lost my way, and did not meet anyone. 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."

"I am sorry, for your sake, that we are going the other way. You see we
haven't made our pile yet, and must go on. I wish we were on our way
back, with our pockets well lined. Although you have been robbed, you've
got a good sum waiting for you in Melbourne."

"True; I shall be all right when I get there, but as I am at present
situated, it seems very uncertain when I shall have that good fortune."

"I'll tell you what you'd better do, Granger. Come along with us, and
join the first party we meet bound for the city. You will, at all
events, be sure of your victuals till then."

"I believe your advice to be good, and will accept your kind invitation.
When I met you I was about worn out, but the tea and food have put new
life in me, and my strength has returned."

After an hour's halt, the little party resumed their march. They were
compelled to go so slowly, in consequence of the difficulties of the
way, not caring, of course, to get ahead of the oxen, that Granger was
easily able to keep up. He proved to be a pleasant addition to the
party, and all were glad to have exchanged Fletcher for him. They were
not destined to travel long together, however, for before nightfall they
fell in with a party of eight persons bound for Melbourne. The two
parties halted, and had a conference. Granger's story being told, they
agreed to let him join their party, in consideration of a fair
compensation which he agreed to make on his arrival at Melbourne.

"Good-by, Granger," said Obed, as they parted. "I think you're all right
now. I wish you good luck for the balance of your journey."

"Thank you, Mr. Stackpole," said Granger, grasping the Yankee's hand
cordially. "If I do, I shall feel that I am indebted to you for my good
fortune. I shudder to think what would have been my fate if I hadn't
fallen in with you."

"Then don't think of it! Good-by. Perhaps we shall meet again."

Granger also shook hands with Harry and Jack, and so they parted on the
best of terms.

"I wonder whether we shall meet with any more of that mean skunk
Fletcher's victims," said Obed. "He's in a p