The Miners' Cup. A Coolgardie romance

Front matter

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Chapter I. Mates

' If I could only find a mate I'd be off to-morrow,' said Alec Wilton. 'Where to?' asked his companion, an older man than Alec Wilton by many years. ' To Coolgardie,' said Alec ; ' that's the place for a man like me. They are finding gold enough there to make the fortunes of dozens of men/ ' Don't know much about the place,' said William Barker, for such was the man's name, ' but I do know a good bit about mining.' ' Why not join me and go to West Australia, then ? I have not had much experience in that line myself, but I have been used to roughing it,' said Alec. 'Got no money,' said Will Barker, 'and it is no use going to a place like that without a few pounds in your pocket.' ' I have known you a good many years, Bill, said Alec Wilton, 'and I have always found you a straight-goer. I'll tell you what I will do.

If you will come with me I will find the money for the pair of us, and we will go and see what this wonderful find is like, and what sort of a country it is. How much coin should we want ?' ' Oh, a couple of hundred apiece would do us,' said Will Barker. ' I have more than that,' said Alec ; ' I can rake up five hundred pounds, or perhaps six hundred. Should we be all right with that ?' ' As right as a bank ; but it is hardly fair that you should put up all the money,' said Barker. ' Will you go ?' said Alec. ' If you wish it, but it's a wild-goose chase, I fear. It's a terrible country out West, and per haps, after all, the field may turn out a duffer. If you are determined to go, Alec, I'm your man, and I'll stand by you to the last,' said Barker. ' I know you will,' said Alec ; ' that is why I should like you for a mate.

You have helped me out of a tight fix before to-day, old fellow, and I am sure we should agree. If you will be my mate, Will, we shall strike a fortune, I hope.' ' I'm an older man than you, Alec, and I know what is before us if we go. I tell you it is no easy task, and you will have to rough it. Maybe our lives will be in danger. It is an almost un- Mates 11 known country. Consider if you could not do better here,' said Barker. ' I have been considering the matter ever since I saw the account of the discovery in the paper a week ago. It was lucky I met you, Will. You are just the man I want for a mate, but I hardly •thought you would tackle the job after the roughing you have had in miners' camps,' said Alec. ' I have roughed it, and I have had my troubles, Alec, as you know,' sighed Will Barker. 'When my girl ran away and left her old father, it nearly broke my heart.

I have never been the same man since, Alec. I never shall be as bright and merry as I was in the old days ; but I forgive her. She was sorely tempted, and a miners' camp is no place for a pretty young girl with no mother. It was my fault. I ought to have looked after her better.' ' Look here, Will, if you go on blaming yourself for that girl's conduct, I shall throw you over, mate. I know all about it. You may depend upon it, she is well enough off with the man she married, and if she is not, then it's my belief she will come back to her old dad. They always do, mate. It's when the trouble comes upon them they want to return to the old home. Don't you trouble your head about Lil. You would have heard of her if she had been down on her luck,' said Alec. ' Perhaps I should, lad, but I never liked Bob Morris.

He was an out-and-out swell compared to me, but he'd a black heart, or I'm much mis taken,' said Will Barker. ' Never saw him/ said Alec. ' Have another glass, mate, and forget all these troubles. Let us drink success to our Coolgardie trip, and hope we may find nuggets as plentiful as whisky is in Sydney.' The ' mates ' were in Roberts' Hotel when the above conversation took place, and the barman had been taking particular notice of what they had been saying. He knew Alec Wilton well, and he had seen Will Barker before. He thought it would be much better to go to this new goldfield than to slave behind a bar all his life. He served them with a couple of whiskies and sodas, and said, as he took the money : 'Wish I was going with you, Mr. Wilton ; I'm about sick of this game.' Alec laughed as he said good-naturedly : ' Well, Tom, I see no reason why you should not come.

