Therefore his arrival caused a double commotion in the
family circle, two notes of joy and gratulation. Sir George posted
express to London, changing horses at short stages in order to make the
better speed.
It was his supreme wish to serve the Colonies, and he had a glimmering
notion that the chance would come. Still, he was at one of the crossings
in a young man's life, when it is hard to know what the road is to be. He
had always his commission in the army, but was that his definite
signpost? He sighed for a wider door of usefulness, and behold it opened!
That it should be open so soon, was, perhaps, remarkable, only the word
was to be his constant accomplice.
'I had never met Lord John Russell, who made me the offer,' Sir George
explained. 'He was going upon what little I had done, in regard to
Australian affairs, especially a kind of despatch by me on native
administration. After adequate thought, and acting upon good advice, I
confirmed my first resolve to accept the Governor-ship of South
Australia. It was, apparently, to be an onerous post.'
To Adelaide went this Queen's Governor, not yet thirty, his mission the
undoing of a tangle; for South Australia was on the verge of bankruptcy,
almost before it had entered into business. Hardly an acre of land was in
cultivation, and most of the people were in Adelaide with nothing to do,
clamouring for food.
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