“I will leave a note for the ladies with the lieutenant of police in Melbourne, and he will see that they are properly cared for,” I remarked.

“Perhaps you had better give it to me,” Mr. Wright said, thoughtfully.

“Why?”

“Because I think that business will call me to the city in a day or two, and I will accompany the expedition, and see that the women have all that they desire on the route.  I don’t like to trust them with my men, for I don’t know how the latter would act when no longer under my supervision.”

“The very best course you can take,” cried Mr. Brown and myself in a breath, glad to think that the ladies were to be well protected.

“If you think that plan is a good one, I shall adopt it,” Mr. Wright remarked, a little confused, although I didn’t suspect at the time that the youth and tears of the widow had made an impression upon his heart, and that he desired to be as near her as possible, so as to condole with her on her misfortunes.

We settled the business that evening, and I even made an arrangement with Mr. Wright to forward me all his surplus produce, such as vegetables and fruit, and all the cattle he desired to dispose of.  I pointed out the advantage he would derive from the trade, and that, instead of sending his stock to Melbourne, and waiting for consignees to dispose of it, I would pay upon delivery, and give the best market price.  He agreed with me, and we closed a bargain that was only interrupted when Fred and myself left the country.

The next morning we were up at daylight, and so were the whole household.  Breakfast was smoking on the table when we descended to the first floor, and Jackson stood near the door looking quite melancholy at the prospect of our departure, while Kala and Iala ventured as near the dining room as they dared for the purpose of reminding us of our promised bottles of rum, and tobacco.  We satisfied them that they were not forgotten, and that they should receive the articles by the first team that was consigned to us from the farm.

“And me, sir,” whispered Jackson; “I hope that I shall not be forgotten after your departure.”

“We never forget our promises,” I replied.  “You shall have a pardon, if money or influence can procure one.”

With this assurance he was perfectly satisfied, and I may as well state here that he was pardoned in less than a year from the time of our visit, and that he left Mr. Wright’s employ, went to Melbourne with a hundred pounds in his pocket, commenced a small business, which gradually expanded, until at the present time he writes me that he is assessed for near one hundred thousand pounds.  He has been fortunate in all his speculations, and is regarded as one of the most honorable merchants in Melbourne.

“By the way, that fellow whom you quarrelled with and struck has left my employ,” Mr. Wright said, as we took our seats at the table.