He took into his confidence the three miners who have been already spoken of, and told them about the nugget, feeling that it might prove a source of danger to himself as well as Bush, unless he availed himself of the assistance of others. He offered to divide a thousand dollars between them, if they would help him to get it safe to Melbourne. He had another reason also for desiring their company. They were witnesses to the paper which Bush had signed, and Harry thought it probable that their presence and testimony might be needed to satisfy Bird & Bolton, first of the death of Bush, and next of his rightful claim to the money belonging to the deceased, which the firm had on deposit.
The three miners were quite willing to accompany Harry. The sum which he offered them would probably far exceed their earnings during the time occupied, even after deducting all necessary expenses. A day later, therefore, Harry, escorted by his three mining acquaintances, with the costly nugget in charge, started on his return to Melbourne.
CHAPTER XXXII.
HARRY DECIDES TO LEAVE AUSTRALIA.
“I wish Harry were here,” said Maud Lindsay, discontentedly. “It’s so lonesome since he went away.”
“Upon my word, that is complimentary,” said her father. “You don’t appear to value my company.”
“Of course I do, papa; but then you know you are away a good deal of the time. Besides, you are older than I am.”
“That is unfortunately true. I believe most fathers are older than their daughters.”
“Have you heard from Harry yet?”