ON THE BLACKMAN'S LEAD. BY HENRY WINSTANLY. (Continued.)

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1809, 9 February 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

ON THE BLACKMANS LEAD. BY HENRY WINSTANLY. (Continued.)

" Yes, he's on ter some lay, mate," Scarroll went on to say, "for he never goes over that ere way arter dark, his dart is inter the street, 'mong the flash dance-rooms, and the boosin 1 drums, for the red un oint no way perticler in hia choice of kumpny, he aint." " I shall go to bed," interruped Basil, tired out by the old fellow s chatter. " Do, I aint holdin yon," said Scarroll. Although, I must tell you, before you drops off, that I never seed ony feller so unsociable nor you've got lately. The Lord knows I might just as well bo the only occipant of a buah hut a hundred miles away from the home station, with no white man, only a lot of aboriginal blaclifellows, and peckerninny's, as to be stuck in this ere tent along of two mates like you and the red un is." " Good night." " Oh, good night ter you." Then, as he turned away his head, the old fellow muttered, "Some fellers never thinks of nothin else cept in eatin, and slcepin." After a time, Scarroll, who was still busy with his needle, went on to say, " I don't know how it is, but, whenever I get tangled in a job like this ere, I gets vexashus, says nasty things to my friends, or poies the files of my froth onter somebody." I'm glad them i 3 do, at last, for I'll be hanged if 1 would'nt sooner go down in that ere hole for a couple of hours into the foul air, than I'd put another patch upon these ere old bricks," as ho concluded, the old fellow held up the garment which he bad been mending, and as he viewed it by the light of the slush lamp, a smile of extreme satisfaction irradiated his seared, and weather-beaten countenance. Early the following morning, Gordon arose from his couch and went outside to.the front of his dwelling. The sun was just topping the hills, and looked like an immence ball of fire, as the young man now viewed it through the tall iron-bark trees which grew upon the low range of hilh towards Garisbrook. The morning, like many which had preceded it, gave promise of being another extremely hot day. The hum of insect life was plainly audible, and, with that exception, all nature seemed to be perfectly still. Not a breath of wind moved the leaves upon the branches of the loftiest trees, nor disturbed the long serpentine line o£ bmoke that hung but a few feetfrom the ground, right from the Mariner's Beef down as far as the ground was marked out, or the claims were being ' mhepheided' towards the Bet Bet. Gordon sighed as he turned away, and reentered his tent, for he saw that there were no hopes |of the weather changing, or of a bieeze springing up which would drive tho foul air out of their workings, and enable him, and his mates to descend their shaft with safety. Another idle day, but, this one worse, far worse, than any which he had yet gone through, for in Basil's present state of mind the prospect of an idle day seemed almost torture, for, with idleness came the opportunity to think, and br^od over hisirreleemable loss. For the ycung man knew sufficient of Stella's disposition to jubtify him in thinking that the breach which now existed between them, would, in all probability, never be overcome. Poor Gordon 1 he had no money, so it was out of all reason (lie thought), to go on the tramp to some other goldfield. And even if he had been possessed of sufficient means, it was not at all likely that he. would avail himself of the opportunity of leaving Maryborough while Stella remained in the vicinity ; for there was a charm in her presence, and a magic power seemed to hold him to the spot, as now the only consolation left to him was to be near the object of his adoration, to breathe the same air, to gaze upon the same surrounding objects, and sometimes, perhaps, on her —his loved, alas 1 his lost one. There was no work attempted by Gordon nor his mate Scarroll that day, or the next, nor for several days following ; for the foul air still held possession of the drives, and even in the shaft it could be seen plainly from tho surface. But Basil's claim was not the only one from which the deadly vapour had driven the owners, for there were many, both up and down the lead. Around the top of each the party might be seen waiting anxiously for a breeze to spring up to fill their wind sails and drive the poisonous air from their workings. After some days' patient waiting a slight change took place in the weather, and the opportunity was seized upon by the diggers to descend their shaft