under the supervision of a committee, pay the
gross takings into a common account, and divide the profits. In this
way the owner of a duffer claim participates equally with the owner of
a rich one. In other words, there is less risk of failure--I might say,
no risk at all--but also much temptation. Such a scheme would be quite
impossible except amongst gentlemen, but I should imagine that where men
hold honour to be more precious than money, none will risk his good name
for a little gold. First, it must be the association of working miners;
secondly, a company of gentlemen. Unless a man feels he can comply with
these two conditions, he had best stand aside."

"It would be too late for a man to think of backing out," interrupted
the bearded Hercules, "after he had turned thief by performing the
Ananias trick of keeping back part of his gains: that man would probably
leave the field quicker than he went, and poorer."

"Or possibly he might not leave it at all," interjected Chesterman.

"However that might be," continued Mr. Crewe, "the object of all present
is, I understand, to act in unison. There will be hundreds of diggers on
the field before very long, and in many cases claims will be jumped and
gold will be stolen, in spite of the Warden and the constabulary. You
will be wise, therefore, to co-operate for mutual protection, if for no
other reason."

"Name, title?"

"What shall the association be called?"

A dozen names were suggested by as many men. Some were offered in jest,
some in earnest; but none met with approval. When the tempest of voices
was past, Mr. Crewe said, "The association must have a name; certainly,
it must have a name. It is not to be a company, registered under the
Act. It is not to be a syndicate, or a trust. It is simply a league,
composed of gentlemen who intend to stand beside each other, and divide
the profits of their enterprise. If you cannot consolidate your claims,
you must work them individually. I shall therefore suggest that you call
yourselves The Timber Town Gold League. Your articles of agreement can
be drawn up in half-an-hour, and you can all sign them before you leave
this room." Here Scarlett whispered to Mr. Crewe, who scrutinised his
hearers, and then said, "To be sure; certainly. Whilst Bulstrode, here,
who is a lawyer and should know his business, is drawing up the
document, Scarlett asks you to drink to the prosperity of the new
league."

The suggested ceremony nec