d to deliver it only upon a written
order, signed by both of us, and with a private mark upon the paper.

With Smith we settled according to what we considered a liberal reward.
The honest fellow refused, at first, to accept of any thing, saying that
he had only performed his duty, and that he was still in our debt; but
we would not listen to such reasoning, and weighed out five thousand
dollars, as his share, for losses sustained, and time expended.

After that matter was settled, we retired to sleep, and only awakened to
partake of a substantial breakfast, for which, I have always suspected,
we were indebted to the kind consideration Smith was held in by Mrs.
Becky. At any rate, every thing that we could desire was spread before
us; and when we shook hands with the old stockman and his daughter, I
observed that Smith held the woman's hand with a firm grasp, as though
reluctant to relinquish it.

Our friends waved an adieu, Smith cracked his whip, and sighed, Rover
barked joyfully, as he saw preparations for moving, Fred and myself
cautioned the stockman, for the last time, to be careful of our gold,
and then we were off; and in half an hour's time had shut out the hut
behind a miniature hill, the first which we had seen for many days.

For two days we travelled, meeting teams and vehicles of all
descriptions, owned by uncouth individuals, who asked us the news from
Melbourne, and ridiculed us when we said that we didn't know the price
of ale and beer, or what flour was worth per ton.

As we advanced towards the mining district, the road was filled with
people flocking that way, while hundreds were on their return to
Melbourne or Sydney.

Wan, ghastly looking men were groaning upon the bottom of carts
destitute of springs. Others, hardly able to lift their feet, were
staggering along for some city where they could receive the attentions
of a physician, being too poor to employ one at the mines, and too
destitute to ride towards civilization.

Occasionally we saw a poor wretch by the roadside, who had apparently
lain down to die, too exhausted to proceed upon his journey; while
others hailed us, and begged us, in God's name, for a swallow of wine,
or other stimulant, to cheer them on their way.

Long before we reached Ballarat our slender stock of liquors was
exhausted, and yet we had not administered to the wants of one half of
those who sought aid. Indeed, had we listened to all who begged, our
provisions wou