Hopeful Search
The flash flood held them up on the north bank of the Grey River. The rain was very heavy and the two gold seekers were drenched to the skin. As they sat dejectedly on a fallen tree trunk, Charles turned to his companion and said, “George, do you really think we made the correct decision to leave our families and jobs for this terrible place?”
George shook his head and water flew from the brim of his battered hat and his soaking beard.
“No,” he replied, “Anything would be better than this!”
The rain seemed to be getting heavier and the two companions became more dejected. In the silence, apart from the never-ending sound of dripping rain, a faint sound could be heard.
“What’s that?” said George.
“Ssh, listen.” answered Charles.
The sounds were becoming louder and louder. Voices! They could hear voices. Excitedly the two friends called out and then heard the answering voices getting louder. Soon they could hear the sound of people crashing through the dense, damp bush and a few minutes later, four soaked and weary miners pushed their way to where the two men were waiting.
“Hallo, hallo, and who have we here?” asked the leader, who wore a black cape over his huge shoulders.
His companions gathered around the two and looked them up and down.
“Where are you two heading for?” asked a small, wiry man, who had a bright red scar on his face.
Charles was the one to speak. “We hope to travel to Greymouth, stock up with supplies at Rueben Waite’s store and head for the diggings at Hokitika. What are things like there?”
The third member of the group spoke. “Well, there is gold there all right, but it is becoming more difficult to find it as there are thousands of diggers ahead of you. But all is not doom and gloom. Many have done well, so don’t give up hope.”
With these encouraging words, the group made their wet and weary way through the thick, wet bush.
