"I should say so, Obed."
The commissioner made out a receipt, which Obed put away carefully in his pocket.
"That's better than carrying the nugget round," he said.
"I suppose you will go to Melbourne," said the commissioner.
"Yes, we shall start in a day or two."
Here Obed paused, for it occurred to him that there were practical difficulties in the way of carrying out his plan.
"That is," he added slowly, "if we can raise the money. I suppose we can't borrow on the nugget?"
"No, but I can suggest a way out of your difficulties. You can sell your claim. It will realize a good round sum, as the one from which the nugget has been taken."
"That's so, Mr. Commissioner. Thank you for the suggestion. Boys, there is still some business before us. We'll realize something extra, it seems. I don't care how much, if it's only enough to take us to Melbourne."
Just then a miner entered the office, and seeing the nugget instantly made it his purpose to report the lucky find throughout the camp. The effect was instant and electrical. Every miner stopped work, and there was a rush to the commissioner's office to see the nugget. All were cheered up. If there was one nugget, there must be more. Confidence was restored to many who had been desponding. Obed and the two boys were the heroes of the hour, and the crowd came near lifting them on their shoulders, and bearing them off in triumph.