The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1855-05-10
GelettfO Gtorp,
SAM DRINKWATER's LUCK ;
OR LIFE IN THE pIGGINs,

w.
In the spring of the year 1852 Sam
Drinkwater was dweller in the tents OF
Bendigo. Time was when Sam had been
the proprietor of a large and comfortable
establishment when he had slept undel
twelve square feet of canvass and had
drunk out of crockery. His goods ano
tools were a load for one horse dray IL
those days, and he had paid many pounds
sterling for the frequent removal OF MI
premises. But now that prosperous tint
had passed away at Sans last removal
his own broad shoulders served instead o
a one-horse dray. Arrived at the new spo
he had chosen, he tied rope between two
gum-trees, pitched over it the strip OF duci
he called his tent, rolled up back log fo1
his fire, and made himself comfortable.
Sam Drinkwater was remarkable maj
among his neighbors, for he preserved hi
ruddy English complexion, never Swore
and respected not only his native land bu
its government also. Mr.. Drinkwater ha'
not come out at his country's expense
that was evident. OF his antecedants
know nothing. Whatoccupation hemlgf
have had in England, or what position nj
ed, it was impossible to form an idea
knew him only as one who, though grun
bier from habit, was in reality one OF I'll
ioliest of jolly diggers; one whose lnh'
ite good humor was proof against the VII
tor rains and the summer flies who like
butter with his bread when he could g
, #. and when he could not, took an exit
pipe of Barret's twist, and thanked Prov
dencc.
At the time when gold was first disco
cred at Ballarat, Sam Drinkwater h'
come across the Murry withtwenty poun(
in his pocket, and pair of boots in h
blankets on lis back, His money he e.
pended in the purchase of the big tent b
Y fore alluded to, and other heavy and col
Il Portable goods; and having set up h
- house, he commenced digging. olh
S then he had sunk some fifty holes with
.e own hands, and had worked in numberle
- others dug by other people, and yet ne'
0 had Sam been the possessor OF SIX ounc
iec of gold. Still he worked on as calm
and steadily as ever, much given to NOR
n ;zipo when he was troubled with emf
r. pockets, and receiving with equanlmity a
49, stray nugget that came in his way
n, | made Mr.. Drinkwater's acquaintal
in the following manner. Going DO
a. one morning to hole of mine much Ia
IN than usual, l was surprised to find n
- quietly seated at the bottom of it, out'
or slices off my washing stuff with his KIN
'e. .Hillo?' saidI. Good morning-h'
=, you are well?'
sst The man looked up, and surveyed
with some surprise
u. 'Good-morning,' said he; 'how do
find yourself%
Dia And he quietly resumed his occupatl
began to lose patience, and addressed
IN; again:
'ad Mate, you will allow me to tell you
- that's my hole
Try is it? Well, it can't be helped
O'' nv luck You didn't leave your nj
omit, you know
- AN right said /; but if you h
come across any bits Ihope you will h
LO, them over
op, Not in the day time, replied MI Ut
'ns water, for he OF course IL "as'
,ne You won't?' said l.
20" Not |. Don't put yourseii ihVo
W. sion. Wait till get out, and Al 81
you the rightsof it. You see have
ge. '" en- you three hours work this morn
my and have got you out stuff enough
keep you washing all day Well u
me supposing I have picked up three pei
|. weights of gold--which is quite an 0
}, estimate, / assure you-l am not overp
am ~
lam satisfied, said !; you look
= est keep it, and welcome Have a d
of tes?'
handed him the billy or large
III g. I.,.r,n~pa nouatart fsornT3nlc