Next morning Harry found himself utterly miserable, but still trusting
that time would serve to restore Chris her natural cheerful temperament,
and bring home to her again the conviction that she really loved him, and
then all would be well.
At about half-past two that afternoon Dick Haddon, in his capacity of
faithful squire to the two lovers, visited the mine hot-foot, with news
for his friend. Harry was below, but he hastened to answer the boy's
message. He had dreamed of a sudden repentance on his sweetheart's part,
and his heart beat fast as Dick beckoned him away from McKnight, who was
at the windlass.
'She's gone away,' said the boy eagerly.
'Chris away? Where's she gone?'
'She's goin' to Melbourne--going fer years an' years. Mr. Summers is
drivin' her into Yarraman now. She left a letter for you with mother.
Thought I'd come an' tell you, 'case you might want to go after her.'
'Gone for good!' This possibility had not occurred to the young man. 'She
left a letter for me? Are you sure it's for me?'
'Yes, yes; mother's got it. If I was you I'd get it at once; an'
I'd--I'd--' Dick was much more excited than Harry; he was eager to spur
his friend to action.
'How long have they been gone?' asked Harry, as he hastened towards the
township. He felt that this was a crisis, that action was called for, but
the news had confused him.
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