nership. What are you in such a
hurry for?"

Pisistratus.--"To see my father and mother and Uncle Roland, and--" (was
about to name some one else, but stops). "You see, my dear uncle, I
came out solely with the idea of repairing my father's losses in that
unfortunate speculation of 'The Capitalist'!"

Uncle Jack (coughs and ejaculates).--"That villain Peck!"

Pisistratus.--"And to have a few thousands to invest in poor Roland's
acres. The object is achieved: why should I stay?"

Uncle Jack.--"A few paltry thousands, when in twenty years more, at the
farthest, you would wallow in gold!"

Pisistratus.--"A man learns in the Bush how happy life can be with
plenty of employment and very little money. I shall practise that lesson
in England."

Uncle Jack.--"Your mind's made up?"

Pisistratus.--"And my place in the ship taken."

Uncle Jack.--"Then there's no more to be said." (Hums, haws, and
examines his nails,--filbert-nails, not a speck on them. Then suddenly,
and jerking up his head) "That 'Capitalist'! it has been on my
conscience, nephew, ever since; and, somehow or other, since I have
abandoned the cause of my fellow-creatures, I think I have cared more
for my relations."

Pisistratus (smiling as he remembers his father's shrewd predictions
thereon).--"Naturally, my dear uncle; any child who has thrown a stone
into a pond knows that a circle disappears as it widens."

Uncle Jack.--"Very true,--I shall make a note of that, applicable to
my next speech in defence of what they call the 'land monopoly.' Thank
you,--stone, circle! [Jots down notes in his pocket-book.] But to return
to the point: I am well off now, I have neither wife nor child, and I
feel that I ought to bear my share in your father's loss,--it was our
joint speculation. And your father--good, dear Austin!--paid my debts
into the bargain. And how cheering the punch was that night, when your
mother wanted to scold poor Jack! And the L300 Austin lent me when I
left him: nephew, that was the remaking of me,--the acorn of the oak
I have planted. So here they are [added Uncle Jack, with a heroical
effort, and he extracted from the pocket-book bills for a sum between
three and four thousand pounds]. There, it is done; and I shall sleep
better for it!" With that Uncle Jack got up, and bolted out of the room.

Ought I to take the money? Why, I think yes,--it is but fair. Jack must
be really rich, and can well spare the money; besides, if he wants it
ag