Joe was overruled, however, and when it was explained to him that the fine weather might not last long, that it was essential to health that they should have a roof of some sort to keep off the dews, and that digging might be commenced in right earnest on the morrow, he consented to continue his labours at the hut. That night they slept sounder than usual, and, on the following morning, began to dig for gold. They commenced within a few feet of the water's edge. Joe handled the pick and spade; Meyer carried the "dirt" on his broad shoulders to Douglas, who rocked the cradle, while Frank washed out the auriferous matter in one of the tin pans, until nothing but pure gold and black sand remained. It was reserved for evening to separate the sand from the gold, and ascertain the result of their day's labour. At noon, in accordance with the universal custom at the mines, they threw down their tools and went up to the hut for an hour's rest and refreshment. Of course they discussed while they dined, and hoped largely! but their jaws were more active than their tongues, and the moment the hour was completed they returned vigorously to work. When the shades of evening began to descend, they returned to the hut, and, kindling a fire, commenced to fry blacksand and gold, being anxious to ascertain the result of the first day's work before supper! As each panful was dried and blown, the gold was weighed and put into a small white bowl, the bottom of which was soon heaped up with shining particles, varying in size from the smallest visible specks to little lumps like grains of corn. A neighbouring miner, who had offered to weigh the result for them, pronounced this first day's work as an unusually successful one, being, he said, a little over thirty-six pounds sterling. "How much?" exclaimed Joe Graddy in amazement. "Thirty-six pounds sterling," repeated the miner. "You _don't_ mean that?" "Indeed I do," replied the miner, smiling. "Then our fortins is made a'ready--all but--" "Not quite; you forget the price of our outfit," said Frank. "No doubt, I did," answered the seaman, a little subdued. "And the price o' grub," added Douglas; "not to mention clothing, which we shall want very soon, I fear, for the tear and wear of this kind of work is considerable. Why, I found to-day, when I took a stroll at noon, that they charge five pounds sterling for a flannel shirt, and four pounds for a pair of boots, and everything else is in proportion; so, you see, our thirty-six pounds won't do much for us at that rate. However, I admit that we have reason to be satisfied with the day's work."