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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0b64359 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67735 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67735) diff --git a/old/67735-0.txt b/old/67735-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b2c0d17..0000000 --- a/old/67735-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6669 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The North Shore Mystery, by Henry Fletcher - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - - - -Title: The North Shore Mystery - - -Author: Henry Fletcher - - - -Release Date: March 29, 2022 [eBook #67735] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NORTH SHORE MYSTERY*** - - -This etext was transcribed by Les Bowler - - [Picture: Graphic cover] - - - - - - THE NORTH SHORE - MYSTERY - - - * * * * * - - BY - HENRY FLETCHER - - * * * * * - - LONDON - SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO., LIMITED - PATERNOSTER SQUARE - - 1899 - - - - -CONTENTS - -CHAP. PAGE - I. THE CRIME 1 - II. THE MISFORTUNES OF A B.A. OF LONDON UNIVERSITY 8 - III. MRS. HOBBS 13 - IV. THE BOARDING-HOUSE AND BOARDERS 18 - V. CONSTABLE HOBBS DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF 32 - VI. MRS. BOOTH COMMITTED FOR TRIAL 46 - VII. LOOKING BACKWARD-WINDSOR 64 - VIII. THE TWO LOVERS 71 - IX. HUEY AND ALEC 80 - X. THE GOLDEN BAR 92 - XI. HOW TO START IN BUSINESS 97 - XII. ALEC AND HUEY START BUSINESS 106 - XIII. THE HAWKESBURY HANDICAP 116 - XIV. THE TRIAL 124 - XV. THE PARRAMATTA RIVER 134 - XVI. THE WEIGHTS FOR THE SYDNEY CUP 141 - XVII. THE RELIGIOUS JOCKEY 147 - XVIII. THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE 156 - XIX. THE SYDNEY CUP 166 - XX. A PROPOSAL 173 - XXI. THE ABDUCTION 180 - XXII. IN THE GARDENS 197 - XXIII. THE LOVERS 205 - XXIV. THE CONSPIRACY 213 - XXV. THE HEART UNION 225 - XXVI. UP TO DATE AGAIN-DARLINGHURST GAOL 231 - XXVII. MR. HOBBS AT TEA 236 - XXVIII. SOFT SAM 243 - XXIX. HOW MASTER HOBBS GOT HIS BALL FROM A 251 - NEIGHBOUR’S YARD - XXX THE ‘SOUTHERN CROSS’ 259 - -CHAPTER I -THE CRIME - - -ON August 15, 188–, the public of Sydney were aroused to unusual -excitement by the following announcement in the Evening Times of that -date— - - - -“A NORTH SHORE MYSTERY. - - - CRIME OR SUICIDE? - - SUDDEN AND UNEXPLAINED DEATH OF A - WELL-KNOWN SPORTSMAN. - STABBED TO DEATH IN HIS BED. - - HOW WAS IT DONE? - -“The usual quiet of North Shore was this morning rudely dispelled by the -alarming rumour that a crime of an unusual kind had been committed in the -house of Mrs. Delfosse, Lavender Bay. - -“An inquiry proved the report only too well founded. - -“Mrs. Delfosse, it may be stated, is a widow lady of the highest -respectability, who keeps a boarding establishment of the better kind in -a stylish mansion near the Lavender Bay steps. Amongst her boarders was, -till this morning, the well-known sportsman, Alexander Booth, more widely -known under his _nom de guerre_ as ‘Newmarket.’ - -“Mr. Booth was married, and shared with his wife a spacious bedroom on -the second floor, the window of which has a fine harbour view. At seven -o’clock this morning the other inmates of the house were aroused and -startled by a succession of loud shrieks coming from this chamber. In -haste they rushed to the landing, but in response to calls and knocking -on the door there was no reply. The room was as quiet as the grave. - -“The door was locked on the inside. It was decided without hesitation to -burst it open. This being done, the spectators were horrified to find -the senseless form of Mrs. Booth stretched on the floor, and in the bed -itself the lifeless corpse of Mr. Booth. Further examination showed the -death of this gentleman to be no natural event. The body was resting on -the chest and arms, and between the shoulder-blades was buried what -appears to be a thin knife or dagger. The doctor and police were -immediately sent for, and Mrs. Booth removed to another room. Here after -a time she recovered from what proved to be a swoon, but it was only to -return again very quickly to the same state. At the time of writing she -is somewhat recovered. - - - -“MRS. BOOTH’S STATEMENT. - - -“Her statement of the event is very brief, and only adds to the strange -surroundings of the case—Her husband and herself retired to rest on the -Sunday night at their usual hour, she herself locking and bolting the -door, as was her custom. She slept well, and was only awakened by a -feeling of coldness close to her; she turned and looked at her husband, -he was stiff and rigid, the features a waxen pallor and the eyes wide -open, staring at her with a frightful horror in them. She sprang from -the bed, she screamed, she screamed again; she remembers no more. - - - -“THE SCENE OF THE CRIME. - - -“Sergeant Burrel was quickly on the scene, and made a careful inspection -of the premises and the room itself. It did not require the opinions of -a medical expert to convince the ordinary layman that death in this case -was not self-inflicted. Apart from the absence of any motive for -self-destruction, the blow was such as no man could possibly give to -himself. - -“The room, as has been stated, is on the second floor, and its one window -is protected by upright iron bars five inches apart, indicating that some -former tenant had used it as a nursery. There is only the one door to -the room, and the chimney, which was carefully inspected, would not allow -a passage through its registered grate to an animal larger than a cat. -The window itself was found to be shut and fastened inside by the -ordinary catch. - -“The police are very reticent, but so far no arrest has been made. The -inquest will be held to-morrow, when the medical evidence and more -details may be disclosed. In the meantime the house is surrounded by -crowds of the curious, particularly in the right-of-way in the rear of -the premises, from which the window of the room can be seen. - -“Great sympathy was expressed at Tattersall’s this morning by Mr. Booth’s -fellow metallicians on the news of the sad event reaching the club. No -member of the fraternity was more highly respected than the late -Alexander Booth, and his death will be a great loss to Sydney sportsmen.” - - - -“ANOTHER CRIME. - - - THE MYSTERY DEEPENS. - - THE CITY OFFICE OF ALEXANDER BOOTH - BROKEN OPEN AND ROBBED. - -“Before going to press news reaches us that the mystery surrounding the -sudden death of Alexander Booth is heightened by the statement of his -clerk, David Israel, that on going to the office at the usual hour this -morning he found the door ajar, and on further examination in the office, -the safe itself open, and bare of all contents, save the books of the -firm. He states that his first impression was that his master had -arrived before him, and had opened the premises and safe, and was -probably somewhere near at hand; but as minutes passed by and no one -appeared, he became alarmed. He then locked the place up, and went at -once to his master’s private residence, Lavender Bay, only to learn the -sad details of his sudden death. - -“An important statement made by this witness is that only Mr. Booth had a -key to his office safe, which he securely locked on Saturday afternoon. -As the safe does not appear to have been tampered with in any way, its -unlocking adds to the strange peculiarities surrounding this case. - -“David Israel does not know the exact amount of money missing, but -estimates it at two or three hundred pounds only. ‘If,’ said he, ‘this -had occurred a month ago, the loss would have been very different, as up -to that time Mr. Booth made no secret of the fact that he had a large -amount—thirty or forty thousand pounds—in securities, locked up in what -he considered a burglar and fireproof safe. But the late notorious -robberies in the city seemed to have weakened his confidence, for only -three weeks ago he transferred the whole of his valuables to the safe -keeping of the Bank of New South Wales.’” - -The extra special edition of the _Evening Times_ of the same date had the -following additional item— - -“On learning the details of the office robbery we at once dispatched a -reporter to the scene of the crime in Lavender Bay. It will be noted -that, according to the statement of David Israel, there was only one key -to the city safe, and that was in the possession of his master. If this -key was missing, then a motive for what may now be safely called a crime -is forthcoming. - -“The police authorities had already made a careful inventory of the dead -man’s personal effects, and amongst these, taken from the trousers -pocket, was a small flat key, said by Mrs. Booth to be, without doubt, -that of her husband’s safe. - -“So far as the public is concerned, this safety of the key, the -abstraction of which was so naturally anticipated by our reporter, makes -the mystery still deeper, and banishes what would at first appear to be -the motive for at least part of the crime, and the connecting link -between the murder on North Shore and the robbery in town. - -“Despite the reticence of the police, it is plain to all that they are as -puzzled as the public in general to form an acceptable theory as to how -the crime was committed.” - - - - -CHAPTER II -THE MISFORTUNES OF A B.A. OF LONDON UNIVERSITY - - -IT was Sunday night, or rather in the early darkness of the small hours -of Monday morning, that Police-Constable Hobbs wended his slow and -deliberate way down the vista of Walker Street. Why the force are -trained to step with a measured tread, which proclaims their personality -minutes before their arrival, is one of those questions only to be -answered by the benevolent supposition that Authority is anxious to warn -Criminality that it is coming! - -The constable had a dejected air, he put no energy into the trying of -doors and windows, and even the sight of a drunk going by short tacks up -Junction Street did not restore his animation. - -“Never get a chance!” he muttered to himself; “never get a chance. In -the force three years and only a common constable and a B.A. of London -University, too! What’s the use of education, anyway? Now, if I was -only ignorant enough I might be a Member of Parliament, or perhaps a -Minister of the Crown. But to spend years of time and bags of money to -end as a policeman is enough to make a man sick. If I was only a -sergeant now it would not be so bad. But on the Shore ability has no -show, never a burglary worth speaking of, and as for a good murder such a -thing is unheard of. I really don’t know what possesses the people. If -it was not for a few old reliable drunks that I can always run in in case -of need, I should have got the sack for incompetency long ago. Over in -Sydney, how different! Hardly a night but some chap has a turn, and not -a paltry drunk with nothing in his pockets either.” - -By this time the speaker had arrived at the top of that long flight of -steps that runs down the steep hill at the foot of Walker Street to the -wharf at Lavender Bay. Here he paused a while, and his talk to himself -took a new turn. - -“Shall I or shan’t I have a smoke? It is an hour before I have to meet -the Sergeant. Shall I waste it in a profitless round of deserted streets -and lanes, or have a quiet whiff in the bushes there? I will put the -motion to the meeting, as our chairman used to say. Decidedly I think -the ‘ayes’ have it. Then here’s for a smoke.” - -Saying this he drew a short black pipe from some hidden pocket, charged -it with tobacco, and descending the steps a short distance, turned into -the bushes on his left. He was just about to strike a light when the -figure of a man started up before him and rushed forward. - -Without hesitation the policeman took up the chase thus offered. It was -too dark to see very clearly, but the fugitive appeared to be a young -active man carrying a bag. Now such a character does not go tearing -around a quiet suburb like North Shore at four o’clock in the morning -with an honest motive. So at least thought P.-C. Hobbs, and he shouted -“Stop!” and went at his best handicap speed to overtake the fugitive. -But this person, far from stopping or losing in the race, had now turned -some corner of stone or bush, and when the constable came out in the open -ground beyond the bushes he found his prey had fled. - -Not a sound, not a sign. The earth might have closed on him. - -More disconsolate than ever, Hobbs retraced his steps. - -“Just my luck—the same old luck! The only kind of a chance I have had -for a month, and it slips through my fingers.” - -Going not far from the steps he sat concealed in the bushes, and puffed -his pipe. And it seemed to him as he gazed through the fumes of Black -Jack, that his previous view of things had been pessimistic—his turn -would come some day. North Shore could not for ever remain so -ferociously virtuous. A time might come when theft, even, perhaps, a -good murder might occur on his beat. And then people would learn that it -was not for nothing that he had qualified as B.A. at London University. - -The dusky light and cold air of dawn now made our philosopher consider -the time come to proceed on his round. Already fish-buyers and -news-vendors were descending the steps to proceed by the first boat. The -steamer was at the wharf puffing out steam as Hobbs looked down on her -from the steps. - -But stay! Who is that who rushes out from the bushes next the baths and -dives at full speed down the slope? - -It is THE MAN WITH THE BAG! - -Like a flash our policeman again starts in pursuit. This time he says to -himself, “The man is mine!” - -Vain hope! Even as he rushes into the waiting-room the ferry-boat has -cast off and left the wharf. He sees the man with the bag make a -desperate leap over a yawning chasm of green sea and white foam, and land -safely on the deck. And when he arrives it is only to be greeted by the -derisive jeers of the little crowd of passengers. - -Slowly he returns up the steps. Shall he report the matter to the -Sergeant? It might gain him credit, and the information might prove of -use. On the other hand, the Sergeant might want to know what he wanted -at that part of his beat at that particular time. And the question would -be awkward. - -This is how it came about that the police records are bare of any mention -of the vain chase by P.-C. Hobbs of a suspicious character carrying a -bag. - - - - -CHAPTER III -MRS. HOBBS - - -IT was the custom of Mr. Hobbs when he had been on night duty to sleep -till twelve noon on the following day, when he would awaken with a -punctuality at the dinner hour which would shame the fidelity of an alarm -clock. What was his surprise then to have his slumbers rudely disturbed -at ten o’clock by the high-pitched voice of Mrs. Hobbs. - -“What’s the matter, Bell?” - -“Wake up, you! Here’s news! Who’d have thought it! Why half the Shore -might be murdered for all you care!” - -“What’s that about murdering?” - -“Why, the baker boy just told me that at Mrs. Delfosse’s, down on the -Point, three of the boarders, if not more, were murdered in their beds -last night. The whole neighbourhood is there, and there is such a crowd -you can hardly get by. And that is your beat, too—I should just like to -know where you were last night? I’ll be bound packed away in some -corner, smoking. You need not shake your head. I know you. Neither use -nor ornament. Whatever the Government sees in you to pay you wages I -can’t think.” - -“Now, do keep quiet, Bell, and let a fellow have a show. You have got -hold of some cock-and-bull story that will melt down in the end to a -broken window or a drunken man beating his wife, or some such foolery.” - -“No such thing! You just dress and pack off to the station. You may be -wanted, and how can you get a chance to show your ability if you are out -of the way? A clever man like you only a common constable! I say it’s a -disgrace. You should speak up, and put yourself forward.” - - * * * * * - -Two hours later Mr. Hobbs returned. - -“You were partly right for a wonder, Bell. One man has been murdered, -and a very strange case it is, too.” - -And then he told in detail to his wife those events that have been -related. - -“Well, I never!” exclaimed Mrs. Hobbs. “What shall we have next? And -you call that a mystery? Why it is as plain as the nose on your face. -The woman killed him, of course! Who else could have done it? That -fainting or swooning is all moonshine. Why I could faint twenty times a -day if I wanted to. I know that Mrs. Booth—knew her before she was -married. A barmaid in a sixpenny bar. That will tell you what she is. -Why I would not trust the life of a cat to one of those creatures. -Faint, indeed! It wants a fool of a man to be taken in by that sort of -humbug.” - -“That’s just what Detective Dobell says; he’s got the case in hand. Sent -for him to Sydney. As though we were all fools here. Just my luck -again! He seems to think there is no doubt about it, and that all the -trouble will be to hunt up the corroborative evidence against her.” - -“Is that Dobell, the Sydney detective, that took your last chance from -you?” - -“Yes, that’s the man.” - -“Then, in my opinion, he’s a fool! If he said it was the woman did it, -then you can make up your mind he is wrong. Is it likely, now, that a -woman that wanted to kill her husband, would get a dagger and stab him in -his sleep? Suppose I wanted to kill you now, should I go about it like -that? No indeed! I should buy some ‘Rough on Rats,’ or something of -that kind, and put it in your tea. That is our way. It is only women on -the stage that use knives or daggers. You take my advice, and pay no -attention at all to what that Dobell says. That woman no more committed -that deed than I did myself.” - -“But you were positive only five minutes ago that she had!” - -“I said no such thing, and if you were not the most aggravating man in -the world you would not dare to say so. That is always your way. Trying -to make out I contradict myself, when you are too daft to know what to -say. If you would only take my advice for once you would—” - -“What?” - -“Just do a bit of detective work on the quiet. This affair will make a -great noise, and the man who finds out the riddle will not be that -thick-head Dobell, take my word for it. While all these wiseacres are -busy over the woman, you just take another track. Hunt up their history, -hers and his. You say that there was no robbery. If so, what was it -done for? Who would his death benefit? Trust a woman’s judgment. I’d -back her to find more out about a case in five minutes than one of you -tall muddle-heads in a week.” - -“It’s all very well to talk, Bell. If it comes to that I give you best. -But how should a woman who has never been out of Sydney in her life -understand these things? Now, I have had the advantage of a University -education in the metropolis of the world—a B.A. of London.” - -“Well, Mr. B.A., if you are so clever just go into the back yard and chop -some wood for the stove if you expect to have your tea.” - -The B.A. went, and as he chopped he inwardly resolved that the advice of -his wife was good; that much might be gained and nothing lost by -following it. Of a truth, that Dobell did hold his nose a trifle too -high—a man who could not construe a page of Latin to save his life. - -“Are you going to do what I say about that case?” screamed out Mrs. Hobbs -from the kitchen. - -Mr. Hobbs’ only reply as he took in an armful of billets was to mutter— - -“Bell, you’re a fool?” - - * * * * * - -On resuming duty some hours later, Mr. Hobbs found himself detailed for -the special service of watching Mrs. Booth. - - - - -CHAPTER IV -THE BOARDING-HOUSE AND BOARDERS - - -MRS. DELFOSSE had “seen better days.” How it is that the profession of -boarding-house keeping is for ever associated with a vista of past -splendours history recordeth not. Other people hide past grandeur in the -oblivion of silence, or shroud their social degeneracy even from their -nearest friends. But the boarding-house keeper trumpets her past Arabian -opulence from every vantage place her limited surroundings afford. - -The house occupied by Mrs. Delfosse was one of a terrace. Not a mean -lath-and-plaster, run-up-while-you-wait structure, but a fine substantial -building that had, of course, ruined the innocent contractor who erected -it. This house itself had, according to Mrs. Delfosse, been the scene of -her former life of luxurious ease, in fact, until that fatal date when -the late Captain Delfosse sailed on his last trip to America. There were -some brutes who inwardly congratulated the luck of the Captain in never -coming back, but the lady was inconsolable. - -As usual in such cases, in the course of time she advertised for a few -select boarders. What “select” meant was never explained, except it -might mean that the tariff and accommodation were above the average. - -There were five boarders—two city men on the first floor, Mr. and Mrs. -Booth on the second floor back, and Professor Norris (an old friend of -Mrs. Booth) on the second floor front. - -The Booths, by the way, were only counted as temporary lodgers, as they -had a fine house of their own in course of erection at Neutral Bay, and -were merely waiting its completion to move. - -When P.-C. Hobbs came on duty in plain clothes and relieved his brother -officer on watch in front of Mrs. Delfosse’s boarding-house, he was just -in time to overhear that lady recounting her griefs to a little gentleman -whose outward egress she barred with her ample form in the front doorway. - -“What shall I do, doctor? I am ruined, entirely ruined! To think of -people coming and getting murdered in a house of mine, and me been here -these fifteen years! It’s not as though they were permanents! And I who -have always been so respected! Oh, little did my poor dear captain think -I should ever come to this? The first floors have gone, and two better -boarders no one could wish for; not paltry city clerks, but merchants, -real merchants, and paid like the bank. And they left at once, never -thinking of me. No one thinks of me. No one has a thought for a poor -widow, left without resources. I call it shameful. There ought to be a -law to prevent it. And who do you think will come and take rooms in a -house where a man has been murdered? If it was only a suicide now, it -would not be so bad. I have known persons in the best of families make -away with themselves. But I’m ruined, ruined! I shall come to starve on -the streets, I’m sure!” - -The little doctor, who was fidgeting to get away, here interposed— - -“Why not leave this house and take another?” - -“I have thought of that; but look at the expense, and how would I get -other rooms to fit the carpets, and stairs to suit the matting, let alone -all the blinds and rollers? Now, just look at that oilcloth—” - -As Mrs. Delfosse turned to point out the article mentioned, the doctor -saw an opening, darted through, and was yards up the street before the -lady could draw breath. - -“Just like all the others. All for self; all for his own business. Not -a thought for me. No one thinks of me.” - -During this time, in the sitting-room of the same house, another -interview was taking place. A middle-aged gentleman, with a strong -resemblance to Shakespeare, in a nineteenth century coat and trousers, -and long waving hair, was seated. This was Professor Norris. Why -“Professor,” was never very clear, except it might be the long hair. - -A young woman, tall, well-shaped, if you exclude her pinched-in waist, a -complexion of strawberries and cream, blue eyes to match her fair hair, a -nose of no particular merit, lips blood red, and a set of white teeth—if -they were all real—as perfect and regular as the artificial article. -There was the general plumpness and freshness about this young lady that -the French term _Beauty de Diable_, and a sparkle in her eyes at times -that would set on fire, not chips, as other sparks do, but masculine -hearts. - -This was Mrs. Booth—Bertha Booth. - -She was raging up and down the room, her eyes red with crying, and she -moaned and sobbed as she walked— - -“I wish I were dead! I do. Oh, Alec; poor, dear Alec. It is horrible! -horrible! I know I shall go mad. If I sit still even for a minute, I -can feel the cold thing touching me again. Oh, why did I get married? -We were very happy before, Professor! Or why did I not marry you, as you -wanted me to? I am sure no one would have wanted to kill you. And the -way he looked! I’m sure I shall never forget the face—it haunts me. And -we had a few words yesterday, and we never had time even to make it up. -And who did it—and how was it done? Tell me, Professor. I’m sure you -must know—you know so many things. Don’t shake your head. I am certain -you are keeping something back. But I will know! I ought to know! I’m -his wife! And why am I not killed too? I wish I had been; it would have -saved me hours of misery, for I shall die of it. I know I shall die of -it.” - -“Try to be calm, Bertha; be a brave woman. Time will heal all, reveal -all; and remember that to-morrow there will be the inquest, and you will -have to attend.” - -“I can’t go. I’m not fit to go. It is too much. How can they expect -me, who am nearly out of my mind with this horror, to go to their -dreadful inquest?” - -“But try and bear up, my dear. I will be with you. You will not be -alone.” - -“And I have no dress to wear,” Bertha murmured. - -“No dress! Why you have heaps of dresses.” - -“No black dress. But there, you are a man, or you would know at once I -cannot go out in public till I have my weeds.” - -“If that is the trouble, you can easily order all you want from Sydney.” - -“But ready made! You know how I hate the shop costumes. You can always -see what they are. Madame Beaumont shall make it; I really believe she -is the only woman who can make a dress in Sydney. And she takes two -days.” - -“Really, my dear Bertha, you must be mad. Do you think they will adjourn -the inquest two days for you to have a dress made?” - -“I don’t care. They can kill me if they like. I wish I was dead.” - -“I shall go to Farmer’s, and tell them to send over some costumes for you -to choose.” - -“I won’t look at them.” - -He stood up to go. He had half crossed the room when she called him back -softly— - -“Pro?”—and she put her arms round his neck and kissed him. “Tell them I -must have a waistcoat body.” - -At this moment there was a knock on the door. Bertha hastily turned to a -mirror to arrange her hair, before saying “Come in.” - -The new arrival was a young man, well but loudly dressed, clean shaved, -and well groomed. He entered quietly, respectfully. - -“As an old friend, hearing the sad news, I called to see if I could be of -any use in what must be a most trying time.” - -“Oh, Huey, is that you? Sit down, sit down. I’m nearly mad. Thank you -for calling. You can go, Pro, and mind you remember.” - -The Professor nodded to the visitor and left the room. - -“Is it true, Bertha—Mrs. Booth, I should say—all this I read in the -evening paper?” said the visitor as he drew nearer to that lady on the -door closing. - -“What the papers say, I don’t know, but they cannot say what is more -horrible, more dreadful, than the truth!” - -And then Bertha, at great length, with interjected sobs and disjointed -fragments of narrative, related the tragedy of the morning. - -Huey, or, to give him his name in full, Hubert Gosper, listened -sympathetically, wondering perhaps somewhat, how, after such a shock, she -had power to bring her mind to even an inconsequential narrative. - -“What do you think of it?” she asked him. “The Professor will say -nothing, but look awfully wise, like a magpie on a fence. How was it -done—how could it be done? Could Alec have done it himself? He never -told me his affairs. Do you know if he was troubled about them? It’s -the uncertainty that’s so dreadful. People that did not know us might -even think I had something to do with it.” - -“You will pardon me, I hope, what I am going to say, and do not jump at a -conclusion at once. But I, who know you both, am inclined to think you -_had_ something to do with it.” - -“What! I?” - -“Now don’t take fright in that way. According to what you say, the room -is only to be entered by the door, and you locked and bolted that; so -there remains only two possibilities—either that Alec, by some unheard-of -means, stabbed himself, or that you did the deed.” - -“But that is monstrous!” - -“Of course, but the point has to be considered. There is still another -supposition. You might have opened the door to a third person, and -afterwards reclosed it.” - -“Why, that is as bad as the other!” - -“In the ordinary way, yes. But it chanced that I have just been reading -some experiments in hypnotism, by which strange results are sometimes -obtained by one mind unconsciously over another. You, I believe, in -former times were often mesmerized, and, it occurred to me at once, would -readily yield to the evil desires, unknowingly, of some designing -scoundrel. In such a case, I say again, you may have had something to do -with your husband’s death.” - -“But who could do such a thing? Besides, I know no designing scoundrel. -Your guess is worse than nothing at all. It is foolishness.” - -Nevertheless, the face of Mrs. Booth underwent a great change. She was -evidently “put darkly in doubt,” and though she spoke in bold confidence, -her companion clearly saw his shot had told. - -“But what you say is unnatural—horrible! All the mesmerists or -hypnotists in the world cannot make a wife kill her husband and not know -it. And as for what is in the newspapers, they are made up of a pack of -lies, and you ought to know it as well as anybody, for did you not use to -work on one?” - -“It may be so. I may be wrong. Only you wanted to know a possible way -that this thing might have happened, and I gave the only explanation that -occurred to me. Now tell me, what do you think?” - -But poor Bertha could not tell. She had no theory. Her mind was off on -a new chase, weaving all the possibilities out of this new idea which she -had openly scorned. It was with almost a vacant air she bade Mr. Gosper -good-bye, and as the door closed she sank down on the floor, moaning. - -The cup of her affliction was running over. - -“The scoundrel! Yet he would not dare. It cannot be true! Old Pro! I -can never believe it! And yet—and yet!” - - * * * * * - -As Mr. Gosper was crossing Circular Quay on his return journey he met the -Professor, who was coming back from his errand. - -“Have a wine, old man?” - -“Thank you, I seldom take anything, and I am anxious to be back to -Bertha.” - -“Oh, she’s first-rate—‘as well as can be expected,’ as the reports have -it. Come along. It will cheer you up.” - -With evident reluctance the Professor consented, and the two entered the -private bar of the Paragon, Huey leading the way to a quiet corner, and -with glasses before them, started the conversation. - -“This affair looks bad, Professor.” - -“How so?” - -“I mean for our mutual friend, Mrs. Booth.” - -“Yes; her husband’s death will be a sad loss to her.” - -“Oh, that is not what I am thinking of. Husbands are plenty enough for a -woman with her money and beauty. It’s her connection with the affair -that troubles me.” - -“In what way?” - -“Why, don’t you see, man? The law will demand an explanation, and -perhaps a victim, and the law that can only see as far as the end of its -nose will reason, ‘Here is a room securely locked up with two persons in -it. One of these persons is found dead by a wound not self-inflicted. -Inference, the other person must have done it.’” - -“Good God! You don’t think they will dare to accuse her?” - -“Think! It is no thinking matter. Sydney is saying nothing else. On -the ferry-boat, as elsewhere, they were talking of nothing but that, and -the wonder was why Mrs. Booth was not already arrested.” - -“But this is monstrous! You know it’s monstrous, Mr. Gosper. The very -shock of such a charge might endanger Bertha’s reason, or even her life!” - -“That may be true; but how will you prevent it? What is your own private -opinion on the mystery? Surely you have formed one?” - -“No, I have not. What you term the popular verdict is, of course, out of -the question with me, who know her so well; but I have thought out no -theory yet that will fit the case. I can recall no incident, in fact or -fiction, of this description. Poe’s _History of the Rue Morgue_ is the -nearest