"Jack!" she exclaimed.
"Yes, I expect so; we have not many friends in Australia."
She thought of the gypsy woman, and how quickly her words had come true.
She opened the letter and read it eagerly, devouring every word before she proclaimed the contents to her father; but he was contented to wait. He knew how much these letters meant to her.
"Well, what news, my girl?" he asked.
"Oh, it's splendid; it sounds too good to be true—too much like a fairy tale."
"Read and I shall understand," he replied smiling.
She read Jack's long letter, telling her of the adventure of the great black pearl, and how he was determined to secure it for her, and bring it home in triumph. It was one of the finest of pearls, and no one was half so worthy of it as she. He had meant it for her the moment he had found it in the shell. Now an "old thief of a pearl dealer had it," but Barry Tuxford said it was safe, and what Barry affirmed was gospel. Then she read about gold discoveries, mining shares, racehorses, and many other things, and finally wound up by saying on her own account that she always knew Jack would be a success, and that he would make a fortune.
"What do you think of him, father?"
"He is a brave fellow, and worthy of my daughter's love."