In 1851 the gold fever broke out in Australia.

I shipped to Melbourne as third mate on a barque, and I deserted for the diggings in the usual course.

But I was never a successful digger.

I had little luck and less patience, and I have no doubt that many a good haul has been taken out of claims previously abandoned by me; for of one or two I had the mortification of hearing while still in the Colony.

I suppose I had not the temperament for the work.