“NOW, boys,” said Obed, “we have some hard work before us. Mining isn’t like standing behind a counter, or measuring off calico. It takes considerable more muscle.”
“I am used to hard work,” said Jack, “but you’ll have to show me how.”
“I’ll keep up with Jack,” said Harry manfully.
“You won’t have to charge either of us with laziness.”
“I believe you, boys. There isn’t a lazy bone in either of you. As I have experience, I’ll boss the job, and you’ll have to obey orders.”
“All right, captain!” said Jack, touching his cap, with a smile.
This, then, was the understanding between the three, and it was faithfully adhered to. The two boys, sensible of their ignorance, were very ready to obey Obed, and he found them willing workers. They installed themselves in a cabin which had been occupied by the man they bought out. He gave them the use of it, having no further occasion for it himself, and they began to keep house as one family. They lived roughly enough, and yet, so high were all articles of food, on account of the trouble and expense of transportation from Melbourne, that it cost them as much as would have paid for living at a respectable hotel at home.
All three entered upon their labours with high hopes. The first day and the second day yielded no results, but, as Obed reminded them, a miner needs to be patient. But when one week—two weeks—passed, and the amount of gold found amounted to less than two pounds, all three began to look sober.
“This is beginning to look serious, boys,” said Obed thoughtfully, as they set about their work on the first day of the third week. “Our claim ain’t pannin’ out very rich.”