And it isn't true, Lady O'Hara?
Pray, pray tell me." "About your father, Dr Braydon?
Be ashamed of ye'self, boy, for ever thinking it.

Your father's the finest gentleman in New South Wales, and the best friend that Sir John and I ever had in our hard life yonder." Nic drew a long, deep breath.

Something seemed to be swelling up in his throat, and he reached forward to catch hold of and retain the plump white hand, which returned his pressure.
"And so the big fellow called you Convict, did he, because your father's over the water!" "Yes." "And I see now: that accounts for the fighting ?" Nic nodded.
"I bore it as long as I could," he said eagerly; "and it began about something else." "Sure, and why did you wait for that?
You should have done it at once.
I would." Nic stared in wonder and admiration at his new friend.
"But tell me: did you give him a great big beating ?" "Yes, I'm afraid so." "Then don't be afraid any more.

It would do him good.

There, I was thinking I was going to have the care of a tiresome young, monkey of a boy; but I promised your dear mother, and should have taken you back.
But, do you know, Dominic, you and I are going to be great friends." "I hope so," said Nic.
"I'm sure of it.