eave me his property, and that would not be an
unpleasant way of making a fortune, you'll allow."

"It would be a way of getting one, certainly," observed James; "though I
doubt if your expectations will be realised; and I think that you would
enjoy it far more if you make it yourself by honest industry."

"Every man to his taste," said Mark, with a careless laugh; "if I fail
in my expectations, I can but try on plodding industry at last, you
know, and little harm will be done."

"It is difficult to stop a rolling stone when it has gained an impetus
downhill," said James; "remember that, Mark. However, I can only say
that my brothers and I shall be glad to welcome you back, should you
find yourself mistaken in your hopes, and to find some employment for
you which will put you in the way of becoming independent in the end."

In so great a hurry was Mark to assure himself that he should obtain the
expected fortune from Mr Elton, that he insisted on setting forth on
his journey the next day. He did not object, however, to borrow a horse
and a few pounds from his old friends. This he did with the air of a
man conferring rather than receiving a favour. When Craven, who arrived
soon afterwards, heard of this latter circumstance, he predicted that
the face of Mr Mark Withers would not be again seen at Warragong,
unless he might have the assurance to return and borrow more.

Charles Craven had become a very constant visitor of late at Warragong.
By his intelligence, activity, and knowledge of mankind, he had
contributed greatly to the prosperity of the Gilpins own property, as
well as to that committed to their charge. They had obtained permission
to make over a considerable portion of the latter to his management, so
that he had now a comfortable, if not a handsome, income. There seemed
to be no doubt that he admired Miss Gilpin, though he had not proposed
to her. Perhaps he considered that she was indifferent to him, or
regarded him merely as a valued friend of her brothers.

Nothing had been heard of Mark Withers since his departure. One evening
a horseman was seen approaching the house, dressed in rough bush
fashion; and soon afterwards, into the room where the ladies were
seated, walked Mark himself. He had assumed a careless independent
swagger, peculiarly distasteful to those into whose society he had
introduced himself.

"Your brothers were right!" he exclaimed, throwing himself into a chair.
"Old Elton