"You'll get as far as I will. But I say, what is that under your head, pard?"
The question had come at last. The thief trembled, and answered nervously:
"It's—it's—I am using it for a pillow," he faltered.
"Let us see your pillow," said the new arrival suspiciously.
The thief came to a sudden determination, suggested by necessity. Two would make a stronger guard than one, and, though this man was not the one he would have selected, accident had thrown them together, and he would risk it.
"Look here, my friend," he said, "it's a great secret."
"Oh, a secret, is it?"
"Yes, but I am going to make you my confidant. I am greatly in need of a friend and partner, and I'll make it worth your while to stand by me. I'll give you a quarter of—what I have here—if you'll see me safe to Melbourne."
"What is it, pard? Out with it, quick!"
"It's—a nugget, and the biggest one that's been found at Bendigo since they commenced mining."