in point I can call to mind. But then there was an open window.” - -“That was the story of an ourang-outang climbing a waterspout to an open -window and throwing one woman out, pushing the other up a chimney, and -then escaping, was it not?” - -“Yes; something of that kind. But even, as is sometimes maintained, if -Fiction is only a prelude to Fact, the barred and fastened window in this -case close that explanation.” - -“Well, if you must go,” said Huey, for the Professor was rising, -“remember to send for me at any time, if I can help either you or Mrs. -Booth.” - -Not admitting it even to himself, a dreadful fear had pricked the heart -of the Professor. That Bertha could do such a deed was impossible, and -yet women were strange creatures. Who could pretend to have sounded to -the innermost depths of even one? And he would stake his life yes, his -life—on her innocence. But even if it was so, and he braced his mind to -face that awful contingency, he would not desert her. “A moment of -passion—who is accountable for it? And, say what you will, that Alec was -little better than a brute. It was in one sense a good riddance.” At all -hazards he would stick to her, and, above all, if she was accused he -would fight her battle. It is not the innocent who want friends; it is -the guilty. And, guilty or innocent, he would stand by her. - -So the thoughts chased through his mind as the ferry-boat crossed Sydney -Harbour in the moonlight of a bright summer’s night. He did not heed the -scene, familiar to him, of the grey indented shore, dotted with white -house fronts and clothed with sombre foliage, or the jutting headlands, -softening their dark outlines till in the distant background South Head -was a soft grey that melted into the sky, and its turning light shone on -the lapping water like a radiance. He did not heed the mirrored lights -of Sydney Cove, or the small craft that, with half-drawn sail, drifted -like shadows on the shining water. He did not heed the talk of the -crowded boat, nor, passing M‘Mahon’s Point wharf, did he hear a scream, -as from a distance, and a rush of eager feet to the stern of the vessel. - - - - -CHAPTER V -CONSTABLE HOBBS DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF - - -CONSTABLE HOBBS, on duty outside Mrs. Delfosse’s, had for a long time -nothing to break the monotony of his watch. He allowed the Professor to -pass, knowing him well. Mr. Gosper puzzled him. He concluded at once he -was not a resident of the Shore; he certainly did not know him as such, -yet he had a kind of inward conviction he had seen him before, but where, -he could not call to mind. But the thought did not trouble him. He met, -every day, people he had met before, without being able, or caring for -that matter, to locate the time and place. - -It had been some time dark when the meditations of a quiet smoke were -interrupted by the opening of the front door, and the coming out of a -lady. - -“It is her; what the dickens is she up to!” - -It was indeed Bertha. Bertha, hysterical, nearly mad. To be in the -house was no longer endurable, she was stifled, choked. The suggestion -of Huey had grown in her mind till her reason seemed to forsake her. A -hundred fancies that she could not brush aside rose up as threatening -witnesses. - -“The Professor had always wanted to marry her, that was certain; so who -but he could desire the death of Alec? Who but he could control her -will, unknown to her? He must have made her open the door.” - -So her mind ran on. She left the house, and walked down the road, -heedless where she went, and the precautions of Mr. Hobbs to be -unobserved in his following was so much skill thrown away. He noted that -she walked unsteadily, and, with his varied experience in “drunks,” the -suggestion of partial intoxication occurred to him. To his credit, he -put the thought aside as only worthy of an ignorant member of the force. - -Evidently, he said to himself, she is going somewhere of importance, or -she would hardly go at night, and by herself such a day as this has been -for her. No doubt I shall now gain a clue. - -“Cheer up, old man,” he said to himself; “‘there is a tide in the affairs -of man,’ etc. Now is your chance; this is the first good case you have -had a hand in. The ladder of promotion is before you. Climb!” - -Bertha by this time had descended the steep path that leads to M‘Mahon’s -Point wharf. - -“The devil!” said Hobbs. “It seems she means to go to Sydney. What if -she is really guilty, and means to give us the slip? I will close up.” - -Once, twice, three times Bertha paced the wharf, her eyes bent on the -water with a hungry longing. - -She made a step forward. - -“Be careful!” sang out the warning voice of the constable. - -But, with a wild cry, Bertha threw up her arms and plunged down. There -was a splash, a few bubbles, and a little whirl in the waves as constable -Hobbs rushed forward. - -“Well, I’m damned! Just my luck!” he exclaimed, as he threw off his coat -and hat, and with a wild sweep of his arms dived into the harbour. - - * * * * * - -The _Evening Times_, of August 16, contained the following double-headed -paragraph in its middle page— - - - -“FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTH SHORE MYSTERY. - - - THE PLOT THICKENS. - - ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF MRS. BOOTH, AND - GALLANT RESCUE BY ONE OF THE - POLICE FORCE. - - PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE HERO, - POLICE-CONSTABLE HOBBS. - -“Never perhaps in the history of the colony has a crime claimed such -universal interest, and aroused such general curiosity, as the so-called -North Shore mystery. On train, boat, or ’bus, or wherever men are -gathered together, it forms the sole and engrossing topic of -conversation. Nearly every man one meets considers himself a born -detective, and has a solution of the mystery at his fingers’ ends. -Unfortunately, however, hardly two of three solutions agree, either as to -the personality of the criminal or the method of the crime. - -“An unexpected development was added to the already complicated skein by -the attempted suicide last night of Mrs. Booth. It appears, from reports -received, that Police-Constable Hobbs had been stationed on duty by the -authorities to watch the house of Mrs. Delfosse, the scene of the crime, -his orders being to note the doings of the inmates. That this precaution -was a wise one was shown by the sequel. - -“Late in the evening, after a gentleman, a stranger to the constable, had -called at the house and again departed, the constable’s attention was -aroused by the front door opening, and Mrs. Booth, with her outdoor -garments on, leaving the house and walking towards Blue’s Point. -Needless to say, the constable followed in her wake. According to his -statement, her movements struck him as being, to say the least, very -strange. Her walk was unsteady and erratic, and his first impression was -that she was intoxicated; but, being a man of more than average -intelligence, he soon scouted this idea, and came to the more natural -conclusion that the poor lady, as was very natural, was suffering from -strong excitement. - -“After some hesitation Mrs. Booth took the path leading to the ferry at -M‘Mahon’s Point, and Police-Constable Hobbs at once concluded that her -intention was to take the incoming boat with the object of going to -Sydney or Milson’s Point. What was his astonishment to see her step -forward on the wharf, and with what looked like a determined plunge, jump -into the water. Without a moment’s hesitation the constable ran forward, -and, rapidly divesting himself of his hat and heavy tunic, jumped in -after her. So quick was he that Mrs. Booth had barely come to the -surface ere her form was grasped, and fortunately the ferry steamer was -close at hand to provide a rope. By this time, however, Mr. Hobbs had -already landed on the wharf, neither he nor Mrs. Booth being much the -worse for their immersion. Mrs. Booth was promptly removed to her house, -where she remains under surveillance. - -“The numerous witnesses to this act of gallantry were unanimous in their -chorus of praise of the pluck shown by the hero, and we are enabled by -the kindness of Mrs. Hobbs to furnish the following short account of her -husband—Police-Constable Hobbs is a native of Bethnal Green, London, -England. He has always been noted for courage and resolution, this being -the third life he has saved from drowning. He is, moreover, a man of -education, being a B.A. of London University, and qualified by his mental -attainments for a far higher position than that at present held by him. -It is one of the anomalies of Colonial life, that some of our best men -have to commence life in such subordinate positions as that held by -Police-Constable Hobbs. As a swimmer he is no mean exponent, having been -for three years previous to leaving the old country champion and captain -of the Serpentine Swimming Club; as an athlete he had few equals, either -at quoits or the more active game of rounders. We certainly think the -attention of the authorities should be drawn—more particularly the Royal -Humane Society—to the meritorious conduct of this officer. True courage -and ability such as his call for more than the usual perfunctory meed of -thanks. - -“As to the crime itself, we have no further development to make public. -Speculation is rife, and the police, as usual, are said to ‘have a clue.’ -If so, they preserve a most frigid reticence on the point. During the -day the rear and front of the house have been surrounded by the customary -gaping crowd, and it has been found necessary to detail an additional -constable to preserve order in the neighbourhood. The inquest, which was -to have been held to-day, has been postponed until to-morrow to allow of -the more perfect recovery of Mrs. Booth.” - - * * * * * - -In consideration of his immersion in the harbour, P.-C. Hobbs was -allowed a day off from his duties, and he readily seized the opportunity -to pursue his investigations as to the origin of the crime. - -The view of his wife, that the murder was not a woman’s murder, strongly -influenced him. He was further impressed in Mrs. Booth’s favour by the -fact that popular opinion, backed by Detective Dobell, generally -condemned her. Popular opinion, said Mr. Hobbs to himself, is an ass. -It sees no further than the end of its nose. Because the door was locked -and bolted, then, forsooth, the woman must be guilty. But would a guilty -person have so locked and bolted the door? Would they not rather have -left it open so as to admit others to suspicion, and not fastened it, and -suspicion too, on themselves? For the crime was premeditated, the knife -was not a common one, and must have been procured on purpose by some -person versed in anatomy. It was, in fact, more of a skewer than a -knife, such a skewer as is used in ham and beef shops to join together -the pieces of brisket. - -That door unfastened would have meant the inclusion of the whole -household in the range of doubt—a sharing of the burden of suspicion that -would be comparatively light to bear. Of course, it was true that even -the cleverest criminals often committed the greatest blunders, and such -might be the case in the present instance. But was it not more -reasonable to suppose that the criminal had himself refastened the door; -the lock was a common one, and worked easily; a pair of pliers to grasp -it, with the help of a skeleton key, would have both unlocked and locked -it from the outside. Then there was the bolt. Certainly that was a -puzzle, but one that could be solved must be solved. - -At any rate, he would go to Sydney and interview these boarders; and -David Israel, the clerk, his statement required sifting. It was a -curious accident if these two crimes were not in some way connected. He -found the first address in his pocket-book— - - SCHNIDER BROTHERS, - CLARENCE STREET, - - _Wholesale Importers of Jewellery and_ - _Fancy Goods_. - -A few minutes’ walk took him to Clarence Street, and in answer to his -inquiry he was promptly ushered into a back office, where two fair -gentlemen were seated at a huge desk. - -“Are you the Messrs. Schnider?” - -“Ve are,” said the elder, promptly turning round. “Vat can we have ze -pleasure of doing for you?” - -“I am in the Police Department,” replied Mr. Hobbs, handing over his -card, “and I have called for such information as you can give relative to -the crime committed at your lodgings.” - -“Ah! Dat vas vat I say to my brothers. Ve shall have some policemans -round to ask us shoost nothings at all.” - -“Did you know much of Mr. and Mrs. Booth?” - -“No; ve knows very little. Ve sees them zometimes at dinner; ve speak to -them English—ve love the language—but they not speak much to us, and they -speak the English very padly. They do not understand what you call the -idiom, so we get tired. Ve speak not much to them; ve fear to speak like -them. Ah, Sydney is bad for the English language. Not like in Shermany; -there they speak her particularly. I hear no good speaking in zis -country. They learn the English like some parrots, not like in Shermany, -vere ve learn at school. It is much shame to you.” - -“Did you notice if Mr. and Mrs. Booth were friendly together? Did they -have disputes? Was she a good wife? - -“Not so good vife as we have in Shermany. There the frau, she stop home -all ze day, do all ze work of ze home, and ze good man, when he have -dinner, go to the beer garden and drink twenty, thirty bock, and when he -come home a little bit what you call tipsy, the good frau she help him to -bed, and not say one little word. Not like as here, vere the vife goes -out to valk about half ze day. It was bad, very bad!” - -“I am sorry to interrupt you, but what I wish to know is not about -Germany, but about this business of the murder. Have you any reason to -think Mrs. Booth had any ill-feeling towards her husband?” - -“Ve know nothings, shoost nothings at all about zese peoples. They -speak, I tell you, the English very padly, not like as in Shermany.” - -“Damn Shermany,” said P.-C. Hobbs to himself, as he promptly bowed -himself out. “They are either a pair of fools or a pair of rogues, -trying to bluff me with gammon.” - -But he did not escape so quickly as he expected. After a hurried -consultation together, one of the partners stepped forward. - -“Do not go for a little minute. This, I tink, is the first time zat you -see our store. We always like to make some little present to our new -friends. Come zis vay. Come zis vay.” And the German led the way to the -back premises, where on numerous shelves a host of packets and cardboard -boxes were stored, having for the most part fastened on the outside a -sample of the goods within. With much preliminary graciousness the -merchant went to a small box and produced a common wooden pipe, worth, -perhaps, twopence, and, presenting it to Mr. Hobbs, he said— - -“You will keep that, my friend. It is vat you call ze keepsake. That is -vone good pipe—vone very good pipe; same as they smoke in Shermany. If -you will show zat pipe to your friends it shall do us some good in the -pisiness!” - -Pocketing the present, the constable made his way out. - -“Now for the third man, the acknowledged friend of Mrs. Booth—Professor -Norris, Park Street, is the address, I think. Yes, it is Park Street.” - -The shop was easily found, a small narrow-windowed place with this sign -written in large letters across the front— - - PROFESSOR NORRIS, SCIENTIFIC - FOOTIST. - - THE PAST, THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE. - - Characters Delineated by the Marvellous Science—The - Discovery of Professor Norris—The Secret of Life Long - Hidden Under Foot Now First Revealed. Phrenology, - Physiognomy, and Palmistry Entirely Superseded by - the Up-to-date Science, Footology. - - “Man, Know Your Feet.” - - Do not Waste Your Old Boots, but Send One Along - with Five Shillings in Stamps for Full Character Chart. - -The greater part of this window was occupied by a mammoth foot in plaster -of Paris, and P.-C. Hobbs regarded it curiously. A large bump, like a -bunion, on the big toe, was marked, “Mount of Venus.” A zigzag track down -the instep, looking like the plan of the river Murray, as seen on maps, -was designated, “Line of Life.” - -“What humbug will they be up to next?” exclaimed Hobbs, as he regarded -this curiosity. - -In answer to his inquiry the attendant at the counter informed him that -the Professor had not arrived that day, and had sent a message saying he -should not come till the next morning. - -“An important engagement, no doubt,” added the speaker. “The Professor -is often summoned to attend some of the highest families.” - -“To read their feet?” - -“Of course. You see, it’s all the rage now. The foot, unlike the hand, -is not distorted by work and hard wear. Being used solely to tread with, -it retains all Nature’s revelations in their pristine purity. Fortunes -are constantly made by those who are wise enough to consult the future in -their feet, and in love and matrimony none should be without their -guidance. Shall I make an appointment with you to meet the -Professor—your feet appear to be really interesting? The Professor loves -his work, and I am sure he would be pleased to see you.” - -“No, thank you, young man. I called on other matters. Perhaps I can -find your master at his private address. Good-day.” - - - - -CHAPTER VI -MRS. BOOTH COMMITTED FOR TRIAL - - -AFTER his day’s round, Mr. Hobbs returned home to his tea. For this meal -he was glad to see a plate of pink prawns on the table. If he had one -weakness of the epicure, it was in the direction of prawns, and Mrs. -Hobbs, when in a specially good humour, was wont to indulge him. This -happened with her perhaps the more rarely, as her husband was wont on -these occasions, while praising the quality of the prawns, which he rated -as being nearly equal to Gravesend shrimps, to inveigh against Colonial -provisions generally. - -“The meat was not equal to English meat—not the flavour—the vegetables -were tasteless, and the fruit lacking in juice.” - -These remarks on the products of her native land made Mrs. Hobbs mad and -restive. - -“If everything was so good in England, why in the name of fortune did you -leave it?” - -“I wish I had not, and that’s the truth,” Mr. Hobbs would reply. - -“And I wish so too!” would retort his good lady. - -Then would follow a domestic squall, during which Mrs. Hobbs launched -forth in voluble Anglo-Saxon on the worthlessness of men in general, and -this one in particular. - -In the meantime her husband leisurely ate up the prawns. - -This night was an exception. The meal passed without the customary -equinoctial, and Mrs. Hobbs got her fair share of the shrimps. - -“I can tell you what it is, Tom, if you go jumping in the water again -with your uniform clothes on, and expect me to wash them and get them -decent, you are very much mistaken; somebody else may do them, I won’t. -Such a job, with all the nasty salt water in them. If that brazen-faced -hussy wants to drown herself let her. Good riddance, I say, to bad -rubbish. If it had been me, now, you would not have been so quick, I’ll -be bound.” - -“Now, draw it mild, Bell! It was you that were taking her part only last -night.” - -“How dare you say that, you aggravating man! Did I not say at once that -it was she that killed her husband, and now are not my words proved true? -Has not her guilty conscience driven her to try and drown herself? Why, -it’s as plain as the nose on your face.” - -“Don’t be so hasty; it proves nothing of the sort. You will admit that -if she is the criminal, she must be a most daring and cold-blooded one. -Now, daring criminals, particularly women criminals, are hardly ever -known to display remorse of any kind. The mind of an innocent woman is -only too likely to be upset by such a day as that passed by Mrs. Booth, -but a criminal having expected it would remain quite unmoved.” - -“So you still think she is innocent?” - -“I am more convinced than ever.” - -“And what have you done to-day?” - -“To commence at the beginning—I thought the matter well over last night. -You will remember that the doctor said the knife entering the back near -the spine, between the ribs, pierced the heart, and caused instantaneous -death; but violent muscular movements of the limbs and body were likely -to have occurred for some moments afterwards, and the stab could not have -been self-inflicted. I felt by no means sure of that. It seemed -unlikely, certainly; but any solution of this problem must be an unlikely -one, and this appeared at least as feasible and plausible as any. Then I -tried to imagine how Mr. Booth could have carried out his purpose. The -knife, as you know, had no proper handle, but only the thin pointed haft. -Suppose he had stuck it in his bed, raised himself, and fallen backwards -on the point, and then, in his pain, turned over—this would account for -his position?” - -“Why, of course, that’s it, Tom! It’s as plain as possible! Why, you -have got more sense than I gave you credit for!” - -“But that is not it, Bell. I have carefully examined the bed and the -sheet he was lying on, and there is no perforation, such as the haft must -have made. Giving up this idea, I had to find another solution. If Mrs. -Booth was not the criminal, but some third party, who was that criminal -likely to be? Clearly some one resident in the house; this was the more -likely. They would be on the spot, and be acquainted with all the small -details necessary to execute such a deed undetected. At the same time, -it must not be overlooked that a person capable of entering, undisturbed, -one locked room, might, perhaps, just as easily have entered a locked-up -house. - -“I considered the inmates in this order—There was Mrs. Delfosse, the -landlady. She is a respectable lady, and known on the Shore for years. -In regard to her, the crime could bring no conceivable benefit. Mr. -Booth was almost a stranger to her, and his tragic death is likely to -prove a serious loss, so I rule her out of the possibles. Next there is -the servant girl. Here I thought there might be a clue. These betting -men are mostly a fast lot; perhaps Booth had been tampering with her. -But Eliza Smith is a quiet, decent girl, engaged to be married to a -carpenter, and when she assured me Mr. Booth had not spoken half-a-dozen -times to her in his life, I believed her. So I ruled her out. Then -there are the other boarders—the two Germans, the brothers Schnider, on -the first floor. I said to myself, ‘These foreign fellows are often the -kind of men to fancy other men’s wives, and to take strange means to -gratify their fancy.’ - -“Acting on this idea, I called on these gentlemen in town. They seem to -be in a good way of business, fine warehouse, clerks, and all the rest of -it; but the men themselves are a pair of ugly yellow devils, with big fat -noses. Supposing Mrs. Booth to be a party to an intrigue with one of -them, to say the least she has very bad taste. But then I reflected that -women are very capricious.” - -“Not more than men, I’m sure!” - -“And, though the late Mr. Booth was at least in appearance worth -half-a-dozen of these German sauerkrauts, yet we have the memorable -example of Hamlet’s mother, that ugliness itself is sometimes an -attraction to feminine taste.” - -“Who was that Mrs. Hamlet? Did she live on the Shore? I never heard of -her.” - -“No, she is a character in a play.” - -“Written by a man, I suppose?” - -“Yes; William Shakespeare.” - -“That explains it. I knew it would take a man to write foolery like -that! And what did those Germans tell you?” - -“I could get nothing out of them. They talked like two idiots, so I left -them in disgust. But, coming home, and thinking the matter over in my -mind, I began to doubt if they had not been acting a part with me to try -perhaps to throw me off the scent. Is it likely now, that two -dunderheads such as they pretended to be, could successfully carry on a -Sydney wholesale business? They tell me, and I have no doubt it’s true, -that it takes a man to be as sharp as a razor for that kind of work. And -later, when crossing the ferry, I met one of the clerks I had seen in the -office, I took the opportunity to pump him in a quiet way about his -bosses, and he was not slow to talk. - -“‘Are they fond of women!’ said the clerk. ‘Just terrors! I believe -it’s all they think about, and they think no small beer of themselves. -Why, there’s Jacob, that’s the eldest, to hear him you would think all -the girls in Sydney were running after him, and the married women, too. -Even this Mrs. Booth they are talking about so much now, he has often -said she had made a dead set at him, wanted him to spark her about, and I -don’t know what.’ - -“‘And did he?’ I asked. - -“‘Not that I know of. He never told us that. But then he is such a -terrible liar I never believe a word he says.’ - -“Here we arrived at Milson’s Point, and the clerk left me, but what he -had said caused me to think more seriously of these Germans, particularly -the elder one, Jacob. As you said yourself, Bell, the knife is not a -woman’s weapon, and more than that, with the exception of a few sailors -who carry a sheath knife, it is not an Englishman’s weapon. With many -foreigners, on the other hand, it is their common mode of attack. Here -we have a man stabbed in a house, probably by an inmate of that house. -Two of these residents are foreigners, and one of them has an avowed -passion for the wife of the murdered man. What is more likely than that -he should be the criminal?” - -“Of course, Tom, it’s as clear as daylight; it’s that Jacob! That’s the -man!” - -“Not so fast, Bell, not so fast. How did he open and close the locked -and bolted door?” - -“Why? why! she must have done it for him!” - -“Then she is as guilty as he is, and we had decided she was innocent! -Besides, how does this explain the robbery of Mr. Booth’s safe in Sydney? -For, in spite of the newspapers, I am convinced there is some connection -between the two events. Reviewing the evidence carefully, I think with -the Germans it is so far a case of suspicion only. Another boarder was -Professor Norris. He, you will remember, was the first to break open the -door and enter the room. And mark this, he is an old friend of Mrs. -Booth. I went to his shop in Park Street, where he appears to carry on a -fortune-telling or character-reading business. As I expected, he was not -there; but I found him at Mrs. Delfosse’s. He talked very freely, and I -must admit seemed very straightforward in all he said. He may be a bit -eccentric in his opinions, but I am bound to say appears as little like a -murderer as any man I ever met. This is what he said, in answer to my -questions—He had known Mrs. Booth about four years, when he first -employed her to assist him in his lectures on phrenology and -clairvoyance, which he gave in various towns of the colony. He finally -gave up this work, because Mrs. Booth, who was a Miss Summerhayes at that -time, got tired of the business, and preferred a life in Sydney. Here -she took a place as barmaid, and after a time, against his advice, -married the late Mr. Booth. Their married life, he said, was fairly -happy, so far as it had gone; nevertheless, he still believes the match -was an unsuitable one, and that later on it would have led to dissensions -and misery. He is fairly convinced that Mrs. Booth had no hand in her -husband’s death. She was still, he said, very fond of him. He could -think of no enemy who could desire, or would have benefited in any way by -Booth’s death; but he expressed the opinion that all men connected with -horse-racing are more or less rogues, and Mr. Booth’s acquaintances were -all of that class. - -“I asked concerning Mrs. Booth’s relations to the German boarders. He -said they were on no more than just speaking terms. They met sometimes -at meals, but Mrs. Booth had often told him that she did not like their -manners. ‘They ate their food like hogs,’ that was her expression. So -that latterly she had done no more than nod to them. The Professor felt -positive they had had no hand in the crime. - -“‘Who has then?’ I asked. ‘Whom do you suspect?’ He said, ‘I have no -suspicions. I have thought of nothing else for the last two days, day -and night, and I cannot even form a theory, even a stupid theory, as to -either how the crime was done, or who did it. I am pretty well -acquainted, by reading, with the history of mysterious crimes, but this, -so far as I know, is without a parallel. If I did not know Bertha—that -is Mrs. Booth—so well, I should incline to the view that she must have -had a hand in it; but I can assure you positively, that I would rather -believe it was I myself did it say when I was asleep than that she ever -dreamed of such a thing. I know her so well. She would not harm a fly, -and the sight of blood at any time would make her faint right away. No, -decidedly no, it was not Bertha, and who it was I cannot imagine.’ - -“With this I left him. The man may be a skilful liar, but I think not. -It is not the action of a criminal to try and avert suspicion from -others—the Germans, for instance. In Mrs. Booth’s case it might be -understood. It is not the action of the criminal to leave no theory to -explain his crime. So that I am inclined to believe the Professor, and -rule him out, and for that matter, accepting his evidence, rule out Jacob -Schnider.” - -“But who is there left, Tom?” chimed in Mrs. Hobbs. “If the people in -the house are not to be suspected, and the man did not kill himself, it -must have been some one outside.” - -“So I think. This is why I called at Mr. Booth’s Sydney office and -interviewed his clerk. This young man’s story, as published, ran so pat -I did not half like the look of it. In the first place, supposing him to -be guilty, his story is such as a specious scoundrel would invent. The -fact that three weeks ago he knew that thousands of pounds worth of -securities were in the safe, while at the date of the robbery there was -only a few hundreds in cash, looks a plausible enough suggestion till you -come to examine it. - -“What were these securities? Were they inscribed stock, mortgage deeds, -or bonds? If so, however valuable to the owner they might have been, -they would be quite useless to a thief. Cash, on the other hand, is -useful to anybody, and there is nothing to show that the cash in the safe -at this particular time was not as large as it had ever been. On the -other hand, supposing David Israel to be the criminal, or cognisant of -the crime, it is hard to understand why an apparently useless murder of -great danger and difficulty was added to the comparatively easy crime of -theft. Certainly the safe must have been opened by a strange key. Why, -having the key, should the robber trouble himself about the life of Mr. -Booth? Clearly, if there was any connection between the two crimes there -must have been some other motive besides that of robbery. - -“These were the thoughts in my mind when I questioned the clerk. He is a -glib young man, very dapper in his dress, very voluble in talk, and this -is what he said in answer to my questions—He was still carrying on the -business, not opening any fresh accounts, but simply paying and receiving -cash as it became due. In this he was acting according to instructions -from Mrs. Booth, who desired that all her husband’s engagements should be -honourably met. He had been in the employ of the late Mr. Booth for the -past six months, his duty being to keep all the accounts and the books, -Mr. Booth being a poor scholar. The business had been very profitable, -no doubt of that, and, besides, his master had had a great run of luck. -He could not remember such a run of ‘skinners’ as Booth had had lately. -I asked him what a skinner was. - -“He said it was a day that was bad for the public; when they were -skinned, in fact. As he kept all the accounts, I asked him if he could -tell me more exactly by referring to them, how much money had been left -in the safe on Saturday. Israel seemed to me to hesitate a little; -perhaps it was only my fancy, for he very quickly gave me a total—£374 -10s. - -“‘This is larger,’ I suggested, ‘than the amount that you first stated.’ - -“‘Yes, it is,’ he said; ‘but I then spoke hurriedly, without reference to -the accounts.’ - -“‘Was it usual,’ I asked, ‘to have so much loose money?’ - -“‘Oh, yes,’ he answered, very sharply, ‘we often had a couple of hundred; -but Saturday was a busy day, and there might have been a little extra.’ - -“‘As a matter of fact,’ I inquired, ‘is not this the first time in your -experience that such a large sum in cash has been locked up in the safe?’ - -“‘Perhaps it is,’ he said. - -“‘Is it not a fact, Mr. Israel’—and here I made a shot at a venture, an -inspiration of the moment ‘that Mr. Booth was about to dispense with your -services?’ - -“‘No such thing!’ he exclaimed; but his sallow face turned red, then very -pale. ‘No such thing; he might have growled a bit, he did occasionally -when “lively”; but he did not mean what he said.’ - -“‘He did give you notice then?’ - -“‘In a sort of way; but it was not serious, and he was half tight at the -time.’ - -“‘And when would this notice expire?’ - -“‘The end of this week. But it was not serious, I tell you. I took no -notice of it. As a matter of fact, Mr. Booth could not understood his -own books, and knew he could not do without me.’ - -“At this point I turned the conversation, and asked him did he know if -his master had any enemies, or any persons who would benefit by his -death. Israel answered readily enough. - -“No, he did not know any particular person; but a big betting man was -likely enough to have bad blood with some people; and, as regards his -death, that might no doubt lead to the scratching of all his horses in -training by his widow; and of course those who had backed them would -lose, and the chances of other horses in the race be so much the better. - -“This was a new clue to me, and, bidding good-day to Mr. Israel, I came -home. Carefully considering the evidence of this clerk, it appears to me -the most important of all. In the first place, on his own statement -there was ample motive for a robbery of the safe. And not only was there -a motive, but he was the only person likely to know that such a large sum -was locked up. Next, we have his own assertion that there was £374. But -how much more may there have been, unentered by him in those books, over -which he had full control? And this notice of dismissal that he was -under which he now treats so easily—may, very likely, have been of -serious consequence to him. And why was this notice given? Certainly a -man in Booth’s position, ignorant of accounts, much of whose business was -done on ‘the nod,’ and required an expert to recognize all his varied -customers, would be very slow to dismiss a confidential clerk. Probably -the cause was something serious—perhaps criminal? At any rate, it looks -shady. If there was a spirit of revenge in this man we have a motive for -his master’s death; but if we add to this the possibility, as he himself -suggested, of a betting-book being so arranged as to gain largely by Mr. -Booth’s death, we have a second and still stronger motive.” - -“Well, I will say, Tom,” said Mrs. Hobbs, “you have more sense than I -gave you credit for. You should arrest that Jew boy at once. I should -not hesitate a minute.” - -“Easy, my dear, easy. Remember you were equally persistent just now, -first that Booth killed himself, then that Jacob Schnider did it.” - -“I said nothing of the sort. It was you, you thick-headed numbskull! -But there, that’s just like you, trying to put your own mistakes on my -shoulders! Why, no one with a grain of sense could hesitate for a -minute. I had my doubts from the first about that clerk!” - -“Well, old woman, let us suppose it is the clerk, or some one helping -him. How do you account for his passing through two locked and bolted -doors, and re-passing, leaving them fastened behind him? That he should -be able to open the doors is understandable, but that he should have -troubled to relock and rebolt them after himself is incredible. The man -who robbed the shop locked neither safe nor door, though the motive in -that case would have been quite as strong and the job much easier, for in -this case the locking was from the outside.” - -“Then the murderer did not open the doors at all!” - -“So I was inclined to think. But there are only two other possible -entrances to the room—a chimney a cat could hardly crawl down, and a -window fastened inside, barred without, and thirty-three feet from the -ground.” - -“Well, I don’t care what you say! That Israel did it, right enough! I -never saw a man so aggravating as you are. You no sooner find the man -that did it than you try and prove he didn’t!” - - * * * * * - -It was the evening of the next day. Mr. Hobbs had returned to his tea. - -“Well, Tom!” said his wife; “how did the inquest go? Anything fresh?” - -“Nothing fresh, Bell. Nothing I have not told you. Dobell, as I -expected, has found out nothing. He is in a bit of a fix I can see -plainly enough. He expected to find corroborative evidence against Mrs. -Booth, but, so far, he has failed.” - -“Then the jury acquitted her?” - -“On the contrary; they committed her for wilful murder, and by this time -she is in Darlinghurst. But that was only what was to be expected. A -coroner’s jury have not got a judge to direct them. Their verdict is -only tentative. With the evidence before them they did right.” - -“And how did the poor woman take it?” - -“You never saw any one look more astounded. She stared round the room as -though she was looking at a ghost, and then swooned right away, with a -loud shriek. The Professor was there to hold her up, and I could see him -turn pale and tremble like a leaf. He told me himself that the shock of -this affair is likely to send the poor girl out of her mind, and it is -easy to see he is very much attached to her.” - -“Poor dear creature, what she must suffer! You must help her, Tom. Now -set your wits to work. I know you can if you like.” - -“I will do my best, Bell; and if brains and ability, though I say it that -should not, can solve the North Shore mystery, I will solve it!” - - - - -CHAPTER VII -LOOKING BACKWARD-WINDSOR - - -THREE years earlier than the incidents related in the preceding chapters, -the walls and fences of that moribund and derelict country town, Windsor, -were ornamented by a series of posters that proclaimed the early -appearance of the renowned Professor Norris, mesmerist, phrenologist, and -magnetic healer; also the gifted clairvoyant, Bertha Summerhayes, reader -of the past and future. And then followed numerous details of the -wonders and signs common to such entertainments, the bill concluding with -this parting advice—“Man, know thyself!” - -Why men generally are invited to make the acquaintance of the very -second-rate article referred to was not stated. Or, having found what an -unmitigated fool that person generally is, what he was to do in the -matter was also a blank. - -Windsor took the posters very quietly. Nothing but a circus or a -Hawkesbury flood will stimulate the languid circulation of a native of -its mud flats. Professor Norris and his assistant, who had arrived at -Mrs. Brown’s family hotel that morning, had returned from a round of -inspection, and met in their sitting-room to compare notes. - -“What do you think of the town, my dear? Is it not a fine, quaint old -place?” - -“I don’t know about being quaint, it is old enough. Why, half of the -buildings seem to be empty, and the other half public houses? Whatever -do the people do for a living?” - -“Perhaps they drink in each other’s bars,” said the Professor simply. - -“And do you know what Mrs. Brown asked me? She said we must pay each -day’s hotel charges in advance!” - -“It must be her large organ of Caution. This is very unusual.” - -“So I told her, but she explained that shows had so often failed to make -expenses in this ‘quaint’ old town of yours, that continued losses had -forced them to make this stipulation. Nevertheless, she was kind enough -to add that she would give something towards the subscription to pay our -fare to Sydney when the time came.” - -“That was her large organ of Benevolence, and very kind of her.” - -“But what a place! I am sure I thought being a professional was -something nice, that at any rate people would respect me; but it seems we -are looked upon as little better than tramps. For my part I’m sick of -it. Windsor is the last straw. Once catch me in Sydney again, and a -team of bullocks shall not drag me out of it!” - -“You are too impressionable, my dear. Remember our educational mission. -It is not only for our own personal ends we travel, but more especially -to awaken in men a more enlightened interest in those mesmeric and -electric powers that invest them. Think of the cause, my dear, think of -our mission.” - -“Fiddlesticks for your mission! The ‘Cause’ will not clothe us, and feed -us, and pay the Mrs. Browns their bills.” - -“Now, don’t fret; we may have a good house to-night, our bills are really -posted everywhere.” - -“Of course they are; they are on the doors of all the empty houses.” - -“And who can tell how many heads I may have? I have remarked some really -interesting subjects in this place. The temperaments are largely -lymphatic. I saw the largest alimentativeness standing at an hotel door -that I have ever seen.” - -The Professor, having got on his favourite theme, would have gone on -indefinitely, had not a servant come to the door to announce the visit of -a gentleman from the newspaper. - -“Show him up by all means,” said the Professor. “It is always wise to -stand well with the Press, and besides, he may want his character read. -It would be a most excellent advertisement for us, most excellent.” - -The gentleman from the newspaper was coming up the stairs with an -aggressive step. As general utility in the office he had been dispatched -to demand immediate cash payment of the printing bill, and he felt no -hesitation in undertaking the task. He had been told to stand no humbug, -and he meant to act up to instructions. Hubert Gosper was a tall, lank -youth, with the Colonial looseness of limb, like wheels on an old axle -that want screwing up; a narrow face, regular features, the eyes small -and set back, as Australian eyes are wont to be, with the accompanying -lines in the forehead, and contraction of the eyebrows, due to the glare -of light. As he entered the room with careless confidence the Professor -bowed to him, but before he could commence his abrupt demand, his eye -caught the face of Bertha Summerhayes. - -And she smiled at him graciously, and from her eyes came a fire that -flashed through him, seared him in some way, making him, as it were, from -that moment, and instantly, in some sort, another man. For the nonce he -was almost dumb, and stumbled and stammered disconnected words. - -The Professor in pity came to his assistance. “Ah; no doubt you wish to -have your character read? I shall do so with the greatest pleasure. Of -course, members of the Press are on my free list. Take a chair.” - -Hubert, or Huey, as he was commonly called, mechanically obeyed. - -“Really, a most remarkable head!” exclaimed the Professor, after his -fingers had passed once or twice through the hair of the sitter. “Most -remarkable? I find you have intellectual gifts, which, if properly -cultivated, might make a first-class novelist or playwright. A wealth of -language and imagery that promises the eloquence of a great orator. In -the perceptive organs you have that analytical faculty that is required -by the legal mind, and, should inclination lead you to mathematics, or -the exact sciences, you have all the organs required, of the most ample -development. On the side of morals, I find strict integrity and lofty -veneration. The Church would in you gain an ornament and a bright light. -Of what are—perhaps unfairly—termed the selfish organs, your share is a -wise and proper balance, and the animal only such as is required to give -the requisite energy and stimulant to the whole. I say, without -hesitation, that to such an endowment of intelligence as you possess no -path in life, however eminent, is closed. You may be a statesman, a -prelate, a poet, artist, or engineer, and I would even venture so far as -to say you might in time, by diligent study and observation, be a -phrenologist.” - -“Be a what?” exclaimed Huey, as though some insect had stung him. - -“A phrenologist, my dear sir; one of the noblest careers open to our -poor, frail humanity.” - -“How much a week do they get?” - -“If you mean how much in paltry coin is their share, the returns, I -admit, are somewhat scant, but the wealth of gratitude from honest hearts -made happier, and the noble exaltation in the spread of science and truth -are illimitable.” - -“I’m afraid the terms won’t suit!” - -“Reflect, my dear friend. This day a path opens before you. Be my -pupil; such talent as yours lies buried—let it burst forth and bloom.” - -Huey’s eyes by this time had again wandered to Bertha, who sat apart, and -the feeling was strong within him that he must see again and talk with -this girl. This proposal of the Professor’s, though idiotic from his own -point of view, would form an excuse for further visits. - -So when they parted a little later, without one word being said of the -printing account, it was understood that Huey was to think the matter -over and call again. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII -THE TWO LOVERS - - -AN empty wood dray was going up the main street, Windsor, a young man -seated on the side rail, carelessly resting after bringing in a second -load of firewood from Pitt Town Common. - -He was well-proportioned, muscular and hard with work, and black tanned -by the sun. - -Professor Norris, had he given an honest chart of this man’s character, -would have found little for exultant rapture; and, on the other hand, -little to condemn. A mind uncultivated, stunted by hard physical labour, -he sat in his dray with a stolid, bovine content, for he had dined -heartily on his midday meal of damper, corned beef, and a billy of black -tea. - -So he jolted on his road, as happy for the time being as a hungry cow in -a lucerne paddock; but looking up his eye caught sight of a newly-pasted -bill on a wall, and he pulled up his horse to read it. Seeing an -acquaintance and old school-fellow close by, be hailed him— - -“Hullo, Huey! what’s all this about on this bill? Mesmerism and -clairvoyance! What sort of fake is that? Is there any circus in it, or -horses?” - -“No, Alec,” replied Huey; “it’s a man that feels your bumps and tells -you, you are an awfully clever fellow, and a girl that reads you your -fortune, and all kinds of things besides.” - -“Oh, that sort of rot! I thought it might have been something worth -seeing.” - -“The show’s not up to much, but the girl’s a ripper—the prettiest girl in -the world, I do believe! Straight wire, and no joke!” - -“Is it worth a bob now, to go and see her?” - -Little thinking how much hung on his answer, little knowing to how large -a degree that answer would shape his own life and that of others, Huey -answered— - -“Pay a bob! Why, it’s worth a quid, man, and cheap at the price!” - - * * * * * - -On his second visit to the Professor, Huey got on speaking terms with -Bertha, and that young lady, instinctively seeing, or feeling, the -conquest she had made, added more gracious smiles and still more gracious -words to ensnare her victim. And yet there was a certain haughtiness and -reserve about her that repelled familiarity, and perhaps added to her -charm. - -“It must be very nice for you,” said Huey at this interview, “to be -travelling about the country, seeing all the different towns and people; -not confined, a poor creature like myself, to one dull little place.” - -“So I thought,” replied Bertha, “when the Professor persuaded me to make -this journey with him, but I am heartily tired of it. Out of Sydney you -are buried, fairly buried, and what is there to see but the same old bush -and the same old stupid people wherever you go. It is all very well for -the Professor; he finds wonderful ‘subjects,’ as he calls them, -everywhere. I don’t know how many possible Shakespeares and Miltons he -has not discovered. To hear him, you would think the bush was just -running over with talent. He says it is only accident that brings great -men to the front, and that for one that is known, hundreds are lost to -themselves and everybody else. Now what is the good, I want to know, of -being as clever as clever can be, if you have to waste it all on -wallabies and cockatoos?” - -And here it seemed to Huey that Bertha’s words had a personal address, -that she already felt an interest in him, and, in this indirect way, was -summoning him to a new life. - -“But what is a fellow to do—one of those clever men you speak of, I mean? -How is he to get out of the rut? What is the good of being clever, -anyway? Like the Professor, for instance. He is not very rich, I -suppose?” - -“Oh, poor old Pro! Rich?—no! And never will be. His one desire is to -spread what he calls the ‘Light of Modern Research’; but it’s my belief -that people don’t want his ‘Light,’ or anybody else’s. Every one thinks -himself so clever, you know. And when you try and prove to them they are -just ignorant and stupid, they don’t like it.” - -“And what do you think of it all, Miss Summerhayes?” - -“I am afraid I am one of the stupid, ignorant people! I just want to be -like everybody else—no better, no worse. Only let me be where there is -somebody—some life. This is my last appearance on the platform. Once in -Sydney, there I stop. Dear old Sydney! I had no idea what a delightful -place it was till I had spent twelve months amongst gum-trees, -post-and-rail fences, and bark huts.” - -“And where do you live in Sydney?” Huey asked, but before the answer came -the Professor burst into the room. - -“I have found it out, my dear. Really it’s the most simple thing in the -world as plain as the nose on your face, so to speak and no one has ever -seen it before. It’s a scientific discovery of the highest importance, -and will rank with the laws of gravity and natural selection. Really the -law is self-evident.” - -“What law, Pro? What are you excited about?” - -“You know, my dear, I have often told you that, valuable as phrenology is -as a guide to character, it yet only tells a man’s possibilities, not -what a man is. This must be looked for in other directions, and I have -always held that physiognomy was the clue. But although we all -acknowledge that character is shown by the face, no one has yet pointed -out the simple rule by which we are all, even a little child, more or -less guided. Now, that rule I have just thought out, and I venture to -predict it will revolutionize our social organization.” - -“Well, what is the rule? Tell us, Pro, quickly, or you will have found -out something else and forgotten all about it.” - -“The rule, my dear, is this—That where those changes, that take place in -the face of every person to express the varied emotions, are found as a -permanent part of the face when in repose, then that person has that -emotion in a correspondingly high degree, and it follows that as the -character is changeable, so is the face. One is an exact index of the -other. Let me illustrate. You yourself, who have large love of -admiration, an organ becoming and proper of your sex, have the mouth -depressed between the nose and chin. Now, when you smile, as you are now -doing, the corners of the mouth are drawn back, as it were, giving to any -mouth a slight appearance of what, to you, is a permanent feature. And -when a person is resolute or determined, is it not a fact, Mr. Gosper, -that the teeth are clenched and the jaw projected? Are not these also -the signs of resolution and determination? And so on, all through. I -could multiply instances indefinitely, but one has only to stand before a -mirror, and like an actor, express the different sentiments, to learn the -whole key to physiognomy in a few minutes.” - -“But what do you mean to do about it, Pro?” inquired Bertha, smiling -incredulously. - -“When we get back to Sydney I will write a book. I am inclined to think -you are right as to the want of sympathetic appreciation of the public -for lectures. Literature is the teacher of to-day. To literature I will -turn my energies.” - -Huey, who was in no ways interested in the “new law,” here found means to -escape, and with a smile of adieu from Bertha that haunted him for many -days to come, descended the stairs, and as he descended there seemed to -be a light going out of his life. - -She would leave the next morning; how much that meant he commenced to -realize. The flames of a new hope, brightened in her presence, flickered -and dimmed as he left her. With the descending stairs the hope grew -smaller and smaller, and once descended, seemed to go right out. - -What could he, odd man in a country printing office, hope to offer? Even -George Street, that up to this time had appeared a right and proper kind -of thoroughfare for a country town, now looked mean and squalid, and -Windsor itself a grave for youth and energy. He could not stand it. He -felt sure he could not stand it. Better far to starve in a city than -vegetate amidst the Hawkesbury flats, animate and inanimate. - -And joined with this thought was a passionate resolve to see Bertha -Summerhayes again, to strive for her, to fight for her if need be, but to -possess her at any cost. - - * * * * * - -On Pitt Town Common, the following morning, Alexander Booth was having an -inward experience, not unlike that of his chum, Huey. He had been twice -to the lecture, and though not mesmerized by the Professor, he was -affected in a most strange manner by his fair assistant. - -He had not spoken to her, he had only seen her as one of a small -audience, yet she already filled his thoughts in a way that was -engrossing and irresistible, almost painful. It was as though his mind -had been a clean slate and she the first to write on it, not in part, but -over the whole surface. - -So it came about that the logs would not split that day; they might have -been tough or fuzzy, or crossed in the grain. He had never found his -judgment so mistaken as to how a tree would run. Then he took to cursing -the logs, the wedges, and the maul, then by progression to damn the -common, the life he was leading, and himself for a fool for following it. -He who was used to whistle at his work, like a magpie on a stump, never -piped a note, and though the sun glared down through the shadeless forest -of box and ironbark on the brown grass and dusty track, it seemed to him -a dark cloud was in the sky. - -Going into Windsor at last, he flogged the horse in a way unusual to him, -and seeing Huey in George Street, hailed him with a sense of relief. - -“I’m full up, Huey.” - -“Full of what?” - -“Full of this dog’s life, of slogging all day for a mere nothing. I’m -going to give it best and clear.” - -“So am I. I told the boss this morning this would be my last week; I’m -off for Sydney. Windsor may be good enough for old men to die in, but -for a young man who wants to live Sydney’s the place.” - -“Then I’ll go with you, I’m blest if I don’t. I’ll tell the old man -to-night. Young George is big enough now to do my work, and if the old -man does not like it he can just do the other thing.” - -So the bargain was concluded, and the two young men, each turned to -discontent by a pretty face, decided to explore the unknown, and plunge -in the maelstrom of Sydney life. - - - - -CHAPTER IX -HUEY AND ALEC - - -THE two lads had been to Sydney before as holiday visitors, but to -actually live there, to depend for their future on what the city might -offer, was a new, and at first, delightful experience. Huey did not own -to himself that he was following in Bertha’s footsteps. He satisfied his -mind that he was only acting from the wise desire to better his prospects -and enlarge his opportunities. As the time came that saw them at last -alighting on Redfern platform, his ambition had soared into wild dreams -of what the metropolis might hold out. Why should he not be sub-editor -of one of the important dailies? Or editor, perhaps, of some minor -paper? What the Professor had said about his capabilities was, no doubt, -exaggerated; but he felt there was a substratum of truth. Once let him -get his foot on the ladder, as high of course as possible to start with, -and he felt all the power to climb to the top. Parliament and the -Ministerial bench all shone before him in a dim vista of future -greatness. He had perhaps too much common-sense to take those dreams -quite seriously, yet there was pleasure in the nursing of them and Youth -and Hope sat by to fool him. - -Alec, in his own more stolid, matter-of-fact way, had his dreams too. A -well-paid billet, with little to do but drive about in a buggy and have -unlimited drinks at the wayside pubs, was nearly his ideal, if put in -words. He was not brought to Sydney in a hope to renew the sight of -Bertha; he did not know she had gone there; for Huey, with an instinctive -jealousy, had not told him. - -The sight of this girl had acted on him as a species of revelation that -the good things of life were not confined to a timber-getter on Pitt Town -Common. That in fact much that was desirable, this girl, for instance, -was, for a firewood-getter, hopelessly cut off. So he had thrown down -his tools, careless of his father’s displeasure, and taken the train with -Huey. - -To an arrival from the country George Street, Sydney, is an everlasting -wonder and delight. The throng of passengers and vehicles all rushing -along, the multitude of strange faces, and smartly dressed shop-windows, -causes him to wander up and down, with mouth half open and staring eyes, -devouring, as it were, the scene before him. Huey and Alec were not -quite new chums to the city, and passed successfully the numerous door -men on Brickfield Hill, who, perhaps attracted by their tanned faces, or -the country clothes, or some other sign that their dog-like instinct -finds in the Bushman, solicited their patronage on terms the most -pressing. - -It was only after their second day, when they had first made inquiries in -the direction of their hopes, that those hopes became more shadowy and -indistinct. - -Huey found no possible opening for a sub-editor who was not qualified by -previous experience in the same kind of work. - -Alec, who had pitched on the occupation of brewer’s traveller as his -ideal, at least to commence with, found on the most casual inquiry that -not only experience, but influence, was required to secure the billet. -He was, however, consoled for the loss, for a time, by a visit he paid -casually to a horse sale-yard, where the heavy gold watch-chain and -imposing air of the auctioneer took his fancy. He would be a horse -salesman at all costs. He invited an _habitué_ of the yard to take a -drink, hoping to get some useful information. - -He did. - -“You understand horses—perhaps you know a good beast when you see one?” - -“I should think I did; and a bad one, too.” - -“That’s just it; you know the bad points about a horse. Now, an -auctioneer doesn’t; he just sees in every animal ‘The finest beast that -ever came into this yard!’ And you think, I suppose, he just has to -stand there and take bids, and knock it down to the highest bidder?” - -“Well, I should think so.” - -“You are a soft one, and no mistake. Where did you come from? Damper -must be cheap in your part. Why, you mug, the auctioneer just bids -himself, and keeps her going if he sees a mug about, and then runs him as -far as he thinks he will go before he knocks him down. Now, could you -run a mug and not be caught ‘on the rocks’?” - -Alec had to own to himself that at present that prospect was closed to -him. - -On the third day, ambition having cooled, they tried for more humble -posts, Huey as reporter and Alec as ’bus driver, but here also they found -the door closed on them. - -By the end of the week their ardour had so cooled that Huey was hunting -round job offices for a place as printer’s devil, and Alec found the -dignity of driving a tip-dray one to be desired. But they found even in -these humble walks those more qualified than themselves before them. So -they spent a great part of the day walking about the Domain or sitting on -the seats, resting after their tramps for work. They did not tell each -other much of their experience after the first day or so. Their day’s -fortune on a re-meeting was all summed up in the mutual ejaculation— - -“No luck!” - -“No luck!” - -Taken up with their own cares, the two friends had, these last few days, -paid little heed to those about them, yet more than once they had noticed -a rather stout old gentleman, clean-shaved, white-haired, with a babyish, -chubby face, like a cherubim gone to seed, with a pair of big blue eyes -that looked wonderingly about. There was generally a cluster of children -about him, whom he incited to foot races, long jumps, and other sports, -he himself seeming more gay and childish than all the rest. One morning -two of these small boys began fighting, and, to the surprise of the young -men, the old gentleman, far from interfering, was urging them on, with -eager instructions as to how to hold their fists and strike their blows. -Huey went forward to interfere. Alec, for his part, thought the sport -rather interesting than otherwise. But the old gentleman pulled Huey up -by exclaiming— - -“Let the young roosters have it out; it makes them game! Watch the -little fellow—he is trying the La Blanche I taught him yesterday!” - -The bigger boy now retreated, howling, with a bleeding nose, but the old -gentleman sent a threepenny-piece after him by another boy, and in like -manner rewarded the victor. The children then left in a bee-line for the -main entrance gate, probably, as the old gentleman suggested, “To blue -their swag.” - -So it came about that they all fell talking together, and in course of -conversation the old gentleman learned some of the young men’s -experiences. - -“So you have come to Sydney to make your fortunes, my boys? Nothing like -it; I admire pluck. But how are you going about it? Making fortunes -wants understanding, like everything else. You want to know the ropes, -and if you don’t get on the right track soon, you waste all your time, -and perhaps never find it at all.” - -“Well, can you tell us the ropes?” interjected Alec. - -“That is as it may be. I don’t give all my experience away to the first -comer just for the asking. Let us hear what your ideas are of making a -fortune first.” - -“Well,” said Huey, “I believe in getting into some firm, the bigger the -better, and by steady industry and making myself useful, working my way -up to the highest position—early to bed, early to rise, a penny saved is -a penny got, and all that sort of thing.” - -“No good,” was the laconic comment of the old gentleman. “Those -sentiments might have been all right a hundred years ago, but they are -not up to date. Honest Integrity, when he has been in a firm long -enough, say all the best years of his life, gets promoted by getting the -sack, because his salary looks too big, and they can get a younger man to -do his work for half the money. As for the ‘early to bed’ racket, I -never knew any one but labourers and poor devils who could not help it -that stuck to that game. And the ‘penny saved’ is no better; you have -not got the value of that penny till you have eaten it, or spent it in -some other pleasing fashion. A penny saved and put of course, in a bank -that goes bung is a mug’s game. Why, all this kind of foolishness you -are talking is the ruin of hundreds of promising lads; and it’s just -unlearning it all and reading it the other way about that is called -experience.” - -“But you don’t mean to say,” urged Huey, “that honesty is not the best -policy?” - -“Oh, no,” said the old gentleman, “honesty is a good line, particularly -for a cashier or a trustee. Be as honest as the day, you gain -confidence; and then sooner or later you can clear to America with a good -swag. Yes, honesty is a paying game, properly conducted.” - -Hubert smiled aside to Alec. The old gentleman was either wrong in his -head or was trying to take a rise out of them. - -“I don’t suppose you know who I am,” continued the old gentleman. “I am -called Soft Sam, or Old Sam, and I have put more successful men on the -right track than any other man in Sydney. Men as green as you are, some -of them; now owning houses there” (pointing to Macquarie Street) “and -stores there” (pointing to Circular Quay). - -“And do all the chaps you help do well?” inquired Alec. - -“No, they don’t; and I’ll tell you