Bay, and at one time actually threatened to become a place of
considerable importance; but the water for domestic use was too bad to
be tolerated, and most of those who had settled there were glad to
retrace their steps to Melbourne, where a better sort of article exists.

"How are the mines? Do they still hold out?" I inquired of one of the
crew of the custom house boat, who was leaning against the rail in a
languid manner, as though he had been overworked for the past six
months.

"Yes, I s'pose so," he answered; and he spoke as though each word cost
him an immense amount of labor.

"Then, Fred, we are in luck," I cried, turning to my partner who stood
near at hand.

"Intend going to the mines?" the man asked, with a sudden show of
interest.

"Such is our intention," I replied.

"'Mericans, I suppose," he inquired.

"Yes."

"Then don't go if you want to keep the number of your mess," the boatman
said.

"Why not?" Fred ventured to inquire.