"I can easily believe that, Jake, as I am the only boy."
"Well, there's no one ahead of you, man or boy."
"I am glad if that is so," said Ben, modestly. "It is chiefly because I am a boy."
"Boys are not always popular. It depends a good deal on the kind of boy."
So the reader will get some idea of Ben's life at the mines and the estimation in which he was held by his comrades. It was not very exciting nor very eventful, but there was to be a change.
One day his pick struck something hard. It might be a rock which would need to be removed. He dug round it patiently, but when he wished to lift it after it was loosened, he found it necessary to summon Bradley to his assistance.
"Why, Ben!" exclaimed Bradley, in excitement, "this isn't a rock; it is a nugget, and a bouncer."
"'A nugget'!" repeated Ben, incredulously.
"Yes; look here!" and Bradley pointed out the indubitable signs of its value. "Yes, Ben, your fortune has come at last."
"How much is it worth?" demanded Ben, almost breathless with excitement and exhilaration.