He saw that Reuben's mind was firmly made up, and he could not deny the force of his reasoning.

It was true that many people still considered him guilty.

It was true that this story might crop up again, years on, and ruin his life.

It did seem that the best thing he could do was to leave the country.
"Australia is not so bad a place as you fancy, Mrs.Whitney," he said at last.

"They do have troubles with the natives, certainly, in the outlying settlements; but in the towns you have no more trouble than you have here.