"Winifred says I was rather hard on you yesterday," said Sir Lester, "but as you have come again to-day I suppose you consider my remarks were quite in order and to the point." "They generally are," said Jack laughing. "Dad says what he means as a rule," said Winifred smiling. "I had an adventure after I left you last night," he said. "It actually made me think." "You don't say so!" exclaimed Sir Lester. "Fact, I assure you. It was a mild sort of adventure, but it seems likely to have serious consequences." Winifred was interested, and eager to hear the news. Jack explained how he met the gypsy woman, and what she said to him. "I walked down to Hove later on and sat listening to the waves. The sound seemed to affect me curiously, and I felt there might be some truth in the woman's tale. I have done no good in England, perhaps in a new country my luck may change, and I may find an occupation suited to my tastes and abilities. I came over to-day to ask your advice, Sir Lester. Do you think I ought to try my fortune abroad?" Sir Lester glanced at his daughter. She was silent, and there was a troubled look in her face. "She does not care to lose her old playmate," he thought. "They say the man who fails at home will fail anywhere," he replied. Jack looked disappointed, but replied-- "I do not think that is correct. In a new country one naturally leads a new life, and it need not necessarily be a failure. What do you think, Winifred?" "I do not think you have been a failure here. True, you have not yet succeeded in settling down to some useful occupation, but the time will come when that will happen. Do you feel inclined to go away, to leave England?" "Something tells me it will be for the best," he replied. "Where do you intend going to?" asked Sir Lester. "That is what I want your advice about." "I am afraid I can help you very little. I know several young fellows who have gone out to different parts of Australia, and who have done remarkably well there; but it is a long way off." "I do not mind where it is, or how far so long as I succeed. I made up my mind last night that wherever I went I would not come back a failure." "That's right, Jack; I admire your pluck. If you go out with that determination, depend upon it, you will succeed." "When do you think of leaving?" asked Winifred in a low voice. "This year; the sooner the better," he replied. Sir Lester wondered where the funds would come from, he would help him if necessary; but he could not do very much. They discussed the matter for some time, when Sir Lester left them to attend to business matters. "Why have you come to such a sudden decision?" Winifred asked. "You ought not to take such a step without due consideration." "The gypsy woman put it into my head; she was very confident about my succeeding." Winifred laughed as she replied: "I had no idea you were so superstitious. If that is your only reason I advise you to remain at home."