CHAPTER XXXIII.
RECOVERY OF THE GOLD.—ARRIVAL AT BALLARAT.
"Lead us to the spot where you have secreted our gold," we cried, with one accord.
"There's time enough," replied the old man; "I tell you that it is safe, and where I can get it any time. What more would you have?"
"We would have the assurance that we possess it, so that we can reward those who have aided us in searching for it. We wish to feel that we are indeed worth so much money, so that we can lay our plans for the future."
"Do you say that you wish to reward those who helped you obtain it?" asked the stockman, removing his pipe and pricking up his ears.
"Of course we do," replied Fred, eagerly; "do you think that we are so selfish as to claim the whole of the prize?"
"It's not for myself that I ask; 'tis for my daughter, who, in case I am called to rest, will be destitute. Every pound shall be returned to you, and then if you think from out of your abundant means, you can spare the old convict and his child a few grains of dust, why, we shall be thankful."
"Don't fear for me, father," the daughter said, with an expressive glance at the brawny form of Smith, which seemed to say that he is "strong enough to take care of me in this world of trouble."
"But I do care for you, for who else have I to love in this world?" answered the stockman, wiping away a tear.