seated.

"It should be profitable to the Bank," said Mr. Crewe, "and that, sir,
is your main consideration."

"The track will be completed in a few days," Scarlett remarked, "and
your agent couldn't possibly lose his way in the bush."

"Could not lose his way? Exactly. It would be very awkward if he were to
get lost, with L20,000 in his possession."

"I can imagine what sort of a losing it would be considered," said Mr.
Crewe, laughing.

"How far is it to the field?" asked the Manager.

"As the crow flies, about forty miles," replied Jack, "but by the track,
some eight or ten miles more."

"The difficulty will be the escort," said the Manager. "There must be an
escort to convey gold to town. If the police, now, would give
assistance, it could be managed."

"Failing them," said Jack, "the diggers would be only too glad to
provide an escort themselves."

The banker smiled. "I was imagining that the Government might undertake
the transportation."

"This is a detail," said Mr. Crewe. "It could be arranged when your
agent wished to come to town with all the gold he had bought on the
field."

"I make the proposal to you on behalf of the syndicate which I
represent," said Jack. "There is a demand for a branch of your Bank on
Bush Robin Creek: communication is now easy, and the field is developing
fast."

"I shall see to it, gentlemen; I shall do my best to oblige you."

"And to benefit your institution," interjected Mr. Crewe.

The Manager smiled the sycophantic smile of one who worships Mammon. "I
shall endeavour to meet the difficulty, Mr. Crewe. We shall see what can
be done." He rang his bell, and a clerk appeared. "Mr. Zahn is not at
the counter to-day," he said.

"No, sir," said the clerk; "he is buying gold."

"Very good; send him to me," said the Manager, and Isaac was quickly
summoned.

"I shall require you to proceed to the diggings at Bush Robin Creek,"
said the Manager, addressing the gold-clerk. "These gentlemen have made
representations to me which show that there is considerable business to
be done there by buying gold. You will hold yourself in readiness to
start in a couple of days. Does that suit you, sir?" he added, turning
to Scarlett.

"Admirably," replied Jack. "I'll return to-morrow, and shall tell the
diggers that your agent is coming."

"But why should you not travel together?" said the Manager. "You could
show Mr. Zahn the way."

Isaac looked at Scarlett, and Scarlett look