Of course they did what they could for the poor wretch. They got him into the tent, and they made him swallow some tea. Then he slept; and in the course of the afternoon he had so far recovered as to be able to eat a bit of meat. Then, when his companions were at their work, he carefully packed up his swag, and fastening it on to his back, appeared by the side of the hole. 'I'm come to bid you good-bye he said. 'Where are you going, Mick?' asked Caldigate, climbing up out of the hole by the rope. 'I'm blessed if I know, but I'm off. You are getting that hole tarnation crooked.' The man was going without any allusion to the wages he had earned, or to the work that he had done. But then, in truth, he had not earned his wages, as he had broken his contract. He made no complaint, however, and no apology, but was prepared to start. 'That's all nonsense,' said Dick, catching hold of him. 'You put your swag down,' said Caldigate, also catching hold of the other shoulder. 'What am I to put my swag down for? I'm a-going back to Nobble. Crinkett'll give me work.' 'You're not going to leave us in that way,' said Dick. 'Stop and make the shaft straight,' said Caldigate. The man looked irresolute. 'Friends are not to part like that.' 'Friends!' said the poor fellow. 'Who'll be friends to such a beast as I be? But I'll stay out the month if you'll find me my grub.' 'You shall have your grub and your money, too. Do you think we've forgotten the potatoes?' '---- the potatoes,' said the man, bursting into tears. Then he chucked away his swag, and threw himself under the tent upon the straw. The next day he was making things as straight as he could down the shaft.