Page 160 - In A New World

"That's better than carrying the nugget round," he said.

"I suppose you will go to Melbourne," said the commissioner.

"Yes, we shall start in a day or two."

Here Obed paused, for it occurred to him that there were practical

difficulties in the way of carrying out his plan.

"That is," he added slowly, "if we can raise the money. I suppose we can't
borrow on the nugget?"

"No, but I can suggest a way out of your difficulties. You can sell your
claim. It will realize a good round sum, as the one from which the nugget

has been taken."

"That's so, Mr. Commissioner. Thank you for the suggestion. Boys, there is

still some business before us. We'll realize something extra, it seems. I
don't care how much, if it's only enough to take us to Melbourne."

Just then a miner entered the office, and seeing the nugget instantly made it
his purpose to report the lucky find throughout the camp. The effect was

instant and electrical. Every miner stopped work, and there was a rush to
the commissioner's office to see the nugget. All were cheered up. If there

was one nugget, there must be more. Confidence was restored to many who
had been desponding. Obed and the two boys were the heroes of the hour,
and the crowd came near lifting them on their shoulders, and bearing them

off in triumph.

Obed felt that this was a good time to sell the claim.

"Boys," he said, "we struck it rich and no mistake. How rich I don't know.

There may be other nuggets where this came from. But I and my partners
want to go back to America. The claim's for sale. Who wants it?"