I have been talking it over with my mother.

If it had not been for those jewels, I should have given up the search for my father after another six months, because it would have been high time for me to get to work in some profession.

I had, indeed, made up my mind to enter the Company's service, for Lord Cornwallis promised me a commission, and my uncle received a letter some time ago, from the governor of Madras, saying that, on the very strong recommendation of Lord Cornwallis, and his report of my services, he was authorised to grant me one.

It was to be dated back to the time I joined Lord Cornwallis, more than two years ago.

However, now that I am really made independent of a profession, I shall probably continue my search for a somewhat longer time.