Page 133 - In A New World

movements on the part of anyone. In fact, no one suspected that they had
"struck it rich." So poor was the general opinion of their claim, that they

would have found it hard to obtain a purchaser at any price. Had there been
the least suspicion, the camp would have been greatly excited.

As a rule, the miners retired early. They became fatigued during the day,
and sleep was welcome. There was, indeed, a gambling saloon at some

distance, frequented by the more reckless, but generally good hours were
observed in the camp.

About half past eleven, Obed nudged Harry and Jack, who had fallen
asleep.

"What is it?" asked Harry, in a drowsy tone.

"Hush!" whispered Obed. "Don't make any more noise than you can help. I
think it will be safe to go and secure the nugget now."

This was enough. Harry was wide awake in an instant, and he in turn

roused Jack.

There was no elaborate toilet to make, for they had thrown themselves

down in their day attire. They left the cabin, and by the faint light of the
moon, which was just ready to retire for the night, they found their way to

the claim without being observed.

Fifteen minutes' work, and the task was accomplished. The nugget was

raised, and wrapped in a red bandanna handkerchief, which Obed had
brought all the way from his New England home.

"It must weigh seventy-five pounds," whispered Obed exultantly. "Boys,
we're in tall luck. It was worth coming out to Australy for. We'll keep it in

the cabin over night, and to-morrow we'll put it where it will be safe."

They gained the cabin without having been seen so far as they knew. Of the
hundreds of men sleeping within a furlong's distance, not one dreamed of a