“What for?” “To buy some things.” “What things?” “First of all, a revolver; there were fellows about our tent last night, creeping and prowling.” “I never heard them.” “No more you would an earthquake—but I heard them, and got up and pointed my revolver at them; so then they cut—all the better for them. We must mind our eye, George; a good many tents are robbed every week, and we are known to have a good swag.” “Well, I must start this moment if I am to be back.” “And take a pound of dust and buy things that we can sell here to a profit.” George came back at night looking rather sheep-faced. “Tom,” said he, “I am afraid I have done wrong. You see there was a confounded auction, and what with the hammer, and the folk bidding, and his palaver, I could not help it.” “But what is it you have bought?” “A bit o' land, Tom.” Robinson groaned; but, recovering himself, he said gayly: “Well, have you brought it with you?” “No, it is not so small as all that; as nice a bit of grass as ever you saw, Tom, and just outside the town of Bathurat; only I didn't ought to have spent your money as well as my own.” “Stuff and nonsense—I accept the investment. Let me load your new revolver. Now look at my day's work. I wouldn't take a hundred pound for these little fellows.” George gloated over the little nuggets, for he saw Susan's eyes in them. To-night she seemed so near. The little bag was placed between them, the day's spoils added to it, and the tired friends were soon asleep. |