Page:While the Billy Boils, 1913.djvu/343

 He removed his spectacles, wiped them, and wiped his face; then his attention seemed to be attracted by some stones at his feet. He picked one up and examined it.

'I shouldn't wonder,' he mused, absently, 'I shouldn't wonder if there is alluvial gold in some of these creeks and gullies, perhaps tin or even silver, quite probably antimony.'

The boss seemed interested.

'Can you tell me if there is any place in this neighbourhood where I could get accommodation for myself and my servant for a day or two?' asked Steelman presently. 'I should very much like to break my journey here.'

'Well, no,' said the Boss. 'I can't say I do―I don't know of any place nearer than Pahiatua, and that's seven miles from here.'

'I know that,' said Steelman reflectively, 'but I fully expected to have found a house of accommodation of some sort on the way, else I would have gone on in the van.'

'Well,' said the Boss. 'If you like to camp with us for to-night, at least, and don't mind roughing it, you'll be welcome, I'm sure.'

'If I was sure that I would not be putting you to any trouble, or interfering in any way with your domestic economy'

'No trouble at all,' interrupted the Boss. 'The boys will be only too glad, and there's an empty whare where you can sleep. Better stay. It's going to be a rough night.'

After tea Steelman entertained the Boss and a few V