"Well, your nephew can sail for Australia on Tuesday," answered Robert. "We might return to New York by steamer, starting a day or two later."
That afternoon Frederic Vernon called upon his aunt again. He was quite humble now, for the last of the six hundred dollars procured on the forged check had been spent, and he was afraid Mrs. Vernon might cut him off entirely unless he agreed to do exactly as she desired.
"Robert tells me there is a steamer for Australia on Tuesday next," said the lady. "You can take that, Frederic."
"Very well," he answered. "But I must have the money for the ticket. I am dead broke."
"I will give you five pounds to spend on an outfit and to keep you until you sail. Robert will buy your ticket."
"I am old enough to do that myself," grumbled Frederic.
"No; I prefer to have him do so," said Mrs. Vernon pointedly, and the nephew did not dare to argue the point.
The ticket was bought on Saturday. Then Mrs. Vernon announced that Robert should see the young man to Liverpool and to the steamer.
"I hope all goes well," said Mrs. Vernon to our hero in private. "You must make certain that Frederic sails as intended."