and prosecute their search for gold. The change, slight though it was, was gladly welcomed by Gordon and hismate, who, by the use of their fan, managed to clear all the foul air from the drives, and it was some time after mid-day when Basil put his foot in the loop of the rope, and was lowered down the shaft and reported " all clear." There was a quantity of mullock in the drives, which it was necessary to send up to the surface, and when Gordon had cleared it all away and sent it up, he found that the passing of the bucket up and down the shaft liad taken all tiaces of the foul air from their workings. By the lime thi3 work was .finished the sun was sinking behind the hills, bo Basil proposed to his mate that they had better continue their labours after supper, and work all night, or, at least, till a communication was formed with the adjoining claim. This course seemed to be necessary, as Gordon was fully aware that although the foul vapour was now expelled from the workings, it would not take many hours for two or three men and as many candles to exhaust the supply of fresh air they were at present &»Joying, and be again driven from their work. Accordingly, the young man and Scarroll went to their tent, and when they had finished their evening meal Gordon returned to the claim, while his mate called at a dwelling on the way to try if he could engage a miner to work in Sier's place, as the latter had not been seen or heard of for many days past. Scarroll was fortunate, and secured the services of a jminer who was called Thumper, •bat why, or wherefore, he bore that peculiar name no one seemed to know* However, •Thumper was a friend and original companion of Scarroll's, and as Sier would have to pay wages to anyone who worked in his place, Scarroll preferred to give the chance of earning a few shillings to someone he knew.

The three miners now descended the shaft, and commenced work at ttio place where they had been previously engaged. And while they are endeavoring to break through into the noxt claim we shall, for the present, leave them and see what progress Seir has made in the good graces of the old sea captain, or his beautiful daughter, Stella. Seir had been a regular visitor to Yarne's tent ever since the first night he had made the old whaler's acquaintance, and had steadily gained ground in the captain's good opinion. But it was, a veiy remarkable fact, that although Seir's visits were regular, and oft repeated, he had, as yet, never had the good fortune to cast a second glance upon the lovely being whom he so longed to see. For Stella, poor girl, peemed overwhelmed in her great grief, and preferred to pine away in solitude, as now she seldom left her apartment after she and her father had taken their evening meal. But Eufus Seir had an object in view, an end to attain, which lie never lost sight of, and he cared little what obstacles lay in his path, as he knew well that before the power of his great wpalth every obstruction would disappear. For Seir had risen high in the estimation of the old mariner, and although he felt a certain amount of vexation at not seeing Stella, he consoled himself with the knowledge that no other lover enjoyed her society. We say that Seir had attained a high place in the old skipper's estimation. Such was, indeed, a fact, as from certain hints the former had thrown out, the captain came to the conclusion that his guest was a wealthy man. But with a man like Captain Varne, it could scarcely be said the miner's wealth had been his passport to the old whaler's favor. However, there was no other conclusion to come at. Certainly, if Seir's face was an index of his mind, no honest man would care to take him by the hand, nor call him friend. On the same evening that his mates had descended their shaft, with the intention of working all through the night, Seir was again a visitor at the old whaler's dwelling. On this occasion he had conversed principally of himself, and enlightened his entertainer by giving him a short sketch of his past life, taking care however, to omit certain passages which, he thought, not exactly safe to touch upon. Seir also spoke of his arrival in Victoria, and of his family, who had, he said, all passed away, and lastly, he touched upon his isolated position, and concluded by saying : "And now, Captain Varne, what do you suppose I am thinking of doing ? " " I am sure I cannot tell," replied the captain. " Woll, I'll tell you. I am looking for a wife," said Seir. " A wife I " echoed Varne, gazing over his spectacles at his guest. " You seem surprised, captain." " I really am," said the old whaler. " And yet, there is