I will now move in there, and put one of my servants in charge
while you are gone. I have made my will and named your father as my
executor and the guardian of my daughter, and you are to succeed,
in case of his death! There will be a small fortune for you both
in the fees, and neither of you are forgotten in the will! I have
drawn two thousand pounds in notes for you, and here is a bank draft
on London for three thousand more!" The young man was sitting in
open-mouthed wonder, when the nabob sharply said: "Now! Have your
wits about you! I bear all the expenses here, and your office pay
goes on. You will be promoted on your return. The manager of the
P. and O. is my lifelong friend."
"What am I to do?" gasped the young man, fearing his uncle was
losing his wits.
"You are to disappear from Calcutta to-night. Go without a word to
a living soul! You are neither to write to a soul in India, nor open
your mouth to a human being, in transit. You are to go by Madras,
take the first steamer to Brindisi, and then hurry by rail to Paris
and Granville, and to St. Heliers. You will find your detailed
orders there with your father. Then stay there, await my orders
from here, not leaving your father's side, a moment. Now, I tell
you again, your future fortunes depend upon your exact obedience!
I will give you my private wishes after we have had luncheon. The
only thing that you will have in writing is an address to which I
wish you to cable each day after you land at Brindisi, until you
turn over your business to your father.
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