We uttered an exclamation of astonishment, and could hardly believe that what we saw was real.
"Yes, yes; it's all good gold, God be praised," cried the stockman, eagerly; "you thought that the old man was poor and destitute, but you see that I'm not. I've wealth, and it's all my own. God be praised."
"But how came you in possession of so much gold dust?" asked Fred; a slight suspicion crossing his mind that the old convict might have employed his leisure hours at a bushranger's occupation.
"Honestly, good youth, honestly. God knows all things, and he will acquit me of obtaining the dust otherwise."
"The amount is large for a person to possess who has received only a few dollars per year for his services as shepherd," Fred remarked.
"I know—I know," cried the old man, trembling with eagerness, and hastily taking up the bags again, and depositing them under the stone.
"I know," he continued, when he saw that the stone was safe in its accustomed place, "that the amount is large; and I mean to add to it, and be rich, and have men bow to me, and say, 'There goes one of our most worthy men. He is worth a million.'"
The old convict actually straightened his lank body, and looked proudly upon his daughter, as he thought of the homage which he should receive as a wealthy man.
"But you have not told us how you became possessed of so much gold," Smith said, rather coolly.
"Never you mind how I got it—that is a secret. But be assured, one half goes to you on the day that you marry my daughter."