e whole stock of
provisions and save his own purse, for he had in reality as much money
as they.

"I only wanted to understand clearly," said Harry quietly. "As we are in
some sort partners, that is fair, is it not?"

"Oh, yes," returned Fletcher, but he did not respond with any alacrity.
"I'm always fair and above board, I am. No man can say that Dick
Fletcher ever tried to get the best of him. Why, if I was better fixed I
wouldn't let you two boys pay a cent. I'd shoulder the whole thing
myself."

"Your offer is a very kind one, Mr. Fletcher----"

"Don't say Mr. Fletcher; call me Dick," interrupted their new
acquaintance.

"I will if you wish it, though as you are so much older, it hardly seems
proper. What I was going to say was that Jack and myself are determined
to pay our share. We couldn't accept any such favor as you mention."

"That's all right. Now, if you let me have the ten pounds I'll take all
the trouble off your hands, and have everything ready for a start
to-morrow morning."

"I would prefer to go with you and help select the articles."

Fletcher looked disconcerted.

"Oh, well, if you think I aint capable----" he began.

"I think nothing of the kind, but I want to learn as much as I can. I
may have to do it alone some time."

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 recognize 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 aint 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.

CHAPTER IV.

A TIMELY RESCUE.

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 frequent