a smile.

This, then, was the understanding between the three, and it was
faithfully adhered to. The two boys, sensible of their ignorance, were
very ready to obey Obed, and he found them willing workers. They
installed themselves in a cabin which had been occupied by the man they
bought out. He gave them the use of it, having no further occasion for
it himself, and they began to keep house as one family. They lived
roughly enough, and yet, so high were all articles of food, on account
of the trouble and expense of transportation from Melbourne, that it
cost them as much as would have paid for living at a respectable hotel
in the States.

All three entered upon their labors with high hopes. The first day and
the second day yielded no results, but, as Obed reminded them, a miner
needs to be patient. But when one week--two weeks--passed, and the
amount of gold found amounted to less than ten dollars, all three began
to look sober.

"This is beginning to look serious, boys," said Obed thoughtfully, as
they set about their work on the first day of the third week. "Our claim
aint pannin' out very rich."

"My store of money is panning out very fast," said Harry, with a faint
smile.

"I've got less than two pounds left," said Jack. "What are we going to
do when it's all gone?"

"I don't know," said Obed, "unless we catch another murderer."

The boys smiled, but not hilariously. They felt, as Obed expressed it,
that matters were indeed becoming serious. To run short of money nearly
ten thousand miles from home was no light thing.

"We might sell the claim," suggested Harry.

Obed shook his head.

"I don't think we could," he replied. "Everybody would understand our
reason for selling--that we despaired of finding any gold--and instead
of getting twenty-five pounds, I doubt if you could get twenty-five
shillings for it. You know about how long twenty-five shillings would
last us."

"I suppose there is nothing to do but to keep on," said Harry.

Obed nodded. "You've said it," he returned. "Let us keep up good heart,
my boys. Don't borrow trouble. When things come to the worst, we'll
decide what to do then."

By way of setting the example of cheerfulness, Obed began to whistle
"Yankee Doodle," and the boys joined in. It was not altogether a
successful effort, but it made them feel a little more cheerful. At all
events it attracted a listener--a tall, shabby-looking tramp, who had
been wandering about for a day or