why. After getting along all right -with the start I give them they get so cocky, they think they are too -clever to come to me again, and sooner or later they make a hash of it. -There are several of them over there” (jerking his thumb towards -Darlinghurst); “but it’s all their own foolishness, and thinking they -could run before they could walk. But this is dry work talking; let us -go and have a wet.” - -They went towards the gate, the young men wondering what kind of a man -this Soft Sam might be. Presently the old man spoke again— - -“Bless me!” and he clapped his hands in both his pockets. “I have not -got a copper on me!” - -“Ah, now we are coming to it,” thought Huey; “he will want to borrow -money.” - -But Soft Sam did nothing of the kind. - -“Come along, boys, it’s all right. I’ll meet one of my lads before we -have gone far.” - -Even as he spoke a flash sulky, with a fast-trotting pony, driven by a -superfine young swell, was dashing past. Old Sam put up his hand, and -the vehicle stopped. He stepped forward, and this is what the young men -heard— - -“Give us a quid, Johnny.” - -“A fiver if you like, Sam.” - -“No, a quid will do.” - -A pocket-book was brought out, the paper handed over, and with a mutual -nod the sulky disappeared round the corner. - -“A friend of yours?” inquired Huey. - -“One of my pupils.” - -“Then you are a kind of professor?” - -“Well, I never went in for any fine name like that. I just show the -ropes to young fellows as I think will benefit, and when I want a pound I -just ask the first one handy.” - -“But I suppose you will have a lot of money of your own?” - -“Not a penny in the world. What do I want money for? It is all very -well for young fellows like you, but I would not be bothered with more -than I can put in my waistcoat pocket. I tried it once, but mates were -always borrowing it, or worrying me to give or lend it, so I got clear of -the lot, and a good job too.” - -Soft Sam was now accosted by a man who crossed the street to speak to -him, and Alec heard him whisper— - -“Lend us a quid, Sam; I’ve got a mug!” - -As though it was a matter of course, the hand of the old man went to his -pocket, and the note so recently put there changed hands once more. With -this the stranger hurried away and joined another. - -“Now you see what it is to have money,” said Old Sam. “Now, that Jackson -is no better than a fool, and I will wager he is trying to work the -confidence trick on that new chum he is with. I told him times enough it -is not in his line, but he is one of the clever ones, thinks he knows -everything.” - -The party had turned into George Street. Soft Sam pulled up before a -draper’s window, flaming with posters, announcing “A Great Fire Sale.” - -“My idea,” he said, pointing to the placards. “A month ago, Smallway was -nearly a broker. He came to me. I told him to make a fire in his -back-yard, call out the Brigade, and give a reporter a fiver to make half -a column of it. Since then he has been coining money.” - -“How is that?” said Huey. “I don’t see where the profit comes in.” - -“Damaged goods, of course. The public will pay fifty per cent. more for -smoky, soiled calico than they will for new. Why, he has got one man and -three boys dipping rolls of goods in dirty water in the back-yard all the -time. It is a little gold-mine while it lasts. I may as well go in and -get a quid off him as any one else.” - -So saying, the old man stepped into the shop, which was crammed with -eager buyers, and in a little time sallied forth with a note in his hand. - -“Would not give me less than a fiver. Said he owed me a hundred times as -much. Now, that’s the sort of man I like—a man who knows where his -success comes from, and does not gammon it is all his own cleverness. -Come along, lads, and I’ll show you the finest sight and the finest girl -in Sydney. Here we are; they call it the Golden Bar.” - - - - -CHAPTER X -THE GOLDEN BAR - - -THE door swung behind them, and truly the young men were fairly dazzled. -A spacious room, walled with mirrors, with pillars and panelling, -fretwork and tracery, all of burnished gold—even the frescoed ceiling had -a gilt cornice—the furniture, the ornate bar, and fairy-like shelves, all -were gilt. - -And the light that streamed in from the oriel roof was rose-coloured, and -gave a halo of glory to the whole. - -And behind the bar were three fair maidens, and behind them again the -usual range of bottles and decanters. - -Only for this familiar sight the lads would have taken the place for the -dwelling of some genii or millionaire. - -Soft Sam smiled as he saw their astonishment. It pleased him. - -“Nice little crib to smoke a pipe, eh? What will you take? A bottle of -Foster, my dear, and never believe me again if you are not the prettiest -girl in the town! Yes, I call you the Queen of Sydney.” - -The barmaid tossed her head contemptuously, served the drinks, and was -about to turn away, when her eyes caught those of Huey. - -“An old acquaintance! How are you? Come to stop in Sydney?” - -And Bertha, for it was Bertha, glorified by the latest fashion in dress -and coiffure—Bertha, morocco-bound and gilt-edged—smiled at him, bending -her head on one side and looking slantwise with her eyes. - -Huey drank in her smile like dew from Heaven; drank it in with a species -of intoxication. He answered in words he was ashamed of, so halting and -stumbling. Then the three sat down. - -“Isn’t she a clinker?” said Sam. - -“My word!” added Alec. - -Huey said nothing. - -“I’ll go and have a word with her,” said Alec, and, rising, he went to -the bar, and started a conversation with Bertha. - -Huey watched them, expecting with certainty that Bertha would receive the -clumsy compliments and remarks of Alec with indifference, if not disgust. -What was his surprise to see her answer graciously, and, could he believe -his eyes, smile on Alec, with that same soul-devouring smile that she had -bestowed on himself. He felt in a moment a great hatred for Alec, and he -felt as though this old chum of his had basely robbed him of some dear -treasure, and had any one noted Huey’s eyes at that moment, they would -have seen a flash of hell-fire from them. - -The moment passed,—it was all in a moment, but a bitterness remained, -even though as Huey sat there he saw this smile bestowed not on one only, -but half-a-dozen other favoured customers. - -“Well, boys,” said Soft Sam, “you can stop and see the gals. I’m off. -You know where to find me. So long.” - - * * * * * - -They had had tea at their coffee palace—Huey and Alec. - -Huey said he would go upstairs and read. Alec said he would stroll down -to Paddy’s Market. But no sooner had Alec gone out than Huey put down -his paper, went out in the street, and made a straight line for the -Golden Bar. He turned the corner and was about to enter, when he came -nearly full-butt on Alec. - -There was no explanation. They knew they had lied to each other, and -they felt, not ashamed of themselves, but sore that the other should -know. They entered together and drank together, and played dominoes to -pass the time, while they watched each other and Bertha behind the bar, -and she smiled on both of them when they came for drinks, with a uniform -sweetness. - -And the lads drank love and hate as they sat together, and though they -spoke in the usual friendly tone, they knew the old friendliness and -mutual confidence was buried for ever. - -Where they sat the two young men could hear most of what Bertha said to -the numerous customers that came to her. Amongst these was a small crowd -of flash young men, full of loud talk and coarse jokes. One of them, -leaning on the bar, looked up at Bertha— - -“I tell you what it is, my dear. Say the word, and I’ll marry you.” - -Bertha turned on him contemptuously— - -“Marry you? You must think I want a husband badly. And what have you to -marry on?” - -“A few thousands.” - -“What is that? The man that speaks to me must have twenty thousand to -begin with.” - -The whole conversation was doubtless a thoughtless jest on both sides, -but one pair of ears at least did not take it so. Alec sealed the words -in his memory. And the first question he asked Soft Sam when they met -him next day was— - -“How can I make twenty thousand pounds?” - - - - -CHAPTER XI -HOW TO START IN BUSINESS - - -“THAT’S a pretty tidy sum,” said the old man; “not that the amount makes -much difference while you are about it. It is just as easy to make -twenty thousand pounds as twenty thousand pence, if you are on the right -track. Now, I have been turning you two young chaps over in my mind, and -the question is, what are you fit for that has got money in it? I should -judge you,” turning to Alec, “to have a good loud voice!” - -Without a word Alec stood up and gave a coo-ee like a steam whistle, a -screech that could have been heard across the water at North Shore, and -woke up the Domain sleepers like the sound of the last trump. - -“That will do,” said the old man. “What a pair of bellows you must have! -Now, the first thing you must do is to start in business.” - -“But that will require capital, whatever we choose,” observed Huey. - -“That is where you make the mistake, my lad. When a man starts in -business with capital, the chances are ten to one he loses it. If a -chap’s smart enough for business, he’s smart enough to start without -capital. Now, money is made to be lost by the mug and picked up by the -man of talent.” - -“Then if no money is wanted, how do you start?” - -“On credit, my lad, and the more you owe to the right people the safer -you are. Who will help you when you are hard pushed? Your friend? Not -a bit of it. Your creditors! Who will push your business, bring you -customers, put you in the way of a good deal? Your creditors. No man -ever failed for debt. It was for not owing enough! Why, half Sydney -firms would be wound up to-morrow but for their wise foresight in owing -too much. The creditors dare not face the loss, so they keep them going. -As for the squatters in the country, from what I hear there is not one in -a score could pay ten shillings in the pound, and they are as jolly as -sand-boys and as happy as kings. Does the price of wool trouble them? -Not much!” - -“And is it wise to pay nobody?” - -“No, that is a fool’s game! A small creditor is a small enemy, while a -big creditor is a big friend. It’s the same with appropriating. Never -take a few paltry pounds, you may get seven years. It is just as simple -to start a rotten company and scoop thousands—just as easy and no risk; -only fools can’t see it. And who gets in quod? The little fishes or the -big ones? Why, the little fishes all the time? Why, the law is a net -made so delicate that all the big sharks can break through; the only -question is, will you be a man eaten or a man-eater? - -“It’s all the foolishness and humbug we are taught while we are boys that -spoils life for most men. They start out at a game they don’t -understand, with the certainty they do. Mind you, I’m not saying things -are not pretty well as they are, for if there were no mugs where would -our turn come in?” - -Huey felt at first a certain revolt and repugnance to the doctrines of -Soft Sam, but little by little the feeling wore off. The calm certainty -of the speaker, the evidence he had of the success of his plans, all told -with force. How could he argue against success; he, who so far felt -himself a failure? A thought came into his mind how One was in old time -taken to a pinnacle of the Temple, and the kingdoms of the world shown to -him—“All these will I give you if you will bow down and worship me.” - -But he put the recollection aside as not suited to the affairs of -practical life. - -Alec, on his side, received all these new maxims like new milk. - -To him they were as the keys of Heaven—self-evident propositions that he -wondered had never struck him before. - -“Well, what had we better start?” - -“I think book-making would do to begin with,” said Sam, “you have got a -good voice and plenty of muscle,” turning to Alec. “I think that’s about -your dart.” - -“But I know nothing of the business,” replied Alec, despondingly. - -“There you go again! Did you think I expected you did? That’s another -foolishness folks have got in their head, that you have to understand a -thing before you try it. Does the clever miner know where the gold is -when he sinks a shaft? Not a bit of it. Does the old hand that knows -all the points strike it rich? Not a bit of it. It’s the mug that comes -along and does not know pyrites from peas-pudding that hits the patch! I -suppose you know a horse from a cow?” - -“I should say so!” said Alec. - -“Then that’s all you want to know to be a bookmaker. Directly you begin -to know one horse from another you commence to be too clever; you are -inclined to back your fancy on your own hook, and it’s very soon all up -with you.” - -“But don’t you have to make a book? Is there not some science or skill -in taking the proper bets, or hedging, or something of that kind?” - -“There is nothing in it that a baby can’t learn in five minutes. You -back the field against the public all the time, and the public all finish -by losing their money; you always finish by getting it.” - -“But bow much shall I make? Shall I get £20,000?” - -“No, I don’t say you will. I only said this was to commence with. You -might make a thousand a year. Will that suit till I can put you on a lay -for the other?” - -Would it suit? A lad who had been earning so far a few shillings a week -with the life of a working bullock! Would it suit? Was honey sweet in -the mouth; was pleasure better than pain? Alec just closed with the -offer right away, and had to get up and shake hands with Soft Sam on the -strength of it. - -“But I must warn you,” continued Sam, “that it is not all beer and -skittles. It will be awkward if the favourites win the first few races, -because you will have to cut and run, and your business is as good as -done for in that line for the future. But there is no good meeting -trouble half-way. I’ll see you launched when the game is pretty right. -All the same, it is as well to be prepared for a belting.” - -“I’m ready,” said Alec. “I can stand hard knocks with anybody.” - -Huey had said nothing to all this. The possibility of being hunted as a -blackleg was not tempting to him, so he turned a look on Soft Sam, which -the old gentleman seemed to understand. - -“I suppose now the hard knocks and the clearing racket are hardly in your -line?” - -“I can’t say they are,” answered Huey. - -“So I thought. You want a gentlemanly occupation, without risk, no -trouble to speak of, and bags full of profit?” - -“That’s just about my complaint.” - -“Then here’s the very thing? You must start as a turf prophet. You have -been on a newspaper and can string words together, and that is what is -wanted.” - -“But I know no more about horses or who is likely to win than Cook’s -statue over there.” - -“No more does any other turf prophet. Do you think that even if they -knew one certainty they would not go and pawn their shirts, make their -pile, and retire to private life? Do you think these men are what they -call philanthropists, who sell turf knowledge, equal to bank-notes, to -the first comers, at five bob a head? Of course the public does—that Al -copper-fastened fool, the public. You will have to learn the -‘pitch’—that’s easy. Always refer to the ‘stable,’ what the stable says, -what the stable think. And when your tip loses, as it generally will, -‘Very sorry I could not tell you sooner. But at the last moment the -stable decided to run him stiff. Could not get the money on. Ring was -afraid of him. So they are saving him. Will be a dead bird for sure the -next handicap, and I shall have the straight wire, you make no error.’ -That’s about the total of it; of course you will vary it a bit, just for -variety, ‘The stable has been forestalled; the owner is saving him for -the Cup, and the stable did not know till the last moment. The jockey -was got at.’ Or, supposing it’s a mare, then it was ‘one of her off -days.’ The fact is, the game is too simple for a smart man. To an old -fisherman it is like catching yellowtail.” - -“But five shillings a tip won’t bring in much, I should think, unless the -yellowtail you speak of are very numerous,” objected Huey. - -“The five bobs, as you say, do not amount to much; hardly pay the -advertising. The profit is another branch of the business. It stands to -reason that the mugs who go to turf prophets are about the muggiest of -mugs there are. This is what makes the business such a soft thing. -Suppose a race is coming off with eleven horses entered and five of them -possible winners; then to five different mugs you give five different -‘extra special’ tips, in consideration of which you are to stand in free -for half the winnings. One mug wins and shares, and swears by you ever -after, or at least till you have cleaned him out. As for the others, you -smooth them down as per usual—horse could have done it easy, his time at -private trials was seconds under, but stable was not on the job!” - -“It seems to me that this kind of thing is what is called swindling?” - -“You can call it that if you like,” said Soft Sam, smiling. “Most people -call it business, and very good business too. There is only one thing -you have to get to make a start.” - -“And what is that?” asked Huey, with a tone of misgiving, as he -remembered the diminished state of his finances. - -“A name. The mugs like a good name. Let me think,” and the old -gentleman paused. “Fred Archer was called the ‘Tinman,’ that will do as -well as another, and it sounds ’cute. Now come along, lads, let’s make a -start. We must have a fresh rig-out to begin with.” - -With this the old man led the way, and in a few minutes conducted the -young men to the interior of a tailoring establishment much patronized by -the fancy. At the suggestion of Soft Sam an order was left for a -complete outfit of the latest fashion in sporting garments. No payment -was asked for; the presence of the old gentleman appearing to smooth all -difficulties. - -On leaving the shop Soft Sam said— - -“You can pay them when you are in funds. The price will be pretty stiff, -but after this they will always serve you on the same terms; and remember -this, and paste it in your hat: If you have only one friend in the world -let him be a tailor.” - - - - -CHAPTER XII -ALEC AND HUEY START BUSINESS - - -THE next week saw Alec fairly started on a Randwick tram, with an -assistant recommended as clerk by Old Sam. As his pouch was devoid of -any money but small silver, he had been provided by the provident old -gentleman with a twenty pound note, good enough to look at, but not -readily changeable at any bank. With this he was to bluff inquirers for -their money if the first race went against him. - -“No man,” said Old Sam, “will bustle you for his money if you ask him to -change twenty quid. In the first place, it is not likely he has got -change, and even if he has, he will be extra soft if he would care to do -it on Randwick flat.” - -The note, however, was not wanted, and was duly handed back. The day had -been skilfully chosen. Alec returned to the Coffee Palace as proud as a -hen with a new clutch, with £47 10s. in his pocket. This with childish -pride he displayed to Huey. - -“Better than wood-cutting, sonny!” - -That week all the newspapers that would insert the advertisement on -credit contained the following— - - “THE TINMAN, - -Pronounced by all the prince of turf prophets. The only man in the -Colonies that gave three straight-out winners for the last Caulfield -meeting; five firsts and two seconds for Randwick, and a record for the -year never approached in turf history. We have as good as ever for -future events. - -“Try the Tinman; Tinman, the turf guide. Tinman is not lucky; Tinman -acts on information. Agents all over the Colonies. Tinman is a moral. -Why throw your money away on stiff ’uns when you can get the office for a -crown, straight as a wire, from the Tinman. - - Box ABC, G.P.O.” - -The fruit of this “rot,” as Huey denominated the above par that he had -inserted at the old man’s directions, astounded him. Letters with money -rained on him—in small amounts, it is true; still it rained, and the -shower was received as manna from Heaven. - - * * * * * - -During all these days, and long after prosperity had come to them, the -two young men were nightly frequenters of the Golden Bar—partly to see -the girl they were now both madly in love with, and partly to watch each -other. - -What was maddening to Huey was that he could make no claim to any special -preference shown to himself. Bertha always received him pleasantly, and -seemed to appreciate him and understand his point of view, as no other -girl he had ever met had done; but the mischief of it was, that her -manner to many other persons, Alec, for example, was equally gracious. -Particularly to Alec, who was always full of small talk, arrant nonsense -for the most part, that Huey disdained, even as he watched with jealous -eyes the success of his rival. - -Unfortunately for Huey, he was endowed with an imagination, and he saw -Bertha not only as she was, a pretty, emotional, pleasure-loving girl, -but also as an exalted personage, gifted with all those virtues and -talents that formed his mute ideal. And to see her pandering in a public -bar to the coarse jokes of fools was to him a mental torture. He did not -for a moment doubt that they two were far superior to all about them, and -as he recognized her superiority, so he felt in all justice she should -recognize his. - -Alec, on the contrary, had no imagination at all worth speaking of. To -him Bertha was a fine girl, or, as he had learned to express it, “A -damned fine girl;” and he said it and thought it in the same tone, as -though he were speaking of a horse of great merit or a prize cow. His -talk with her, and, for that matter, with every one else, was always on -what Theosophists term the “material plane.” And if she responded freely -it was perhaps because women of her nature have the art to appear -sympathetic to every one they desire to please. - -Between the two young men the person of Bertha was never mentioned; but -there was a silent acknowledgment of rivalry, a silent determination on -each side to have the prize, and a certainty with each that no hope was -possible without a big bank balance. - -“If I only had twenty thousand pounds I’d marry you to-morrow,” cried out -Alec, in a half-jesting, half-serious tone to Bertha. - -“If!” was all Bertha replied, as she smiled. - -And Huey sat by and listened and ground his teeth, as he also wished that -he had the like sum. But he did not blurt out his wishes in a coarse way -like Alec—“Curse him!” - -The first use Alec made of his freshly acquired income was to buy a rich -bracelet and present it to Bertha. This she declined, but consented to -go for a drive with him on the following Sunday. - -Huey, for his part, put his savings in the bank as a nest-egg towards the -twenty thousand pounds—not that he did not think a few thousands less -than that amount would be sufficient. - -On the following Sunday Huey was seated near to Lady Macquarie’s chair, -talking to Soft Sam, when he was astounded to see amongst the traps and -buggies doing the round Alec and Bertha in a sulky side by side. Alec -gave a wave with his whip hand as he flashed past, but it was only Soft -Sam that responded. - -“That young fellow seems to be making the pace pretty hot,” said Sam. - -“I knew the girl first,” was all Huey could answer. - -“Then why didn’t you stick to her, man? A filly is always such an -uncertain kind of animal. You want to yard and brand them on the jump, -so to speak, when you have made up your mind to run them in. No man -understands women till he has no further use of the information. There -is not one in a hundred of them is any good till they are thoroughly -broken in, and whether they are worth the trouble I very much doubt. Did -you ever tell the girl you wanted her?” - -“No,” said Huey. - -“Then why don’t you if you think that way? Any girl is to be had for the -asking if you go the right way about it. Praise them up; you can’t put -it on too thick. Keep at ’em all the time, and be as deaf as a post to -all they say that does not suit you. And don’t you go away thinking this -girl is different to other girls; that is where I have seen smarter chaps -than you make the mistake. All girls are alike, as alike as two peas. -Of course they vary outside, and have different styles with them, but the -bed-rock, so to speak, is the same all the time. But if you take my -advice, which I know you won’t—young fellows never do—you will just leave -the girls alone for a year or two. They spoil more men for business, and -get more of them into trouble, than anything else.” - -And then the old man launched forth into reminiscences of all the -promising men he had known go to the dogs after petticoats. But Huey did -not attend, his mind was agitating wilds plans of what he should say and -what he should do when he next met Alec and Bertha. - -And the day for him was a horror, the park a desolation, and through the -yellow of his eyes the whole world out of joint. - - * * * * * - -The two barmaids at the Golden Bar were taking things easily. It was a -dull hour of the day for business, and Bertha’s turn off. They were -pretty girls, these two barmaids, Sarah Jones (_nom de guerre_, Ruby), -and Maria Simpson (_nom de guerre_, Florence), and they were well, even -richly dressed, and, for their work, well-mannered. - -For the Golden Bar was no common public-house or speculation in -immorality, but a commercial undertaking for providing the best of -everything in the best way at the best prices. And to choose the three -prettiest barmaids he could find was part of the proprietor’s project. - -Ruby was languidly polishing a glass that did not want it, on the off -chance that the Boss should come in and find her doing nothing. Florence -was similarly occupied. - -“I’m getting about tired of this place,” said Ruby. - -“So am I,” yawned Florence. - -“It was not so bad before Bertha came; one could have a bit of fun and -get a few presents. But she is downright mean. She grabs everybody.” - -“That’s it. She grabs everybody, and what they see in her I can’t think. -With her snub nose and fish eyes, and the airs she gives herself, one -would fancy she was really what some of the chaps call her, ‘the Queen of -Sydney.’ Now, there is that old squatter from Way-back, I had him as -safe as possible till this creature came.” - -“I know you had, dear, and I saw that same man offer her this morning a -diamond ring worth fifty pounds if it was worth a penny. And she would -not even take it.” - -“I wish he would try me, I’d take it fast enough. But that is the way -with that sly minx. She will not take things herself, and prevents -others. Who is she, to put on airs? I suppose she is holding out to -make a big haul.” - -“I tell you what I think,” exclaimed Florence; “we are just wasting -ourselves here, taking my lady’s leavings! We might as well be two old -scarecrows for all the chance we get! And the way she makes up is -something scandalous! Why, I’m sure half her figure comes away when she -strips. A little powder, I don’t say, or a pull-back, but when it comes -to getting inside a dressmaker’s dummy and walking about with that, I say -it’s a fraud!” - -“But men are so stupid. They just run after her because she looks at -them out of her eyes with the look of a dying cat! Look at those two -young sporting fellows that come here every night. Any one can see they -are gone soft on her, and she had the cheek to go out driving with one of -them yesterday.” - -“You don’t say!” - -“As bold as you please—that one they call Alec.” - -“Well, I never!” - -The talk was interrupted by the entrance of Bertha. - -“Good-evening, my dear,” said Ruby; “how nicely your hair is arranged -to-day. I wish you’d show me the way, there’s a love!” - -Florrie came forward, also to inspect, and kissed Bertha as a darling to -make her promise to teach the secret of the new coiffure. - -“You are in luck, Bertha, going out for buggy rides. Not that that young -Alec is much of a catch. I should look for something better if I were -you.” - -“My troubles!” said Bertha. - -Soon the bar began to fill, and Alec came in with his shadow, Huey. -Bertha greeted them both with a friendly nod, but the first opportunity -Huey came to the bar and spoke to her some low angry words. His eyes -fairly blazed. But Bertha merely tossed her head. - -“I can mind my own business, and you had best mind yours. Thank you all -the same, Mr. Gosper!” - -Then Huey retired to a corner and sulked, while Bertha smiled on his -rival and other customers with her uniform blandness. - -If Soft Sam had been at his side he would have urged Huey to start a -desperate flirtation with either Ruby or Florrie, and to have ignored -Bertha for the time as one dead. But Huey had no cunning in maiden wiles -and maiden fence, and was hit, palpably hit, at the first parade. But as -days passed the cloud blew over, blew over so far that later on Huey -himself drove Bertha down to Botany. - -And so, in the mutual rivalry, honours were easy. