both be ill: let me give you each a good dose of medicine." I said
this encouragingly, for there was nothing in the world Euphemia
liked so much as good substantial physic, and the only thing I ever
needed to keep locked up from her was the medicine drawer.

Euphemia seemed touched and grateful, and her face brightened up
directly, but Lois looked up with her frightful little face more
ugly than usual, as she said, spitefully, "Physic won't make them
nasty sheep hold their tongues. I'm sure _this_ isn't the place for
me to find my luck, so I'd rather go, if you please, mem. I've
prospected-up every one o' them gullies and never seen the colour
yet, so it ain't any good my stopping."

This was quite a fresh light thrown upon the purpose of Lois's long
lonely rambles. She used to be off and away, over the hills
whenever she had finished her daily work, and I encouraged her
rambles, thinking the fresh air and exercise must do her a world of
good. Never had I guessed that the sordid little puss was turning
over every stone in the creek in her search for the shining flakes.

"Why did you think you should find gold here?" I asked.

"Because they do say it lies in all these mountain streams," she
answered sullenly; "and I'm always dreaming of nuggets. Not that a
girl with my face and figure wants 'dust' to set her off, however.
But if its all the same to you, mem, I'd rather leave when Euphemia
does."

"Are _you_ going, then?" I inquired, turning reproachfully to my
pale-faced cook, who actually coloured a little as she answered,