So he did, and so did all.
The only possible place to commence operations lay close to the banks of a turbulent river that came winding down through a pine-clad mountain land.
Silently, almost solemnly the trio worked, speaking but little, hanging on to their pipes (if I may use so strange a phrase), and hanging on to spade, and pick, and shovel.
All that day, and next, and next. About the coming of the fourth day, there was a shout from McGregor’s claim.
“Hurrah, boys! Hurrah, boys! Run here, lads, run here!”
They did run.
McGregor held up before their astonished gaze a nugget of almost pure gold as big as a baby’s shoe.
More gold was found every day for a week, and in gradually increasing quantities. They were already in possession of about three hundred pounds’ worth. No wonder they rejoiced. No wonder they were merry.
Now, around the camp fire, what stories are told, what songs are sung, what castles in the air are built!