“Yes, I leave at St. Helena, and we shall be there in a few days. You see, I am now nearly as strong as ever, thanks to Campion, and it is important for me to get to England at once.” “No doubt,” said Harwood; “your relatives will be very anxious if they hear of the loss of the vessel you were in.” Markham gave a little laugh, as he said, “I have no relatives; and as for friends--well, I suppose I shall have a number now.” “Now?” “Yes; the fact is I was on my way home from Australia to take up a certain property which my father left to me in England. He died six months ago, and the solicitors for the estate sent me out a considerable sum of money in case I should need it in Australia--this order for four hundred pounds is what remains of it.” “I can now easily understand your desire to be at home and settled down,” said Harwood. “I don't mean to settle down,” replied Markham. “There are a good many places to be seen in the world, small as it is.” “A man who has knocked about in the Colonies is generally glad to settle down at home,” remarked Harwood. “No doubt that is the rule, but I fear I am all awry so far as rules are concerned. I haven't allowed my life to be subject to many rules, hitherto. Would to God I had! It is not a pleasant recollection for a son to go through life with, Harwood, that his father has died without becoming reconciled to him--especially when he knows that his father has died leaving him a couple of thousands a year.” “And you----” “I am such a son,” said Markham, turning round suddenly. “I did all that I could to make my father's life miserable till--a climax came, and I found myself in Australia three years ago with an allowance sufficient to keep me from ever being in want. But I forget, I'm not a modern Ancient Mariner, wandering about boring people with my sad story.” “No,” said Harwood, “you are not, I should hope. Nor am I so pressed for time just now as the wedding guest. You did not go in for a sheep-run in Australia?” “Nothing of the sort,” laughed the other. “The only thing I went in for was getting through my allowance, until that letter came that sobered me--that letter telling me that my father was dead, and that every penny he had possessed was mine. Harwood, you have heard of people's hair turning white in a few hours, but you have not often heard of natures changing from black to white in a short space; believe me it was so with me. The idea that theologians used to have long ago about souls passing from earth to heaven in a moment might well be believed by me, knowing as I do how my soul was transformed by that letter. I cast my old life behind me, though I did not tell any one about me what had happened. I left my companions and said to them that I was going up country. I did go up country, but I returned in a few days and got aboard the first ship that was sailing for England, and--here I am.”