f gold that we don't need, it's not unlikely that
it may be taken away from us. Moreover, many a man has dug his grave in
California and bin buried, so to speak, in gold-dust, which is a fate
that no sensible man ought to court--a fate, let me add, that seems to
await Ben Trench if he continues at this sort o' thing much longer.
And, lastly, it's not fair that my Polly should spend her prime in
acting the part of cook and mender of old clothes to a set of rough
miners. For all of which reasons I vote that we now break up our
partnership, pack up the gold-dust that we've got, and return home."

To this speech Polly Samson replied, promptly, that nothing pleased her
more than to be a cook and mender of old clothes to rough miners, and
that she was willing to continue in that capacity as long as her father
chose. Philosopher Jack also declared himself willing to remain, but
added that he was equally willing to leave if the rest of the firm
should decide to do so, as he was quite content with the fortune that
had been sent him. Simon O'Rook, however, did not at first agree to the
proposal.

"It's rich enough that I am already, no doubt," he said, "but sure,
there's no harm in bein' richer. I may be able to kape me carriage an'
pair at present, but why shudn't I kape me town house an' country house
an' me carriage an four, if I can?"

"Because we won't stay to keep you company," answered Watty Wilkins,
"and surely you wouldn't have the heart to remain here digging holes by
yourself? Besides, my friend Ben is bound to go home. The work is
evidently too hard for him, and he's so fond of gold that he won't give
up digging."

"Ah! Watty," returned Ben with a sad smile, "you know it is not my
fondness for gold that makes me dig. But I can't bear to be a burden on
you, and you know well enough that what I do accomplish does little more
than enable me to pay my expenses. Besides, a little digging does me
good. It occupies my mind and exercises my muscles, an' prevents
moping. Doesn't it, Polly?"

In this estimate of his case Ben Trench was wrong. The labour which he
undertook and the exposure to damp, despite the remonstrances of his
companions, were too much for a constitution already weakened by
disease. It was plain to every one--even to himself--that a change was
necessary. He therefore gladly agreed to the captain's proposal.

Baldwin Burr, however, dissented. He did not, indeed, object to the
dissolutio