So one of the men informed them.

The same gentleman hoped that the strangers were not very particular, as the 'grub,' though plentiful was apt to be rough of its kind.
'You'll have it a deal worse before you've done if you're going on to Ahalala,' said another.

Then Caldigate said that they did intend to go on to Ahalala.

'We're going to have a spell at gold-digging,' said he.
What was the use of making any secret of the matter?
'We knowed that ready enough,' said one of the men.

'Chaps like you don't come much to Nobble for nothing else.