Registrar; a Prospecting Area had been pegged out, and must be registered, and the whole auriferous area would be floated as a company, with a hundred thousand shares of 20s. each. Machinery for a quartz mill with fifty stamps and all the newest improvements, Diehl process, etc., had to be purchased and forwarded by team at once, and provisions, tools, extra tents, bedding, books, cooking utensils-in fact, everything necessary for a large staff; with engineer, manager, metallurgist, wages men, shift-bosses, and others-the numbers in such case amounting to hardly less than fifty men to begin with. The unpretending vehicle carried a considerable amount of treasure, tempting enough to outlaws sure to be included in every goldfields rush. But both men were well armed, and not likely to surrender without a desperate struggle; the chances of an ambush were small-the open, waterless nature of the country being against such a mode of attack. Many thousand ounces of gold were indeed carried on horseback, or in the unpretending buggy of the period, without much knowledge of the same being noised abroad. Their journey to Coolgardie, and afterwards to Perth, was, in this instance, wholly devoid of incident, and Mr. Banneret had the satisfaction of banking his precious cargo without any but the officials of the institution being aware of the nature of the transaction.

The only incident of note which bordered upon risk occurred during an enforced stoppage at a stage a few miles distant from Perth. Here a large detachment of navvies had just been set down,

and apparently they had managed to possess themselves of more beer than was good for them. They were consequently in a state of humorous, if not aggressive excitement. This displayed itself in curious inquiry as to the contents of the portmanteau over which such jealous guard was kept. Both men were dressed in ordinary miner's costume, and therefore lacked the prestige which in Australia ensures respect for all men presumably of the rank of 'gentleman.' However, a miner who had been at Barrawong just before the breaking out' of the West Australian goldfields, happened to arrive in a waggonette. He and his mate were 'going east,' in order to float a company for the working of a mine, which they had discovered, and declared to be of great promise. The man from Barrawong was affected almost to tears by the sight of the Commissioner, that dread and august potentate, in working man's garb. He looked as if he wished to fall down and worship him. But, introducing his mate, he said, with a choking

voice :

'Bill, this here's our Commissioner, same as I told yer of, when I was on Barrawong; he's struck it rich, he tells me, and as we're on the road to Perth, he'll be obliged to us for a lift in our waggonette if you're agreeable.'

I've heard of Commissioner Banneret,' said the mate, making what he imagined to be a bow suitable to the occasion, and he should have my seat if I had to walk every bloomin' step of the road to the coast.'

'There isn't a man as was on the field when I

left,' responded the mate, that wouldn't do the same; but there's no call for any of us to walkthe horses are in good fettle, considerin' the price of feed, and they'll take the four on us-not leavin' the portmanter behind-into Perth, flyin'.'

This settled the matter. The portmanteau, so curiously regarded, was promptly lifted into the waggonette, and, as well as the Commissioner, was driven briskly along the road to the city, Mr. Newstead being left with the baggage of the expedition to follow at his leisure, and rejoin his chief at the township. That gentleman lost no time after being dropped at the Bank of Barataria. The mineral collection was produced.

'What_name shall I enter?' said the young banker at the counter. 'Gold and specimens, how many ounces?'

"Seven thousand four hundred and twentythree, seventeen pennyweights, and ten grains.'

'Oh!' said the bank clerk, with an instant change of manner. 'You're Mr. Banneret! Very glad to see you, sir! The Bank had advice of your expected arrival. I'll take the weights, and give you a receipt directly. Won't keep you waiting.'

'Well, good-bye, Captain!' said the miner from Barrawong. You're all right now. Anything more we can do for you-drive you anywheres? Say the word.'

'No; thanks very much! As it's early yet, I'll take a stroll round the town until Mr. Newstead comes up. It's a little different from New South Wales, eh? '

'It is that, sir. I suppose you couldn't lay us on to the spot where that show come from?'

'Hum! it won't be long before we're tracked up, I daresay. I don't see why you shouldn't have a chance as well as another. What is the leading hotel here, Mr. Carter?'-this to the bank clerk. "Oh, "The Palace." It's that two-storeyed

place at the corner of the street. Clean, and the cookery fair. The Mining Registrar's office is

next door.'

CHAPTER IV

'THANKS very much. Perhaps you'll dine with me to-night. One of my partners is coming along, who will be pleased to make your acquaintance. We'll drive over, Con. Now then,' he continued, after they had trotted a short distance along the dusty street, The "Last Chance," as you have seen, is one of the richest claims in Australia. All the vacant ground within miles of it will be rushed in a week. Would you and your mate like to register four men's ground on No. 1, north of the Reward Claim-on half shares? There's plenty for all.'

'All right, sir. We've got our Miners' Rights all square and regular-and glad of the offer. I know a couple more chaps here-old mates that'll go in with us, so as to make up the claim. You know Murphy, and Crowley, don't you, sir? They'll come, quick and lively. Good men to work, too.' The next step was taken without delay. It was legally necessary to register the Prospecting Area-to take out Miners' Rightsto apply for a lease. They were entitled under Regulation No. 15 of the Goldfields Act of 189to twelve acres, in the shape of a rectangular paral