his life out here. He is starting a company for working
a gold-mine in this neighbourhood. There is a certain prospect of its
being a grand success. I send you a bundle of prospectuses and papers,
which I want you to look carefully through. I know how cautious you
are where investments are concerned, and, of course, one cannot be too
careful. You will see the directors are all wealthy men, and their
names well known at home. Show the papers to old Mr. Watkins if you
like, and if you're afraid of acting without legal advice. Now I come
to the point. Mr. Montmorency has taken a great liking to Walter. He
says he is too good to rust in this part as he is doing, and waste the
best years of his life in slaving to earn a livelihood, with no
prospect of anything better in years to come. And he has asked him to
join him in his undertaking, and become an active partner in the
concern. I won't waste time by going into it all, but it is a grand
chance for Walter, and he is certain to make his fortune. The one
condition is that he must have capital to invest. He is going to sell
his farm, but that will not bring in much. What I propose is that we
four should invest our capital in this. Hand it over to Walter, and
then Mr. Montmorency will be able to take him into the concern. We
shall not lose, but be gainers by this. Mr. Montmorency can assure us
5 per cent. interest from the first, and that is more than we are
getting now. There is not the slightest risk or speculation in the
matter, and Walter is fortunate to have found such a friend in Mr.
Montmorency. I have already promised my portion. Talk it over with
Clare and Elfie, and show them that it will not only be benefiting
themselves, but will be the making of Walter.

'I must tell you that he is engaged to be married to a very nice girl
out here, and she is going to invest a legacy of hers in the same
company. Every one round here has the greatest confidence in Mr.
Montmorency. He is still staying with us, and Walter quite enjoys his
society. If you want any more information about the company, you can
get it by applying at their office in London. I do hope, for Walter's
sake, that you will not be long in making up your minds. It seems so
wonderfully fortunate that I should have come out in the same steamer
with the Montmorencys. The mail is going. I must stop. If Walter
gets the capital he needs, he will go off with Mr. Montmorency to the
centre of o