r diggings at twenty pounds per ton.

As my additional bullocks allowed me to put on three tons, the sixty
pounds for carriage enabled me to pay for the bullocks and supplies for
the trip. When I returned to Townsville I met Mr. Saunders, who had sold
me the bullocks. He informed me that my cheque for payment had been
dishonoured, marked "no account." This news was a staggerer. I explained
that I had an account in the Government Savings Bank at ----, and that
before I left the Cloncurry, I had sent my pass book and a receipted
order to the Savings Bank officer, asking him to withdraw the money and
place it to my credit in the local branch of the A.J.S. Bank. Also that
I had advised the bank of the prospective remittance, and following my
request, had received a cheque book. Mr. Saunders was good enough to
accept my explanation, and agreed to remain in Townsville while I
proceeded to ----. I had very little money, so took a steerage passage in
the old "Tinonee," which was conveying a large number of disappointed
diggers returning to New Zealand. It was a rough and uncomfortable trip.
One had to stand at the door and snap the food as it was carried to the
table, not to do so meant going without. On arriving at ----, I put up at
a boarding house, which was far from being first class. I called on the
Postmaster, and told him my name. When he heard it he became very pale,
and agitated, and showed great uneasiness. He invited me into his
office, where I stated my business, and added that if my money was not
forthcoming at once I would report him. He then told me that he was so
long without hearing of me, that he was confirmed in believing the
rumour of my death on the way in, and that he had invested the money in
some land, which gave promise of soon rising in value. I gave him until
the next boat was leaving for Townsville, which would be in four days,
to repay the money. I also insisted upon being refunded my expenses, and
a return saloon fare from Townsville to ---- and back. He gladly agreed
to my terms, and I promised not to proceed further. I had a splendid
trip back per saloon. I met Mr. Saunders, who was pleased that I had
recovered the money, and remarked, "I thought you had an honest face,"
etc. He added that he would give me preference for loading to the
station.

This affair was brought back forcibly to my memory owing to the matter
having been mentioned not long since by a friend of later years, who, in
his capa