This shows me, even without Mr. Linton's letter, that you have
earned their esteem and regard. Nevertheless, I estimate that you cannot
fail to be at some monetary embarrassment, and this I am luckily able
to ease for you. Certain rubber investments of your late aunt's have
recently risen in value, after the long period of depression due to
the war; and I deemed it prudent to sell them while their price in the
market was high. The terms of your aunt's will enable me to reinvest
this money, amounting to a little over nine hundred pounds, for you, or,
at my discretion, to hand it over to you; and such is the confidence
I repose in you, after Mr. Linton's letter, that I feel justified in
remitting you the money, to use as you think best. I presume that will
be in the reduction of your liabilities. I should like to think you had
the benefit of Mr. Linton's advice in the matter.' Shall I, sir?"
"I never listened to such language," returned the squatter. "I should
like it read three times a day, before meals. But if it's my advice you
want, Bob, you can have it. Meanwhile, I'm very glad for you to have
such a windfall, my boy."
Tommy and Norah had collapsed on each other's shoulders, speechless.
"Joy never kills, they say," said Wally, regarding them anxiously. "But
it's been known to turn the brain, when the brain doesn't happen to be
strong. Will we turn the hose on them, Jim?"
"Sit on him, Bob," came faintly from Norah.
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