get drunk on champagne there That's all the difference.'

Later, when parting with Frank for good, he said:

'I have a long journey before me, and I have got to make up my mind in
that time in what useful capacity I shall figure in Darnstable teetotal
circles, whether as a shining light or a shocking example--whether, in
short, it is better to live respectable or die drunk.'

The people of Waddy never heard what Sir Joel's conclusion was, but they
had an emphatic opinion about his end; which conclusion, however
reasonable it may have been in the light of past events, let us hope was
the wrong one.

Harry wrote to Chris before twelve weeks had passed: 'I can stand this
parting no longer. I am coming to you.' Chris answering him said, 'Come,'
and he went; and when he returned to Waddy Chris accompanied him. They
were married very quietly at Yarraman a few months later, and Dick Haddon
was the only absentee amongst their immediate friends who have figured in
this story. When Harry and Chris were restored to happiness, his interest
in them lost its keen edge, but he was considerate enough to send an
apology to the bridegroom.

'Dear Harry,' he wrote, 'I'm sorry I can't come and be best man at your
wedding, but there is to be a great race to-day--my grey billy, Butts,
against Jacker Mack's black billy, Boxer, for two pocket-knives and a
joey 'possum, owners up--and of course I couldn't get away.--Your mate,
Dick.'