We will go first, and if the field promises well we will let you know, and you can follow us and run a pub at Coolgardie when the township is firmly established.' ' I'm on,' said Tom. ' There's always a lot of money to be made on that lay on a new field.' ' Then, we will not forget you,' said Alec, as he and his mate left the hotel. Alec bought a paper, looked down the shipping columns, and found there was a steamer on Mates 13 Saturday, which caught the Tekapo in Melbourne, bound for Albany and Freemantle, and from the latter port they could work their way from Perth to Coolgardie. ' We will go on Saturday, Will,' said Alec. ' Now we have made up our minds, we had better make a start as early as possible.' 'Not been long making up your mind,' said Will, with a smile ; ' it never did take you long to do that.

Do you remember when you set old Tozer's horse at that five-barred gate out of the stockyard up on his station at Louth. I reckon it did not take you long to make up your mind about that.' ' By Jove, it did not !' said Alec, with a laugh. ' How surprised old Tozer looked. His best horse, too. He nearly had a fit over it. But the beggar jumped it splendidly, did he not, Will ?' ' Yes. I never saw a much better jump ; clean over, and you did ride him well. Many a man would have broken his neck over that jump.' ' Nonsense, Will. Raven was a good horse. He could jump like a deer,' said Alec. 'That's all very well,' said Will, 'but he was a devil of a brute to ride, and you knew it.' ' I acknowledge he was not a lady's mount,' said Alec ; ' but with a man that knew him he was a pretty safe conveyance.' ' We had good times on old Tozer's station,' said Will. ' It was like a rest to me after mininglife ' Will Barker looked hard at Alec Wilton's handsome face, flushed with health and full of The Miners' Cup expectancy and boyish eagerness.

He looked at the sine stalwart figure and thought : ' It is a pity he should go to this infernal, out landish place. Such a fine young chap, too. He does not know what is before him. Perhaps it is just as well. He can reckon on one thing, and that is, Will Barker will never desert him.' ' Wnat are you in such a brown study for ?' asked Alec. ' Thinking if you would not act wiser if you threw up this scheme, and remained in Sydney. You have the old country to consider, Alec. It would not do for anything to happen to you,' said Will. ' My family have not done much for me,' said Alec. ' I have had to look out for myself here, and it has done me no harm. My stepfather is a man I could never respect.' ' There is your mother,' said Will Barker. 'Heaven bless her!' said Alec. 'She would approve of what I am doing, Will.

With such a mate as you she would have no fear for her son.' 1 Thank you,' said Will Barker quietly. ' You can reckon on me, Alec. If it is a case of one to be taken and the other left, I hope I shall have to go.' Alec Wilton put his hand on his mate's shoulder and said, in a soft voice, that had a quiver of genuine emotion in it : ' You saved my life once, Will. It is my turn next. I owe you a debt it is difficult to repay. I Mates 15 may be thoughtless, but I have never forgotten that.' Will Barker put out his hand and clasped Alec's with a powerful grip. ' Do not mention that. Any man would have done the same in my place. I merely pulled you out of the river.' ' At the risk of your own life,' said Alec. ' You forget to mention that.' ' My horse was stronger than yours. That was the advantage I had over you.

When your fellow was washed from under you, I was bound to come to the rescue,' said Will. ' You may think lightly of it ; I do not,' said Alec. ' Some day I hope to be able to prove my gratitude.' It does not take men situated as Alec Wilton and Will Barker were long to make up their minds in Australia. They had no ties to bind them, and no settled homes. They were men on the hunt for fortune. Men who loved an adventure, and were not to be daunted by obstacles difficult to overcome. Will Barker had led an adventurous life for the past thirty years or more. He had married a woman who did not care for him, but thought he was a man of money. When she found out her mistake she spent freely all he had, and then left him, leaving behind a daughter four years old. Lily Barker was the idol of her father's heart.

She lived with him and shared his wandering and unsettled life. It was five years since she had left him, and run away with her bold, dashing lover, Black Bob Morris as he was called. Will Barker had never seen his child from that day to this, and he commenced to think she must be dead. If Bob Morris had treated his girl ill, Will Barker meant to repay him fourfold for it, and he was just the sort of man to do it. Alec Wilton had been in the colonies five or six years. He left England because he could not agree with his stepfather. His mother had been loth to part with him, but she felt it would be for the best that he should absent himself for a time. They corresponded regularly, and Alec was well posted in the affairs of the old country, and the immediate circle in-^vhich he had been accustomed to move.