nothing remarkable in a man wishing to be married. At least, I can see no cause for surprise, do you ?" asked Seir. " No, certainly not. But it was the suddenness of the announcement which rather startled me. Of course, you are not looking for a wife hero, as females on Maryborough are, at present, a rather scarce commodity." "It does not matter three straws to me," Seir interrupted the captain by saying, " how many females there are on Maryborough. I have eyes only for one, and that one is here, on this lead, and — " Here Seir rose from his seat, and, resting his hands upon the table, he stooped over until his face nearly touched that of his companion, and whispered, " she's in this tent 1 " "The devil," ejaculated Varne. " No, not the devil, but your fair daughter, Stella." If a bomb-shell had suddenly burst at the feet of the old akipper, it would have caused him les3 wonder and amazement than did the words of Rufus Seir ; and for a few seconds Varne seemed at a loss for words expressive of his great surprise. At length, he said : " Why, man, you're dreaming, sure. Consider the disparity ; for you are old enough to be her grandfather." "So you say. Mine has been a hard life, and trouble has probably left its mark behind. However, I consider nothing, have thought for nothing, dream of nothing, save, and except your lovely daughter." " Then 1 am very sorry for you," interrupted Captain Varne. " Why so ? " a&ked Sier. " Because my daughter will never listen to you," answered the captain. " Again, why so ? I can surround her with comfort, a fine house, and crowds of servants who shall anticipate her every whim. An equipage shall she have, which shall rival and outvie all that the most fastidious could desire. The finest fabrics, the richest and most costly robes shall adorn her lovely form, and nothing shall be wanting to make her happy," said Eufus Sier. * Varne looked hard at the speaker, and in spite of himself he felt incredulous, and could not understand how a man, such as Seir, appeared to be — was, in fact — could aspire to the hand of his beautiful child. " I am afraid, my friend, your suit will be a hopeless one, even though you promise so much," said the captain. " Not if I can enlist your services, or induce your paternal authority. Remember I promise nothing but what I can perform. Your daughter, when my wife, shall have every luxury that wealth can purcha&e, her most extravagant wishes shall be satisfied. You too, shall end your days' in peace, surrounded by every comfort, and ere you die you will bless the day you first mer Ilufu3 Seir." " I will interview my daughter, repeat to her, as near as I can, what you have said. But remember, I must not lead you to hope that her answer will be a favourable one. Comij to morrow night," said Varne, and I will be prepared to give yon her answer." "No, Captain Varne. The hour is not late, then see the girl to-night. I have business," Seir went on to say, "in the Main street, and I shall call here on my way home ? to hear the result. So long. In an hour's time expect me," saying which, Seir moved towards the door and, untying the fastenings, passed out. When the sound of Seir's footsteps had died away, the old mariner once more Bat upon the seat he had previously occupied, and lit his pipe. For he had something very particular to ponder over, and it was the old sailor's notion that he could think better, and arrive at a safer conclusion, with the aid of the pipe than without it. Presently he called his daughter, who answered, and the next moment stood in her father's presence. " What, crying again. Why what's in the wind, my darling?" asked Var.no, who felt pained at seeing his child's grief. "Nothing is the matter with me, father dear. I only feel a little sad to-night," answered Stella. " A little sad. Why, my pet, you've been a little sad ever since the last night young Gordon visited us. Why don't you make me your confidant? And you know, darling, you are sure of your old father's best advice and sympathy." 11 Oh, father do not ask me any questions ; pray, do not," pleaded the young girl. " Well, I do not wish to grieve you, my ohild, ao I shall not pry- into your little secrets. Now, let us sjpeak . upon another subject. I have been visited to-night by a person who has proposed to marry you;" as Varne spoke, ha looked hard into his, daughter's face, and notioed her quivering lips,

