"And do you expect us to take the money?" Fred asked.
"I certainly do," replied the lieutenant, with the most refreshing coolness.
"But suppose an inquiry should be made by those in authority at Melbourne, regarding the finding of this money? What answer should we return?"
"You can say that you should like to find more on the same terms, and refer inquirers to me for further particulars."
"But shall you say nothing about the discovery when you reach the city?" we asked.
"To be sure I shall. I intend to mention in my report that I found a large quantity of stolen goods, and present a schedule of the same."
"And the gold?" I asked.
"The gold! why, I have lived too long in Australia to think of giving up my lawful prize-money, and if I did I should be dismissed from the police force as not worthy of a command. Follow my example and pocket all that you can get, and say nothing to any one, or you will be laughed at for your weakness."
The argument of the officer was not convincing as far as the honesty of the transaction was concerned; but when I saw the men empty their share of the dust into pouches which they wore around their necks, I confess the desire to do likewise was overpowering, and Fred and myself received our thirds of the gold, valued at two thousand dollars, without farther argument, or, indeed, caring particularly whether we were doing right or wrong.