"There will be a good division of profits," he said, "but come ashore with me, I have something else to tell you. By jove, I forgot all about it. There's a letter for you at my place from the old country."
Jack's heart beat fast. It must be from Winifred, and he was anxious to hear the news.
"How long have you had it?" he asked.
"Some weeks; that is the reason I forgot it."
Jack was annoyed; Winifred would think he had been a long time answering it, but he could explain it was not his fault.
Harry Marton accompanied them ashore, and they went to Barry Tuxford's house at Perth.
"The letter first," said Jack eagerly, and Barry smiled as he handed it to him.
Jack recognised the handwriting; it was from Winifred. He left the room, as he wished to read it alone.
Winifred wrote in good spirits, telling him all the news about her home, and how her father had won a couple of good races with Topsy Turvy.
"We miss you very much indeed, Jack," she wrote, "and often talk about you and wonder what you are doing in that far off country. It seems a terribly long way from here, and sometimes I fancy you will not come back. Father says most young men who go out get married, and settle down. Have you met anyone you like very much indeed yet? If so, I'll try and love her for your sake."