and the shudder which for a moment shook her frame. " I know all that you can tell me. I never stoop to listen to anyone, but I could not help hearing all that passed between you and that man." "That fact, my dear child," interrupted the old skipper, " makes the task the more easy. And as you know everything that was said, and beard his most magnificent offer, pray tell me, my darling, what answer shall I convey to him ?" " No 1 A final and emphatic No!" answered Stella, drawing herself proudly up. "If he were ten times as wealthy as he professes to be, and could offer me & palace in exchange for the humble home I now occupy, No ! Or if he could pile up his glittering wealth till it o'ertopped the highest tree upon yonder range, ray firm and final answer would be the same ; for I will never marry that man." Old Varne knew his daughter well, so well indeed, that he was well aware that it would be futile to attempt coercion with such a spirit as he knew Stella to possess. True it was, that the more than generous offer of Eufus Seir had somewhat dazzled the old fellow, and it was not to be wondered at that he felt rather vexed at the high and emphatic tone of his daughter's refusal. "Neither by persuasion, nor force, my dear, shall I attempt to alter your, I must say, foolish determination. I may not be long with you, and I did wish to see you married before I was called aloft. However," the old captain went on to say, " I have no doubt the reason you have refused this grand offer, is, that your affections are bestowed on another, and not prompted by any silly aversion to this man." " You are, to a certain extent, peifectly right, father. My affections were bestowed upon one, whom I fear, has proved no worthy object," said Stella, mournfully. " Basil Gordon," suggested the skipper. "Yea, Basil Gordon," admitted the maiden. " I have been silly enough to love him, and equally foolish in believing that he returned my fond affection." At this moment a sound was heard outßide, and immediately someone knocked at the door. "It is he. Stay Stella, and let him hear your refusal from your own lips," saying which the captain mse from his seat, and unfastening the door, admitted the visitor. The moment Seir entered the hut Varne went on to say : " Now sir, here is the young lady herself. She has been made acquainted with your wishes, and as I predicted, she does not view them with favour." Sier did not expect this, consequently ho was somewhat surprised and confused at the captain's words. This confusion, however, was but momentary, for, quickly recovering himself, he bowed to Stella and said, " Perhaps if Miss Varne knew me well, she might alter her decision." " No sir," said the young girl firmly. " At least, my dear young lady, let me have a trial. Remember that a life-long happiness hangs upon thy words, your own as well as mine." Seir paused for a moment, but no sign of encouragement from Stella met his gaze, and he went on to say — "jes, Mi&s Varne, your own happiness, I say, depends upon your answer to me. You shall be happy ! For I will exalt you to be the admir ation of our sex, and the envy of your own. I will raise you from your present position to a station in life far surpassing your most ambitious dreams, if you will only consent to be mine." "No air 1" Stella answered. " You must take my answer now, and for ever. I will never consent to be your wife." " Never I That's a long time," said Sier. " However, I will not, my dear Miss Varne, take ' no ' as your final answer. I will wait till you have full time for reflection. Important affairs, at present render my presence in Melbourne necessary. I will have the pleasure of seeing you again in a week, or ten days from now ; then I will listen to your final decision." " Which will, in no way differ from that which I have already given," answered the young girl. "We shall gee," Slid Sier, who, bowing, made his exit from the tent, closely followed by the old whaler. When tho would-be son-in-law had walked some yards from the dwelling, he turned round and faced his companion, who said : " Well, you see I was right, was I not ? " " Unfortunately — ye<i. Bat I'm not right, and I'd like to know who is right. Can you tell ? " asked Rums. " What is your meaning ? " questioned the old man. " It is easy to see that your daughter has formed a foolish attachment with someone. Have you any idea who that someone is ? " interrogated Seir. " I have," answered Varne. "Who is it? speak out, old man, and let me know quick," Seir said excitedly. " Basil Gordon," answered his companion. "What, my mate?" said Rufu<3, in surprise. " The same," was the captain's reply. Why Varne, are you mad? Would you, ns a father, aa a natural protector of your daughter's interests and happiness, allow your child to form a friendship, I will not speak of love, with a tramp like that? A fellow whose worldly possessions could