but since it was so he felt that it was politic to stand well
with the new administration.

"Captain Ring," he said, extending his hand, "let me be the first to
congratulate you on your election as our captain."

Ring smiled slightly. He had never liked Fletcher.

"I accept your congratulations, Fletcher," he said, "and condole with
you on your own disappointment. We can't all be leaders."

"I hope to enjoy your favor, as I did that of Captain Stockton,"
continued Fletcher smoothly.

"That will depend on yourself," said Ring shortly.

"I would like to suggest that the two boys"--here Fletcher turned in the
direction where Harry and Jack had been standing, and ejaculated in
dismay, "I don't see them. What has become of them?"

"They have taken advantage of the excitement and confusion to run away,
I fancy," said the new captain quietly.

This was quite true. Just after the fatal shot had been fired, and the
attention of all had been taken up by the tragedy, Harry had whispered
to Jack, "Now's our time to escape, Jack. Follow me!"

"I'm with you," responded Jack promptly, and no one noticed the two as
they vanished among the trees.

"Shall I go after them, Captain Ring?" asked Fletcher in excitement.
"I'll take another man, and scour the woods for them."

"It is not necessary," said Ring indifferently. "Let them go! They would
only be in our way."

"But," protested Fletcher, "Captain Stockton meant to take them into the
band. They are bright and smart boys, and would grow up into useful
members."

"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 be