correct. He had taken passage in the ship _Java_, and two days
before the vessel left he learned that Cigole had taken his passage in
her also, having put on board a considerable quantity of wool. On the
whole Brandon felt gratified to hear this, for the close association of
a long sea voyage would give him opportunities to test this man, and
probe him to the bottom. The thought of danger arising to himself did
not enter his mind. He believed that Cigole meant mischief, but had too
much confidence in his own powers to fear it.

On the 5th of August the ship _Java_ was ready, and Mr. Compton
stood on the quarterdeck to bid good-by to Brandon.

"God bless you, dear boy! You will find the money coming promptly, and
Smithers & Co.'s house is one of the strongest in London. I have brought
you a parting gift," said he, in a low voice. He drew from his pocket a
pistol, which in those days was less known than now--indeed, this was
the first of its kind which had reached Australia, and Mr. Compton had
paid a fabulous price for it. "Here," said he, "take this to remember me
by. They call it a revolver. Here is a box of patent cartridges that go
with it. It is from me to you. And mind," he continued, while there came
over his face a vengeful look which Brandon had never seen there before
--"mind, if ever you see John Potts, give him one of those patent
cartridges, and tell him it is the last gift of a broken-hearted
father."

Brandon's face turned ghastly, and his lips seemed to freeze into a
smile of deadly meaning.

"God bless you." cried Compton, "I see by your face that you will do it.
Good-by."