be rolled up in his blankets, and slung across his shoulders at any moment. Truly I shall not despair of winning your fair daughter, now that I know that the only obstacle in my way is a poor penniless adventurer. You have given me the very best of news, so good night, my friend," the two men shook hands, and without further remark, Varne turned and walked towards his tent. Instead of taking a track which would conduct him to bis own dwelling, Seir walked slowly in the direction of the Blackmans lead. The night was dark, for heavy clouds rolled swiftly along the sky shutting out every ray of light. Most of the fire 3 which had burned in front of the diggers' tents in the early part of the night had died out, and no one seemed to be abroad. But, although Seir saw no human being, he could, at intervals, distinctly hear the dull sound of a revolving windlass barrel as the bucket descended some shaft, accompanied by the familiar cry of " below" from the topnian. There being, on that particular night a number of claims (which had not broken through into their neighbour's workings), whose owners had determined to reap every advantage from the change by working all night. Ruf us Seir walked slowly on till he reached the outside line of holes near the Blackmans lead ,where he paused for a few moments undecided how to act. For wicked thoughts filled his mind, and crime suggested itself as the only means by which he could rid himself of his unsuspecting and hated rival, Ba3il Gordon. For Seir had weighed in his mind his chances of success with Stella, against those of his mate, and the result was in no way" satisfactory; for the conclusion which forced itself upon him was, that Gordon, being a fine handsome fellow, the captain's daughter would prefer him, poor as he was, to the older and more wealthy rival. Hence, some plan must be devised to put Gordon out of the way, no matter how, or whether by fair or foul Jnean9. Yefc how, even by crime, was Seir to bring, about the young man's destruction ? for he was fully aware of the fact, that, to offer any violence to his mate was almost certain ruin to himself, and there was .short respite allowed in those days after a man was proved guilty of a crime, such as murder or horse

(Healing, before along and fctiong rope was brought upon the scene to do its ghastly work. Yea! Seir muttered to himself, as the above ran through his busy brain. " Yes, thats right enough, and true enough, always supposing that a man proves such a bungler as to be found out. I did imagine that I had done with crime altogether, but, when I think of that girl, and her fascinating beauty, I feel that I could -wade up to my Knees in blood to gain her; and, if necessary, I will do so." Ilaving reached thus far in his cogitations, the miner moved forward again, and as his eyes had become accustomed to the darkness he could now make out Iho windlass upon every hole as he walked slowly, and cautiously on. Every claim, both up and down the lead to a certain distance, was well known to Seir, and ho experienced no difficulty in finding, and identifying his own. Yes, dark as it was, there wag the windlass plainly outlined against the sky, and the faint reflection of the light which was burning at the bottom of the shaft shone dimly upon the- logs, for the hole was ' logged up' some feet frorr the surface, although, as yet, mullock was only piled on one' side. Seir stole silently up to the open side, and, putting his face over the topmost log, peered down. He could see nothing, however, except the candle, which was placed against the wall some little distance from the roof of the drive, but hs could hear distinctly his mate's voice, in conversation with someone whom he believed to be Gordon. Just at that moment the bark of a dog startled him from his attentive position, and Seir drew back from where he stood, like some guilty thing, but although causing him some alarm, the sound proved nothing more than the challenge of some trusty hound, warning a passer-by, of his too near approach to his master's dwelling. With cat-like silence Seir once more approached the shaft, and looked down, and then his eyes wandered to the windlass—everything appeared safe. The rope ■was all unwound from the barrel, and reached to the bottom of the shaft. Of a sudden a horrid thought seemed to flit across Seir's wicked mind as he stretched forth his hand between the logs and grasped the rope. But the villain was foiled in his purpose, for the rope, was fast below. Not to be daunted by so slight a difficulty, Seir took out his pocket-knife, and quickly severed the rope, which the next moment he heard