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII -THE HAWKESBURY HANDICAP - - -THE races at Clarendon caused quite a flutter of excitement in the -adjacent town of Windsor. As many as three men and a dog might be seen -all at one time in its main street, for some of the visitors stop -over-night in the town. - -Old Sam and the two young men were of this number, and as after the day’s -sport was over time hung heavily on their hands, it was natural they -should sally out in quest of amusement—Alec and Huey to see old chums and -gather a harvest of outspoken admiration for their talent and pluck, and -Old Sam to cruise about in what appeared an aimless manner from hotel to -store, to shoeing forge, and to wherever men congregated and he could -hear and listen. - -Some words casually spoken by a blacksmith appeared to interest him, for -he sought out a bill referred to on a neighbouring hoarding, and having -read it carefully, at once crossed over to a livery stable and ordered a -trap to drive him to Dr. Glenlivet’s place. They were not long going to -the house, which had auctioneer’s bills on the outside walls, and Old Sam -briskly entered, and found many others at various parts of the house and -grounds inspecting the place. - -The caretaker inquired if there was anything in particular he wished to -see, but the old gentleman shook his head. - -“Just come to have a look round.” - -A look round he did, from top to bottom of the house, as though he had -thought of buying the lot, and it was only in a casual way that he -strolled out to the stable and glanced at a mare in the stall. - -“A rare fine horse that,” said the coachman. - -“A vicious-looking brute?” replied Soft Sam; but a careful observer might -have noted a look of satisfaction in his eyes as he returned to his trap, -and to town. - -That night when he met the young men his first words were, “I’ve found it -for you at last, lads!” - -“Found what?” they exclaimed together. - -“The twenty thousand apiece you wanted—or have you changed your mind?” - -The young men had not changed their minds, so drawing them into a private -room, and carefully closing the door, he said— - -“You must buy a mare that is to be sold to-morrow; it’s a Dr. Glenlivet’s -horse, and there is a sale at his place. She is a thoroughbred from -Hobartville; the doctor bought her for a sulky, like a fool, for she is a -vicious brute, if ever I saw one, and smashed up his trap the first time -of asking. Anyhow, she will go cheap, I think. She’s got a bad name -hereabouts, and you must buy her.” - -“But what for?” - -“What for? Why, to win the Sydney Cup, or the Melbourne Cup for that -matter. I have seen a worse-looking animal do it. She’s got the blood, -and the cut of a clinker.” - -The two sporting men assented at once, their confidence in Soft Sam’s -judgment being unlimited, and it was agreed and understood that the two -young men should jointly buy the mare, and have her trained and raced as -the old man should direct. - -When they met again the next night Alec gleefully told the old gentleman— - -“I’ve bought the mare—got her for twenty quid; there was only one bid -against me!” - -“And what shall we do with her now?” said Huey. - -“We?” interposed Alec. “Who said it was our horse? Did I not buy her -and pay for her?” - -“But you know it was agreed we should go shares!” - -“Shares be blowed! What’s the good of half a horse to anybody? I bought -her and paid for her. If you want a horse, buy one yourself!” - -“You are a liar and a fraud!” - -The response from Alec was a quick blow from the shoulder that knocked -Huey down. Quickly jumping to his feet again, he rushed at Alec. It was -a short smart fight, the old man sitting quietly by smoking and enjoying -the mill, and no one at hand to interfere. It was finished by a -knock-out blow from Alec that sent Huey dazed and stupid to the ground. - -“Very well done!” said the old man. “With a little science you’d do -inside the ropes. Now, you’d better shake hands and make it up.” - -“I’m willing,” said Alec, holding out his hand with a patronizing smile. - -“I’ll see you damned first!” was all Huey said, as he rose slowly to his -feet with a look of concentrated hatred in his eyes. “It’s your turn -now, but, mark you, mine will come!” - -The old man expressed no surprise at the rupture, perhaps he had foreseen -it. He would take no side in the quarrel. He knew that the struggle for -a woman was at the bottom of the feud, and the dispute about the mare a -mere spark that had lit a hidden train of animosity. - -He advised Alec what to do with the horse. He was to run him at small -meetings, and not to win even then more than he was obliged. To avoid -suspicion he was even to run her in the first Cup Meeting itself as a -stiff ’un unless the weights were lighter than could be hoped for. - -“Get her trained away in the bush where none of the sports will notice -her, and if I am not mistaken she will do the trick for you.” - -Huey also came to Old Sam for sympathy and advice, and while the old man -was not willing to say anything more of Alec than that he was a fool to -fall out with an old pal, he was willing enough to help Huey. - -“I’ll tell you what I’ll do, lad. There are more horses than one in this -district. Windsor and Richmond are the cradle of the Australian turf, -there are more good ones, of the right sort, knocking about here than in -any other place in the Colonies. If your mind’s set on having a flutter -I’ll spend a day or two looking round and see what I can do for you.” - -It was a week later that Huey received a telegram to go to Windsor, and -from there to Wilberforce, to meet Soft Sam. He went at once; and was -taken straight away to see a black horse grazing in a paddock. - -“He’s not as cheap as the other,” said Soft Sam, “and I can’t say I’m -quite so sweet on him; but then he’s a horse, and say what you like, a -horse carries money better than a filly. He has never been raced. I -heard on the quiet that the owner believes he is not sound, and he thinks -I am a softy who knows no better. But take my tip, that horse is as -sound as a bell.” - -So another bargain was made, another horse changed owners, only the -matter was kept quiet, not even Alec hearing that Huey had a horse in -training. - -There was no pretence of outside civility between the two young men now. -Bertha heard part of the story from both parties, but with neither would -she take sides; only from that time forward she declined to drive out -with either of them. - -Alec was fast coming to the front in the business he had chosen, and was -already talking of being proposed for Tattersall’s; but while his income -rose, so did his spending. He had no thought of saving money, bit by -bit, to make his pile. It must be done by some great coup, that was his -only plan. - -Huey also prospered, but his takings were never very great, and of this -the larger part was put aside; for, despite the assurance of Soft Sam -that the number of mugs was unlimited, Huey felt the time would come when -they must run short. - -The first time Alec entered the mare he had to name her, and as Bertha -she ran almost last in a selling race at Rosehill; not quite last though, -for there was a black horse behind her named, a queer name Alec thought, -The Vengeance, and entered in a name new to the turf. - -For it was Huey’s horse, and he had chosen a friend at Richmond as -nominal owner. - -And in the months that went by these two horses often met again, and once -at Warwick Farm in a Birthday Handicap, in which the field was so -moderate or so “stiff” that Bertha’s jockey, in spite of the order that -she was only out for an airing, could not keep her back, she pushed to -the front and made a dead heat of it with The Vengeance, who was being -pulled hard at the post, and nearly got disqualified in consequence. - -On the whole, the two young owners were highly satisfied with their -investments. They knew from repeated trials that their animals were -pounds and pounds better than the cattle they allowed week after week to -beat them. At the same time, Sam warned them that there were several -others, at the same game as themselves, all entered to get the weight -lowered, all waiting for the one event of their lives, when their true -form should be publicly shown—and their value as racers gone for ever. - -Alec already counted his great coup as good as accomplished; if not this -season, then certainly the next. The Sydney Cup should be his, and with -it the hand of Bertha Summerhayes. - -Huey heard him boast so one day to Soft Sam, and glared at him viciously -as he walked away, muttering to himself— - -“No, you traitor and bully! The Cup is not yours yet, nor Bertha either! -The Vengeance is mine, and at any cost he shall be truly named?” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV -THE TRIAL - - -HUEY GOSPER talked bravely to himself, but he was well aware that, -however closely he might have gauged the capabilities of The Vengeance, -he had as yet never seen the mare Bertha in proper form, and ridden with -the order, “Go for it.” - -This uncertainty might upset all his plans. The truth of the matter he -must know, and know he would. - -Then his imagination began to evolve scheme after scheme to accomplish -his object. He knew where the horse was quartered, over at Wigway’s, -near the Pitt Town Common—an old acquaintance of Alec, and well-known to -himself too, for had he not as a boy often gone over there in the season -to pick oranges and play cricket with the young Wigways? - -Clearly he could not go himself, or at any rate in his present -personality, poking about the place. They would know him in a minute, -and be on their guard with the mare. Alec would hear of his visit at -once, and smell a rat. But who could he trust? He knew no one fit, and -to be confided in, and then he remembered one of Soft Sam’s sayings— - -“A man who takes pals in a job takes witnesses against him. What you -can’t do on your own hook don’t do at all.” - -And the possibility of disguising himself occurred to him. Truly, he -knew nothing of that kind of thing, but there were people that did, and -it should not take much skill to deceive the “cockatoos” out at Nelson. - -This was the motive that sent Huey to a theatrical costumier, well-known -in the profession, who readily undertook to make such an entire change in -his customer that he would not even recognize himself. - -And Huey, as he surveyed the result of this promise in the mirror, was -more than satisfied. - - * * * * * - -Near an old slab cottage adjacent to the Pitt Town Common, Farmer Wigway -was drawing rails. His movements were deliberate—deliberate as though he -had an assurance that eternity was before him, and he had to put in time. -He was well seconded in this endeavour by his team of bullocks, who -stopped to ruminate on the vanities of life or some cognate reflection at -every step. - -Farmer Wigway swore at the oxen in a fatherly way to wake them up -occasionally to mundane affairs, and the procession moved on. - -The noise of wheels made by a light trap could be heard coming along the -ridge, and at once Farmer Wigway stopped to listen. Not that he was a -very curious man, but buggies were rare in that part of the Common. None -of the neighbours owned one, and the stopping to speculate as to who it -might be “put in more time,” and so the end of life was served. - -The sound of a trotting horse and light running wheels came nearer and -nearer, along the ridge, through the ironbarks, then turned off down the -spur into the box-tree flat that led to Farmer Wigway’s. On it came, and -before Mr. Wigway had had half the necessary time to study the new -development in all its bearings and possibilities, a buggy, driven by a -middle-aged man with bushy whiskers, who had a lad seated by his side, -pulled up before him. - -“Is this the track to Catti Creek?” - -“That depends,” answered Wigway, after giving the matter due -consideration, “what part of the Creek you want.” - -“I’m trying to hunt up some forfeited selections out that way. They tell -me at the Lands Office there are several of them.” - -“So there are, and much good may they do you! The country is very rough. -I should leave that trap behind if I was you, and if you like, one of my -boys shall go and show you the way.” - -The stranger seemed to fall in with this proposal readily, for, leaving -the lad and trap at the house, he soon set off under the guidance of -young Mick Wigway. But, strange to say, though they had a map of the -parish, and Mick knew every nook and corner of it, it was sundown before -they got back, and the gentleman with the bushy whiskers had not seen -half what he wanted to see. - -He found no difficulty in arranging to stop the night, and that evening -was given up to ’possum shooting, in which the stranger professed an -almost childish delight. - -“It appears to me,” said Farmer Wigway, as they trudged under the moonlit -gum trees, “that I have seen you before, Mr. —?” - -“Amos Clark;” interrupted the stranger. - -“Well, Mr. Clark, somehow your face and voice are kind of familiar, yet I -swear I never heard that name before. Yet, come to think of it, it takes -heaps of people to make a world, and there’s lots of them must be like -lots of others. Now, there’s that old cow of mine; old Jack Higgins, of -Box Hill, has got the very spit of her, and if it wasn’t for the brand -I’d swear the two beasts were the same animal!” - -Mr. Amos Clark was up early the next morning, and seemed in no pressing -hurry to start off on his land quest. Besides, Mick was not ready. He -had to exercise a mare carefully locked up in a loose-box near the stable -before he could start. - -The old man and the bigger boys had gone off to work, so Mr. Clark and -his young companion were alone in the yard with Mick while he saddled up. -Nothing was more natural than that Mr. Clark should fall to criticizing -the animal, and approach to pat it. But he was quickly warned by Mick to -stand clear. - -“She’s got the brute of a temper with strangers,” he said; “kicks all -round. Father and I are the only ones in the place that dare come near -her.” - -“What’s the good of her, then? What do you keep her for—a vicious brute -like that?” - -“Oh, she’s not ours. A sporting cove down in Sydney owns her—Alec Booth, -perhaps you’ve heard of him? He thinks a lot of her, and she can travel, -my word!” - -“Travel!” said Mr. Clark, with apparent contempt. “Travel! Why, my -buggy horse would give her a length and a beating any day.” - -“What will you bet?” cried young Mick, thoughtlessly. - -“I’ll bet you a crown!” said Mr. Clark, who had carefully considered that -that amount would be about the limit of the lad’s purse. - -“Done!” cried Mick, forgetting, in the eagerness of sport and possible -gain, the injunction of his father to secrecy, and, above all, as to -over-riding the mare. - -Quietly, and with dispatch, a fresh saddle was brought out, strapped on -the black horse, and the lad who accompanied Mr. Clark put in the saddle. -The two lads were so nearly of a weight that only a lucky chance or -careful foresight could have paired them so equally. - -The slip-rails were lowered, and at an easy pace the two riders, with Mr. -Clark at their side, took their way to an open stretch of common ground. - -Arrived there, Mick was for a race of once round the imaginary course. -He feared now, even with that, he should sweat the mare and get into -trouble. But the stranger insisted with scornful banter on three times -round, which a critical observer might have noted would be as near as -possible the distance of the Sydney Cup course. - -But Mick knew nothing of this. He was easily over-persuaded. The chance -of making a crown did not come every day, and he was sure of the race, so -the horses stood in line. Mr. Clark was to be starter and judge, and an -old dead stringy-bark the winning-post. - -At the word Go, they went off to a level start, the black horse making -the running. Clearly this was to be no cantering match, with a sprint at -the finish. To the surprise of Mick, he had to send the mare along at a -fast gallop to keep within a length of the black horse. - -Once round, both horses sweating, the riders sitting quietly at their -work, the black horse led by half a length; but Mr. Clark saw that the -mare was only stopped from rushing to the front by the tight rein of -young Mick, who evidently knew something of his business, and was not -going to burst his mount thus early. - -Twice round, the same order. - -The third round was entered on; the pace, fast enough already, warmed up -half-way home, and the lad on the black horse, as though following -instructions, began to draw the whip, and his mount shot to the front -like a bullet from a gun, leaving for a moment the mare by herself, but -it was only for a moment. Mick gave her her head, and she came away like -a bird. No whip for her! Mick knew full well that the only rider that -had ever tried her with it had had his collar-bone broken. - -The mare closed up rapidly. At the distance they were side by side -again, the whip on the black horse going like a flail. - -It was a touch-and-go, both horses were all out, there did not seem to be -a pin to choose between them; and if the mare won by half a length, it -might have been noted by a critical looker-on that the rider of the black -horse had ceased work just as the post was neared. - -Mick was proud of his victory, but overwhelmed with apprehension at the -distressed and sweaty condition of the mare. - -“I shall catch it if the old man sees her again to-day!” he exclaimed, as -he pocketed his two half-crowns. - -“You had best groom her down, and walk her about quietly,” said Amos -Clark. “She’ll be as right as rain in an hour or two.” - -Mr. Clark suddenly remembered that he had an engagement in Sydney that -evening that must be kept, so that really he should not have time that -day to go land-hunting and catch the down train. So retiring to the -house he hastily took his leave of Mrs. Wigway and Mick, and jumping in -the sulky, was quickly lost to sight on the track through the box flat. - - * * * * * - -Mr. Clark, as he drove quietly towards Richmond and the stable of his own -horse, had much matter for reflection, so that he hardly said a word to -his young companion all the way. - -Clearly they were a match-pair for speed as nearly as one could choose. -The mare was not in full training, it was true; neither was the black -horse, and it was a fair inference that what would improve one would -improve the other. His lad said he might have won by a head, and he -believed he might, but what was that to stake fortune and the only girl -in the world on? He might win, of course, always provided they had the -same weight; and then, again, a mare was likely to get a better show with -the handicapper. Still, he might win. - -But then again he might lose; there was no kind of certainty. And he -quite agreed with Soft Sam, that it was only mugs that trusted to chance -at racing. - -No, a chance it should not be. He swore to himself that by hook or by -crook, when the great event arrived, the danger of The Vengeance being -beaten should not come from the mare Bertha. But how to prevent it? - -A dark thought crossed his mind, and not only crossed, but stopped and -dwelt there till it had assumed a definite form and shape, and with an -inward putting away of all the remonstrance of his better feeling, he -resolved— - -“I will do it; all’s fair with a scoundrel like him.” - - - - -CHAPTER XV -THE PARRAMATTA RIVER - - -RUBY and Florence, of the Golden Bar, were as pleased as a dog who has -found a bone when they overheard Bertha promise a middle-aged, -benevolent-looking gentleman, who was a casual frequenter of the house, -to go out with him the next day in a boat on the Parramatta River. The -next day was Bertha’s day off. - -“Well, I never! As though she could not find some one better than that -to spark her about! She has got a funny taste, certainly! Some of the -boys will be surprised to hear of it!” said Ruby. - -“Why, I believe he is only a poor devil of a phrenologist; keeps an -office in a back street near George Street—a sort of crank, that has not -got a pound to bless himself with!” added Florrie. - -“Is that what he is? I thought he was not up to much. Always a small -English beer, and never shouts for a soul. What Bertha can see in him I -can’t tell. Now you mark my words, with all her cleverness and airs and -graces, she will go and make a fool of herself with some poor wretch who -has to work for his living!” - -And so the two went on, licking this little bone of scandal from all -possible points. - -On the next day a small rowing boat was well off Cockatoo Island before -the lug-sail that had so far been hoisted was taken down, and Professor -Norris took up the sculls, Bertha, the old companion of his travels, -steering in the stern. - -“And how is your book getting on, Pro—the book that was to do so much?” - -“I had to send it to London; there is not demand enough out here, they -told me, for that kind of work, to make its publication profitable. I -dare say they are right, so I sent it on to London; but that takes time, -and I have had no answer yet.” - -“I’m afraid you will never be a rich man, Pro.” - -“I’m not afraid, I’m sure of it, unless an unforeseen accident should put -it in my way. I will not pay the price. And he who will not pay cannot -expect to have.” - -“What price do you mean?” - -“I will not sell my soul for the wealth of this life. Hard work will not -get it, industry will not get it—nothing but the subjection of the whole -mind and intelligence to money-grubbing, to besting your competitors, to -out-lying your fellow-liars, to taking every advantage that the credulity -or ignorance of your fellow-creatures may give you, and a remorseless -selfishness—that is the price for the lottery ticket of life, which even -then has more blanks than prizes.” - -“And do you always mean to be poor, then?” said Bertha, not much -surprised at the Professor’s statement, for she had heard him in the same -strain before. - -“Yes, poverty in cash will be mine, and I am coming day by day to think -more and more that it is better so. The truth is not to be learned or -kept in a mind from which the howling wolf of necessity is not present to -sound for ever the cry of anguish, pain, and affliction. Not from a -spring mattress but the hard ground man rises with his eyes widely opened -to the true realities of life. But it is not about myself I wish to -speak, but you, Bertha. You have had your wish. You are in Sydney, -surrounded day after day by a crowd of admirers. Is it what your fancy -painted it?” - -“No, Pro, I can’t say it is. I am getting sick of it, in spite of the -fine dresses and the fine place. I always feel ashamed of myself when -you come in the bar. Other men are not like you. Oh, how I wish I was -rich!” - -“And what then, Bertha?” - -“Why the Golden Bar might take care of itself. I would travel to Europe -and see London and Paris—above all, Paris! It’s all very well for you, a -man who has seen all you care to see, to not mind being poor, but with a -woman it is different. A new suit does not trouble you. If you look an -old fright nobody notices it; and even if you live in a pokey little -house you do not have to clean it, cook the meals in it, and do your own -washing in the dirty little back yard. The world is full of beautiful -things, nice things, and I want to have my share. What is the good of -being so virtuous in a hurry? Why be too good, and better than other -people? It makes you look peculiar and odd, and they don’t like it. If -the world’s all wrong, then I will be wrong too; at any rate, I shall -have plenty of company. Of course there’s a medium in all things. I -don’t say it’s right to do what is wicked to get money. Still money will -do so much, smooth so much, that it seems to me just foolishness to say I -don’t want it.” - -The boat glided on over the rippling water, past the low shores of -Drummoyne, past the terraced hills of Hunter’s Hill, with its houses half -hidden by creepers, its lawns overshadowed by the green foliaged garden -trees, on, till the wide stretch of water came that led to The Brothers. - -An Italian sky overhead, a warm lusciousness in the air, and with it all -only the splash of the green water against the rocky banks, and the -measured beat of the sculls in the rowlocks, as they kept a gentle time. - -The Professor spoke again— - -“I know I cannot make you see as I see, my dear. Perhaps it is best. We -have all to learn the use of our own eyes, and no strange spectacles will -help us. Yet there are things which I think you can see, and one is the -degradation of a great number of the frequenters of the Golden Bar. I -have not been often, or stopped long, for the sight and sound of most of -these men was repulsive to me. Hear what they say, what they talk about, -think about. Is it not betting? or perhaps sharping, for what other name -will describe the effort to obtain what you have not earned? And their -faces, in spite of their fine clothes, show their lives—the puffy cheek -of wrong living, the thick, drooping eyelids of sensuality and cunning, -the projecting faces that look out from their shirt collars like an -animal waiting to spring on its prey. - -“All these and fifty other signs are stamped on the crowd. And it is not -as if they were always so. They were, no doubt, as other men till they -associated themselves together to hunt with the devil. I noticed -particularly that young fellow, Gosper, we first saw in Windsor, and I -had a talk with him yesterday. A few months only have changed the man. -There is a talent fit for the highest work cast in the mud. With no aim -now but self-interest, self-gratification, to get money, to circumvent -fools—that is, his fellow-creatures-to outsharp the sharper. He could -not understand, as I wish you to do, that Innocence itself cannot mix -with muck and remain unspotted. - -“We are, and more particularly a woman, largely formed by those about us. -Every low word and brutal jest in that place makes its record on you, -even though it only dulls your sense of decency. You learn to respect -yourself less. Is it not so, Bertha?” - -Bertha had tears in her eyes. - -“You are right, Pro, you are always right. I will leave the horrid place -at once, or at least very shortly, for I have to give three months’ -notice. I have felt what you said lots of times, though I never thought -out just what it was. They are a low lot, and that’s the truth—the men -that come to the bar. They say things there before me they would not -dare to say to their sisters, and that shows what they really think of me -in spite of all their compliments. Yes, Pro, I’ll give notice to-night, -and if the worst comes to the worst we can go on the road again.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVI -THE WEIGHTS FOR THE SYDNEY CUP - - -WHEN the weights were published for the Sydney Cup, Alec Booth rushed -with the paper at full tilt to Soft Sam— - -“What do you think of it? Is it good enough? Look, she’s almost at the -bottom of the list!” - -Soft Sam was in no hurry to answer. He read over the names of the horses -nominated carefully, paused awhile, and then said— - -“It’s as good as you could hope. You must accept, of course, and you may -send her for it when you know better what you have to run against.” - -“Oh, that’s all right, Sam. She’s pounds better than anything on the -list.” - -“Of the horses you know, yes; but you don’t suppose you are the only -owner who has nursed his mount? There may be half-a-dozen in that list -as good as Bertha, and as lightly weighted. She’s no horse of a century, -remember; only a second-rater, and only valuable while she is thought to -be a third or fourth-rater. Take it easy, my lad, and don’t put the -money in your pocket till the cheque is cashed.” - -Alec’s enthusiasm was considerably damped by these reflections; but he -was confident all the same, and anxiously waited to know the acceptances. - -More leisurely in his movements, Huey also called on the old man for his -opinion as to his own prospects, for it was a curious feature of the -quarrel of these two young men, that both confided in Soft Sam, and to -both he was equally impartial—keeping the secrets of each from the other, -and declining to join either party in the feud. - -“The Vengeance is well treated—the same weight as Bertha—and it should, -bar accidents, be a match for the pair of them; and you are a couple of -fools, I say so again, as I said before, to cut each other’s throats. -You’ll end by making a mess of it, the pair of you. Why not save The -Vengeance for another race—there are plenty of them—and not give him away -on the off-chance of being first, when later on you might make a -certainty of it? And I tell you what’s more, if she wasn’t a mare I’d -back Bertha to beat your black horse any three times out of five. He is -a good ’un, I allow; but, mark my words, she’s a fair demon if she takes -the fancy to come in first. Don’t be a fool; think it over. Money’s the -thing; damn sentiment!” - -Huey said he would think it over, but after he had gone the old man shook -his head. - -“A lot of thinking he’ll do; he has made up his mind, I can see, and he -means to run The Vengeance to spite Alec. Fool, fool! I thought he had -a better head. But there, what can you expect when there is a woman in -the case? Another pair of good men gone wrong. Really, there is no -encouragement for a man of experience to teach these chaps; even when -they hold the cards they throw the game away. Oh, if I could only find a -young fellow without sentiment or this conscientious humbug, what I could -make of him!” - - * * * * * - -When the acceptances were out, the problem as to who ought to win the -Sydney Cup was much simplified to Alec. The names of a number of horses -he was doubtful about were missing. The top weights he held safe; what -they could do was well known. It was only amongst outsiders like his own -horse that he feared dangerous opposition. One of these was The -Vengeance, but he held that horse cheap by having seen it often run in -races with Bertha, and never show any form worth speaking of. But there -were two or three others he must inquire about before he gave the word -Go! - -He did inquire, and with pretty satisfactory result, but he could get no -definite encouragement from Soft Sam. The old man had no doubt The -Vengeance in his mind, and while he would not have dreamt of giving Huey -away, he yet urged Alec not to make too sure, and at any rate to back -Bertha for a place. But the young man was now full of confidence, and -once he had got his money on, made no secret amongst his intimates that -Bertha was to be “on the job.” Huey was quick to hear of it, and he -smiled a bitter smile, like a man who tasted in advance his enemies’ -discomfiture. - - * * * * * - -Jack Vandy’s stable at Randwick was not a fashionable stable. It did not -turn out winners by the score, or make an occasional sweep of the board -at a big meeting; but if an impartial critic had examined the material -Old Jack had had to deal with in his time, and the results, the verdict -would not have been unfavourable. - -A small trainer cannot choose his horses, and if a lot of dunderheads -like to buy scrubbers, and send them to him to train, he can hardly -afford to send them away, yet the subsequent failure of these beasts to -do any good for themselves or owners helps to spoil the reputation of the -trainer. Yet, as we have said, when good fortune had given him a good -thing he had made the best of it. - -And no horse could be better wound up to time than when Jack Vandy turned -the key. This was the man recommended by Soft Sam when Alec inquired for -a Sydney trainer, and to him, after due arrangement, Bertha was -transferred. He looked her over critically, had her cantered up and down -to watch her stride, and then turned to Alec, rubbing his hands. - -“She’ll do!” - -“What for?” - -“Anything you like if you give me the time. She’s a clinker, or I am -getting blind. It’s a real pleasure to train a horse like that now, -after the blessed lot of cab hacks I get brought here. You’d hardly -believe it, but I have men come here and want me to train horses you -would be ashamed to put in a hearse at a funeral. And then they wonder -they don’t win, and take the horse away to another trainer till they are -full up, and then say we are all a lot of sharks.” - -“I want her ready for the Cup,” said Alec. “At the weight I think she -may do.” - -“The time is short, but I will do my best.” - -“Do you think she will be fit?” - -“Make your mind easy.” - -This is how it came about that Huey read in the _Referee_ that Alexander -Booth’s filly Bertha was now under the care of the well-known trainer -John Vandy, of Randwick. