 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.
They 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’m all out of breath.”
Harry instantly slackened his speed.
“Look back, Jack,” he said anxiously; “and see if you can discover any one pursuing us.”
“I see no one,” answered Jack, after a prolonged look.
“They have other things to think of,” said Harry. “The murder of their captain has put all thoughts of us out of their heads. When the excitement has subsided a little, I am afraid they will look for us. How terrible it was!” he added with a shudder.
“Yes,” returned Jack. “I saw that man—the captive’s brother—lift his weapon and point it at the captain. Almost before I could speak it was discharged and the captain fell. He must have been killed instantly.”
“I little thought what lay before me when I left home,” said Harry.