He first met Will Barker on Tozer's station, in the western district of New South Wales, and the men had formed a friendship that proved lasting. Will Barker was not an over-well educated man, but he was one of Nature's gentlemen — an honest, warm-hearted, true man. He had taken to Alec immensely. He liked the youth's headstrong, independent way, and admired him for his pluck in the saddle and in his work. Alec Wilton could use his fists well, and Will Barker often smiled as he thought how the new chum had settled a big hulking shearer who had made fun of him. Mates 17 The man had stood up to Alec with a sccwl on his face, and meant business. He slashed Alec badly about the face, and the fight looked to be going against him, when he gave the man a terrible uppercut under the chin that made his teeth rattle, and sent him down on to the shed floor with a thud that knocked all the breath out of him.

The men cheered lustily at Alec's victory, for his opponent had been the bully of the chearers' camp, and made the most of his fighting powers. Alec Wilton was a good all-round athlete, a man who had been well trained in body as well as mind. The body, unfortunately, with some of the up-to date young men is a secondary consideration, used merely to dress to advantage, and utterly neglected for manly exercises. It was a lucky thing for Alec Wilton he met Will Barker in the hotel, and persuaded him to go to Coolgardie. He could not have found a better mate. If Will Barker had no money, he had what would probably prove of quite as much use— a thorough practical knowledge of mining, and had done no end of ' specing ' in his time. They had met in George Street quite by accident, and had merely adjourned to the hotel for a glass.

It is chance meetings such as this that often change the course of a man's life, and bring about events that would otherwise never have happened. The ' mates ' were to meet with many adventures in the golden land to which they were bound.

Chapter II. Away To The West

Alec Wilton left the procuring of such things as they might require to Will Barker, who knew what it was necessary to take with them. Will's spirits rose considerably as he once more purchased the familiar articles he had so often used in his miner's life. He was a good buyer. There was no humbugging him, and the tradesmen saw they had a practised man to deal with, and no fool, and respected him accordingly. The day to sail from Sydney came at last, and the mates found themselves on board the steamship Adelaide, bound for Melbourne, where they would tranship into the Tckapo for Freemantle. It was a lovely night as the Adelaide steamed down the harbour. The moon was shining brightly, and it was almost as clear as day. As they stood on the deck they could see the city gradually disappear in their wake, and its myriads of lights looked like glowworms dancing in the night.

The numerous bays and inlets could be seen and a pale light tinted the beautiful scenery with a pale soft glow. There were not many passengers on board, as the rush for the goldfields had not yet set in. That was to come later on, when thousands of eager men were to follow in the tracks of the pioneers of the famous Coolgardie fields. As the Adelaide steamed through the Heads and out to sea, both men wondered when they should enter that harbour again, and what trials and vicissitudes they would go through in the life they were about to enter upon. Will Barker guessed what lay before them, but Alec Wilton had no conception of what he had to encounter. Alec was, however, young and enthusiastic, and he felt strong enough to pull through any enter prise, however desperate it might be. ' We are fairly on our way now, Will,' he said, as the Adelaide ploughed her way south at a fast rate of speed. 'Yes,' said Will, ' we're in for it now, Alec.

It is sink or swim. I have no doubt we shall pull through, somehow. What the deuce is it?' said Will, looking down at his feet, where he saw a fox terrier rubbing against his legs. 'Suppose you belong to the skipper,' he went on, stooping down and patting him. ' That's Waxy,' said Alec, ' and he does not belong to the skipper; he is my sole property, Will, and I'm proud of him. He took first prize at the last show, and he deserved it. You know you deserved it, old dog, don't you ?' Waxy gave a short, sharp bark, knowing he had been addressed, and answering in the affirmative as well as he was able, with commendable promptitude. ' What the deuce made you bring him with you ? said Will. ' He'll never live through the life we shall have to lead. The little beggar will die the first march we have to the field.' ' No, he won't, Will,' said Alec, who had a habit of cutting his words off short, like many another man who speaks so, but prefers to write differently. ' Who ever heard of a little beggar like that tramping through the wilds of Australia ?' said Will. ' What do you think, Will ?' said Alec. ' Blest if I know what to think,' said Will. ' We shall have quite enough to do to look after our selves, let alone the dog.' 'You've heard of Stanley, the explorer, in Equatorial Africa — the fellow that found Emin ?

