“This is a prize worth something,” Murden said, overjoyed at his good fortune.

“The government will make its expenses on this trip,” I remarked, as I calculated the worth of the gold.

“Do you suppose that government will ever see the color of this dust?” asked Murden, with a laugh.

I replied that I expected he would render an account of it to his superior officer.

“And let my superior officer retain the whole of that which we have worked hard for.  I know a trick worth two of that.  Stand by and let me divide it according to grade, men.”

A pair of scales was produced in a twinkling from one of the saddle holsters of the men, and with great dignity the lieutenant weighed out the full amount, and then made a calculation.

“I am going to let these two gentlemen share equally with me.  They deserve more, but according to the rules of the service, volunteers must rate with lieutenants.”

Fred and I looked at each other in surprise, hardly believing our senses, while the men declared with one accord that it was but right we should receive our share, and that we were an honor to the police force.

“There’s twenty-two hundred dollars to be divided among the men, and about two thousand dollars for us three,” said Murden, after finishing his calculations.

“And do you expect us to take the money?” Fred asked.

“I certainly do,” replied the lieutenant, with the most refreshing coolness.

“But suppose an inquiry should be made by those in authority at Melbourne, regarding the finding of this money?  What answer should we return?”

“You can say that you should like to find more on the same terms, and refer inquirers to me for further particulars.”

“But shall you say nothing about the discovery when you reach the city?” we asked.

“To be sure I shall.  I intend to mention in my report that I found a large quantity of stolen goods, and present a schedule of the same.”

“And the gold?” I asked.

“The gold! why, I have lived too long in Australia to think of giving up my lawful prize-money, and if I did I should be dismissed from the police force as not worthy of a command.  Follow my example and pocket all that you can get, and say nothing to any one, or you will be laughed at for your weakness.”

The argument of the officer was not convincing as far as the honesty of the transaction was concerned; but when I saw the men empty their share of the dust into pouches which they wore around their necks, I confess the desire to do likewise was overpowering, and Fred and myself received our thirds of the gold, valued at two thousand dollars, without farther argument, or, indeed, caring particularly whether we were doing right or wrong.

CHAPTER XV.

Dying confession of Jim Gulpin, the robber.