“I’m going to-morrow mornin’. I’ve got the missus’s money, which I’ll send by draft, and then I’ll go and square up my bill at the hotel.”
“And then,” said Benjamin, “fetch your swag, and bunk here to-night. It’ll be a most convenient plan.”
“We’re mates,” said the Prospector. “You’ve stood by me and done the ’an’some, an’ I’ll stand by you and return the compliment. An’ it’s my hope we’ll both be rich men before many weeks are out.”
“That’s so,” said Benjamin. “Your hand on it.”
The digger held out his horny, begrimed paw, which the goldsmith grasped with a solemnity befitting the occasion.
“You’ll need a miner’s right,” said the digger.
“I’ve got one,” said Tresco. “Number 76032, all in order, entitling me to the richest claim in this country.”
“I’ll see, mate, that it’s as rich as my own, and that’s saying a wonderful deal.”
“Damme, I’ll come with you straight away!”
“Right, mate; come along.”