s he welcomed the party to the
hospitalities of the Travellers' Rest. He was familiarly called "Larry,"
by Fletcher, who greeted him like an old comrade.

The supper consisted in part of their own supplies, with some small
additions from the larder of the inn. It was, at any rate, an
improvement upon their camp fare, and the boys enjoyed it.

After supper they sat down on a settle in front of the inn, but
presently Fletcher strayed away into the woods at the back of the house.
Some fifteen minutes later Larry Linton also got up, but ostentatiously
went in a different direction.

"I'm going a little ways to a squatter's to speak about some
vegetables," he said.

"If you don't mind company, I'll go along too," said Obed.

"Better not," answered Larry. "There's a boggy spot which a stranger is
likely to fall into."

"I've had enough of bogs," said Obed, shrugging his shoulders. "Seems to
me you haven't got much besides bogs out in Australy."

So Linton went off by himself. After he was fairly out of the way, Obed
said, turning to the two boys. "Did you think I wanted to go off with
Linton?"

"I supposed so, as you made the proposal."

"I only wanted to find out if he wanted me or not. I have my
suspicions."

"What kind of suspicions?"

Harry was the speaker, as usual, for Jack never took the lead when Harry
was present.

"Fletcher and Linton are too thick together to suit me," answered the
Yankee. "Looks as if they was in league together."

"Do you think they have arranged a meeting?"

"That's just what I do think."

"But they have gone in different directions," objected Jack.

"Bless your simple heart, my boy, that's done on purpose," said Obed.
"Can't they fetch round together without our knowing it?"

"I didn't think of that," Jack admitted.

"Mr. Stackpole," said Harry after a moment's thought, "if you and Jack
will keep each other company, I will explore a little myself. I may
happen to be at the conference."

"Be careful if you do, Harry," said Obed. "Don't run no risk."

"I'll look out for that."

In the rear of the house, and almost reaching to it, was a forest of
eucalyptus trees. It was unfavorable to Harry's purpose that these trees
rise straight from the ground, and are not encumbered by underbrush. It
was very pleasant walking though, and Harry sauntered along at his
leisure. He almost forgot the object of his enterprise, until some half
an hour later, in the stillness of the woods,