work."

"Then there is no occasion for us to go farther," I said; "here will we
rest and try our luck."

"You can't," shrieked the old man, shaking his withered hands, and
gesticulating violently. "You have promised not to interfere with my
work, and I hold you to your word. To me belongs the exclusive right of
mining on this land. I cannot share it with strangers."

"Why, how unreasonable and selfish you are, to exclude us from the
privileges which you enjoy!" returned Fred, angrily.

"Not so," replied the old man, somewhat mortified. "Let a rumor reach
Melbourne that gold is to be found by the side of this small stream, and
thousands of adventurers will flock here. My sheep would be driven off
or destroyed--the stream would be dried up, for there is hardly water
enough to supply my animals at the present time. Men would perish with
thirst, and cut each other's throats in their despair. My home would be
invaded, and the old man forced from the ground, and perhaps lose his
all while struggling in the race for wealth."

There was too much truth in the old man's words, and we were not
disposed to gainsay them. Still, we did not like to relinquish a chance
for money-making, and therefore we were disposed to argue the question.

"Here are days," we said, "when not a team or a foot passenger passes
this way. We could always be on the watch, and as soon as we saw
strangers we could desist from digging. Besides, then you would have us
near you to protect and look after your interest. Consider how much we
could assist you."

"I considered every thing," replied the old man, with a shake of his
gray head, as though he was determined not to be convinced. "I knew
that, unless I exacted a solemn promise, you would be wild to take
advantage of my information. But I know your hearts, and am well aware
that you will not struggle against an old man's wishes."

"Our company is disagreeable to you, then," Fred said. "We will not
force ourselves upon you, be assured. In an hour's time we shall turn
our backs upon the place, and probably never return."

"Come, come," cried the old convict, extending his hand, which we were
in no hurry to accept. "You are angry with me, and yet you have no just
cause, for I would expose my life to assist you. You are richer than I,
and need not quarrel with an old friend for the sake of working from the
earth a few scales of gold. Let me remain here in peace; for the
present, without being elbowed