The prognostication was correct; for Mr. Brown was removed from the Ballarat district, and did duty for many months in Melbourne as a lieutenant, and ranked next after Murden.
Just then a few customers entered the store, and we hastened to attend upon them, and after their wants were supplied, and the place cleared of eavesdroppers, Mr. Brown drew his chair up to ours, and asked,—
"Which of you would like to accompany me on a short journey, and be absent for a week or two, eh?"
"We have not time to spare for that," I said.
"But one of you can go as well as not; that fellow, Barney, whom I see hanging around here, waiting for Smith, can be made to assist the one who remains in the store."
"Where do you propose going?"
"I will tell you," replied Mr. Brown, hitching his chair still nearer, and dropping his voice to a whisper; "I am going to make search for a buried treasure!"
We started, and pricked up our ears. Here was something worth listening to.
"Do you think that one of you can go?" Mr. Brown continued, with a sly wink.