"You'll sing to another tune when we do succeed. It's wonderful how the possession of a lot of money alters one's views."
"I'll wait till I get it," said Basil, sagely.
"The river runs low at this season and there's no reason in the world why the sand banks shouldn't hold gold."
"They will hold it if its there," said Basil, with a smile.
"We'll try the banks first because they are the easiest, and if we don't get gold in sufficient quantities there we'll try higher up the range. It's studded with quartz, and it looks the right sort. We'll put our tent up now, and in the morning we'll commence work--or rather you will commence while I am away."
"Where are you going to?"
"There's grub to look after. We can't do without meat and flour. All we've got to live on at present is a tin of sardines, about half a pint of brandy, a little tea, and a couple of handfuls of biscuits. Now, I call that a coincidence."
"In what respect?"
"Do you forget," said Chaytor reproachfully, "the first night you come to Gum Flat? I gave you then pretty well all I had in the world in the shape of provisions, some biscuits, some sardines, and a flask of brandy."
"You did, old fellow, and that is the sum total of our provisions this evening." He shook Chaytor's hand warmly. "Don't think me ungrateful, Chaytor, because I don't profess much. Old Corrie said I was changed, and I suppose I must be; but I shall never be so changed as to be unmindful of the way you've stuck to me. Yes, it is a coincidence. But go on. What do you mean to do about grub, for I see you've something in your mind?"