fall, with a dull sound, upon the bottom of the shaft. We left Gordon, Scarrol, and the hired man, Thumper, working at the face of the drive, where they continued to labour without interinissiqn till nearly midnight. About that time Scarrol dropped the pick he had been working with, and proposed that they should have their supper, adding— "-Now it ain't no use on us all a knocking off. Suppose one goes for the tucker, and we can eat it where we are. It will save time. What dye say, lads ? " " A werry sensible propersistion of yourn Mister Scarrol ; and yer has the unanamus vote of this 'ere side of ' the house," said Thumper. " Well then," said Scarrol, addressing the last spraker, " you can move your perambulaters as smart as your a^e will allow you, and chuck youiself up that ere shaft, for we ain't got only a few hours before we'll hexorst all these noxious gases, and 'aye the foul hair a chockin' us like a lump of hot puddin'." " Bight ye ar mate, only clont lose yer air, and ye shall see me fly round like a canary." So saying, Thumper turned round and crawled on his hands and knees towards the shaft. As the old fellow had been kneeling all night, of course he was very stiff, and rather cramped in the legs, consequently he made a very awkward attempt at clambering over the heap of pipeclay which lay in his way. Scarroll &at watching his friends clumsy movement and could not help laughing as he said. " Talk about flying around like a canary bird, why, Thupmer,|yer oughter said inuacovy duck." " Well," Thumper made answer, " me bjin' tho 'ired man, and you bein' the «boss, you can please yourself wether you takes the muscovy, or the canary. Scein' a3 on I alters pays great respec', and knocks under to the man as 'ands me out the spondulucks." " Yer off yer eggs then, Thumper," answered "Scarroll, " but at the same time don't yer niake no mistake. My mate, the red un has got too turn up your pugar. So go and get the tucker." " The ' led un an' when am I to drop across him, when we'xe broke through, he might'r sloped," said Thumper. " Sloped I Why, man, he's a-going ter be swished," said Scarroll. " Now don't bo like that," interrupted Thumper. " I ( 'ac, Thumper, tho' I ain't at liberty ter rcvulge the lady's name. Come, if yer agoing for the tucker go at once, or we'll be oif our appetite. I'll tell yer all about it when yer comes back." Thumper growled something in reply _ to friend, and presently he was heard climbing up the shaft. Scarroll went back to the face where Gordon was still busy at Avork. But now a sudden change seemed to have taken place in the atmosphere, for the air became thick, and the flame of the candle commenced to change colour, which the two men noticing they moved further towards the shaft, and commenced to pass the mullock along, thinking that the working jof tho shovels would cause some little current of air ; but in this they were altogether wrong, for the tell-tale light again pointed out that the foul vapour was gaining in density, and gradually, but surely, filling up the drives. The two mates now retreated to the shaft, and for a few minutes sat mutely watching the candle. Gradually the light began to turn a blueish green colour towads the boUom, and the flame became smaller and less as it slowly mounted up the wick ; then, and for a moment only, a tiny blue jet of flame played above the black, charred "wick, and a second after nil was darkness. " Now, Gordon, you're the youngest, make tracks up that ere shaft in double quick time. Quick, man, for very little of this ere goes a long way, aud I don't care to be the subjec' fer a coroner's intest to-mmorrow morning." said Scarroll. Basil immediately rose to a standing position, and felt about for the rope ; not finding what he wished, the young fellow turned his attention to the bottom of the shaft, and was instantly horror-struck on finding the whole coil of rope at his feet. " Good Heavens," he cried in utter dismay, *' the rope is cut." " The devil it is. Whatever shall we do now? " said the old fellow. " I do not know. However, it is imposBible to scale the shaft without a rope." Then in a lower voice he added, " Who could have done so foul a deed ? " " Well, mate, here's for a try to get out of this ; if I fale well and good. I'd as well be killed as lie down and be smothered in this ere hole with the foul air. Come, Gordon, lad, make a try, and follow me, or before that scoundril Thumper comes back we'll both be as dead as bacon." Of lihe two mates, Basil Gordon would have been the likeliest to reach the surface without the help of the rop8 ; but the young fellow felt so perfectly miserable that life did not seem worth an effort to'preserve. • But Scarroll tried to mount the shaft, for he knew that, about fifteen or sixteen feet above where he stood. there were steps cut in the sides of the hofe, and" if he* could only reach the steps he would be above where the foul Vapour had ever reached, and with little, difficulty gajn the surfaoe, ' rj There was a heavy wash jqat above' the pipeclay, and dome" of the Urg4 stones, projeoted^'a few inches from 'the wall. Updn

