The great nugget was carefully packed in a stout wooden box by
Archie, and placed in the trap by him with such caution that Madame,
who was already seated in it, asked him if he was afraid she would
be robbed.

'It's always best to be on the richt side, mem,' said Archie,
handing her the reins; 'we dinna ken what may happen.'

'Why, no one knows I am taking this to Ballarat to-day,' said
Madame, drawing on her gloves.

'Don't they?' thought M. Vandeloup, as he took his seat beside her.
'She doesn't know that I've told Pierre.'

And without a single thought for the woman whose confidence he was
betraying, and of whose bread and salt he had partaken, Vandeloup
shook the reins, and the horse started down the road in the
direction of Ballarat, carrying Madame Midas and her nugget.

'You carry Caesar and his fortunes, M. Vandeloup,' she said, with a
smile.

'I do better,' he answered, gaily, 'I carry Madame Midas and her
luck.'




CHAPTER IX