o say?" he asked abruptly.

"I have no money to give you," replied Colson, "but I have information
that will enable you to obtain a great deal."

"What is your object in telling me this?" demanded Fletcher, still
suspiciously.

"The fact is, my friend and I want to join with you in the enterprise,
and get a fair share of the booty."

"Do you wish to join our band, then?"

"Well, not permanently, but for a little while."

"Out with the information, then!"

"Will you agree to our terms?"

"What are they?"

"We want half of the prize."

"You are very modest," said Fletcher in a sarcastic tone. "How much will
it amount to?"

"Not far from a hundred thousand dollars."

Fletcher pricked up his ears. This was indeed a prize worth trying for.

"Give particulars," he said.

"A big nugget is on the way to Melbourne, or will be in a day or two. It
was found at Bendigo. I don't know how much it will net, but probably
seventy-five thousand dollars. Then there is a considerable amount of
dust besides."

"Who is to carry it? Is it in the hands of a private party?"

"No, it is under government escort."

Fletcher's countenance changed.

"That is a different matter," he said. "There is danger in attacking a
government party."

"Think of the big sum at stake."

"It would require the co-operation of the whole band."

"Suppose it does."

"There will be more to divide it among. The captain would not agree for
a moment to give away half."

"Say a third, then."

"I am not authorized to make any bargain. That will be for the captain
to decide. You had better tell me all you know about it, and I will lay
it before the captain and secure you the best terms I can on
conditions----"

"Well?"

"That you give me quarter of your share."

"That is unreasonable," said Colson, disappointed.

"Then go ahead and rob the government train yourself."

Colson saw that he was helpless, and must submit to any terms proposed.
He accordingly signified his assent.

"Very well, then," said Fletcher, "you may come with us, and I will
introduce you to the captain. By the way, who found the nugget? You have
not told me that."

"A Yankee and two boys."

"What was the Yankee's name?" asked Fletcher eagerly.

"Stackpole--Obed Stackpole."

Fletcher whistled.

"I know the man," he said. "The boys are about sixteen--one a sailor?"

"Yes."

"I know them all, and I owe them all a grudge. There is nothing I should
like better