ing in mud which appears to have no bottom. The road to the mines was all the worse for having been ploughed up by bullock teams, and worked into a slough whic

obstacles that intervened. It was not long before our party began to understand the nature of the task

Western States, and I thought I knew something about mud, but Australy's a

y land the exception,"

ckpole, drawing a deep breath. "I s'pos

as six weeks getting

d," said Obed, with a grim smile at his j

n and cart through a bog a hundred feet across, and the appearance of the party,

re?" suggested Harry. "I can im

sea is much nicer. If we could only go by water," and the young sailor looked down a

cleaner at any rate.

ck

y were obliged to give the tired cattle a

mpment. As well as they could judge, th

w far is the whole d

ed miles," ans

go through in twelve o

of speed," said Fletcher. "We

If we don't I'd better have stayed in Californy. W

id Fletcher dryly, and he evidently

responded Obed. "I kinder want to see what Australy is like. All th

trees, and it may readily be believed that all slept well. The boys felt

as much refreshment from an hour's sleep as most people do from a period twice as long. He had b

on his feet he approached Obed Stackpole with noiseless tread. The Yankee was sleeping with his mouth wide open, occasion

he ejaculated. "I'd

Fletcher's conscience would not have been likely to stand

muttered Fletcher. "I wonder whether

riend to wake at the least touch. This, of course, was not known to Dick Fletcher

ckets with the practiced skill of a pickpocket

re you about?" exclaimed Obed, sudd

struggling violently, but in

e told me what

and I'll

you a pickpocket, my enterprising friend, o

said Fletcher angrily. "I'm no

of your little game? Maybe

'd like to have a smoke, but had no matches.

ou wake me up

ught you needed rest after a hard day

ed Obed dryly. "So that's a

er, regaining confidence

leep, that's all! In Californy, Fletcher, if you had been caught doin' it, ten chances to one you'd ha

ny, but I've

tches in my other pocket, but I'd r

ave brought some with me. It's ver

n borrowin' them of a sleepin' man with

when you're awake," said Fetcher with a short laugh. "Do

ty sound, but the lea

nkee is rather a dangerous man to tackle. I won't a

travel with a friend-a great chum of mine-and we never stood on ceremony with each

when I wake up I don't always have my wits about me,

I beg," said Fletch

n'?" demanded Ob

izing for seizing me by the throat. As you say, you wa

imself. "I didn't think of that way of pu

r, though he did not care for it, by way of removing any lingerin