It was a deathbed letter, in which the writer stated that, remembering the noblehearted Englishman, Harkaway, he appointed him sole trustee of his wealth, to be given as a marriage portion to Paquita.
Documents were enclosed to put Harkaway in possession of the writer's riches and he concluded by praying Heaven to bless his daughter.
A postscript was added in a different hand.
"The writer of this died on the 4th of April last, the day after he signed this letter and the enclosed documents which are witnessed by me."
"Antonio Delavat, Surgeon."
Paquita's grief at the death of her father was great, but in little Emily and Mrs. Harkaway she found two comforters who did their best to assuage her sorrows.
But the other letter.
"Why, this is from our old Australian friend, Rook!" exclaimed Harkaway.
"Rook!"