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII -THE RELIGIOUS JOCKEY - - -ONE afternoon the middle-aged man with bushy whiskers emerged from Huey’s -lodgings, and walking to Elizabeth Street, took the tram to Randwick. -And he was about that horsey suburb that night and several following -nights, frequenting bars and billiard-rooms, listening to the talk, and -being taken down at pool as a new chum. - -The ears of the bushy-whiskered man were always quick to catch any -reference to the Vandy stable, and one night from a groom in a garrulous -state of drunkenness, and at the trumpery cost of supplying him with -beer, he gained a most minute list of all and every particular of that -racing interior. It was a tedious job to a casual listener, this long -rambling statement of the hostler, and he would not answer leading -questions, but dilated at length about horses at the stable who years ago -had lost races they should have won, because his advice was not followed, -and won races they might very well have lost, owing to a quiet tip given -by him to the boss. - -But the bushy-whiskered man was not impatient. He listened to it all, -with an occasional interjection, and when at eleven o’clock the landlord -turned them out, he started to walk back to Sydney, disdaining a -conveyance, for he had much to think about, and the walk helped him. - -“This John Vandy seems to be a straight goer,” said the bushy-whiskered -man to himself, as he strode along, “and as proud as a peacock of his new -charge. He hopes to make a pot out of her himself, so it’s hardly worth -bothering with him. And he is too careful, curse him, to make it worth -while fixing it up with a stable hand. He or his son feed and groom the -mare themselves, and she is always under lock and key when not at -exercise. Added to which, she is a vile-tempered brute for a stranger to -go near at any time, so I must look in another direction. The light -weight will not give them much choice in the way of a jockey. Only a lad -can ride at that, and, of course, it will be a lad that Vandy knows and -has employed before. He would not be likely to trust this great _coup_ -to a stranger if one he knew was to his hand. Proceeding so far, I have -only to refer to the horses racing from this stable at or about this -weight, and if I find one name more often mentioned than another I’ve got -the article sought for.” - -Next morning Huey was busy looking up the racing records in a file of the -_Referee_. The search appeared to give him satisfaction, for he -metaphorically patted himself on the back as he muttered, “Jack Butt’s -the lad, not a doubt of it. Let me only find him and have five minutes’ -plain English on the quiet, and the trick is done.” - -Another interview by the bushy-whiskered man who, needless to say, was -Huey himself with the beer-imbibing groom at Randwick, and he learned all -he sought about Jack Butt. - -“Yes, Jack Butt was in the stable—one of the boss’s apprentices—a -stuck-up prig of a fellow—no good at the work at all, but was the best -light-weight they had, so got a mount now and then—a lad with no spunk in -him, a regular milksop, going to Sunday-school and all that kind of -cat-lap. Why, I heard him ask Old Jack to-day for a day off to-morrow, -so that he could go to one of these religious picnics they hold down the -harbour.” - -“And did the boss let him go?” - -“Let him go? Of course he did. He thinks a lot of that lad, which is -more than I do. Them white-livered chickens don’t agree with me.” - - * * * * * - -The committee of the Sons and Daughters of the Holy Brotherhood had -chartered that commodious ferry steamer the _Lord Nelson_ for an -excursion to Middle Harbour, and the Sons and Daughters were invited to -combine a day’s sea-air and virtue for the modest sum of eighteenpence. - -When Huey stepped on board this craft at Circular Quay, arrayed in his -bushy whiskers, a long black coat and white tie, he found the steamer -crammed. Evidently the Sons and Daughters had rolled up in strong force, -and brought their parents with them. And each and every one was -decorated with a pink rosette, as though, having assumed a virtue, they -wished to put a brand on it, so that the error should not be fallen into -by the unregenerate of classing them with common people. - -Amidst this concourse it took Huey some little time to find what he -sought, but a pale young man, very thin and lanky, met his eye, seated in -the bow. Huey turned his steps thither, and by a little bit of -manoeuvring managed to place himself as though by chance next to the lad. - -Jack Butt was the first to speak— - -“Isn’t this beautiful, sir? To see all these Holy Brothers and Sisters -coming out to enjoy themselves? I think everybody ought to be a Holy -Brother, don’t you?” - -Huey did. He even went so far as to buy a pink rosette of an obliging -female close at hand and pin it on his coat, amidst general approval. - -“I wish I could always be with the Brothers,” continued Butt, when they -were well out in mid-harbour. “I am in a hateful business.” - -“What is that?” asked Huey. - -“My father bound me to a horse-trainer, and I’m a jockey; but my time is -nearly up, and I want to leave it. So does mother want me; but what am I -to do? Even if I tried to stop at my business I am growing too fast, and -shall soon be too heavy, though I starve myself.” - -“That is very sad,” responded Huey. “And what would you like to be?” - -“Oh! I should like to go into the ministry; it’s such a beautiful life! -No work to do, and eat as much as you like! There is nothing like it! I -often wonder, don’t you, sir, that everybody isn’t a parson. So -respectable and comfortable a life. But there’s the expense.” - -“What expense?” said Huey, his eyes sparkling in spite of him. - -“One has to go to college and study, and do nothing for two or three -years but learn out of books, and that wants money, you know, sir.” - -“How much?” - -“Perhaps two or three hundred pounds; I don’t know exactly.” - -“But don’t you earn money at your trade. I thought jockeys were well -paid.” - -“The fees, you mean? They are good enough. Only you see that as I am -still serving my time, Mr. Vandy takes all the fees, and I only get my -wages.” - -“That is a shame,” said Huey. - -“Yes, it’s very wrong; very unchristian, I often think.” - -“Did you not say your master’s name was Vandy?” - -“Yes. - -“Jack Vandy, of Randwick, the trainer?” - -“Yes, that’s his name, and where he lives.” - -“And you have a mare in the stable named Bertha entered for the Sydney -Cup?” - -“Yes, we have; a vicious, bad-tempered brute, and I know, for I have to -ride her every day.” - -“That’s very singular,” mused Huey aloud. “I was only thinking of that -mare this morning, and what a pity it would be if she should win.” - -“Why a pity, sir?” - -“Why, don’t you know her owner is a bookmaker? Alec Booth he is called, -and he is not only that, which is bad enough, but he is an outrageous -Freethinker, and has promised all his winnings in this race to build them -a new hall.” - -“How dreadful! Has he really?” - -Allowing a little time for the full gravity of this statement to duly -soak into the young man, Huey continued— - -“I am not a very rich man myself, but I would rather lose £200 than this -should take place. Think of the hundreds of poor souls who may be lost -for ever!” - -“Two hundred pounds!” repeated Butt slowly, “two hundred pounds! Would -you really?” - -“If I was sure it would serve a good cause, I would do so cheerfully.” - -“Do you think my joining the ministry would be a good cause?” - -“Nothing could be more worthy, and I take such an interest in your pious -wish, that I will go further. If Bertha should happen to lose the Cup, -which, of course, she is likely to, with so many horses running, I shall -be so pleased that I will give you that £200, and, perhaps, a little -more, if required for your studies. For I love to help young men, -Christian young men, of course.” - -Jack Butt surveyed his companion with a certain doubt. Though not a -smart lad, he had not been several years at Randwick for nothing. This -was very much like an offer to pull the horse, and that would be wicked. -But he reflected, would it not be more wicked to aid this Freethinker in -his horrible design? Had he not frequently pulled horses by the order of -his master, and might he not pull one for such a good cause as his own -entrance into the ministry? His mother would be so pleased, and he could -eat what he liked. But a cautious scruple of prudence occurred to him. - -“Would you mind putting that in writing, sir? Of course, as a Holy -Brother, I trust you, but while it’s not in writing I can hardly believe -it.” - -“I will do more than that,” said Huey. “I will give you a post-dated -cheque—that is, a cheque dated for payment after the race, and should the -horse lose you can cash it, and should it win it might be stopped. At -any rate, I could not do so much for you, but depend on me, I shall -always take an interest in you. There are too few young men with your -good sense.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII -THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE - - -THE Golden Bar looked brighter, more burnished, more glorified than -usual. The gilt mouldings and inlaid work on the walls shone with added -splendour. The yellow statuettes beamed down from their brackets like -old-time graven images, and on every hand vast mirrors of bevelled glass -reflected and re-reflected the well-dressed _habitués_, the bar and -shelves of sparkling bottles and gleaming decanters, and, above all, the -graceful and trim forms of those twin goddesses of this spiritual fount, -Ruby and Florrie. - -As drinks were for the nonce only casually called for, and Bertha was -away at tea, the moment was a precious one. They could have a nice long -talk. - -“Did you hear the news, Ruby?” - -“No; is it about the Cup?” - -“Oh, bother the Cup! I hear about it till I’m sick. No; Bertha is going -to leave here.” - -“You don’t say?” - -“But she is. I heard the boss say so. This is her last week.” - -“Well, I never! Who’d have thought it? What is she up to? Going to -marry that old squatter, I’ll bet sixpence. Anyhow, it’s a good -riddance.” - -“And so say I, the mean thing! We shall be comfortable again when she -has gone!” - -At this moment if the girls had not been so busy talking they would have -noticed the entrance of Bertha, who stood in a little recess before a -mirror adjusting her hair. What was wrong with her hair no masculine -mind could ever have divined; it looked as neat and trim as a coiffure by -the best artist could look, yet it took Bertha at least ten minutes to -re-arrange certain tresses to her satisfaction. - -“The bar has never been the same since she came,” continued Florrie. “If -the men were not such fools they would see through her airs and her -graces, for I’m sure her looks are no better than other peoples!” And -Florrie tossed her head significantly. - -“And the way she carries on is just scandalous. Old men, young men, it’s -all the same to her, with her simpering look and Chinaman’s eyes! I -would not throw myself at a man like that if he was the only one left in -the world. What I say is, that for a girl that respects herself there is -a limit.” - -“That’s it, Ruby, there’s a limit; and girls that put on the dying duck -style to anybody and everybody ought to be shot.” - -“I wonder who she is off with now; for sure enough she is not going to -leave here for nothing. One of those young sporting fellows she drives -out with I should not wonder.” - -“Or that old squatter who is rolling in money; that is about her dart!” - -“Now I would not be surprised if it was that old shabby Professor she -goes out with sometimes. Although she looks so clever she is no better -than a fool.” - -“Well, I wish the Professor, or whoever it is, joy of his bargain. And -the boss has got no more sense than the others; he pretends her going -will be a big loss to him, and offered to raise her wages; but she would -not stop at any price, she said.” - -“Then it’s the squatter right enough. Of course she would not stop if -she had caught him. Men with ten thousand a year are not picked up in -Sydney every day.” - -Bertha, who had been a silent listener to this conversation, now came -forward, and was received by her two helpmates with sweet smiles of -amiability. - -“How nice you look to-night, dear. Is it true you are leaving us?” asked -Ruby. - -“Yes,” said Bertha, “I’m afraid I must leave you. That old squatter does -bother me so to go and see his station on the Barcoo that I am really -tired of refusing.” - -“So it is the squatter?” inquired Florrie. - -“Oh, I don’t say that. There are those two young sporting men. I think -one of those might be better, don’t you?” - -“It’s a matter of taste, of course,” replied Florrie. “The squatter -would make you a real lady, while those sporting fellows never come to -much.” - -“Well, I don’t know,” said Bertha. “I fancy somehow that money does not -always make a ‘real lady,’ as you call her.” - -“What does then?” inquired Ruby and Florrie, with astonishment. - -“Sugar and spice and all that’s nice—that’s what real ladies are made -of!” said Bertha, laughing. - -“Now do be a love,” whispered Ruby, “and tell me who it is, and I will -not whisper it to a soul.” - -“Well, promise to be as silent as the grave.” - -Ruby nodded. - -“If I don’t change my mind, the shabby old Professor!” - -“What do you choose that old fright for?” - -“Perhaps because he is the only one that did not ask me!” - - * * * * * - -The evening began to wear on, and the bar to fill with an ever-increasing -crowd. The drinks were called for more and more frequently, and a -mingled buzz of conversation and cigar smoke filled the air. The one -subject of conversation was to-morrow’s Cup, and the merits of the -competing horses. The name of Revolver was in every mouth, bookmakers -and backers. A few spoke of Bertha, and a voice here and there -championed an outsider; but the vast majority of the public had gone -solid for Revolver. In the words of one, “He was a moral,” and his -performances were counted up, what he had done, what he had beaten; and -if public form was to be relied on, then without doubt Revolver was one -of the best of good things. - -Books and pencils came out, and wagers were booked, and all the time -drinks, plenty of drinks, and the toast was ever the same, “To Revolver, -good luck to him.” - -If whisky-laden prayer is attended to by the geni that presides over -sport, and the incense of tobacco is grateful to him, then the hopes of -to-morrow were assured. - -As time went on, a species of delirium possessed this crowd. From -talking they had got to shouting; from modest doubt of assertion to -positive assurance. Some were florid and blatant, others jolly and -hilarious, and when news arrived from the stable, Revolver’s stable, of -course, that all was well, a perfect roar of satisfaction went up. - -The news necessitated more drinks, and still more, the cigars were now -puffed by many a happy smoker, oblivious of their being unlit, and all -this time the weary barmaids served and smiled, served and smiled, with a -smile so automatic it might have been worked by a string. - -The hero of the hour, next to Revolver, was his owner, known to Ruby and -Florrie as the “Squatter.” He was in strong evidence in the bar to-night. -Many the questions he answered, many the drinks he shouted, and it was -always champagne, or so the bottle was labelled, and the sparkling liquid -flowed down many a brazen throat in a vain effort to quench the -unappeasable drought. - -Alec Booth was there, beaming with hope and assurance, the centre of a -little coterie that listened with silent contempt to his confident -prediction of Bertha’s winning. But they found their tongues when he -offered to “shout,” and assured him that if any man knew a horse he was -the man. - -“A real sportsman, and no mistake.” - -Amidst this excitement there was one man who said little or nothing, but -watched from the corner of the room all that was going forward with a -derisive smile on his face, Huey Gosper. - -“What fools!” he seemed to be saying to himself, “to talk of public form, -of private trials, and all that kind of rubbish, as though that had -anything to do with who was going to win! Why, if merit counted in -horse-racing, how could a smart man live?” - -The Squatter was getting minute by minute more joyous. The glassy -shining light of alcohol shone from his eyes. He was mellow, unctuous, -benevolent. All men were his brothers, more particularly this crowd of -wolves and lambs; and all women were his sisters, all excepting one fair -maid, and for her he felt more than a brother’s regard. - -“I’ll tell you what it is, my dear,” he said, leaning over the bar and -addressing Bertha, “I’ll tell you what it is. To-morrow night in this -bar you shall drink Revolver’s health out of the Sydney Cup, and what’s -more, I’ll make you a present of it. Now, mark my words, and what I say -I stick to. To-morrow night the Cup shall be yours.” - -Bertha laughed at the offer, but graciously, neither assenting or -dissenting. In any case, it was useless to argue with a man who had -drunk three bottles of champagne. Presently the Squatter subsided. He -wanted to sleep on the floor; “sleep at the feet of beauty,” he murmured, -but his friends hurried him to a cab, and that night he was no more seen. - -With less demonstration Alec approached the bar, and seizing a moment -when Bertha was not busy, said to her— - -“Don’t you mind that old fool, Bertha. I’ve got Revolver’s measure. -Your namesake can make a common hack of him. Don’t you put a penny on -Revolver. Bertha’s as right as rain, and bar accidents she’s bound to -win. But you shall have the Cup to-morrow all the same. As that old -fool says, you shall drink the winner’s health, but the name will not be -Revolver, for Bertha will come in first.” - -Huey had heard some of this talk; heard with an inward chuckle of -derision, and the smile of amused thanks had not passed from Bertha’s -face before he too had edged his way to the front, and speaking very low, -so that only she could hear, he said— - -“Pay no attention, Miss Summerhayes, to all this foolishness. Revolver -and Bertha are very good horses, no doubt, but there are plenty better, -and one of them for certain will be running to-morrow. Neither the -Squatter nor Alec Booth will win the Cup, for there is another who means -to defeat them both, and have the pleasure of presenting you with the -Sydney Cup.” - -“And who is this kind person?” inquired Bertha. - -“Your very humble servant,” replied Huey. - -“Thank you very much, Mr. Gosper, for your kind intentions, but all this -talk is not serious. There is many a slip between the Sydney Cup and the -lip. I hope you may all win, if it be possible; and if you all lose I -shall think of you all just the same.” - -“But I am serious. To-morrow night it is I that will bring you the -Sydney Cup.” - -“We shall see, we shall see,” laughed Bertha, incredulously. “It is -nearly to-morrow now, and closing time. So good-night to you.” - -“Decidedly,” said Bertha, as she hurried, tired, to bed, “to-morrow I bid -fair to own the Sydney Cup. Do I care who wins—the Squatter, Alec, or -Huey Gosper? Do I care?” And she paused as she asked herself the -question again. “No, I don’t care a silver sixpence! What good will the -money do them? It will go as it came. And if some win others lose, and -all the pleasure of the one must be paid by the pains of the many. -Decidedly, old Pro is right; it is a dirty business, this horse-racing, -as bad for a man as a bar is for a woman, and I’m glad I’m going to leave -it all. And to think of Ruby and Florrie talking of me like that! It -shows what they are, and what I should come to, no doubt, if I stopped -here. Oh, why can we not live honestly and comfortably in this world -without having to meet such a lot of horrid people?” - -So she rambled in her thoughts till sleep came to rest her weariness. -And over the silent city no sound could be heard but the hasty rumble of -some night hansom as it sped over wood-blocked roads, laden with midnight -travellers. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX -THE SYDNEY CUP - - -CUP DAY was one of unbroken sunshine and brightness, one of those days, -so frequent in Sydney, when only to breathe and respire is a pleasure and -a joy. - -At an early hour the trams and ’buses were loaded with sightseers bound -for Randwick. A stranger might regret, at the sight of these orderly and -well-dressed groups, the absence of that abandon and camaraderie between -rich and poor that is so distinctive of a great racing carnival in -conservative England. - -For all outward sign to the contrary, this demure throng might be going -to attend a prayer-meeting; not even a “drunk” to relieve their intense -respectability. At Randwick itself, the same decorum. The spieler and -the sharper were there, it is true, but in subdued, unpoetic form—the -fear of the “copman” in their eyes and movements. Law and Order presided -over all. Now, Law and Order, however admirable in themselves as -abstract entities, are, for the being overflowing with pent-up animal -spirits, profoundly dull. - - * * * * * - -In the vast crowd that filled the grandstand it would have been difficult -to detect Huey Gosper; but there he was in a sheltered corner, quiet, -sardonic, and watchful of all. - -His eyes were everywhere, and particularly did their glance follow the -big check suit worn by Alec Booth as this individual, uneasy and excited, -wandered from place to place, from paddock to lawn, from lawn to stand, -in fretful uneasiness. - - * * * * * - -The following account is taken from the _Evening Times_— - -“The preliminary events of the day caused little excitement. All minds -were eager for the big event. The favourite, Revolver, hardened, if -anything, in the betting, as the eventful moment drew nigh, and his name -was buzzed about on every hand; but the second string of the public, the -mare Bertha, was not lacking in friends. Seven to one was readily -snapped up by the backers of the filly, and a whole lot of outsiders had -a small following. But as far as the bulk of public money was concerned, -the race was reduced to a match between Revolver and Bertha. - -“At the very last moment there was a hasty rush on The Vengeance, a colt -never before mentioned prominently in the betting. - -“At last they faced the starter. One, two, three breaks away, and then -the almost perfect silence was dissipated by a great roar from the crowd -as the flag flashed down to a magnificent start. - -“They are off! - -“Up the straight it is hard to separate them. They are a moving mass of -colour and horseflesh. Passing the stand Country Boy, taking advantage -of his light impost, shows the way, but not for long. At the tan -crossing Isabel shot to the front, and already the field is beginning to -spread out. The favourite, going easily, can be seen well in the van, -with Bertha and The Vengeance in close attendance. At Oxenham’s Isabel -came back to her field, and here Bertha shot to the front. She was -pulling hard and fighting for her head with her jockey. In the end he -seemed powerless to restrain her, for she came away like a shot from a -gun, leaving her field standing. There was a great shout from the -ring—‘Bertha’s beat!’ ‘She’s bolted!’ ‘Twenty to one Bertha!’ ‘Forty -to one Bertha!’ But there were no takers. - -“In the meantime the field was creeping up. Opposite the stand fifty -yards separated Isabel (now second in command) from Bertha, Revolver, at -her girths, third, and Country Boy fourth, the rest of the field in a -pack. The pace so far was a cracker, and at the rising ground already -quenched the hopes of the backers of most of the outsiders, who tailed -off like a procession. At the five-furlong post Bertha still led, and at -the half-mile the struggle commenced in earnest. Isabel here melted -away, and was seen no more in the front division. Country Boy once again -flattered his admirers, and led a gallant, stern chase after the errant -Bertha. Here Double Dutchman came out from the ruck, and showed the way -to a whole host so far considered his betters. At the half-furlong the -whip was drawn on Revolver, who, responding gamely, drew up to within a -length of Bertha. A cry went up, ‘The favourite wins!’ but it died away, -as did the horse named, in the next hundred yards. - -“Now the supporters of Bertha found voice, and there were loud cries of -her name. At the home turn Double Dutchman came on like an express, but -Bertha still led, though evidently nearly done. At the half-distance a -new champion appeared on the scene, as though fallen from the clouds. -The black colt, The Vengeance, coming with a wet sail, passed everything -on the course like so many mile-stones. In the straight he fairly caught -the flagging Bertha, and there was a roar from Israel as though they had -just sighted the Promised Land. - -“But the race was not yet over, the sound of a competitor seemed to wake -Bertha up, for with a new fire the plucky filly disputed the way inch by -inch. It was now easy to see that her jockey had no part in her efforts, -and was quite outmastered by her. - -“On The Vengeance the whip was falling like a flail, and from the stand -it was impossible to pick the leader as they passed the post. But a -great shout of relief went up when Bertha’s number appeared on the board, -and it was known she had won by a head. - -“It may be truly said such a Cup race was never run before, for the -winning jockey now admits that early from the start he lost all control -of his mount. She is notoriously bad-tempered, so that whip and spurs -are never used with her; but of her thorough gameness there is now no -question. - -“The surprise of the meeting was the running of The Vengeance. His -display of form is a revelation, and it is to be inferred a most -unwelcome one for somebody’s apple-cart.” - - * * * * * - -The result being known, Alec Booth was fairly delirious with joy. The -whole earth was Heaven to him now and for evermore. All and everybody -must drink his health, and the mare’s health, and in champagne of the -best, and he was surrounded by a throng eager to praise and congratulate -him. - -Never in his life before, never in his life again, would Alec feel the -fierce joy of that moment. He had dared all, tossed up Ruin against -Fortune, and Fortune had come down right side up. And he swelled with -pride as he thought how he, an ignorant country lad, had bested the smart -Australian turfites at their own game. - -No thought at this moment of Soft Sam, not one; it was he, Alec Booth, -who had planned, designed, and carried out all. - -But a far different man was creeping away on the outskirts of that crowd. -Huey Gosper had the face of a suicide. With an execration on his lips he -left the course. So nearly to have won, and yet lost? And he had made -so sure of it. Who could have foreseen that that brute of a Bertha would -have run her own race, despite all the pulling jockeys in the world? And -now the true form of The Vengeance was given away. He might as well be -shot for all the use of him. It was as Soft Sam had said, Bertha was a -bit the best of the pair. Why had he not followed the old man, and not -been a fool? But he must take his gruel like a man, he told himself -that, and there were other means open for a man of brains and resolution. - -Alec had not married Bertha yet, and Alec, curse him, would have to fight -once again to win her. If he had only Soft Sam to help him it could be -managed, but there was no hope there, for Soft Sam, as he knew, would -take no side in the quarrel. Sam, he remembered, had wanted to know that -Sunday on the Domain why he had not asked Bertha to marry him. He would -take the advice. She might say Yes; then all would be well. Alec might -keep his cup, and good luck to him. - -So he schemed and hoped and feared, wandering about, a bitter, blighted -man. - - - - -CHAPTER XX -A PROPOSAL - - -IT was the day following the great race. Huey, who was seeking an -interview with Bertha, had come to the Botanic Gardens. He knew it was -her afternoon of liberty, and that was her favourite walk. So he -strolled about waiting and hoping a good hour before the expected time. - -Perhaps there are no such gardens in the world. A horseshoe bay, perhaps -half-a-mile across; its shore terraced and shut in by slight rising -hills, whose slopes are turfed with verdure, and dotted here and there -with tropical foliage, flower-beds of many patterns, sweet-smelling -shrubs, and bowers of rattans and giant grasses. Paths wind about in -surprising curves, and lead to sequestered summer-houses and lovers’ -seats that invite to wooing, even though the voice of the cooing doves -were hushed that call aloud from every grove. And when the mind wearies -of the green foliage, the bright-hued flowers, and landscape of -ever-varied plants, there is the sea. Farm Cove the bay is called. Trim -yachts are anchored there, the warships of the nations lie at friendly -anchorage, and from time to time over the blue water the music of their -bands is wafted, or the shrill pipe of the boatswain’s whistle. Clean, -dainty ships that bask there in the bright sunshine on the lazy tide, as -though peace on earth and sea was decreed for evermore. And beyond the -men-of-war, and across the wide stretch of harbour, there are the -blue-grey shores of Neutral and Mosman Bays, the rugged heights of -Cremorne and Bradley, all dotted with embowered villas, half-hidden -cottages, and covered with a haze like a bloom. - -And over all a cloudless sky, pale-blue and distant, with an unveiled sun -that shines down its vivid light on land and sea. It is such a view as -fairyland might offer, and the artist with his crude pigments and paints -abandon in despair as hopeless of depiction. - -No wonder that Bertha came there from week to week, arrayed in her best, -all smiling and sweet. She did only as the wild birds do, who find no -safer haven than this oasis of Paradise in the city’s midst. - -Huey Gosper looked again and again at the watch he carried, and at last -his waiting was rewarded. He could see her plainly, all unconscious of -his presence, coming towards him. With a look of unconcern he went to -meet her, and so it came about that presently they were pacing side by -side. - -“I am very sorry,” said Huey, “that it was not I who brought you the Cup -last night. My horse lost it by a head, and I counted on it as a -certainty.” - -“Oh, don’t speak any more of it. I am utterly tired with the Cup and the -talk about it. I am sorry for you that you have lost, and all the others -whose money has gone. Perhaps they will be wiser next time.” - -“I know you value these things very lightly, Miss Summerhayes. You are -not like other girls, taking all that glitters and glares for the real -metal, and, poor as I am, I make bold to speak to you as I have never -spoken to woman before. From my first seeing you at Windsor—do you -remember the time?—I have been mad for love of you. If I came to Sydney -it was to follow you; if I have striven to make money at a detestable -calling it was for you. And if I strove and planned for months and -months to win yesterday’s race, you were the prize always in my thoughts -that the horse was to win. I know I am not worthy of you; no man is. I -am full of faults, yet it maddens me to see you slaving in that golden -hell, with two trollops unworthy to lace your shoes. I would like you to -lead a different life, for I am sure your present place must be hateful -to you. I would do anything, everything if you would only say the word, -and be my wife. Bertha, will you marry me?” - -Bertha had listened silently. His words could not have been quite -unexpected; her woman’s eyes must have learned his secret many a long day -since. Yet she hesitated, perhaps to frame her words, perhaps to frame -her mind. Huey, of all her suitors, had much to commend him to her. He -had great intelligence, and to her judgment he was a clever man. If he -had not wealth, neither was he poor, and he had youth and good looks on -his side. - -But then, on the other hand, she had seen a look glower from his eyes at -times like the glance of a fiend, a hard, merciless gleam that froze all -tenderness or thoughts of tenderness. So she might have reasoned, if -women so placed were apt to take a mental inventory and figure out a -character balance-sheet. But doubtless she did nothing of the kind as -she fidgeted with her sunshade, and stepped tranquilly along. It was not -her reason but her heart that must answer, and instinctively she paused -for its response. At last she spoke; Huey Gosper all silent in hopeful -expectation. - -“What a pretty boat!” pointing to an 18-footer with coloured sails that -skimmed across the bay. - -“Yes, it is pretty,” said Huey absently; “but you have not answered me.” - -“Oh, about getting married!” replied Bertha, as though the question had -slipped her memory. “I don’t want to get married—at least, not yet,” -correcting herself. “It seems to make one so old all at once, this -getting married; don’t you think so?” - -“I do not say now, at once, or next week; but promise me, give me your -word, and let there be a bond between us, and we will marry when you -like; so only that you are mine, all else may be as you wish.” - -“Thank you very much, Mr. Gosper; it is very kind of you to think so -highly of me. I am not worth it, I am sure; but, really and truly, I do -not wish to be engaged. It is so easy to lose your freedom that never -comes again. Don’t think me hard-hearted. I feel more, much more than I -can say; but my freedom is yet dear to me.” - -Had Huey been a patient man, or one versed in feminine ways, he might -have taken this neutral reply as one of good augury, and left the further -pressing of his suit till time and patience had overcome her maiden -wilfulness. But Huey was combustible, suspicious, jealous. The fierce, -bad light shone from his eyes as he answered— - -“You are mocking me. It is because I am poor, because I have no grand -home to offer you; and you are thinking of Alec Booth and his thousands.” - -“That is not fair of you, Mr. Gosper,” retorted Bertha sharply. “You -have no right to say such things. I am my own mistress, to do as I like; -and a jealous, spiteful man shall never be my friend!” - -With that she turned about with the sweep and step of a tragedy queen, -and so left him. Huey was half sorry he had so spoken, and even yet had -he followed her and pleaded pardon, his crime of jealousy might have been -forgiven; for Bertha was one of those who, even while they resent, feel -the covert flattery of jealous accusation. But he did not stir, but -stood there angry and raging, cursing his fate, cursing his fortune; and, -above all, cursing Alec Booth. Without doubt Alec was his happy rival, -that brainless trickster, that vain, boasting bully had scored again; and -he, Huey, was to lose all—money, race, wife, all were taken from him. - -“No! It shall not be!” he declared to himself. “While I live I will -struggle—I will fight! She is rightfully mine. I saw her first, loved -her first, and she is foolish and dazzled by his winnings. But out of -defeat I will learn success, fairly if possible; then, if not, in such a -way as may be necessary,” he added darkly. - -And he turned on his heel and walked moodily away. