f the widow had desired to be revenged, she had succeeded admirably
in her wishes, and the solemn countenances of the disappointed
Bucholzes, as they wended their way homeward after the reading of the
will, from which they had hoped so much, would have been full
satisfaction for the years of insult she had been compelled to endure
from them during the life of her husband.

This disposition of the estate of the uncle was a severe blow to
those who had so confidently expected to have been enriched by his
death, and produced a marked change in their manner of living. The
bright, airy castles which they had builded, faded away--their hopes
of prospective wealth were rudely dissipated, and the necessity for
facing the actual position of affairs stared them in the face.
William could no longer be permitted to lead the idle life of a
soldier, and one and all would be compelled to labor for themselves.
It was a bitter awakening from a bright dream, but the man of their
hopes was dead, and their regrets were unavailing.

Bucholz, therefore, obtained an extended leave of absence, and in a
short time entered into an engagement with an extensive farmer to
learn the science of agriculture, and became domiciled beneath the
roof of his employer and instructor. The dull routine of a farmer's
life was, however, illy suited to his impulsive disposition, and
although he had no manual labor to perform, he soon grew tired of the
monotony of his existence and longed for a change.

He had read of the wonderful success which attended the efforts of
some of his countrymen who had emigrated to Australia, that arcadia
of the agriculturist, and burning with a desire to seek his fortune
in the new land of promise, he began to make inquiries of the place,
its products, and of the possibilities of successful operations while
there.

All the information which he gleaned was of such a character as to
fill his mind with ambitious projects, and a desire to make his
fortune in that far-off country, and he resolved to undertake the
journey.

His preparations were soon made, and ere many days he was afloat upon
the heaving ocean, bound for New York, where he was informed he could
procure a sailing vessel direct to Australia, at a cost much less
than he could by any other process of travel.

Arriving without accident in New York, he had taken up his quarters
at "The Crescent Hotel," and proceeded to make inquiries concerning
the continuance of his jo