THE "ELEPHANT" AND HIS MATE. For several days after my "exhumation," I was compelled to remain in my tent, an invalid. When at length I became able to take the road, I started back for Ballarat, where I arrived after an arduous journey on foot, that lasted nearly three days. On again becoming fairly settled on this far-famed gold-field, I purchased a share in a claim on the "Gravel-pits" lead. This speculation proved fortunate: for the prospect turned out a good one. The gold I expected to obtain from my claim--added to what I had previously accumulated--promised to amount to a considerable sum. With this, I should have been willing to relinquish the hardships of a miner's life, and follow some less laborious occupation. When I thought of doing so, however, certain difficulties always presented themselves. What should I do? What other profession could I follow? These were interrogatories, not easily answered. Where I should go, after leaving the diggings, was a subject for profound consideration. For what reason should I go anywhere? What purpose had I to accomplish by going anywhere, or doing anything? While asking myself these questions, I thought of Jessie, though not with pleasure, for then within my mind would arise a temptation hard to resist. Unable to shape out any plan, I left it to circumstances; and toiled on from day to day, with no more interest in the future than the shovel I held in my hands! How very different it appeared to be with the two young men, who were part owners of the claim, in which I had purchased a share! Our "firm" was a large concern, owned by ten of us in all; and out of the number, there were but two who appeared to be toiling for an object. The majority of mankind think they are living and working for some purpose; but many of them are mistaken. They have some wishes, with a faint desire to see them fulfilled. But few there are who labour with that determined resolve that cannot be shaken, or set aside by the circumstances of the hour. Men do not often struggle with the determined spirit, that is ever certain to insure success. The most superficial observer could not have failed to perceive, that the two young men I have mentioned were acting under the influence of some motive stronger than common. The energy they displayed in their toil, the firmness they exhibited in resisting the many temptations set before them, their disregard of the past, their anxiety for the present, and confidence in the future--all told me that they were toiling for a purpose. They acted, as if they had never met with any serious disappointment in life; and as if they fully believed that Fortune's smiles might be won by those who deserve them.