“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 realise 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 realise 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.
Obed felt that this was a good time to sell the claim.
“Boys,” he said, “we struck it rich and no mistake. How rich I don’t know. There may be other nuggets where this came from. But I and my partners want to go back home. The claim’s for sale. Who wants it?”
CHAPTER XV
SELLING THE CLAIM
“LET’S adjourn to the mine,” said Tom Lewis, a short, sturdy Englishman.
“Yes, let’s see the place where the nugget was found,” echoed another.