“Fault and misfortune are pretty much alike, to my thinking. There is one thing, however, I have made up my mind on,--I 'll bolt. When he gives notice to quit, he shall be obliged to provide for you and the brats out of sheer necessity. He cannot turn you out on the streets, he can't send you to the Union; you have no friends to whom he can pack you off; so let him storm as he likes: something he must do.” To this speech she seemed to give no attention whatever. Whether the threat was an oft-repeated one, or that she was inured to coarseness of this nature, or that silence was the best line to take in these emergencies, she never appeared to notice his words. “What about that money he promised you? Has he given it?” said he suddenly, when about to leave the room. “No; he said something about selling out some mining-shares,--scrip he called it. I forget exactly what he said, but the purport was that he was pressed just now.” “I take it he is. My mother's allowance is in arrear, and she is not one to bear the delay very patiently. So you 've got nothing?” “Nothing, except ten pounds he gave Cary yesterday for her birthday.” “Where is it?” “In that work-box,--no, in the upper part. Do you want it?” “What a question! Of course I want it, somewhat more than Gary does, I promise you. I was going off to-day with just five sovereigns in my pocket. By-bye. I shall be late if I don't hurry myself.” As he reached the door he turned round. “What was it I had to tell you,--some piece of news or other,--what could it have been?” “Nothing pleasant, I 'm sure, so it's as well unremembered.” “Polite, certainly,” said he, walking slowly back while he seemed trying to recall something. “Oh, I have it. The transport that took out the--th has been wrecked somewhere off Sardinia. Engine broken down, paddle-wheels carried away, quarter-boats smashed, and, in fact, total wreck. I have no time to tell you more;” and so saying, he hurried away, but, opening the door noiselessly, he peeped in, and saw her with her head buried in her hands, leaning on the table; and, stealing stealthily down the corridor, he hastened to his room to pack up for his journey; and it was while thus occupied the Chief's message reached him.