these boulders the old digger by hard wor ; had managed to mount a short distance up the shaft ; but although a strong man, Scarroll was by no means a smart or active fellow, and it required a particularly clever climber to make any headway upon such precarious footing as that which the old minSr now depended on. Besides, it may have been that Scorroll was a little nervous, for his whole frame trembled, as he pressed himself across the shaft, and the great drops of sweat, chased each other down hia furrowed cheeks, and dropped from his bushy beard, as he paused, panting, and almost ready to drop from Bheer fatigue. Alas 1 poor Scarroll, his was indeed a frightful position. With his mate's dead body (as he supposed) lying but a few feet from him, for. he concluded that Gordon had already fallen a victim to the poisonous atmosphere. And the certainty that the fatal and deathladen vapor was slowly, but surely advancing, and would, in the space of a few short seconds, enfold him, like a winding sheet in its deadly embrace. A few more respirations, a few more throbs of his wildly beating pulse, and the limit of human endurance was reached, and Scarroll, fainting and exhausted, relaxed his hold and fell, seemingly lifeless, to the bottom of the shaft. At that moment a sound burst upon the stillness of the night, a sound somewhat resembling the smothered report of a cannon, followed by the grinding, crushing noise of falling earth and stones, and immediately after, a cool, strong current of pure air flowed through the workings. A few hours after the above took place, and just as day was breaking, a man was seen walking at a quick pace along the Lead, in the direction of Gordon's claim. The fellow seemed very unsteady in his gait, as he more than once staggered, as if about to fall ; he had no hat on, and his tangled hair was flying all ways in wild disorder. As he drew near there was no diiJiculty in identifying him — yes, it was Thumper, only now returning from his errand of the previous night. Staggering up the mullock heap, the old fellow leaned over the shaft, and in a loud voice, called, " Below there." After waiting a few moments and receiving no answer, he laid down on the heap, arid putting his face well over the hole, again cried loudly. Still no response, and Thumper began to think something serious had happened, and he was just in the act of sitting down upon the logs in order to descend the shaft when his eye caught the rope. Springing to his feet he clutched the hanging end, and saw that it had been cut. The man fairly staggered as the tiuth now flashed across his mind, his face elongated, his mouth and eyes opened, and his hair bristled up aud seemed to stand stiffly on end, and his limbs trembled beneath him, asiie now held fast to the windlassstand for support. A man, with a rope on his shoulder, was at that particular moment passing, who, seeing Thumper about to fall, sprang quickly to his side, saying, " Holloa, mate, what's up?" The old fellow was too excited to speak, but held up the cut end of the rope in mute explanation. The stranger was a smart looking young man, and seemed to understand the state of affairs in an instant, for, without a moments delay he threw the rope from his shoulders, and fastened it to the windlass barrel, and while in the act of winding the rope up, he called to some passers by to help. In those days, several men standing about the top of a hole were sure to attract attention and certain, in a very short time, to draw a crowd. Consequently, by the time the digger had arranged everything ready for some one to descend the shaft, there were no less than fifty miners standing round. " I'll go down," said Thumper, advancing towards the shaft. But the young man who had been the first to arrive on the ground, seeing the state of excitement under which the old fellow laboured, stepped forward, and laying his hand upon Thumper's shoulder said, " No, mate, you stay where you are. I'll go down," then reaching the ond of the rope he put his foot in the bow-line, and continued, "lower the rope a little — there — steady — now, lower away." There was no lack of ready and willing hands amongst