Next morning Frank and his friends went out to choose their claim. As we have said, the Bigbear Gully was not at that time generally known. A comparatively small number of diggers had set to work in it, and they were careful to avoid giving much information to "prospecting," or searching parties, because they knew that if the richness of the soil were known, there would be a general rush to it from all quarters. There was therefore no lack of unoccupied ground. A suitable spot was chosen in a pleasant grove on the banks of the stream where it swept round the base of a magnificent precipice, not far from Jeffson's store. Here Douglas, Meyer, and Joe set to work to build a kind of hut of logs, branches, and mud, while Frank returned to the store to purchase the necessary tools. Having little money left, he was compelled to take credit, which Jeffson readily granted to him, knowing full well that there was little fear of the account remaining long unpaid. In order that the reader may have an idea of the charges made at the diggings in those days, we subjoin the list of purchases made at the commencement of operations by the firm of "Allfrey, Douglas and Company." +===================================================================+=====================+ |A rocker or cradle |6 pounds 5 shillings | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------+ |A spade, shovel, pick-axe, and two tin washing-pans |3 pounds 15 shillings| +-------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------+ |12 pounds weight of biscuit, 12 pounds weight of salt-pork and beef| | +-------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------+ |4 pounds weight of lard, and 6 pounds weight of flour |10 pounds 8 shillings| +-------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------+ |A frying-pan, sauce-pan, and four tin mugs |2 pounds 12 shillings| +-------------------------------------------------------------------+---------------------+ |Sum-Total |23 pounds 0 shillings| +===================================================================+=====================+ When Joe Graddy heard the sum-total he looked very blank indeed, but, quickly recovering himself, insisted that they should leave off house-building, which, in the fine weather, he said, wos o' no manner o' use, and it was a matter o' prime importance to go to dig at once, an' pay off their debt without delay.