But Tom was not destined to take that long run on the morrow, for, when he reached his home, not far from the river, he heard strange tidings, that made quite a difference in his plans.
As Tom entered the house he saw his father holding a letter, that he had evidently been reading to his wife, and discussing with her. There was a look of concern on the faces of Mr. and Mrs. Brokaw Fairfield.
“What’s the matter?” asked Tom, quickly. “Any bad news?”
“No, not exactly bad news, Tom,” replied his father. “But it is news, and it’s going to make quite a difference to us—to you also.”
“What is it?”
“You remember that property in Australia, Tom, which was left to me by an uncle; don’t you?” asked Mr. Fairfield.
“Yes,” replied our hero, for he had often heard the inheritance mentioned. “What about it?”
“Well, I’ve been trying to dispose of it, and have the money from the sale sent to me here, but it seems that some trouble has arisen, and I’ve got to go there to straighten it out. I tried to do it by correspondence, but I have just received a letter from a lawyer in Sydney, saying that my personal presence is needed, or I may lose it all. So—”
“Your father and I have decided to go to Australia!” suddenly broke in Mrs. Fairfield, anxious to get the worst over. “Oh, Tom, I don’t want to go at all, and leave you behind, but I’ve got to!”
“What!” cried Tom. “Can’t I go? You two going to Australia, and leaving me alone here? Oh, say, now—”