and he is going to make you members of the band."

"He can't! I'll die first!" exclaimed Harry with suppressed energy.

"You will see. But hush! don't speak so loud. For my part I shall be
very glad to have you among us. You will be companions for me. You are
only about a year younger than I was when I joined."

At this moment their companion was called away, and Harry, bending
toward Jack, whispered in his ear: "I am afraid he is right about the
captain's intentions. We must try to escape as soon as there is any
chance."

"I'm with you," Jack whispered back.

CHAPTER XIII.

A TRIAL AND ITS TRAGIC FINALE.

Harry was very much disturbed by the communication of his new
acquaintance, whose name he ascertained to be Wyman. It was not very
pleasant, of course, to be a prisoner, but this he could have borne,
being confident, sooner or later, of escaping. But to be forced to join
these lawless men, and render himself, like them, an outlaw and outcast
from respectable society, seemed terrible. He determined that, come what
would, he would preserve his integrity and his honest name. He might be
ill-treated, but they could not force him to become a bushranger. He
talked the matter over with Jack, and the young sailor agreed with him.

Presently the meal was ready, and the two boys were served with the
rest. Notwithstanding their precarious position, each ate heartily It
takes a good deal to spoil the appetite of a growing boy.

After eating, the captain, clearing his throat, addressed the band:

"My men," he said, "we have refreshed ourselves by eating, and now a
less pleasant scene awaits us. I am your captain, and to me you have
sworn implicit obedience. Is it not so?"

"Yes, yes!" answered the bushrangers.

"It is a necessity of our position. We have withdrawn from the world,
and we lead a free, untrammelled life in the bush. We scorn the laws
that the colonists have made, and prefer to govern ourselves. Is this
so?"

There was a hoarse murmur of assent.

"As a consequence," the captain proceeded, "we are hunted like wild
beasts. Our enemies have laid plots to ensnare us, but thus far they
have not succeeded. While we stand together we are safe."

Again there were signs of assent and approval as Captain Stockton
paused.

"But one thing is essential. There must be no traitor, no malcontents
among us. A large reward has been offered for my apprehension--five
thousand pounds! It shows how much they are