I afterwards learnt from the Melbourne Argus: that the old convict was found guilty of the murder, and ended his earthly existence on the gallows. Volume Three, Chapter IX. A LARK WITH THE "LICENCE-HUNTERS." After we had completed the working of our claim in the Avoca lead, my partner--who had told me that his name was Brown--signified his intention of returning home to England. "I have saved between three and four hundred pounds," said he, "and shouldn't know what to do with it here. I've been thinking of going home for several years past; and now's the time to do it." Instead of attempting to dissuade him, I rather encouraged him in his design, telling him that, if dissatisfied with his visit to his native country, he could return to the diggings--before they should get worked-out--and try his fortune once more. He had heard me speak of going myself back to England some time or other; and he urged me to make the voyage along with him. I should probably have acceded to his request,--had he not pressed me so strongly; but I have a great aversion to doing anything, that I am vehemently solicited to do. If there is anything which will make me do the very thing I know to be wrong, it is when some one counsels me too pressingly _against_ doing it. I have a great _penchant_ for being guided by my own judgment; and I believe that very little good is done by giving advice, to those who are old enough to think and act for themselves. In answer to my partner's request, I told him that I should probably return to England in about a year; but was not then ready to go. Though a little disappointed at my not accompanying him, Brown and I parted on good terms. He left full directions with me for finding him in Birmingham--should I ever go to that city; and warmly urged upon me to call and see him. I gave him a promise to do so. "I believe you are a respectable, right-thinking man," said he, as we shook hands at parting; "you have treated me, as though I was the same; and that's more than I have been accustomed to for the last score of years." On leaving me, Brown proceeded direct to Melbourne, where he took ship for England. For two or three days after he had left me, I looked about the diggings--undecided what I should next do. One afternoon, while sauntering at a little distance, from my tent, I saw some policemen, with a squad of mounted troopers, out on the patrol. A "licensing commissioner" at their head, proved that they were looking for "unlicenced" miners. I never went abroad without a miner's licence in my pocket; but I felt a strong dislike to showing it--solely on account of the manner, in which the demand to do so was usually made.