The Morning herald., 1877-08-25

|
"In due time we arrived at Melbourne.
Tt was then mere collection of wooden
houses, and hastily thrown-up shanties,
and was peopled by representatives from
nearly all civilized nations on the face of
the earth.
'Twenty Of us formed a party, bought
some tools, and proceeded to the diggings
on foot Arriving there, VIC bought claims.
and set to work to ,lnearth the long-talked.
of gold. My chum was a steady going fol.
low, called Sandy, Scotchman.
eve dug shaft, hauled up the gold
bearing earth, and washed it in large box
with plates full of holes. The water
washed away the earth, leaving the gold,
in tire form of nuggets and dust on the
plates For the first week or so we found
little or nothing, and my golden dreams be-
gan to wane.' Then, one morning, Sandy
gave shout of joy, and hastily ascending
the shaft, saw in the cradle several small
nuggets of pure gold. -
81 was half mad with delight and for the
rest of that day worked with the energy
of two men. Before nightfall we had more
than twenty ounces of small nuggets and
dust We stitched it up in small canvas
bags, and hid it for safety in the floor of
our tent. We went on in this way for
months, then our claim began to give
ont.
"Just about this time convoy was going
to Melbourne, to take some gold to the bank
there. We therefore agreed to send some
Of ours to be deposited in the bank, and to
get notes and exchange.
"When we got to the place of starting,
was surprised to see among the mounted
troopers forming the escort, my shock
headed fellow-voyager.
"I mentioned my distrust of him. to my
chum; and, in consequence, we only sent
half of the intended quantity.
''The fehow evidently knew distrusted
him, for when I went up with our parcel
he gave me malicious look that boded me
no good.
"The escort numbered about ten or fif-
teen well-armed troopers, with four-horse
wagon, and they left early in the morning
for their destination We gave them three
ringing cheers at the boundaries of the
camp, and wished them safe return.
81 had singular foreboding that I had
seen the last of my gold, but mentioned
my fears to none but my chum.
"The day following went to Mat Durn's
drinking hut-a place frequented by thel lucky
finders and loafers--to hear the days news
The saloon was full of diggers, etc. Some
were discussing the days finds; others were
playing poker the stakes being nuggets or
dust; the majority were standing at the bar
drinking and smoking. I called for a drink,
filled my short Guilty, and took a seat
among the card-players.
"'Well, Tom, how's your luck p said a
broad d-shouldered Yorkshireman, who had
come. over with me.
"'Very poor at present. replied.
octave hand, then, man; winning dust
at poker is better than digging
Il joined the game and played for
while At last one of the players threw up
his hand, and said he was cleaned out; SO,
thinking it might be my turn soon, l
stopped. I finished my glass and pre-
pared to leave the room.
Gust as got to the door, burly digger
came rushing in, almost upsetting Inc, and
uttering the most frightful oaths. The en-
tire saloon was in an uproar in an instant.
Revolvers and knives were drawn, and
dozen voices shouted out:
"'What is the matter p
"'Matter enoughn replied the invading
digger, with another volley of expletives.
'The escorts been attacked and the COLDS
gonen
"Words fail to describe the scene that en-
sued Men swore, tore their hair, danced,
and rayed like madmen.
"When the tllmult had somewhat sub
sided, I managed to make out that the
wagon had been attacked in the dead OF
night by party Of armed rangers. fight
had taken place, hut trooper had been
killed and the gold had been taken.
"The attack had evidently been pre-
arranged, for half of the troopers had been
found drugged, and were consequently un-
able to fight. Three of them were re-
I,.l1 ,,,,o,r tho