that I hesitated, because before I left Australia I indulged in
many; and while some were unfortunate, others, I am happy to state,
turned out well, and enable me to live at the present time, a life of
such comparative idleness, that I almost repent being a bachelor, and
sometimes think that the sea of matrimony would relieve my life of
_ennui_.

I owe an apology to the reader, perhaps, for thus taking so much space
to relate a transaction that made some noise in Melbourne, owing to the
boldness of my strike, and the success that attended it. It was a
lottery, with the chances in my favor, and had I not improved it there
were others who would.

The vessels expected did not arrive for three days after I sold out; yet
the Messrs. Hennetits & Co. made money out of the operation, and
whenever I met them, after our business relations were ended, always
joked me about selling to them for so low a price, while they were
prepared to give me at least five pounds more per ton.

But I will retrace my steps, and return to our store at Ballarat, from
which place I took flight on the very day that we found our nugget.

"I think," said Mr. Critchet, as we sat smoking our pipes after tea, the
store being closed for the night, "that I shall be well enough in a few
days to go to work myself. I feel the spirit in me, but the flesh is yet
weak."

"You will not be fit for a day's work in the mines for a month yet,"
returned Fred.

"I can't remain idle for that length of time," Mr. Critchet said; "I
have already trespassed on your hospitality, and am laboring under a
debt for kind attention, that I shall have hard work to repay. I am not
rich, but if the few thousand pounds which I have accumulated, and which
are on deposit at the government office, can recompense you, they are
yours."

"I suppose," said Fred, re-filling his pipe, lighting it, and then
puffing away vigorously, "that you imagine that it is best to surrender
all your property in the most gracious manner possible. If that is your
opinion, you misjudge us."

"My dear young friend!" cried Mr. Critchet, "I certainly did not
entertain any such opinion. I have been treated as kindly and carefully
as though you were my own sons; and through your exertions and
attentions my life has been saved. I feel as though I cannot repay you
with empty thanks, for I have caused an expenditure of much time and
money. Let me feel as though I had endeavored to requite your kindness."

"