he truth, there was a chance for us to
increase our funds with but little labor, and none in Ballarat would be
the wiser for it. If the information was false, the only thing lost
would be a week or two's absence from business, which, in the present
exciting times, we hardly dared to spare. After a long talk, however,
and upon Mr. Brown's assertion that there was no danger of an outbreak,
for at least two weeks, I concluded that I would leave Fred in charge of
the store, and undertake the expedition, in company with the
ex-inspector.

Barney, who was with us, waiting impatiently for the arrival of Smith,
readily consented to assist Fred to the extent of his ability during my
absence; and without further ceremony we bound the agreement with Mr.
Brown, that we would share equal with him, in whatever expenses were
incurred, or whatever was found.

"We must start to-morrow morning," Mr. Brown said, after all the
preliminary arrangements were concluded, "because the moon fulls the day
after to-morrow, and we shall want to be on the spot to make an
examination by daylight. How soon can we be ready?"

"To-morrow, as early as you desire," I replied.

"Good; we shall then lose no time. It will be necessary for us to go
well armed and well mounted, you know, for the distance is long, and the
road dangerous. Besides, we shall require a pack mule or horse to carry
a few tools, and provisions enough to last us for a week."

That part of the business was quickly arranged. Mr. Brown owned a large
gray horse which he had always rode while at Ballarat, and we had three
good animals standing idle. I proposed to borrow a pack saddle, and make
the poorest animal do packing service, while I mounted the other. The
idea was adopted, and before night we had our provisions all prepared,
our blankets ready for strapping, and a pickaxe and shovel selected, in
case we should have to stir the earth with an extensive search for the
hidden treasure.

In the course of the day, the ex-inspector, after bidding his associates
farewell, and telling them that he intended to visit Melbourne on
business connected with his resignation, moved all his traps to the
store for safe keeping during his absence, and when evening drew on, we
lighted our pipes, and in subdued tones spoke of the prospect of finding
enough gold to pay us for our journey.

The next morning we were up before daylight, preparing breakfast and
attending to the horses, and before the s