They stood beyond the house in one of the little parks that dot Perth and were alone.
"How's the ranch?" said Jem.
"It's coming on fine; but you've been away nearly as long as I have."
"When did you come in?"
"A few hours ago."
"But you were there when I left?"
"And you, Jem, were not to have stopped here."
The young man started.
"Who told you so?"
"I know it. You were to go to Melbourne."