“I am contented as I am, if I can but be near you, father,” she answered, trying to check the old man’s sudden energy.

“I know, I know; but we must bide our time, and remain poor for the present, Becky—­only for the present.”

“Perhaps our visitors would like supper,” the young woman suggested, in hopes of turning the conversation.

“By all means; they shall have the best that we can give,” replied the stockman, emerging from his deep reverie, and playing the host to perfection.  “Cook them the hind quarter of the lamb I killed to-day, and add whatever else you may have in the house.”

“But we object to that,” said Fred.  “We did not come here to rob you of your provisions, and while we have a full supply will not trespass upon your store.  It is you whom we invite to share our supper.  Recollect we are just from Melbourne, and have a rare quality of tea in our cart which we want you and your daughter to test.”

“There surely can be no harm in accepting of your offer,” replied the old man, musingly.  “When I am rich, it will of course be a different thing—­then you can partake of my hospitality.”

“If we proposed to you to help us to wealth, what answer should you return?” Fred asked of the convict.

“The answer of a grateful, honest man.  Show me that the means to get the wealth are honest, and I will work without complaining, for months, and when you are satisfied with your share of worldly goods, I will seek to get mine,” returned the old man, promptly.

“Then we ask your aid for the space of a few days.  In yonder forest, a treasure is buried, and we expect that some work is required to find it.  Will you aid us?”

“With all my heart,” replied the stockman, without a moment’s hesitation.  “I am under too great an obligation to you, gentlemen, to refuse assistance in so small a matter.  When shall we start?”

“To-morrow morning, at daylight.  Time is precious to us until we find the treasure.”

“I hope you will not be disappointed in your search,” returned the old man, apparently restored to his usual clear-headedness with the prospect of something to do.  “A secret like Gulpin’s must have been known or suspected by others beside his band.  For a few days past I have seen strange men wandering around the edge of the wood, although they did not appear to be regular bushrangers.  They may have the same object in view as yourselves, but without your knowledge of the locality of the gold.

“If they are bushrangers we will fight them, but if honest people in search of the treasure, we will laugh at them for their pains, and ridicule them for their trouble,” the old man continued.  “I see that Smith and my daughter have managed to get something to eat.  Suppose we have supper first, and discuss the best means of accomplishing your ends afterwards?”

“By the way, we forget to tell you that your share of money, for the capture of bushrangers, is awaiting your order,” Fred said, during supper, speaking to the stockman.