We thought the matter over, and considered the subject in all its bearings.  If Bill had spoken the truth, there was a chance for us to increase our funds with but little labor, and none in Ballarat would be the wiser for it.  If the information was false, the only thing lost would be a week or two’s absence from business, which, in the present exciting times, we hardly dared to spare.  After a long talk, however, and upon Mr. Brown’s assertion that there was no danger of an outbreak, for at least two weeks, I concluded that I would leave Fred in charge of the store, and undertake the expedition, in company with the ex-inspector.

Barney, who was with us, waiting impatiently for the arrival of Smith, readily consented to assist Fred to the extent of his ability during my absence; and without further ceremony we bound the agreement with Mr. Brown, that we would share equal with him, in whatever expenses were incurred, or whatever was found.

“We must start to-morrow morning,” Mr. Brown said, after all the preliminary arrangements were concluded, “because the moon fulls the day after to-morrow, and we shall want to be on the spot to make an examination by daylight.  How soon can we be ready?”

“To-morrow, as early as you desire,” I replied.

“Good; we shall then lose no time.  It will be necessary for us to go well armed and well mounted, you know, for the distance is long, and the road dangerous.  Besides, we shall require a pack mule or horse to carry a few tools, and provisions enough to last us for a week.”

That part of the business was quickly arranged.  Mr. Brown owned a large gray horse which he had always rode while at Ballarat, and we had three good animals standing idle.  I proposed to borrow a pack saddle, and make the poorest animal do packing service, while I mounted the other.  The idea was adopted, and before night we had our provisions all prepared, our blankets ready for strapping, and a pickaxe and shovel selected, in case we should have to stir the earth with an extensive search for the hidden treasure.

In the course of the day, the ex-inspector, after bidding his associates farewell, and telling them that he intended to visit Melbourne on business connected with his resignation, moved all his traps to the store for safe keeping during his absence, and when evening drew on, we lighted our pipes, and in subdued tones spoke of the prospect of finding enough gold to pay us for our journey.

The next morning we were up before daylight, preparing breakfast and attending to the horses, and before the sun was ready to show his face, we were in the saddle, and on our way to the banks of the Lodden, driving the pack horse before us at an easy canter, and enjoying all the beauties of the morning.

We avoided the road which led to Melbourne, and upon which some forty or fifty poor devils were working out their mining tax, and by a cut across the country, in the direction of Mount Tarrengower, were enabled to save some few miles of travel, as well as to avoid answering questions from those whom we met on the road.  The latter is no slight labor, as every person on a journey to the mines is desirous of asking the latest news, and whether the gold is as abundant as ever.