l Dorado will shortly set in. All
holders of Miners' Rights are entitled to peg off claims.' Gentlemen, I
have been to the Kangaroo Bank," continued the giant, "and I have seen
the gold myself. It is different from any sold here hitherto, barring
some 70 ounces, which were brought in a few weeks ago, from the same
locality. So, you see, we have had a gold rush created at our very
doors. I propose that all the men present form themselves into a
committee to wait upon the local representative of the Minister for
Mines--that, I take it, would be the Commissioner for Lands--and urge
the construction of a graded track to the new field."

"A very good suggestion," said Mr. Crewe, "a very good suggestion. For
if you want to get these Government people to do anything, by Jupiter,
you need to commence early. We'll go along, if you are willing,
gentlemen; we'll go in a body to the Red Tape Office, and see what can
be done. But before we go, let us drink the health of Mr. Scarlett,
here. He has done remarkably well in bringing this discovery to light,
and I ask you to drink to his continued good luck, at my expense,
gentlemen, entirely at my expense."

The steward of the club, a thin, dark man, with black eyes which were
watchful and merry, went quietly round the room, which was now filled
with men, and took their orders. Then he disappeared.

"I think, gentlemen," continued Mr. Crewe, "that, as the oldest colonist
present, I may be allowed to express an opinion. I think I may say,
without fear of contradiction, that I have watched the development of
many gold-fields in my time, and have benefited by not a few; and,
gentlemen, from the description given by our friend, here, this new
field is likely to prove the richest of them all. By far the best thing
is for the younger men amongst us to go and prove the thing. I should
recommend a party being formed under the guidance of Mr. Scarlett, and
that it should start as soon as possible. I would go myself if I were a
few years younger, and I _will_ go so soon as the track is cut. I
shall see the field myself. But I am really too old to contend with
supple-jacks and 'lawyers' and the thick undergrowth of the bush. I
should only be in your way. I should only be a nuisance."

The quick-eyed steward, who, by a method of memory known only to
himself, had retained in his mind the correct list of the strange and
various liquors ordered, now appeared with a gigantic tray, on which he
bore