than to take all they have and leave them penniless."

"I don't like them myself," said Colson, thinking this was the way to
curry favor with his new acquaintance.

"You know them also?"

"Yes; they have treated me meanly."

Colson probably referred to their substituting a common rock for the
rich nugget, and so subjecting him to mortification and disappointment.

Fletcher asked him a few more questions, and then with the new
accessions plunged into the woods, and led his party to the headquarters
of the bushrangers.

CHAPTER XXXI.

TAKEN CAPTIVE.

The new recruits, on being introduced to the captain of the bushrangers,
were subjected to a searching examination by the chief, a suspicion
having arisen in his mind that the two were spies sent out by the
government to lure the outlaws into a trap. He was convinced after a
while that they were acting in good faith, and a conference was called
to decide what should be done in the matter. On this point opinions
differed. The nugget, of course, would be a valuable prize, but it would
be impossible to dispose of it in Melbourne, as the fact of its
discovery would have been published, and any person attempting to sell
it would be instantly arrested. This view was held by Captain Ring
himself.

"That objection is easily met," said Fletcher.

"In what way?"

"One of the band could be sent to America to dispose of it. He could
carry it in his trunk as ordinary luggage."

"Perhaps you would like to undertake the commission," said Captain
Ring.

"I should be very willing," said Fletcher eagerly.

"I don't doubt you would," returned the captain, in a sarcastic tone.
"Who would insure your making over the proceeds to us?"

"I hope you don't doubt my integrity," said Fletcher, with an air of
virtuous indignation.

"Perhaps I had better say nothing on that subject, Fletcher. The band
are unwilling to subject you to the temptation--that's all. Many good
men go wrong."

"You might send someone with me," suggested Fletcher, unwilling to give
up the tempting prospect.

"We haven't got the nugget yet," answered the captain dryly.

Colson and Ropes had listened with interest to the discussion. They
began to fear that nothing would be done. They would have been as much
opposed as anyone to trusting Fletcher, as he had not inspired them with
confidence. It takes a rogue to detect a rogue, and they already
suspected his true character. Their hope of revenge on Obe