the diggers when danger threatened, consequently, the moment the miner reached the bottom of the shaft, another digger caught hold of the rope, and bidding those at the windlass, "hold on," he swang off the top and slid out of sight. Duiing the pauso which now ensued, the question was asked by many standing about " What's the matter?" But Thumper, not feeling exactly comfortable about his share in the affair, declined to satisfy the inquisitive, further than to say, " some of my friends as has been at work all night in this ere hole, and some mischievious scamp has gone and cut the rope. And as the foul hairs very bad, its more'n likely the poor chap's smothered." "Haul away, very gently," a voice called out from the shaft, and immediately the windlass slowly revolved. A hundred diggers, or more, had, by this time gatheard round the spot, and almost every eye was strained to catch a glimpse of the body which was now being brought to the surface. Presently, a suppresed cry escaped from those who stood nearest to the windlass, as one of the bodies came in view, and a dozen hands wore immediately stretched forward in their eager haste to be of service, as the suffererer, or dead one was gently lifted from the shaft and borne as carefully, and tenderly, as ever loving mother carried her babe, down the mullock heap, and placed upon bags, which some thoughtful digger had brought for the pnrpose. Amongst those standing around the top of the hole was Doctor Drencher, who kept a chemists shop in the main street. The doctor lost no time in examining the man just brought to the surface — who turned out to be Scarroll— and found that the back of the old fellows head was badly cvt — most probably by his fall on the shaft— and he was likewise insensible. Yet, nowithstanding his injuries, the medical man did not think Scarr<?lPs case a desperate one, and ordered his instant removal to his tent. By this time the second man was brought to the surface. But alas, poor Gordon seemed to be past all medical, or human skill, for his limbs were rigid, and his eyes set, aa if the all-conquering angel had marked him for his own. Doctor Drencher was a Scotchman, and in his professional capacity it would have been a hard task to find one so persevering and indefatigable, for the more dangerous and hopeless the case brought to him, the more stubborn and dogged was his determination to carry it through to a successful issue. Hence it was that if Basil Gordon proved to have the faintest spark of vitality within him, he could nothave fallen into better hands than Doctor Drencher. And now, while the doctor is busy with his patient let us, for a brief space, once more return to the dwelling of Captain Varne. After the departure of Rufu3 Sejr from the old whalers tent,' ' the night on which he had proposed to Stella, Captain Varne could think of little else than the magnificent offer the wealthy miner had made to his daughter. Indeed, it^topk so firm- a hold of the old man's mind that it haunted him' k.ll through the night. While Stella, on the contrary, never allowed a thought of Seir, nor his gold, to 'disturb her after he 1 had taken his leave. But although the wealthy smtor held no plpce in the .maiden's' thoughts, still Stella's, dreams that nighVwere the reverse of pleasant. 'AnSi^trie fbliowiiig morning it was wifh an aohing^lieaiirand' a* mind* full of Clears,

and dark forboding3, that tue young girl rcnr from her couch. Poor Stella tried hard to shake off the uncomforiable feeling, by bnaying herself with the domestic duties, but it proved a vain attempt, for her busy imagination conjured up all sorts of strange fancies' and a sensation — a fear of some dreadfull calamity, soeined to prevade her entire biing. Stella opened the door of the tent and stood a few moments looking out upon the bioad panorama stretched before her. The cool moxning breeze somewhat refreshed her as it swept gently past, laden with the perfume of a thousand wild-flowers. But the maiden's mind dwelt not upon surrounding objects, for her glance reached no further than the long line of workings, when her eye suddenly became riveated to one spot, while an involuntary exclamation escaped her as she saw a crowd of men upon Gordon's claim, " 3he cried excitedly. Then seeing a digger hurrying past, Stella enquired. "Why are those men gathered together. Has their been an accident?" "Yes, and a very bad one too, I believe. There's been two or three men smothered in the foul air, next claim to that your father in working," the miner answered as he passed on. Stella gasped " father ;" as she held the door-frame for support. (To be continued.)