He took a lamp from Tom Wilson’s hand as he spoke, and boldly entered the cave.
It was far from an inviting place where they now stood.
What did that signify to those determined gold-seekers? For hardly had they dug two feet down ere they were rewarded by finding one large, rough nugget of pure gold and several small ones.
They forgot all about the savages now, and nothing could exceed the eagerness with which the men laboured. But fatigue, at last, overcame them, and they were obliged to retire, carrying with them more of the precious ore than many an Australian digger has found during a whole lifetime.
It was very dark as they made their way through the bush; but Fitz was an excellent guide, so they got back in time for supper.
A very happy evening this was, fore and aft, and Tom Wilson seemed the gayest of the gay. The poor fellow had sinned and fallen, it is true, but surely God had already forgiven him. Tom believed so, and it was this belief, he told James more than once, that made him forget his sorrow.
“I’ll meet my wife and children on the other shore,” he said once, with a sad smile, “and they’ll forgive me too.”
In a week’s time the gold fever was at its height. And no wonder, for in whatever direction they dug nuggets were found in this marvellous cave.
The fortune of every man there was made.
But would the gold be of any use to them?