The individual who made this request, had once been a convict in Tasmania. He was rather a good-looking man, about forty-five years of age, and went by the name of Norton. The little bird called "rumour," had chirupped about the diggings many tales of his former achievements in crime--all of which, however, seemed to have been forgotten. The reader may ask, why those of our company, who professed to be respectable men, should associate with one who had manifestly been a transported felon? The answer is, that we were in circumstances very different from those who might think of putting such a question. Ten or twelve men were required for working a mine on the Gravel-pits; and where nearly all the people of the place were strangers to each other, a man could not very well make choice of his companions, at least not all of them. Norton had bought a share in the claim from one of the first holders of it; and all that the rest of us could require of him, was, that he should perform his share of the work. On such an occasion as that of dividing the gold, he had as much right to be one of the company, as any other shareholder. "I will agree to what you propose, on one condition," responded the Elephant, to the proposal of Norton; "and I have no doubt but that my friend, Bill, will do the same. But in order that you should understand what I intend doing in the future, it will be necessary that you should be told something of my past. This I am willing to make known, if you, Norton, will give us a true account of the principal events of your life; and Bill will probably gratify your curiosity on the same terms?" "Oh certainly," said Bill; "if Norton will give us his history, I'll give mine." The idea of an old convict giving us a true account of his misfortunes and crimes, was thought to be a very happy one; and the whole company were amused at the way the "Elephant" had defeated Norton's attempt to gratify his curiosity: for they had no idea that the convict would make a "confession." But to the surprise of all, he accepted the terms; and declared himself ready and willing to tell "the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." Olliphant and Bill could not retreat from the position they had taken, and Norton was called upon to commence. The glasses were again filled, and the short black pipes relit. The company kept profound silence--showing the deep interest they felt in hearing the life narrative of a man, with whose crimes rumour had already made them partially acquainted. "I am," began Norton, "the son of a poor man--a day labourer, and was born in the north of Scotland. Inspired by the hopes common to youth, I married early. In consequence, I had to endure the misery every man must meet, who is cursed with poverty, and blessed with a family he is unable to support.