y'll fetch, and go to the
diggin's too," replied the other. "Moreover, I'd strongly recommend you
to do the same."

"What say you to that advice, Philosopher Jack?" asked Captain Samson,
turning to our hero, with a peculiar smile.

"I say," answered the philosopher, returning the smile, "that the advice
requires consideration."

"Cautiously replied; and what says my Polly?" continued the captain.

"I say whatever you say, father."

"Ah! Poll, Poll, that sort of answer don't help one much. However,
we'll call a council of war, and discuss the matter seriously; but,
first of all, let's see how the wind blows. How do _you_ feel inclined,
Ben Trench? Bein' the invalid of our party, so to speak, you're
entitled, I think, to speak first."

"I say, Go," replied Ben.

"And I say ditto," burst from Watty Wilkins with powerful emphasis.

"You wasn't axed yet," observed Bob Corkey. "Besides, stowaways have no
right to speak at all."

"What says Mr Luke!" continued the captain.

"Don't go," answered Mr Luke feebly.

"Now, lads," said the captain, after putting the question to the others,
"we'll go in for the pros and cons."

They went in for the pros and cons accordingly, and after an animated
debate, resolved that the path of duty, as well as that of interest and
propriety, lay in the direction of the diggings.

Having settled the matter, and gathered together into a common fund the
small amount of cash and property which each had saved from the wreck,
they went ashore, purchased the articles necessary for their expedition,
and followed the great stream of Californian gold-diggers.

We shall join them, but let not the reader suppose that we intend to
bore him or her with the statistics and details of Californian
gold-digging. It is our purpose only to touch lightly on those salient
points in the adventures of our wanderers which had a more or less
direct bearing on the great issues of their lives.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

FAILURE.

There are times, probably, in the life of all when everything seems to
go against one,--when plans and efforts turn out ill, or go wrong, and
prospects look utterly black and hopeless. Such a time fell upon
Philosopher Jack and his friends some months after their arrival at the
gold-diggings.

At first they were moderately successful, and at that time what
amazingly golden visions they did indulge!

"A carriage and pair," soliloquised Watty Wilkins, one evening at
supper, w