"Almost as big as his head," a "fortune in itself," ran some of the phrases in his letters; and his intention was to go down himself to Melbourne and "realise the thousands" for it.

His letter to Frederick was especially full of this; and he strongly recommended his brother to come out and pick up nuggets on his own score.

Frederick Massingbird appeared very much inclined to take the hint.
"Were I only sure it was all gospel, I'd go to-morrow," observed Frederick Massingbird to Lionel Verner, one day that the discussion of the contents of John's letter had been renewed, a month or two subsequent to its arrival.

"A year's luck, such as this, and a man might come home a millionaire.

I wish I knew whether to put entire faith in it." "Why should John deceive you ?" asked Lionel.
"He'd not deceive me wilfully.