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI -THE ABDUCTION - - -A DAY later. It was ten o’clock at night. Bertha was busy serving the -crowd of customers with drinks, when a lad came into the bar and asked -for Miss Summerhayes. Bertha spoke to him. He said a gentleman outside -wished to speak to her on a matter of great importance. Without -hesitation Bertha took her hat and went to the door. Here she was -accosted by a bushy-whiskered man, who demanded in a gruff voice if she -was Miss Summerhayes? - -“Yes, to be sure. But what’s the matter?” - -“A Mr. Norris sent me for you. He is very ill, and must see you at once. -Look, I have a cab; there is no time to lose, hurry in!” - -Before she had time to think Bertha was in the vehicle, and it was -plunging off at a rapid rate. Bertha was full of questions, and her -interrogations came so quickly one after the other that for a time her -companion had an excuse for not replying. - -“What is the matter with him? What has happened to dear old Pro? He -seemed all right yesterday. I never remember his being sick before.” - -“It’s what they call a stroke,” the bushy-whiskered man replied gruffly. - -“Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” sighed Bertha hysterically. “Tell the man to -drive fast! But where is he going? This is Oxford Street—not the way to -Church Hill. I tell you he has made a mistake! Stop!” And Bertha tried -to lift the little door in the roof of the cab above her head. - -“That’s all right,” said her companion; “we’ll be there in a few minutes. -The Professor was at a friend’s house up at Darlinghurst.” - -For the time Bertha’s suspicions, now aroused, were silenced, but soon -the horse, who was travelling at great speed, arrived at Darlinghurst, -and without turning off the main road, continued his course to -Paddington. - -“We have passed Darlinghurst. You are deceiving me! Stop the cab, or I -will cry out!” - -“It’s all right, I tell you! Just keep quiet for a few minutes.” - -But Bertha, fairly alarmed, and noting some passers-by at hand, stood up -in the cab and sang out— - -“Help! Help! He—” - -The third cry was stifled, for a silk muffler was placed round her head, -an odour, strange and unfamiliar, gradually stupefied her senses, and -caused her to sink unresistingly on the cushions of the vehicle. The -passers-by, alarmed by the cry, had paused a minute, but hearing nothing -more, and the cab speeding on, had resumed their walk. - -A policeman standing apathetically at a street corner was startled into -activity by the furious approach of the hansom. It was clearly a case -for a summons, so he rushed into the roadway waving his arms, and cried— - -“Stop! Stop!” - -But the driver, instead of stopping, cleverly dodged him and his attempt -to seize the rein. The horse dashed by, and the enraged constable, who -was no mean sprinter, started in pursuit. At least he would find the -number. - -But the light from the first lamp they passed lit up the back of the cab -only to show him the number was hidden. - -On sped the cab, with no impediment, for the road at this time of night -was clear and deserted. - -The policeman to his surprise was fast losing ground, for he was ignorant -that the black horse he was pursuing was within a head the winner of the -Sydney Cup. On sped the cab, now unpursued, through Paddington, past -Woollabra, past the Tea Gardens, and on, on into the darkness, where -lamps and houses were few, and scrub lined the road; on till the sound of -the ocean beating the high cliffs of Coogee and Bondi was audible in a -monotonous roar. - -Inside the cab the man with bushy whiskers had removed the muffler, and -gazed with a look of gloating reverence on the pale and corpse-like -features of Bertha. - -“Did I give her too much chloroform?” he said to himself, as he felt her -pulse. His look of anxiety passed away. There was still a feeble beat. - -“Mine at last!” he cried, with an accent almost of worship, as he raised -the lifeless hand to his lips. - -“Mine, now and for ever!” - - * * * * * - -When the night passed and the following morning without bringing news of -Bertha, surprise and astonishment began to trouble her friends and -employer at the Golden Bar. A message was sent to Professor Norris, who -was known to be her friend, but he knew nothing, and he returned with the -messenger, his mind filled with dread and dismay. - -To Ruby and Florrie the mine of speculation and scandal thus opened up -was a veritable God-send. Every caller as he came in was posted up in -all the latest particulars. One of the first to be so informed was Alec -Booth, and it met him like a knock-down blow. He was, however, soon on -his mental feet again, and sifting, by examination, the list of crude -rumours with which the two barmaids inundated him, he learned -successively, first, that it was a lad (a well-known _habitué_ of the -side walk) who had called Bertha out. Next, having found the lad, he -heard from him that on the evening before a bushy-whiskered man had -driven up in a cab, and giving him a shilling, had told him to go in the -Golden Bar and tell a Miss Summerhayes that she was wanted. The lady had -come to the door as requested, and after some words with the -bushy-whiskered man, which the lad did not overhear, they both got in the -cab and drove rapidly away. - -This was all the information Alec could gather. Neither a description of -the cab or cabman, nor the number of the same was to be had. A hansom in -a main Sydney thoroughfare is too common a sight to attract even passing -attention. Doubtless if Alec had been endowed with half the imagination -of a French detective he would have found his clue ample for the -prosecution of an immediate chase. But imagination was distinctly not -his _forte_. He could weave no theory, spin no web of conjecture; only -in a vague and ill-defined way he told himself that Bertha’s -disappearance was not natural, and probably not voluntary. She was -certainly not the sort of girl to elope at a minute’s notice, and even -Alec, slight student as he was of feminine human nature, felt that she -was above all not the girl to thus abandon her wardrobe. - -Mixed with these feelings, that Bertha had met with foul play, were a -host of jealous doubts. Of her own accord she had stepped into this cab. -Why had she done so? Passion boiled up in the man, and he raged -impotently. At last his mind received an inspiration. - -“Why not go to Soft Sam?” - -He acted on the thought at once, and in a few minutes found himself in -the Domain at the old gentleman’s accustomed seat. - -As Alec approached a group of children he heard the familiar voice -calling out amongst them— - -“Now, knuckle down properly; don’t fudge.” - -It was Sam teaching his pupils the mysteries of marbles, and Alec had to -wait some few minutes while a chubby youngster of six was inducted into -the mysteries of holding his blood-alley in the most scientific and -approved method. - -“Well, my lad,” said Soft Sam at last, “what’s the trouble?” - -Then Alec told him all he knew of Bertha’s disappearance; how eager he -was to seek her out, and how helpless he felt himself to do so. - -“More trouble about that girl! Why can’t you leave them alone? Mark my -words, you’ll come a cropper over them before you are done. But there, -what’s the use of talking, the pairing season is death to common-sense.” - -“But where has she gone, Sam? Where shall I find her?” - -“That depends on who has done the job. He may be a tradesman, in which -case you may as well say ‘good-bye’; or only a botch of an amateur, in -which event you have a very good show. Advertise in this evening’s paper -for the cabman. Offer ten pounds reward and no questions asked, and you -will probably get an answer.” - -“But suppose the man has been squared, is it likely he will give himself -for a sum like that?” - -“That depends, as I said at first, who put up the job. Let us suppose it -was a mug’s plant. He would probably give the cabby a fiver for the -night’s work, and he is not the average cabman if he would not tell where -he drove to for a tenner, particularly if you undertake to ask nothing -else, and keep the cops out of the affair.” - -Alec jumped at the suggestion at once, and he was just in time to get the -following notice in the second edition of the _Evening Times_— - - TEN POUNDS REWARD.—If the cabman who drove a lady and gentleman from - the Golden Bar last evening will call on Alexander Booth, King - Street, he will receive the above. No foolish questions asked. - -Alec went to his office and waited there impatiently for further -developments. About six o’clock a seedy-looking man sidled into the -office and asked for Mr. Booth. He was shown into the inner room, and -Alec, at the first glance, felt that something was coming. - -“Are you the cove wot advertised?” - -“That’s me,” said Alec. “Are you the cabman I want?” - -“No, I’m not the bloke; but I think I could find him, or what you want to -know, if it was worth my while.” - -“Do you know where he drove his cab last night?” - -“Perhaps. Is that all you want to know?” - -“That’s all. I’ll give a fiver down, and another fiver when you take me -to the house. And I want no other questions answered.” - -“That’s the kind of talk! You can ante up the blunt, and we will start -right away.” - -Eagerly Alec Booth counted out five notes to the man, and then together -they left the office, and jumping into a cab at the door, drove rapidly -towards the eastern suburb. - -It was a long, silent drive. Alec, as he had promised, asked no -questions, and the man by his side volunteered no remark, except from -time to time to give the requisite notice to the driver. - -Up Oxford Street, along the Old South Head Road, mile after mile, past -Paddington, Woollabra, the Tea Gardens, and then out in the scrub towards -the sea to the open stretch of desolate ground round about Bondi. The -houses were getting fewer, and at last at a signal the cab pulled up. - -“Here we are, boss. That’s the crib there across the paddock,” and the -man pointed to a little cottage a few rods away, and standing back from -the road. “Now you can brass up.” - -A doubt crossed Alec’s mind. It might be “a have.” But he resolved to -chance it. Ten pounds would neither make him nor break him; so paying -the guide, who quickly walked off, he bade the cabman to wait for him, -vaulted over the fence, and strode towards the house that had been -pointed out. - -The place appeared to be unoccupied, yet there was not the usual notice, -“This House to Let,” in the window. The front gate was fastened, but was -easily stepped over. There were blinds to the windows of the front -rooms, but otherwise from an outside view they appeared to be empty. - -Alec knocked at the door, a loud resounding knock. - -There was no answer, no sound of movement within. - -He tried the door. It was a common two-inch, fastened by a common lock. -Without thought of possible consequences, in case his information was -unreliable, Alec put his shoulder to the door, and putting forth his -great strength, was pleased to find the staple give way. - -An empty passage, an empty house, quiet, desolate. Yet stay! One of the -four doors before him was fastened. He turned the handle. It was also -locked. Impatient, eagerly he shouted out— - -“Bertha! are you there?” - - * * * * * - -The day following the abduction was one of nervous excitement to Huey -Gosper. He called in at the Golden Bar, and feigned a very natural -astonishment at the great piece of news Ruby had for him. He quite -supported her opinion that “The Squatter” must be at the bottom of it. -“The Squatter” was evidently “gone” on her; he was the possessor of -untold wealth. What more likely than that he had used the power of his -money to serve his own ends. - -So spoke Ruby, and her tone was neither one of great commiseration for -Bertha, or great condemnation to her supposed abductor. Perhaps the -prospect of being carried off under these conditions did not appear so -terrible to her. - -Huey wandered about the town restlessly. He took an unaccustomed number -of drinks, but they failed to act as a sedative. He answered a large -number of letters addressed to “The Tinman,” but if his correspondents -were pleased with the tips he sent on this occasion they were mortals -easily satisfied. One question was ever uppermost in his mind, “What -should he do next?” His plan, while yet in perspective, had appeared -simple enough. Disguised he would cage her, and later, in his own proper -person, he would come to her rescue with a tale of how he had discovered -that Alec Booth was her abductor. In this way he hoped to gain the -gratitude of Bertha, and the overthrow of his enemy. - -He would go the following morning. It would look suspicious to go too -soon. This was his plan, and he had only to wait quietly; but quiet he -could not be. - -How was Bertha getting on in that lonely house? Could he trust the -cabman? Was there some fault in his plan, some weak point in the tale he -meant to tell? So his mind dwelt and doubted. It was about six o’clock -in the evening that, carelessly turning over the evening paper, he came -to the following— - - TEN POUNDS REWARD.—If the cabman who drove a lady and gentleman from - the Golden Bar last evening will call on Alexander Booth, King - Street, he will receive the above. No foolish questions asked. - -“My God!” cried Huey, “I have no time to lose! That devil will be on my -track. Why did I trust the cabman? Why did I not follow Soft Sam’s -advice, always to work alone? Never mind, there is time yet. To-night -or to-morrow morning, what does it matter, I will take some tools and be -off.” - -In five minutes a bundle already prepared was in his hand, and he was -seated in a cab, speeding rapidly to the eastern suburbs. He was nearly -at his destination when he signalled the driver to stop. Getting out he -bade him wait. Proceeding on foot he came to the solitary cottage. -Avoiding the front entrance, he walked along the side fence, climbed it, -and approached a window covered on the outside with venetian shutters. - -“Are you there, Bertha?” he whispered, poking a stick through the -shutters and tapping the glass. - -No answer. - -“Are you there, Bertha?” he cried, still louder. - -Still no response. With a cloud of anxiety on his face he hastily took a -short crowbar from his bundle, prized open the shutters, prized open the -window, and stepped in. With one glance he had eyed every nook and -corner of the room. - -It was empty. - -“Damnation!” cried Huey, as he passed through the open door into the -hall, where the front entrance itself was open to the world. “The bird -has flown, and the sooner I disappear the better.” - -Three minutes later he was in the cab again, raging with disappointed -hopes, full of doubt as to what had happened. Had the cabman “split”? -Had Alec, with that cursed luck of his, foiled him again? Or had Bertha, -more ingenious than he had thought her, and despising the written warning -he had left, effected her own deliverance. Clearly he had failed, but -while he had life and liberty he would try again, and Bertha should be -his—yes, she should be his, or he would swing for her! - - * * * * * - -When Alec Booth called the name of Bertha at the inner door, he was -gladdened to hear the sound of feet on the floor, and a welcome voice -cry—“Alec! Is that you, Alec? Save me!” - -With one strong drive from his shoulder the door burst in, and there, -standing with tear-stained face and imploring eyes, in the midst of a -daintily-furnished room, was Bertha Summerhayes. - -“At last! Thank God!” exclaimed Alec. “How did you get here?” - -She almost fell into his arms. Her eyes lighted up with joy, and her -bosom heaved with emotion. - -“Oh, take me away from this! Take me away! It feels to me like a tomb!” - -And Alec noted as he looked about that the room must have been in -semi-darkness before the opening of the door, for the lattice shutters of -the window were closed. - -“Have you anything to take?” inquired Alec, as Bertha almost pushed him -forward in her eagerness to hasten away. - -“No, there is nothing. Yet, stay a moment, there is that paper on the -table; take that, it may be of use; it may help to explain. But come, do -come! I shall faint if I stop in this place a minute longer!” - -Alec picked up and placed in his pocket a written paper that lay on the -table, and, careless of further concern about the house, quickly left it -with Bertha on his arm, and it was not till they were seated side by side -in the cab that Miss Summerhayes seemed to draw her breath freely. - -As the cab bowled along, they were too busy with mutual congratulations -to remark, on another road parallel to their own, a second cab hastening -in the direction from which they had just come. Without recognition -these two cabs passed each other not four hundred feet away, the riders -in each having their eyes closed to that which would have interested them -so much. - -It was in disjointed fragments that Bertha related her experience, and, -pieced together, Alec found it came to this— - -She was enticed into the cab by a bushy-whiskered man, who said he had -been sent to take her to Mr. Norris, who was seriously ill. The cab, she -remembered, came up Oxford Street, when she pointed out that they were -going in the wrong direction. The man then told her that Mr. Norris was -at a friend’s house at Darlinghurst, but very soon the cab passed that -place, and then she called out and wanted to stop the cab or summon -assistance. After that she could remember nothing till she came to her -senses, feeling very sick and faint, in the room where Alec had found -her. - -Looking about in the half-darkened room she found a written paper on the -table, the same that Alec had in his pocket. Alec took it out and read -as follows— - -“Miss Summerhayes is warned for her own safety to make no effort to -escape or noise of any kind, as it will only force those who watch her to -do again what was done in the cab. On these conditions no harm shall -happen to you.—A FRIEND.” - -“Reading that made you keep quiet, I suppose,” said Alec. - -“Yes,” said Bertha. “I did not want to be smothered again, and I was -terrified almost to death, sitting there alone all day, not knowing what -was to happen next. Perhaps they were going to murder me, or throw me -over the cliffs, for I could hear the noise of the surf. But noise in -the house I heard none, till you came and broke open the door. How did -you find me out?” - -Then Alec gave his account, how he had gone to Soft Sam, and acting on -his advice, had advertised for the cabman, how a man had replied, and in -spite of his assertion to the contrary, most likely the cabman himself. -The rest Bertha knew. - -“How can I ever thank you enough, Mr. Booth?” said Bertha, as she stepped -once more on the pavement fronting the Golden Bar. “How can I ever thank -you enough for your kindness and courage?” - -“Give me this hand to keep and take care of,” replied Alec with a sudden -burst of emotional fervour, “and no scoundrel in the future shall dare to -touch you!” - -Bertha did not answer him as she stepped lightly to the doorway; then, -half turning her head, she threw him one word as she disappeared. - -“Perhaps!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXII -IN THE GARDENS - - -IT was Sunday morning. Bertha, with her old friend the Professor by her -side, was walking in the Botanic Gardens. For the third or fourth time -she had re-told the tale of her abduction, for a third or fourth time -they had speculated as to who the author of the outrage could be, and as -to the identity of the bushy-whiskered man. - -“Has Mr. Booth been to the cottage again?” asked the Professor. - -“Yes, he went back at once, but it was empty, all but the one furnished -room I was in, and no one was there. He inquired of the neighbours, and -found that the place had been empty and to let for some time, and it was -only a few days ago the board was taken down. Then he went to the house -agent. This agent said that a bushy-whiskered man, giving the name of -Brown, had taken the place and paid a month’s rent in advance. The -furniture he happened to know, for it was part of his business to keep -his eyes on new tenants, was obtained on the time-payment system. He -told Alec—or, rather, Mr. Booth—the shop. The furniture man had seen -this Mr. Brown, who had paid him a deposit on one room of furniture. He -could say no more than that he was a middle-aged, bushy-whiskered man.” - -“And has no more been found out?” - -“No, nothing else. Alec wanted to put it in the hands of the police, but -I would not have it. I would rather die than have to go in a -police-court.” - -“And so the villain is to escape?” - -“Well, he did not do me much harm after all, Pro, and he will get his -desserts some day. All bad people do.” - -“That is a very consoling theory for injured people who can obtain no -redress, but I am afraid experience hardly warrants it. The stage -villain may walk to the scaffold during five acts, but the every-day -scoundrel is more often carried to Parliament by a carriage and pair. -Have you no suspicion in your own mind as to who it was?” - -“The girls in the bar think it was an old gentleman we call the Squatter. -He certainly asked me to marry him, and offered me several rich presents -at different times; but I hardly think he was the kind of man to have -planned an outrage of this kind. It is strange, though, that he has not -been seen in Sydney since the day I was taken away. But there, I am -weary to death of talking on the subject! Let us speak of something -else, Pro. I have left that horrible bar for ever, and I have some news -for you. Now guess what it is?” - -“You have found a new and wonderful dressmaker!” - -“You horrid thing, as though I cared twopence about dress!” - -“Then it is a new admirer who has told you that you are the prettiest -girl in Sydney, and you have believed him.” - -“That is really cruel of you, Pro? As though I cared what people said. -You do not deserve to be told anything!” - -“I will give up guessing then. Tell me what it is.” - -“Alec—that is, Mr. Booth—has asked me to marry him.” - -“And you have consented?” - -“Not exactly. I thought I would ask you first. I hardly know what to -do.” - -“Do you love the man?” - -“He is brave, and strong, and kind. And then it was so good of him to -come and rescue me from that horrid place. I really think he loves me, -yet he is not just the sort of man I have fancied in my mind. But -somehow I am afraid this ideal man of mine will never come along; perhaps -he would not have me if he did come. And then Alec loves me, and he is -very nice when he likes—and I don’t know what to do or what to say!” - -“You have not mentioned another of his advantages, Bertha. I hear that -since he won the Cup he is quite a wealthy man.” - -“Now you want to scold me. You think I like him for his money. But I am -sure a man is no worse because he has means of his own. Why, the -Squatter was ten times as rich as Alec, and I never even looked at him. -It is not fair to expect every one to be poor like you, Pro, and I am -sure it is better for those to have it who will enjoy it than rusty old -misers who hoard it up.” - -“And about the horse-racing, Bertha. I thought you hated all connected -with it?” - -“Oh, Alec has promised to give up betting altogether. He says the -consultation, or sweep as they call it, pays better. There is no risk, -and he means to go in for that.” - -“And you find this Mr. Booth a man after your own mind—not the ideal, as -you said, but an every-day representative you will be willing to live -with till death do you part?” - -“I have thought it over, Pro. Of course Alec is not clever. He has read -next to nothing, and can talk of very little outside his business, but -all the same he might be pleasanter to have about a house than some one -who was very clever. I fancy these clever people are not very nice to -live with, particularly if you are not so clever as they are.” - -“But then, Mr. Booth is not like you in any respect, either in taste or -ideas?” - -“That is one of the reasons that makes me think we might do very well -together. Two people who were much alike would soon be tired of one -another, don’t you think so?” - -“I think, my dear Bertha, you first made up your mind, and then found all -these fine reasons to support you afterwards. You ask my advice, but -what you really want is my approval. I give you, instead, my -congratulations. The wife of a poor man you might have been, as you -know, any time these two years, but I saw clearly that in such case you -would always have been regretting that fortune which you might have had. -Now you are marrying a man of money. I hope it will turn out as you -wish, that the gold will gild your future; but, as in a marriage of -poverty I clearly foresaw on your part a life of regrets, so in this -other union I have the same misgiving.” - -“Then what am I to do, Pro? Shall I remain single?” - -“No, my dear, by no means. For a girl above all it is better that she -should marry if she can wisely do so. I cannot give you my wisdom, no -one can. Wisdom can be bought only by experience. There is no other -price. So marry, my dear; be happy while you can, and remember if -troubles and trials come that they are your life lessons, to be met -bravely, not as evils, but as disguised friends.” - -“You ought to have been a parson, Pro,” said Bertha, with tears in her -eyes. “You are always so serious. Now, tell me honestly, don’t you -think Alec is a fine-looking man?” - - * * * * * - -Alec Booth was not the man to hide his good fortune. All his friends, -more particularly those at the Golden Bar, were soon acquainted with the -news of his proposed marriage to Bertha Summerhayes. - -Ruby wished him joy, and hoped very kindly he would not be deceived in -the object of his affections. And when he inquired what she meant, -replied— - -“Oh, nothing! Of course, Bertha is an angel—a little chipped, perhaps. -It’s about time she settled down, and, like a wise girl, she knows it.” - -Florrie was diffuse— - -“How kind of you to marry her! You must be a real good sort, Mr. Booth! -There’s not many men would have your pluck, if what they say is true!” - -“What do they say?” inquired Alec hotly. - -“Oh, you have heard nothing? You dear, simple man! Then I’m sure I -shall not be the one to tell tales out of school. Besides, it may not be -true; people do tell such lies. And Bertha’s not a bad sort, though she -does hold her head up. You just shut your eyes and do as she tells you, -like a good boy!” - -Alec, never fluent of speech, did not know how to reply to his tormentor. -He knew their ways too well to take them altogether seriously; but the -poison of their malice left a sting behind. His only defence was a -hearty “Ha! ha! ha!” - -The unanswerable reply of a small head with a big stomach. - - * * * * * - -In his turn Huey Gosper was not slow to hear the news, and Ruby even gave -him the details of “the lark,” as she called it, they had had with Alec. - -“And he just was mad when we rubbed it into his angelic Bertha! You -should have seen how red he got in the face! Why, the fool is fairly -crazy about her! It would only serve him right to play a trick or two on -him—the conceited fool!” - -A gleam of malicious joy shone in Huey’s eyes as though a sudden unholy -hope had sprung up. He whispered words to Ruby and she to him, and by -their pantomime it might be understood that a plot, mutually agreed on, -was arranged. - -“You’ll keep your word?” interrogated Huey as he left. - -“Like a book, Mr. Gosper! Never you fear! I’m not the girl to back -out!” - -And as he passed into the street Huey’s melancholy face bore the first -smile it had worn for many days. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII -THE LOVERS - - -BERTHA had chosen her favourite Botanic Gardens for the scene of her -courtship, and it was there that her daily meetings with Alec took place. -She found, perhaps, in the surroundings, a little compensation for that -want of poetic feeling that even her partiality had to admit on the part -of her lover. - -On his side, from either the association with Bertha, or that -mind-awakening which not infrequently arises with the amorous sentiment, -he often surprised himself by quite original observations. - -Bertha noted this change in him with the hope of the sanguine woman who -trusts to mould her husband in the way that good husbands should go. If -she could only wean him from those hateful horses, that was her dream. - -They were walking side by side. She would not take the arm he offered. - -“It was too countrified!” she said, and he submitted. - -“How beautiful the lawns look to-day, Alec?” - -“Yes; first-class feed for a cow,” said Alec, gazing about critically. - -“And the trees—do you notice what lovely foliage they have?” - -“I don’t know much about foliage, and that’s a fact, Bertha; but as for -trees, I reckon I know a good one when I see it, and I looked the whole -lot over the other day, and I’ll take my oath there’s not a good free -splitter in the lot! A lot of knotty, cross-grained wretches! They are -only fit for mill-wood, if they are fit for that!” - -Bertha sighed softly to herself. - -“I should so like to travel, would not you, Alec? To go to other -countries and see something of the world?” - -“That’s just my idea. Let’s go to the next Melbourne Cup. We can do the -thing tip-top, and have a grand old time!” - -“Oh, bother the Melbourne Cup, Alec! You are always thinking of races. -They say there is nothing worth noticing in Melbourne after you have seen -Sydney, except it may be the bad smells. And their races are just like -ours, so they won’t be much of a treat.” - -“How you do talk, Bertha. Why, Melbourne is the finest city in -Australia.” - -“I was thinking of other countries—France and England, for instance.” - -“What’s the good of our going to England? Isn’t Australia the finest -country in the world, and the people ahead of all the others? Look at -our fighting men, our rowing men, our cricketers. Why, we can beat them -all, hands down. Australia’s good enough for me, any day.” - -“But think of Paris. You have heard of Paris—wonderful, beautiful -Paris.” - -“You mean the place where the plaster comes from?” - -“Yes, and hundreds of things beside. It is the city of delight, with -miles of wonderful shops, arcades and picture-galleries, and crowds of -the most elegantly dressed people in the world. I believe if I could -only see Paris I should be willing to die.” - -“You had better see Australia and live,” replied Alec, stumbling on an -epigram unconsciously. - -“And there is a wonderful garden there, miles long, called the Bois de -Boulogne; and now I remember that they have a celebrated horse-race there -called the Paris Grand Prize, and all the great people in Europe go to -see it.” - -“That might be worth looking at,” said Alec, doubtfully; “if those -Frenchmen only knew how to ride.” - -“And think of the hundreds of ladies all beautifully dressed; not a -rag-tag and bob-tail like we have here, but real ladies, with real -costumes, every one a study and a delight. Oh, I should like to see it.” - -“I don’t believe it’s better than Randwick.” - -“Alec, don’t talk like that. It is like some one swearing in a church.” - -“That’s all right, Bertha. Don’t you mind me. Of course I know nothing -about all these fine things. Australia is good enough for me, but if you -want to see these dirty Frenchmen and their painted women, why we will -take a trip there some day.” - -“That’s so good of you,” said Bertha, squeezing his hand, and giving him -a look that filtered through his being with a wild deliciousness. “Only -take me to Paris, and then I will come and stay in Australia for ever and -ever.” - -“And when shall we get married, Bertha?” inquired Alec, thinking the -moment a propitious one. “When is the day to be?” - -“What do you want to be in such a hurry for? Are we not very nice as we -are? I am sure it is beautiful to walk in the Gardens every day.” - -“I don’t say no, Bertha; but I am always afraid some one will run off -with you again, and next time I might not be able to find you.” - -“I am very careful, Alec, now. I never go out after dark, and as for -going in a cab, I believe I shall always hate the sight of them.” - -“You had better make sure; marry me and done with it.” - -“There you go again. I never heard of any one so impatient. This is the -best time in our lives, if we only knew it. We are young and free, no -cares, no troubles. Let us live and enjoy as we are for a little while. -And a girl’s youth goes away so quickly. I wonder, Alec, if you will -think as much of me when I am old and ugly?” - -“You ugly?” said Alec derisively. - -“Well, not perhaps quite ugly, but you know well enough that here in -Australia girls fade very quickly. I dread to think what I shall be like -in ten years’ time—all wrinkles and grey hairs, with no more figure than -a post, no doubt. Oh! I want to keep young always, always, and never -get old at all. Don’t you, Alec?” - -“I can’t say I ever thought much about it. If a three-year-old would -always remain a three-year-old it would be a great chuck-in, no -doubt-that is, if they did not raise the weight. But I guess there is -not much show of getting the soft side of the handicapper. We all have -to carry weight-for-age.” - -“I really wish, Alec, you could talk a little time without bringing in -your everlasting horse-racing. There are other things in the world -besides horses.” - -“So there are, Bertha,” said Alec soothingly; “there are cattle and -sheep. But, you see, they are not in my line.” - -“You’re a goose,” replied Bertha, laughing, “and I half believe you are -making fun of me all the time. Where did you go yesterday afternoon?” - -“I have been house-hunting. It seems the proper thing, when I am engaged -to a girl like you, to find a home to please her, and I wanted to give -you a surprise.” - -“You choose a house!” with a tone that made Alec feel two inches shorter. -“What should a man know about a house?” - -“So I concluded, and I decided that you had best please yourself. Where -would you like to live? I was thinking of Randwick—a nice stylish -place.” - -“What, live away from the harbour—the sea—with nothing to look at but -houses and sand-hills? That would be horrible!” - -“Where then, my dear? Choose your own place; it’s all the same to me.” - -“I have always dreamt of one of those cottages with wide verandahs near -the harbour, with a water frontage, a little house for a boat, and green -lawns and gardens right down to the water. That would be lovely!” - -“I never thought of that. But they are very awkward to drive to, -generally, those sort of places. But I was at Bob Simmons’s place the -other day—it’s just the kind of house you would like and we had some fine -sport with the dogs killing rats down on the rocks. One old rat was real -game, and no mistake!” - -“But there are not rats everywhere all round the harbour,” said Bertha, -with much concern. - -“Just swarms with them! That’s the best of it! A fellow could always -find a bit of amusement. It’s as good as bandicooting, any day.” - -“I think I would rather not be quite so close to the water, then. I hate -rats, and I don’t like seeing anything killed. We will go and look for a -house together.” - -“All right, let’s go to-morrow.” - -“Yes, or the next day. To-morrow I have got to have a dress tried on.” - -And then the two lovers talked for half-an-hour as to the relative -importance of the new dress and the new house, and which it was most -important to give the first attention. - -Needless to relate, the dress carried the day. