"I heard she'd travelled with that wicked Steerforth to Italy, and lived there for a while. But in the end he became tired of her, and left her. She didn't know what to do, or where to go, poor thing! But she came back to London. And that's where I found my dear child! Because I've been all over Europe looking for her, but I knew she'd come back to England one day. So every night I've been searching the city streets for her. And last night I found her, hopeless and exhausted, on a bridge looking down into the river. If I hadn" t found her then, I don't like to think what she would have done! But God was looking after my dear girl, and she's safe with me now. " He passed his strong hand over his eyes, and smiled at me. " I've planned what we'll do, Master David，and I want to tell you about it. Emily and I are going to Australia. It's a new country, where nobody knows anything about her past. We'll be able to start a new life together. We'll be leaving in about six weeks. "

"Very sensible，"I said. " And what about the rest of your family? Are Ham and Peggotty going to Australia too? "

"No, they aren't. Poor Ham will never be the same again. I really think his heart is broken. But he's got a good job, and is very popular in Yarmouth，so he'll stay there. My sister wants to stay too，partly because of you ，Master David, and partly to look after Ham. She cooks and cleans for him in Yarmouth, you know. "

"Well，my friend，"I said，shaking hands firmly with the old boatman，" I wish you and Emily all the best in your new life. "

"I'll do my duty, whether I'm in England or Australia，"said Daniel. " And I'll never be separated from my little Emily again! "