Page:Australian Emigrant 1854.djvu/79

 Weevel, however, tried to make an arrangement, whereby he was to live on board the ship all the time she remained in harbour, and then proceed in her to Calcutta, and from thence home. As there appears a prospect of losing sight of our friend, it may be as well to say, that however the Weevel species may thrive in a country like England, Australian air does not agree with them, and generally changes their habits, or drives them away. We must do Mr. Weevel the justice to state, that he returned the borrowed trousers to Mr. Binns, and appeared on the occasion dressed in the most elaborate manner; but we regret to record, that the effect he intended to have produced was quite lost, for on passing a gang of Government men at work, he was hailed with such enquiries as—

"What were you transported for?"

"Did Government find you your toggery?"

We will not recount the adventures which befel the partners for the first two years spent in the colony, as during that period they seldom left the town, which had assumed a more compact and substantial appearance. The land which Mr. Binns had purchased for them at £20 the half acre allotment, had increased so greatly in value, that the same was now worth from £500 to £700, with its value still on the increase. The firm of Raymond and Co. made other good speculations, and so far all was prosperity.

One day about this time Slinger brought a packet for Hugh from the Post Office, containing information of the greatest importance. We have before said, Miss Leslie's property which was large, was in the hands of her guardian, Jarroll. By the