pany remained as late as usual, and declared by a unanimous
vote that they would meet again at the same place the next evening, and
hear further particulars.

Before sunset the next day I had changed my apartments, and taken
private lodgings with a friend who had visited me but once since my
return, and had then refused to accept of the hospitalities that I was
disposed to offer him. He had lent me money without security--he had
declined taking interest for the same--he had welcomed me on my arrival
as warmly as I expected--he did not ask me how much dust I had brought
back and he never said a word about his wish to be repaid the few
hundred dollars that he had advanced me when I left home to seek my
fortune. When I did offer him the money, and thrust a diamond ring upon
his finger as a token of my esteem, he blushed like a young school girl,
and declared that he didn't deserve it.

At his house, then, I took up my abode; and while his family treat me
with respect, they possess none of the fawning which characterizes my
other friends. As the latter have frequently expressed their sorrow for
my sudden removal, and their anxiety to know what events befell me in
the mines of Australia, I have come to the conclusion that I would put
them in print; and now those who used to drink my liquor and feast at my
table will learn how I acquired my fortune, and then, if so disposed,
they can follow in my footsteps and gain a competence for themselves.

This much I have told the reader in confidence, and with the hope that
it will not be repeated, as my red-faced cousin, who every day is to be
seen on 'Change, might be seriously angry if he was suspected of
mercenary motives. With this introduction I will commence my narrative.

LIFE IN AUSTRALIA;

OR,

A GOLD HUNTER'S ADVENTURES.

CHAPTER I.

FIRST THOUGHTS OF GOING TO AUSTRALIA.--DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA.--LIFE
ON BOARD SHIP.--ARRIVAL AT WILLIAMS TOWN.--DESCRIPTION OF MELBOURNE.--A
CONVICT'S HUT.

It was as hot an afternoon on the banks of the American Fork as ever
poor mortals could be subjected to and still retain sufficient vitality
to draw their breath. Under a small tent, stretched upon their backs,
with shirt collars unbuttoned, boots off, and a most languid expression
upon their faces, were two men--both of them of good size, with a fair
display of muscle, broad-chested, hands hard and blackened with toil,
yet not badly formed; for had they been but