Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Story of Wild Will Enderby

Chapter XIV. Gold on the Brain

page 72

Chapter XIV. Gold on the Brain.

Messieurs "Pratt and Another" did not sell their gold as they obtained it; not more, that is, than sufficed for their daily wants. They were jealous lest by any means the value of their claim might be divulged. To all inquiries they responded in terms of mild deprecation; and when they visited the township, a few modest pennyweights—all the ostensible results of their labours—were disposed of, rather ostentatiously than otherwise.61 The weighty balance they "banked," not with the incorporated institutions of New South Wales or New Zealand, nor with any other of the customary recipients of the golden harvest; but in the floor of their tent, in the bosom of Mother Earth, hoarded they their treasure. A number of small chamois - leather bags, each containing a week's earnings, were placed within a large canvas bag, and this was deposited as described, and very carefully concealed, so that no trace remained on the surface to indicate its whereabouts.62

These precautions were not in vain. By most of the neighbouring miners, they were regarded as two industrious young men, who worked very hard for a bare living—"just knocking out tucker," as the phrase went. As a result, the adjacent ground was left un-page 73touched; so that the Co. were enabled to work claim after claim of a really rich beach.

And still fresh accumulations were added to the golden hoard, by these busy human bees. As it increased, Harry became proportionately restless and excitable, until at last the Senior Partner began to doubt his sanity. At the slightest noise—indeed, at any imaginary noise—Harry would start up from his bed and rush forth, exclaiming that thieves were trying to rob them. His feverish condition was only too apparent. The glow of health forsook his cheeks—his eyes gleamed with unnatural lustre—he ate his food mechanically—he seemed never to tire of work—he slumbered fitfully. The Senior Partner took alarm.

"What on airth makes you so etarnally nervous?" demanded he, one fine moonlight night, during the forepart of which Harry had thrice disturbed him with false alarms.

"I know I am nervous," said poor Harry, "and I'll tell you what makes me so. You are a good old fellow, Pratt—the best old fellow I ever met with—and I'm bursting for want of some one to unburden my mind to. So if you don't mind listening to my story, I'll make you my father confessor."

"Right you are, my lad! Fire up, and drive ahead."

And the Senior Partner composed himself to listen.

Then Harry told his story, but with so many pauses, and so much periphrasis, that I prefer to relate it after my own fashion.

page 74

61 Pennyweights - Pennyweights of gold are a measurement of gold. For example Hartley and Reilly’s gold dredging company in Clutha River recovered 786 ounces 10 pennyweights of gold over within a week.

62 Chamois-leather bags - Chamois-leather bags - Sometimes also known as wash-leather. A porous, supply leather favoured for glove-making and bags.