Ungrateful beggar! — I mean Emin, of course,' said Alec. 'Heard his lecture in Sydney,' said Will. 'By Jove ! he's a fellow we could do with out here to explore the interior of this country. It's the man who can live on imaginary beefsteaks for a month or two, and fancy there is an unlimited supply of water when he's dry, that ought to go into the interior.' ' Well, he took a fox-terrier with him on his first march through the forest in search of Emin. And the little beggar, as you would call him, walked all the way. He died of sheer grief because Stanley would not take him back with him when he went to look for the rear column, and left him behind at the fort. Now, if Stanley's dog could travel through Equatorial Africa, I don't see why Waxy should not travel with us to Coolgardie, and further, if necessary.' 'Argument's good,' said Will. 'He'll be com pany for us, anyhow.

Where did you pick him up?' ' Waxy is a dog with a history. He has a real historical appendage, although it is sometimes merely applied to the tail of a dog,' said Alec. ' The first time I met Waxy we had a difference. He evidently did not take to me. He tore a piece out of my trouser-leg, and got kicked accordingly. That did not daunt him, so he flew furiously at my boot. He was about six months old then, and game as they make them. I inquired into his pedigree. I found that he came of the good old Belvoir stock, which, with all the latest improve ments and fads, you cannot beat for pluck and courage. I took quite a fancy to him. I de manded his price. The sum of two pounds was the value put upon him. I parted with it and took the dog. I called him Waxy because he was in such a deuce of a temper when I first met him.

Ever since I got him we have been sworn friends. He's the best ratter you ever saw, Will. As for gameness — well, you wait till he gets on to Cool gardie and begins to rough it. Then we will sum up his courage.' Will Barker patted Waxy again, as he said : ' He looks a little varmint. I'm fond of a good dog. I have no doubt Waxy will agree with me.' Waxy wagged his tail, then put out his front paws, lowered his back, put out his hind legs, opened his mouth, and indulged in a comfortable yawn and stretch combined. The second mate came along and saw the dog. He stopped and patted him. ' Nice dog that, sir,' he said to Alec. 'Yes. He's a good little sort.' ' Good with the rats ?' asked the mate. ' Rather,' said Alec. ' I'll see if I can get him one or two if you'll come down in the fore-cabin,' said the mate. ' Right you are,' said Alec ; ' it will pass the time away.

Come along, Waxy.' They followed the mate into the sailors' quarters. There were four large rats in a wire trap. The mate put the trap on the floor. Waxy lay down with his paws stretched out and his head on one side, waiting in eager expectation. ' He's been at this game before,' said the mate. ' Many a time,' said Alec. Rat number one came out, and Waxy made short work of it. ' Open the trap and let them all out,' said Alec. The mate fastened the spring back. Waxy knew this meant business. The rats darted out, but the little terrier had two of them dead and thrown over his head in a twinkling, and he caught the third as he was making for the stairs. Satisfied his foes were all slain he smacked his lips and looked round for applause. ' Splendid dog !' said the mate. He is going to Coolgardie with us,' said Will. 'You don't mean to say you are taking a dog like that with you there ?' said the mate. ' We are,' said Alec ; ' he will be company for us.' ' He might die,' said the mate, in a tone of voice that indicated : ' It would be a pity for such a dog to die there ; it does not matter much about you men.' ' Waxy never says die,' said Alec 'So you are going to try your luck ?' said the mate. 'I hear it will be a great field.

There will be a rush there before long. Once the gold fever strikes them, all the old hands will be making in that direction.' ' We want to get there before the rush,' said Will. ' Bayley and Ford's find is a good one ; I have heard about that on the best authority. They have been out there for months. We shall strike beyond them in the direction of the Murchi son. It's a bad country, I believe, but we must take our chance.' 'Wish you luck, anyway,' said the mate; 'a man with a dog like that deserves to have luck. Should not wonder if he scratched you up the first nugget.' ' The mate's evidently a dog fancier,' said Alec, as he walked away to attend to his duties. 'Better leave Waxy with him until we come back,' said Will ; 'he'll take good care of him, I'll be bound.' ' I would not leave him behind for a fifty-ounce nugget,' said Alec ; ' 1 have a notion Waxy will bring us luck.' ' I hope he will,' said.

