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Chapter IV. The "Co." is Formed.

The Dunstan gold workings were of two kinds—technically known as "beach claims" and "bank claims." The latter were on the gravelly river-banks which the miners sluiced away bodily for the sake of the golden grains therein deposited. The former were on the sandy margins of the river, and often extended by means of "wing-dams" and other ingenious devices far into the rushing waters. In these claims the gold was found lodged in "pockets" or fissures formed by the slate bars, which lie more or less vertically, athwart the bed of the modern Pactolus.

Mr. George W. Pratt concluded to locate a beach claim.

Borrowing a pan (Anglice: tin-dish) from some neighbourly miners, he progressed up the Gorge trying "prospects" in many places, and at length he was satisfied to "peg out."

Now the regulations which governed the gold-fields demanded that the corners of every claim should be marked by wooden pegs, standing two feet above the surface—to comply with which provision was a somewhat difficult matter. For there was not any growing timber in the locality, nor indeed within fifty miles; nothing but scrub, and little of that even. And as for page 22imported timber, so scarce was it that an empty gin-case—a J.D.K.Z., anchor-branded gin-case—was considered rather a good bargain at £2. Yet, so unacquainted with the natural features of the country were the rulers of the Province that they put forth a regulation sternly prohibiting any miner from felling trees, so as to injure his neighbour's claim, or obstruct any stream, in the district which could not boast a shrub twelve inches high, anywhere in vicinage to the workings.

So it happened that Mr George W. Pratt, not being able to comply with the regulation, did not place any wooden pegs on his claim. But he carefully marked out corner-trenches, and set up a big stone at each angle.

Then he and Harry returned to their temporary habitation.

Next morning they furnished themselves with the indispensable. Miner's Rights, and prepared to commence operations.

But first Mr. George W. Pratt had a proposition to make.

"You see," he explained, "this is a limited pardnership, though there a'int seven or more of us; and it's jest as well to regulate things on the square at once. I've known many a good Co. to bust up for want of a proper constitution."

The other agreed indifferently, and Mr Pratt proceeded to enunciate the desiderated rules of partnership; a task which he performed with an air of profound gravity—with many thoughtful pauses and interjectional expectorations. Harry meanwhile acted as page 23amanuensis, receiving the various propositions with considerable merriment.

I picture the pair, as present to my mental vision. The Englishman, half-sitting, half-reclining on the ground, recording the "Rules" with a stubby pencil in a cheap memorandum book, and puffing wreaths of blue smoke from his meerschaum pipe, which ever and anon he removed from his lips to indulge in a shout of laughter; and the American calmly pacing to and fro, occasionally halting to deliver himself of a resolution, and treating the mirth of his companion with lofty disregard.

After this fashion were Mr George Washington Pratt's deliverances:—

At this point the recumbent writer cast aside his pencil and book, ceased his cacchinatory performances, and exclaimed:—

"Why, who the deuce is the senior partner?"

"Don't get wrathy, young man,"—thus Mr George W. Pratt—"I'm coming to that. You jest drive ahead, if you please, sir."

Then fixing his eye steadily on his companion, he slowly, and with much emphasis, said—

"Seventhly and Lastly: It is hereby declared and affirmed that George Washington Pratt is the Senior Partner of the Co."

And before Harry could recover from his astonishment at this unexpected finale, Mr G. W. P. added,—

"That's concluded; so we'll just haul down this noble residence, and make tracks for a location handier to our diggings. Now, pardner, be spry with them tent-ropes."

And thus was the Co. duly formed.