Most of the diggers had gone to other fields, but there were

a few prospecting, in parties and singly, out on the flats and amongst

the ridges round Pipeclay. Sinking holes in search of a new Ballarat.

Dave Regan -- lanky, easy-going Bush native; Jim Bently --

a bit of a `Flash Jack'; and Andy Page -- a character like

what `Kit' (in the `Old Curiosity Shop') might have been

after a voyage to Australia and some Colonial experience.

These three were mates from habit and not necessity, for it was all