Will Barker. When the Adelaide reached Melbourne, they found the Tekapo did not sail for a couple of days. The news of the gold find at Coolgardie had created some stir in mining circles in Melbourne, but the friends were glad to find that not too much faith was as yet put in the field. This was what they had wished for. They were desirous of anticipating thc rush, so kept their intentions to themselves. There was a fairly good list of passengers on the Tekapo, but as Will Barker said, their names did not read like a mining croud. ' We shall get on the ground early,' said Will ; ' that will be a lot in our favour. We must strike out fer fresh country. No doubt Bayley and Ford have taken up a lot of land, but there's heaps more. I once met an old miner that had been over this ground, and he said it was a wonderful country.

We Lwe a little capital, so shall be able to get horses, or camels, if necessary. I prefer horses. Have been on camels up Bourke way, and don't relish the method of locomotion. You talk about sea-sickness ; it's a mere trifle to the motion of a camel.' 'We shall do all right if we strike water enough,' said Alec. ' That we must look out so-,' said Will ; ' we can't live without it. Water is often a good deal more precious than gold.' On board the Tekapo they found all bustle and stir, in readiness for a start, and it was not long before they were steaming down the Yarra, and by six o'clock they had cleared Port Phillip, and were well on their way to the west, and, as they hoped, fortune. Will Barker knew what a lottery the search for gold often proved. He was, however, determined to do his utmost to put Alec Wilton on the right scent.

He had succeeded before, and he saw no reason why he should not do so again. He had spent his money foolishly in the past, but he was determined if ever he struck gold again to stick to it. As for Alec Wilton, he had faith in himself and faith in his mate. He had a presentiment they were bound for the land where gold was to be found in abundance. That night he dreamt of walking over fields of gold, and picking up nuggets as large as eggs- There was one particularly large one he had his eyes on, the size of an emu egg. He put out his hand to take it. He clutched it hard. A sharp bark woke him. He had caught hold of Waxy 's head, who had settled himself down on his bunk, and was squeezing it hard. Alec laughed heartily as he said to Waxy : ' Never mind, old dog. I took your head for a nugget. That's an augury of good luck, I guess, Waxy.'

Chapter III. The Land Of The Black Swan

The Tekapo steamed to the golden west, bearing our two friends on their way to fortune or disap pointment. The search for gold is exciting, but the chances of success are few and far between, and occasion ally the luck seems all on one side. The Tekapo did not call at Albany. She rounded Cape Howe, and when off Cape Leeuwin encoun tered heavy weather, which is often the case. Freemantle was reached in safety, and from there Alec Wilton and Will Barker proceeded up the Swan River to Perth, the capital city of West Australia. Perth is a beautifully-situated city, sloping, as it does, down to the edge of the Swan River, where the boats of the Royal Perth Yacht Club lie at anchor. Undoubtedly there is a great suture before West Australia, and Perth is bound to become a vast and important city.

Will Barker set about making several purchases in Perth, and it was a couple of days after they landed before they were well on their way in a train to Northam. Northam was safely reached, and from there they were to proceed on horseback to Southern Cross, the railway not being open at this time, and on from there to Coolgardie. The distance they had to travel from Northam to Southern Cross was about 160 miles, and the shortest cut, so they were informed, from Southern Cross to Coolgardie was 121 miles, or close upon 300 miles in all. At this time there was not a very clearly-defined track to Coolgardie, and they had to be guided by the knowledge Will Barker possessed of the country. It was desperate hard work. They had their own horses to ride, and a couple of pack-horses on which were carried their goods and chattels, and food for both man and beast. ' Curious country, this,' said Will, when they were well on their way to Southern Cross. ' So far as I can judge, I do not think there are many people ahead of us on the field.