e to partake; in which belief they were
compelled to be satisfied and take their departure. Not only twenty, but
often fifty, and even a hundred pounds, he had heard had been embezzled
from men under such circumstances; and though he had never before seen
instances to warrant his belief in such statements, he was now convinced
of the existence of the iniquitous system; for this satellite of the
demon had admitted the fact, and spoken of it as the mere course of
business. William felt disgusted with the cool infamy of the fellow, and
at the magnitude and effrontery of the publican's dishonesty. It was
melancholy for him, as for any sentient creature, to contemplate the
blind infatuation with which bushmen generally squander their money; or,
more properly speaking, allow themselves to be robbed of it. Yet they
are willing victims, while there is neither protection for them, nor
punishment for the men whose criminality is so glaring.

Such were William's thoughts as Mr. Wigton entered the room. To the
clergyman our young friend communicated the conversation he had had with
the waiter; and for sometime, until they were joined by Kate, the two
gentlemen discussed the nature of that evil, which they both lamented;
without being able to clearly define a means for the extrication of the
unfortunate class.

"I can very well see," remarked Mr. Wigton, "the impulse under which
these persons act. They are placed suddenly in possession of money; in
the control of which they have previously had no experience; and,
carried away by the advice, and influenced by the example of associates,
they first learn that extravagance which ends in an improvidence that
leaves them continually without a shilling. If they have any idea of
being saving they are at a loss how to invest their savings; for no
means present themselves; their opportunities of purchasing lands, on
which to settle, are so rare that they hardly believe its possession
within the range of possibility; and they consequently submit to the
decrees of evil. Being without the benefit of good advice, and the
application of sound precepts, they see no other course open to them,
but a reckless expenditure of their hard-earned gains."

"But do you not think, my dear sir," said William, "that some means
could be devised to cultivate a feeling of prudence in these men? can
they not be induced to abandon their suicidal extravagance?"

"Yes, certainly," replied his companion, "means coul