Now that Purdy had gone he was reduced, for society, to the Long Jims and Ococks of the place.

What would he not give, once more to have a refined companion at his side?
Certainly marriage might postpone the day on which he hoped to shake the dust of Australia off his feet.
Life A DEUX would mean a larger outlay; saving not prove so easy.

Still it could be done; and he would gladly submit to the delay if, by doing so, he could get Polly.

Besides, if this new happiness came to him, it would help him to see the years he had spent in the colony in a truer and juster light.

And then, when the hour of departure did strike, what a joy to have a wife to carry with one--a Polly to rescue, to restore to civilisation! He had to remind himself more than once, during this fortnight, that she would be able to devote only a fraction of her day to flagmaking.
But he was at the end of his tether by the time a parcel and a letter were left for him at the store--again by hand: little Polly had plainly no sixpences to spare.