Publisher's Synopsis
Adam Salton sauntered into the Empire Club, Sydney, and found awaiting him a letter fromhis grand-uncle. He had first heard from the old gentleman less than a year before, whenRichard Salton had claimed kinship, stating that he had been unable to write earlier, as hehad found it very difficult to trace his grand-nephew's address. Adam was delighted andreplied cordially; he had often heard his father speak of the older branch of the family withwhom his people had long lost touch. Some interesting correspondence had ensued. Adameagerly opened the letter which had only just arrived, and conveyed a cordial invitation tostop with his grand-uncle at Lesser Hill, for as long a time as he could spare."Indeed," Richard Salton went on, "I am in hopes that you will make your permanent homehere. You see, my dear boy, you and I are all that remain of our race, and it is but fittingthat you should succeed me when the time comes. In this year of grace, 1860, I am close oneighty years of age, and though we have been a long-lived race, the span of life cannot beprolonged beyond reasonable bounds. I am prepared to like you, and to make your homewith me as happy as you could wish. So do come at once on receipt of this, and find thewelcome I am waiting to give you. I send, in case such may make matters easy for you, abanker's draft for £200. Come soon, so that we may both of us enjoy many happy daystogether. If you are able to give me the pleasure of seeing you, send me as soon as you cana letter telling me when to expect you. Then when you arrive at Plymouth or Southamptonor whatever port you are bound for, wait on board, and I will meet you at the earliest hourpossible."
