"Yes, I did," answered Colson in a tone of satisfaction.
"I thought so. That identifies you with them, Colson. You may find it used against you in a court of justice."
"I am no more a bushranger than you are," said Colson uneasily.
"I would respect you more if you was, Colson. They"re open and aboveboard, anyway. You want to profit by the same means, but sneak out of it and say you"re not a bushranger. It"ll be hard to persuade the courts of that."
"I have nothing to do with courts."
"You may have yet. Let me give you a piece of advice."
"What is it?" demanded Colson suspiciously.
"Join the band permanently. You"re a man after Fletcher"s own heart. You and he will make a good match."
"Who is that mentioning my name?" asked Fletcher, who happened to be within hearing.
"I took that liberty, squire. I"ve been advisin" Colson here to join your band."
"What is that for?"
"I think it"s a business that will suit him. His talents all lie in that direction. He"ll be like a brother to you, Fletcher."
"What did he say?"
"He don"t like the idea. He seems to feel above you. He says he is only keepin" company with you for a short time."
"Is that true?" demanded Fletcher, eying Colson with displeasure.
"I never said any such thing," said Colson eagerly. "He twists my words.
I have the greatest respect for the bushrangers, whom I regard as gentlemen."
"Perhaps that is the reason you don"t feel gratified to join them, Colson?"
Fletcher laughed at this palpable hit, but Colson looked annoyed.
"I don"t expect to remain in this section of the country long," said Colson deprecatingly, for he was very much afraid of offending Fletcher.
"Of course I can"t form any permanent ties."
"It might be better for you to leave, Colson. I"ve an idee that it isn"t good for your health to stay around here very long. You haven"t made a shinin" success so far. Now, as to that nugget which you stole----"
"Do you mean to insult me? I never took any nugget."
"That"s so. You"re right there, Colson. But you thought you had, all the same. Fortunately, it"s where you can"t get at it."
"I have something to say on that point," said Fletcher. "I understand the nugget is very valuable."
"I"m glad to hear it. You"re a judge. I have an idee of that sort myself."
"About how much does it weigh?"
"About seventy-five pounds. I don"t mind gratifying your innocent curiosity, Fletcher."
Fletcher"s eyes sparkled.
"It must be very valuable," he said.
"I reckon it is."
"At what do you estimate it--twenty thousand dollars?"
"Not as much as that."
"It ought to come pretty near it, though."
Obed did not answer.
"It"s a great prize. You were very lucky."
"So I thought at the time. I don"t feel so certain, now," said Obed dryly.
"I think half of it will be enough for you."
"What do you mean, Fletcher?"
"I mean that we shall want half of it."
"How are you going to get it?"
"We mean to hold you prisoner till half the proceeds are brought in from Melbourne."
Obed"s countenance fell. He had not thought of this.
Colson"s eyes glistened with pleasure. Till that lucky suggestion was made he saw no way of securing a share of the great prize.
"That"s a nice scheme, Fletcher," said Obed, regaining his composure.
"So I think. You and the boys would still have a good sum of money. What do you say? Shall we make a little friendly arrangement to that effect?
You could give me an order for half the sum realized, and on my securing it you would be released."
"I shall have to talk it over with my partners here," returned Obed.
"They"re equally interested with me."
"Better do so now."
"I won"t till evenin", when we have more time."
Fletcher rode away under the impression that Obed was favorably disposed to his plan.