The spirit of adventure, however, was still strong within him, and this letter his father had received would serve as an excuse, if a poor one, to revisit Australia. He communicated his intention to Muriel, and when she heard the reason for his setting out again she did not consider it so improbable as Edgar himself did.
So it was arranged that Edgar should again voyage to the Colonies, and Ben Brody was glad of a comrade to return with him. Will Brown, having obtained a situation in a large shipping office, decided to remain in England, and Doris Foster was consoled by the thought that if Edgar left again, she would still have a companion of her own age to whom she was much attached.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE CAPTAIN OR HIS GHOST.
In due course Edgar Foster arrived in Sydney again. He thought it better to take Wal Jessop into his confidence, and related to him the real reason of his return to Australia.
Wal Jessop remembered the circumstances, and said he did not think Edgar would easily find the man.
‘He spoke of sailing for America,’ said Wal; ‘and as I have seen nothing of him for some time, I think he must have gone away.’
‘I mean to have a cruise in the South Seas, at any rate,’ said Edgar. ‘I have never been there, and it will be interesting. I am sure to hear something about this man from the natives and traders.’
Wal Jessop thought for a few moments, and then said:
‘I have a schooner that would suit your purpose, and I should not mind making a voyage with you. It would be better than going alone, and I have been in the South Seas several times.’
‘That would be splendid!’ said Edgar, overjoyed at the prospect of having Wal Jessop with him.