I have a lively recollection of our skipper's indignation when the pilot informed him of this disgraceful fact.

Within a fortnight, however, I met the good man face to face upon the diggings.

It is but fair to add that the Lady Jermyn lost every officer and man in the same way, and that the captain did obey tradition to the extent of being the last to quit his ship.

Nevertheless, of all who sailed by her in January, I alone was ready to return at the beginning of the following July.
I had been to Ballarat.

I had given the thing a trial.