The boy was too young and still too much of a fly-by-night to have a black mark set against his name.

It would be the more absurd, considering that his sincerity in espousing the diggers' cause was far from proved.

He was of a nature to ride tantivy into anything that promised excitement or adventure.

With, it must regretfully be admitted, an increasing relish for the limelight, for theatrical effect--see the cunning with which he had made capital out of a bandaged ankle and dirty dress! At this rate, and with his engaging ways, he would soon stand for a little god to the rough, artless crowd.
No, he must leave the diggings--and Mahony rolled various schemes in his mind.

He had it! In the course of the next week or two business would make a journey to Melbourne imperative.