Some three years passed, and I heard nothing of my brother, though I wrote several times.

Doubtless the letters never reached him.
But as time went on I grew more and more troubled about him.

I found out, Mr.Quatermain, that blood is thicker than water." "That's true," said I, thinking of my boy Harry.
"I found out, Mr.Quatermain, that I would have given half my fortune to know that my brother George, the only relation I possess, was safe and well, and that I should see him again." "But you never did, Curtis," jerked out Captain Good, glancing at the big man's face.
"Well, Mr.Quatermain, as time went on I became more and more anxious to find out if my brother was alive or dead, and if alive to get him home again.

I set enquiries on foot, and your letter was one of the results.

So far as it went it was satisfactory, for it showed that till lately George was alive, but it did not go far enough.