t island in the world, and
that, if the truth was known, it would not be so well populated as at
present.

"That's it," replied Charley, "the largest island in the world. Bigger
than all the New England States, and much more valible. Do you
understand me?" and the fellow winked violently.

"I can't say that I fully comprehend you. Can't you be a little more
explicit?" Fred asked.

"Sartainly. This 'ere island is rich--more gold is exported than from
California--immense droves of sheep is scattered all over it, and all
kinds of garden stuff will grow in abundance, if only planted. You
understand me now, don't you?"

"I am still in the dark,"' replied Fred, trying hard to refrain from a
smile at the mention of "garden stuff."

The two visitors again exchanged glances, when Charley sank his voice
still lower.

"What do you think of annexation, hey?"

"What, annex Australia to the United States?" we exclaimed, in
astonishment.

"Hush! Don't blart it out in that way, 'cos the thing is a secret as
yet. We have got to work to bring the thing 'bout, but it can be done."

"And, pray, in what manner?" we asked, somewhat amused to find that even
Australia was not safe from the Yankee's covetousness.

"In this 'ere manner. The Britishers feel riled at the idea of paying
taxes on mining, and when we tell 'em that in California every body can
dig as long as they darn please, without paying a dime, they feel madder
than ever. Of course, we don't check that 'ere feeling at all. O, no; we
stirs 'em up, and preaches how great a blessing it is to belong to a
free and enlightened government like the United States of America."

"Well, go on and explain the whole method."

"I'm coming on as fast as I can. By and by the fellers round here say
that we won't pay any more tax, and then the government says you shall,
and tell the sogers to collect it; and while they is doing that, some
miner resists and is killed, and then we have something to work upon,
and, we begin to stir people up by telling 'em how badly we've been
treated; and then a soger gets knocked on the head by some lucky
accident, and we have a fight with the red coats, and lick 'em, and then
war is declared between us, and at it we go for a few months, till we
have driven every red coat out of the country, and then declare that it
is a republic, and that we'll do as we please."

"Why, this is treason," we exclaimed, amazed at his audacity.

"I know that old Ben Fr