An old man crouched among the boulders, a hessian sack around his shoulders for warmth against the cold of the water, a tin plate tilted in his hand. He waved to the children, then bent down to his plate again. ‘That’s Old Man Lee,’ said Elaine. ‘He’s always at it.’ ‘What’s he doing?’ asked Barbara. ‘Gold-panning, of course. That’s his spot. Johnny Parker and the Williams boys are up by the island. Johnny Parker was a carpenter till his shop went bust, and Joe Williams was a boilermaker. There are prospectors all up and down the creek round here. Not that there’s much to be found any more. Dad says they’re lucky to make half a quid a week.’ ‘Where’s Dad panning now?’ asked Young Jim. Elaine shrugged. ‘Nowhere much. The last spot fizzled out after a couple of weeks. He hasn’t found another good one. Don’t think he will, either. He’s making a few bob out of tomatoes. Says there’s more money in vegies than fooling around looking for gold, if only he could get the water to them.’ Elaine grimaced.
What do You think about Somewhere Around The Corner?
