curse for you or the law; all I want is the profits,
and I'm going to have them."

This profane outlaw and his mate got the profits, cleared all the
gold out of Peter's claim, and took it away with them.

It was reported in Melbourne that there was no law or order at
Turton's Creek; that the diggers were treating the mining statutes
and regulations with contempt; that the gold went to the strong, and
the weakest went to the wall. Therefore, six of the biggest
policemen in Melbourne were selected, stretched out, and measured in
Russell Street barracks, and were then ordered to proceed to Turton's
Creek and vindicate the majesty of the law. They landed from the
steamer on the wharf at Port Albert, and, being armed with carbines
and revolvers, looked very formidable. They proceeded on their
journey in the direction of Foster, and it was afterwards reported
that they arrived at Turton's Creek, and finding everybody quiet and
peaceable, they came back again, bringing with them neither jumpers
nor criminals. It was said, however, that they never went any
further than the commencement of the ditch. They would naturally, on
viewing it, turn aside and camp, to recruit their energies and
discuss the situation. Although they were big constables, it did not
follow they were big fools. They said the Government ought to have
asphalted the ditch for them. It was unreasonable to expect men,
each six foot four inches in height, carrying arms and accoutrements,
which they were bound by the regulations to keep clean and in good
order, to plunge into that river of mud, and to spoil all their
clothes.

Turton's Creek was soon worked out, and before any professional
jumpers or lawyers could put their fingers in the pie, the plums were
all gone. The gully was prospected from top to bottom, and the hills
on both sides were tunnelled, but no more gold, and no reefs were
found. There was much speculation by geologists, mining experts, and
old duffers as to the manner in which the gold had contrived to get
into the creek, and where it came from; where it went to, the diggers
who carried it away in their pockets knew well enough.

The diggers dispersed; some went to Melbourne to enjoy their wealth;
some stayed at Foster to try to get more; some died from the extreme
enjoyment of riches suddenly acquired, and a few went mad. One of
the latter was brought to Palmerston, and remained there a day or two
on his way to the Yarra Bend L