So then he tried again and wrote a cheerful letter, and concealed all his troubles except his sorrow at being obliged to go so far from her even for a time.  “But it is only for a time, Susan dear.  And, Susan dear, I’ve got a good friend here, and one that can feel for us; for he is here on the same errand as I am.  I am to bide with him six months and help him the best I can, and so I shall learn how matters are managed here; and after that I am to set up on my own account; and, Susan dear, I do think by all I can see there is money to be made here.  Heaven knows my heart was never much set on gain, but it is now because it is the road to you.  Please tell Will Carlo has been a great comfort to me and is a general favorite.  He pointed a rat on board ship—­but it was excusable, and him cooped up so long and had almost forgotten the smell of a bird, I daresay; and if anybody comes to make believe to threaten me he is ready to pull them down in a minute.  So tell Will this, and that I do think his master is as much my friend at home as the dog is out here.

“Susan dear, I do beg of you as a great favor to keep up your heart, and not give way to grief or desponding feelings.  I don’t; leastways I won’t.  Poor Mr. Winchester is here on the same errand as I am.  But I often think his heart is stouter than mine, which is much to his credit and little to mine.  Susan dear, I have come to the country that is farther from Grassmere than any other in the globe—­that seems hard; and my very face is turned the opposite way to yours as I walk, but nothing can ever turn my heart away from my Susan.  I desire my respects to Mr. Merton and that you would tell him I will make the one thousand pounds, please God.  But I hope you will pray for me, Susan, that I may have that success; you are so good that I do think the Almighty will hear you sooner than me or any one.  So no more at present, dear Susan, but remain, with sincere respect, your loving servant and faithful lover till death, GEORGE FIELDING.”

They landed.  Mr. Winchester purchased the right of feeding cattle over a large tract a hundred miles distant from Sydney, and after a few days spent in that capital started with their wagons into the interior.  There for about five months George was Mr. Winchester’s factotum, and though he had himself much to learn, the country and its habits being new to him, still he saved his friend from fundamental errors, and, from five in the morning till eight at night, put zeal, honesty and the muscular strength of two ordinary men at his friend’s service.

At the expiration of this period Mr. Winchester said to him one evening, “George, I can do my work alone now, and the time is come to show my sense of your services and friendship.  I have bought a run for you about eight miles from here, and now you are to choose five hundred sheep and thirty beasts; the black pony you ride goes with them.”

“Oh no, sir! it is enough to rob you of them at all without me going and taking the pick of them.”