“The antipodes!” cried Mrs. Crosbie; and she would have questioned him further but that he ended the interview by walking away in search of Stuart. He found the young man strolling listlessly about the grounds, attended by all his canine pets. There was no doubt as to the sincerity of the pleasure on Stuart’s face when he saw his cousin; but Sir Douglas was quick to notice the worn look and the gloom that almost immediately settled again on his features. “How is the arm?” he asked, quietly. “Mending rapidly,” Stuart answered. “I shall have it out of the splints in another fortnight.” “Don’t hurry it,” said Sir Douglas, as he turned and strolled beside the young man; “it was a nasty fracture, you know.” They walked on in silence until they reached a quiet spot, and then Sir Douglas halted. “Stuart,” he said, “I have come down here on purpose to see you. I want you to give me a promise.” “It is already given,” Stuart answered, roused from himself for a while, and stretching out his hand. “You know that I have made you my heir, that I have willed all I possess to you with certain conditions.” “Yes, I know,” Stuart answered, his face flushing a little. “Do not think me ungrateful if I say I wish it were not so. I do not want your property; I----” “I am aware of that,” interrupted Sir Douglas, dryly. “If you had wanted it, you would not have had it. But it is not of that I want to speak; it is of the conditions. They are more to me than any fortune you could name.” “Whatever they are, I accept them willingly, with all my heart, and, if it be in my power, they shall be fulfilled.” Stuart spoke firmly, his eyes as steadfast as his words. “Thank you, Stuart,” responded Sir Douglas, quietly. “I felt--I knew you would answer me so.” He paused a little, then went on slowly. “I leave England again at the end of the week on a search that has lasted my lifetime--hopeless, alas, in the years that are gone, but touched now with the blessedness of hope! Yes, thank Heaven, I have a clew!” Stuart looked in wonder at his cousin’s face; it was illuminated with color, and there was an unusual glow in the eyes. “I cannot bring myself to speak to you now, Stuart, on this subject; but if I am successful, I will open my heart to you; if not, and anything should happen to me, this letter”--taking an envelope from an inner pocket--“will tell you all--will give you the secret of my life. Guard it well, and, if the time should come soon, swear to do what I have asked you in it.” “I swear,” said Stuart, solemnly, his hand closing over the letter. “Now I start with a lighter heart than I have had for years. The days will pass quickly, and, when I reach Australia, who knows----” “Australia!” broke in Stuart, his face drawn and pale. “You are going to Australia?” “I said at the end of the week. What is it, Stuart?” “Oh, that I were free to go with you!” muttered Stuart.