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV -THE CONSPIRACY - - -ALEC BOOTH was at his office looking over his letters that were handed to -him by his clerk. He was not a quick reader, and a still slower writer, -so his clerk was not only a convenience, but a necessity. One of these -letters arrested his attention; it did not refer, like the others, to -horse-racing, it bore no address and no proper signature. He read -slowly— - -“If Mr. Booth is wise he will watch his lady-love more carefully. Like a -fool, he believed her story of being forcibly taken away in a cab. She -was only too willing, if the truth was known, and if the Squatter did not -come to terms it was because he backed out at the last moment. Even now -she is meeting him, and if Mr. Booth only likes to be on the right-hand -side of Circular Quay at half-past eleven to-night, and keep hidden near -the last ship towards the point, he will see her with his own eyes. - - “A WELL-WISHER.” - -His first impulse was to destroy the letter as a venomous thing, but the -doubt in his mind, once aroused by Ruby and Florrie, came to him again. -He did not doubt Bertha—no! Ten thousand times no! But it would be so -easy to put this slander to the test. - -Bertha out at half-past eleven on Circular Quay! Bertha, who never went -out after dark! It was absurd! Yet men, smarter men perhaps than -himself, had been made fools of before to-day. - -Did this explain the reason for Bertha’s hanging back when he asked her -to name the marriage day? Was she only making a convenience of him in -case the other man refused to toe the mark? It was damnable! But it was -a lie—a wicked, cursed lie, and he would pay no attention to it. - -But his mind could not leave the subject all that day, and eleven o’clock -at night found him walking nervously and excitedly towards the -meeting-place mentioned in the letter. - -The last boat moored to the Quay was a sailing vessel, whose decks -appeared deserted. Perhaps the crew were on shore or asleep in their -bunks. Not even a watchman was visible. - -On the wharf a few feet from the edge a pile of casks were stacked. -Across the roadway rose the high façade of prison-like wool warehouses. -The electric light that now makes this quarter of Sydney one of the best -illuminated had not been installed at this date, and the yellow gas-jets -visible here and there did little to lighten the darkness of the night. - -Alec for a time looked about curiously, then paced up and down, assuring -himself the while that he was a fool for his pains, and would have been -far better off at that time of night seated at his club playing nap. -Then he remembered the directions he had received, “to keep hidden.” Now, -the only place convenient for concealment was to stand behind the heap of -casks, close to the edge of the Quay. The simplest observation gave this -assurance, and no doubt the writer of the letter had this place in her -mind. - -This thought did not occur to Alec. He was told to hide, and he hid, -quite unsuspicious that by doing so he was standing in an appointed -place. - -There were no immediate passers-by; a few forms could be heard and seen -at a distance moving about, but that part of the Quay was for the time -deserted. - -Presently he heard the voice of a man singing, and coming towards him, -and the words rang out on the night air with wonderful distinctness— - - “I’m off to Charlestown early in the morning, - I’m off to Charlestown before the break of day; - To give my respects to all the pretty yellow girls, - I’m off to Charlestown before the break of day!” - -“Evidently a sailor half tanked,” thought Alec, as he watched the man -with peaked cap and pilot coat, half reel, half walk up the Quay. The -progress forward of the singer was more like tacking against a head-wind -than a plain, straight-away course. He zig-zagged first over to the wool -warehouses, then across to the water’s edge, and each time Alec expected -him to tumble over, but he always seemed to “wear ship” just in time, -singing the while as though he were the happiest fellow in all the world. - -By accident or design one of these tacks brought the drunken sailor just -to the corner of the heap of casks behind which Alec stood hidden. - -He pulled up short before turning again, and, seeing Alec, called out— - -“Hullo, mate! can you give us a match?” - -Alec, not from meanness, but to get rid of the man’s presence, told him -he had not got one. - -“I say, mate, give us a match, there’s a good fellow”—and the sailor put -his hand on Alec’s shoulder. - -At that moment a woman’s form could be seen approaching from the -distance, clad in a light costume. She might, for all that light -revealed, be Bertha in a walking-dress. - -Instinctively Alec turned away his eyes to look at the newcomer, and then -the drunken sailor, like one who had waited for a signal at the moment -Alec turned his head, pulled out a bag that had been hidden beneath his -coat, clapped it over the face and round the neck of Alec, where a spring -appeared to hold it fast, and then, with a rush and a push, sent his -victim over the Quay into the dark water of the harbour. - -There was no cry, but a half-stifled shout; no noise but the single -splash, for the body sank like a stone. - -The sailor stood calmly gazing down on the water for some minutes. Not a -ripple, not a break in the wavelets to show that the victim had risen -again. - -“I thought that would fix him,” the sailor said to himself. “He never -could swim, and he will find it a little late to learn now.” With that he -started singing his song again, retracing his steps. When he reached the -lady in the light dress he went up to her, and speaking without any -affectation of drunkenness— - -“It’s no good, Ruby; he has not come. I suppose he was too fly to be -taken in by that letter of yours.” - -“Well, I’m glad of it, Huey. It might have got me into a row, and the -pig is not worth it. What shall we do now?” - -“I will take you to the dance, as I promised.” - - * * * * * - -Alec, on falling into the water, went quickly enough to the bottom, and -nearly as quickly rose to the surface. He waved his arms frantically, -nearly stifled and choked as he was by the covering on his head. When he -came to the surface again it was, fortunately for him, not in the open -harbour, but amidst the piles on which the roadway of the Quay was -built—his hands in their wild struggle caught one of the slimy -cross-timbers, and to this he clung in desperation. - -He knew by the feel that his head was out of water, and the bag about his -head was not so tight but it allowed him to take breath. - -Getting firm hold of his support with one hand, he used the other in an -effort to withdraw the bag. He tried and tried again, and, at last, -aided by his strong arm, that had been developed by years of axe-work in -the bush, by a final wrench, and a partial skinning of his ears, he -pulled it off. And then, to his lasting regret, he cast it from him. - -He quickly understood where he was, and it was the work of a few minutes -to draw himself up on the slanting beam and seat himself on its slippery -surface. - -For the moment he felt secure. But what was he to do next? If he -shouted for help that devil above him might be waiting with pistol and -knife to finish his work. - -It was very uncomfortable there, soaking wet in a damp seat, in silent -darkness, with only a glimpse of the harbour through the piles, but he -reflected that he was probably safe from further attack if he kept quiet. -So he decided to sit still and wait for the morning light, if no other -assistance should come. - -His vigil, however, was not so long; not an hour and a half had passed -when a ship’s boat, laden probably with some belated captain, approached -quite close to him. He sang out— - -“Boat ahoy!” - -The rowers stopped. Alec called again, and on his saying he had fallen -in the harbour and wanted to land, they very cheerfully backed their -craft up to the piles, and with some difficulty Alec managed to jump -aboard, and in a few strokes was landed at the steps. - -Alec Booth could see the spot where he had stood behind the casks, but as -he anticipated, no sailor, either drunk or sober, was to be seen there -now. He felt a satisfaction in throwing off the numbness of his limbs by -a smart walk, and his first place of call was the office of the Water -Police. - -The officer in charge took down his statement with provoking calm. One -might have fancied that the throwing of citizens off Circular Quay was a -matter of hourly familiarity to him. - -“And you say this man put a spring bag over your head? Where is it?” - -“I threw it away in the water,” said Alec. - -“Ah! Were you robbed?” - -Alec felt in his pockets. His watch, his purse and pocket-book were all -safe, but of course wet. - -“Ah!” said the policeman again. “You say this sailor who assaulted you -appeared to be drunk?” - -“Yes, he acted like it as he came towards me.” - -“Are you quite sure you were sober yourself?” - -“Sober as a judge!” - -“Did you have anything to drink to-night?” - -“I may have had two or three whiskies-and-sodas.” - -“Ah!” said the constable again, and this time in a tone so provoking that -Alec, in spite of the majesty of his uniform, felt inclined to kick him. - -“We will inquire into the matter, sir, and for the future I should advise -you to keep away from the Circular Quay when you have taken two or three -whiskies.” - -Disgusted as well as wet, Alec left the office. It was clear enough the -officer gave no credence to his story, and thought it merely the -hallucination of a drunken man. So he went home, and to bed, his mind -filled with a darkening fear of this enemy—that mysterious and -unknown—who thus boldly attacked him. - -The letter was only too probably part of a plot to lure him to -destruction. He had no clue to his enemy, who had failed this time, but -was at full liberty to contrive some fresh scheme for his undoing. And -the next time, luck might not be on his side. - -Alec was brave enough in open fight, but this secret fear unmanned him. -And Bertha’s abduction came to his mind—that mystery had never been -explained. Had the drunken sailor and the bushy-whiskered man any -connection? Was there a conspiracy to ruin or murder Bertha and himself? -He feared so. And he turned the question over and over in his mind, and -he could find only one hope for peace. - -He would go in the morning to Soft Sam. - - * * * * * - -Alec found Soft Sam seated as usual in the Domain, with a crowd of -wide-eyed juveniles about him, and apparently listening with breathless -interest to a localized history of Jack the Giant Killer, with -variations. - -“So the young man said to the rich squatter, ‘I can drink as much of that -whisky as you can.’ And the squatter laughed at a little chap like that -swallowing oil of vitriol like the old soaker he was himself. So he -called for glasses, and filled them. The squatter drank his, but Jack, -after taking a sip, poured his all down his neck into his Crimean shirt, -where it was soaked up. - -“And they drank, and drank, and drank—till the squatter was dead on the -floor, and young Jack jumps up, takes all his money, and rides away!” - -This was Soft Sam’s somewhat abrupt conclusion, for he saw that Alec -wished to speak to him. And as the children still hung about, with a -manifest inclination to hear the next chapter, he dismissed them speedily -with the present of sixpence, with which, without more ado, they departed -for the nearest lolly-shop. - -“It’s cheap at the price,” said Sam. - -“What’s cheap?” - -“Why, happiness. I’ve made them there kids as happy as sandboys with -sixpence. It seems to me they have often got a lot more sense that way -than when they grow up.” - -“I’m in a bother again, Sam.” - -“I thought as much. You can most of you find me out when trouble comes -along. What’s the matter this time?” - -And then Alec told the history of the previous night. - -“It’s the girl again,” said Sam, after he had patiently listened to Alec. -“I told you she would breed mischief. You are young and foolish like the -rest of them, and take no notice.” - -“You don’t mean to say that Bertha caused me to be thrown in the -harbour?” - -“Of course I don’t! But some one who is after her did the trick right -enough. And a very nice little job it was, too. He must be a fellow of -talent. And it was only a fluke it did not come off. He must be a real -smart bloke, and no mistake. If he tries it on again I would not care to -insure your life. Very neat, very neat; and not a trace to track him by. -Really, I give him credit. I could not have done better myself!” - -“He’s a clever scoundrel, there’s no doubt; but the question is, ‘What am -I to do?’ Am I to sit quiet till he makes another shot?” - -“Why can’t you leave the girls alone? I tell you they will ruin you -sooner or later. Or, if you must mix yourself up, why not marry this -Bertha right away, and done with it? While she’s single there will -always be strays browsing round after her. Put the hobbles on, man, and -get her broken in to double harness, and if this attentive friend of -yours is only half as smart as he appears to be, he will quit.” - -“Thank you, Sam? That’s just my own idea, and I’ll put the matter to -Bertha straight—that it’s either get married at once or one of us -missing. And she’s not the girl I take her for if she refuses.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXV -THE HEART UNION - - -“NOW, Bertha, say the word, and let us be married at once. I have told -you what Soft Sam has said. You know our position. At any moment this -scoundrel may do us a mischief.” - -“And what if he does, I’m not afraid; and I am surprised at you, a strong -man, fearing a coward who is afraid to show himself!” - -“That is just it, Bertha! If he would only show himself. I am afraid of -no man alive; but a crawling wretch who springs on you unawares, I fear -him as I would a death adder in the dark.” - -“What can he do? He has not hurt either of us yet.” - -“I suppose you think your cab drive was a pleasure trip?” - -“Well, after all, Alec, there was not much harm done, was there? I was -awfully frightened and all that kind of thing, but it was all right when -you came.” - -“You will drive me mad, Bertha! I believe you try to provoke me on -purpose! Will you, or won’t you, marry me now?” - -“When is now?” - -“Say to-morrow!” - -“Impossible!” - -“Why impossible?” - -“In the first place, I must get my dress ready, and then there are the -bridesmaids. Who would be bridesmaids at a day’s notice?” - -“Oh, bother the bridesmaids. We don’t want any bridesmaids. Let them -rip!” - -“If I don’t have bridesmaids I won’t be married. A marriage without -bridesmaids! Who ever heard of such a thing! I don’t believe it would -be a proper marriage at all!” - -“Oh, yes, it would—as safe as the bank!” - -“Safe or no safe, I’ll be married properly or not at all.” - -“Perhaps you would rather be carried off in a cab?” - -“Well, your marriage would be nearly as bad! Go and write our name in a -book, the same as you do at a picture-gallery, and a man in a light suit -says, ‘Three-and-sixpence, please. You are married. Next!’ You can -bury me that way if you like to but marry me, never!” - -“Say your own time then; only pray be reasonable, Bertha. I am fearful -for myself, I own, but I am doubly fearful for you. Every time I see you -I fear it may be the last.” - -“I suppose I must give in; you men are so impatient! Let us say this day -month. That is the very, very earliest.” - -“A month, Bertha! Why not say twelve at once?” - -“I will say twelve if you like. That would be much better, only I -thought you were in such a hurry.” - -“I should like to swear to myself for a few minutes, Bertha, if you would -kindly walk on a little way ahead.” - -“What you can see to be so cross about I can’t make out. You have -everything your own way. You ask me to marry you in twelve months, and I -agree to it. What more can you want?” - -“You are trying to take a rise out of me—I can see clear enough. But be -a little reasonable, Bertha. Say three days, four days—in fact, say just -how long it takes these blessed bridesmaids to get themselves groomed and -in proper training for the job!” - -“Now you are more reasonable, Alec. We might—mind, I am not sure—we -might get ready in a fortnight.” - -With this promise Alec had to be satisfied, or make the best of it. He -had succeeded in knocking fifty per cent. off the first estimate, and was -correspondingly elated. Perhaps he would not have been quite so pleased -with himself had he known that for more than a week past Bertha’s bridal -dress had been completed, that the bridesmaids were long ago chosen, and -their arrangements made; that even the church and officiating minister -had been selected, and, as a matter of fact, the marriage could have been -solemnized with all those rights dear to the heart of womankind two days -from date. - -Alec did not know this, and he was contented. - - * * * * * - -A fortnight later the Sydney _Evening Times_ had the following paragraph -in its column of social news— - -“St. Clement’s Church, Church Hill, Sydney, was yesterday the scene of a -very pretty wedding, the occasion being the marriage of Miss Bertha -Summerhayes, a popular Sydney belle, and Mr. Alexander Booth, the -well-known sportsman, and owner of the winner of the last Sydney Cup. -The church had been very prettily decorated by the friends of the bride, -wreaths of waratah and rock lilies being used with great effect. A -miniature avenue of tree ferns led from the gateway to the church -entrance, and wild flowers were not only used in the profuse decoration, -but were also scattered as a carpet for the happy pair. The bride was -married from the residence of her old friend Professor Norris, the -eminent and well-known specialist in character reading. - -“Punctually at half-past two the entrancing sound of the march from -_Tannhäuser_ on the organ announced the arrival of the carriages with the -bridal party. The bride was attired in a lovely gown of green -peau-de-soie, with berthe of old Brussels bone-point lace also cream in -tint, the corsage adorned with orange flowers. - -“She carried an exquisite bouquet of white lilies and maiden-hair ferns, -and over all fell a soft tulle veil in graceful folds to the ground. A -magnificent diamond bracelet, the gift of the bridegroom, was her only -jewel. Miss Ruby Jones, a friend of the bride, was maid of honour, and -wore a toilette of old gold silk, with gloves and shoes to match; she -wore a richly-chased gold bangle, a present from the bridegroom, and also -carried a bouquet of lilies and ferns. Miss Florrie Simpson, the second -bridesmaid, was likewise attired in old gold silk, and she carried a -duplicate bangle and bouquet. The whole effect of colour was a delicious -harmony of cream and gold. - -“Mr. Booth was attended by Mr. Jenkins, the well-known and popular host -of the Golden Bar. After the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. -A. A. Softword, the bridal party left the church to the strains of the -grand march of Mendelssohn, ably played by that eminent organist, Mr. -Treadfast, and adjourned to the residence of Mr. Norris. Here a -sumptuous breakfast was prepared, and the house made a little fairyland -with palms and tropical foliage. - -“After the health of the bride and bridegroom had been duly honoured, Mr. -and Mrs. Booth left amidst a shower of rice and rose-leaves on their tour -through the Blue Mountain district. The bride wore a fashionable -Newmarket walking gown, tailor made, of a light fawn tint, with sunshade -and hat _en suite_. The presents were costly and too numerous to give in -detail. One exception must be made in favour of a wonderful and rare -piece of art, a stirrup-cup in chased gold and enamel, of Viennese -workmanship, a present to the bridal pair from the members of the A.J.C.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI -UP TO DATE AGAIN-DARLINGHURST GAOL - - -AFTER the magisterial decision Bertha was removed to Darlinghurst Gaol. -Her appearance at the Police Court was merely formal, and she was there -committed to take her trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions. Bail was -not allowed, and only the daily visit of Professor Norris broke the -monotony of the following days. - -The best legal talent available had been secured on her behalf, and the -most skilled Sydney detective was employed, and money was used -unsparingly to unravel the mystery in her defence; but no progress had -been made. On the other hand, the prosecution, who were no less busy in -seeking for corroborative evidence, were utterly at fault. Her past -history had been raked up, all her acquaintances interrogated for a clue -that would indicate a secret intrigue on her part, or a previous lapse in -her morals; but her record stood the test well. The chatter of her old -companions in the Golden Bar, when sifted by experts, was found to be -mere slander. - -Detective Dobell began to feel uneasy. It was contrary to all his -experience that a murderess, such as Mrs. Booth appeared to be, should, -up to the commission of the crime, have led a blameless life. He had -taken it for granted that inquiry would have shown the hidden motive for -the deed. Motive there must have been. For no one, not a lunatic, would -commit a crime of this nature without reason. And Dobell felt that the -evidence, though strong, was not strong enough. The robbery at the -office was, to say the least, a curious coincidence, but by no possible -means could he connect Mrs. Booth with it; and that left a loophole for -doubt. She had ample funds also at her own disposal, as was proved by -the bank account that Mr. Booth on his marriage had opened for her. - -Dobell was troubled; he felt his reputation in some sense at stake. He -was at fault, and he had felt so sure. - -The Professor was surprised at the comparative calm with which Bertha -endured her imprisonment. After the first shock, the first horror, her -outward demeanour became quiet, almost confident. It is true her lawyer -had bade her be of good heart, that the evidence, so far as known and -unsupported, was, at best, only one of strong suspicion, and what no jury -would convict on. But prisoners’ lawyers are professedly sanguine, and -the Professor hardly expected such consolation to have so influenced -Bertha’s emotional nature. - -“Is there anything new, Pro?” Bertha inquired one morning, when the -Professor made his usual morning visit. - -“No, my dear; nothing. No clue, no trace can be found. What are these -heaps of letters about that you have been looking at?” - -Bertha had nearly the old smile on her face as she replied— - -“Offers of marriage, Pro! The Golden Bar was bad enough. I used to get -some sort of a proposal at least once a week; but here in Darlinghurst I -am fairly deluged. Every man in the colony seems to want to marry me! -Just look at some of their letters. Some of them don’t even pretend they -think me innocent? I suppose if one of these men should be on the jury -it will be ‘Hang or Marry!’ Really it is horrible! What can they take -me for? One husband hardly cold from a dreadful death, and they insult -me with their infamous propositions. Do you know, Pro, if it was not for -the hope that one of these letters might have some reference to the crime -and the author of it I would not open another.” - -“You are hopeful, then, Bertha?” - -“For myself I am not troubled a bit. I am even surprised at myself. I -seem to be a looker-on, as one looks at a play, and the whole thing a -dream. I pinch myself at times; I cannot be sure I am awake. And then I -have a kind of certainty that in some way the truth will come out. I was -thinking only last night that there is a man who could help us if he -would. Will you go to him?” - -“Who is he?” - -“He is an old friend of poor Alec’s, who was always singing his praises, -and said he could do anything, find out anything if he only liked. You -remember when I was carried off in the cab? Well, Alec went to him, and -he told Alec how to find me. He is the man to help us, I feel certain.” - -“What is his name, and where does he live? I will go at once.” - -“He is called Soft Sam. Very likely that is not his real name, and you -will learn where to find him at the Golden Bar. Get Ruby and Florrie to -ask some of the customers. They will know who, and you will soon find -out.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII -MR. HOBBS AT TEA - - -THOSE who had only seen P.-C. Hobbs in his official uniform would hardly -have recognized the spruce and well-dressed gentleman, as he turned into -the side entrance of his house to tea. - -“My word! What a toff!” was his wife’s greeting. - -But Tom smiled amiably, and produced from his tail-pocket a paper bag -with a quart of his favourite prawns, which he proceeded to empty on to a -plate on the table. - -“Just like your extravagance, I’m sure! However I am going to make ends -meet while you are squandering all your money on that rubbish I don’t -know.” - -“Only sixpence, Bell, and he gave me good measure.” - -“That’s just like you! Only sixpence! But where is the money to come -from, I should like to know? Any one would think we had a fortune by the -way you go on.” - -This was the way Mrs. Hobbs relieved her feelings when her pre-emptive -right to be sole Chancellor of the Exchequer was infringed upon. Tom did -not answer; he was already seated, decapitating in a masterly manner the -pink fish. - -“And where have you been?” continued Mrs. Hobbs, pouring out the tea. -“One would think you had been to see some fancy girl.” - -“And so I have, Bell,” said Tom, as calmly as possible. - -“And you dare to come home and tell me to my face, you vagabond!” - -“Take it easy, old girl! All in the way of business. You know my -inquiries about Israel were a frost, so I determined to-day to try a -fresh line. I would look up Mrs. Booth’s antecedents, and with this -object I called at the Golden Bar, and did a bit of a mash with a barmaid -there they call Ruby.” - -“And you had the impudence to go talking to one of those brazen-faced -painted hussies? I thought better of you, Tom.” - -“In the way of business, my dear, I would talk to anybody. And she’s not -half a bad sort,” said Hobbs provokingly, as his wife sniffed. “She as -good as said she would meet me on Sunday if I would take her out for a -drive.” - -“And I suppose you are going to?” - -“Well, I did think of it; but perhaps it is hardly necessary. She has -told me pretty well all she knows about Mrs. Booth’s history.” - -“And what did that amount to?” - -“If you will listen quietly for a minute I will tell you. Mrs. Booth, -while she was serving at the bar, appears to have been a regular rage -amongst the men that frequent it; she had untold offers of marriage—one -from one of the wealthiest men in Australia, a man they call the -Squatter, the owner of Revolver, the favourite for the Cup. There were -also two young fellows who came together from the Hawkesbury district, -and were both sporting men. One of these young men was Alexander Booth, -her future husband, the other Huey, probably Hubert Gosper. They were -both, so Ruby said, mad after this Miss Summerhayes, and for a long time -that young lady did not show any special preference. But after Alec won -the Cup, and made a small fortune, she married him, which seemed to Ruby -very sensible on her part. - -“But before this marriage two strange incidents occurred which were never -made public in the press or the police courts. The first was the -abduction of Miss Summerhayes from the very door of the Golden Bar one -night at ten o’clock, and her forcible taking away in a hansom cab by a -man with bushy whiskers. He appears to have drugged her with chloroform -to keep her quiet, and taken her to a lonely house at Bondi, for it was -there that Mr. Booth found her the following day, locked up, but -unharmed. Inquiries were made by Mr. Booth, but the culprits were never -traced, and Miss Summerhayes opposed all application to the police. This -affair was generally supposed to have been promoted by the man they call -the Squatter, but it is pretty clear there was no proof of any kind -except that he was fond of the girl, and money was no object to him. - -“The next strange event was connected with Mr. Booth. According to his -statement at the time, he was talking to an apparently drunken sailor on -Circular Quay at half-past eleven one night, and was suddenly bonneted -with a bag over his head that closed with a spring opening, and pushed -over into the water, and he would have been most certainly drowned had he -not fortunately risen to the surface amidst the piles of the quay, and -there held himself up till a boat chanced to pass and come to his -assistance. Booth never found the drunken sailor again. He made a -complaint to the police, but they appear to have thought the whole story -the fabrication of the mind of a man who had drunk too much and had -incautiously fallen in the water.” - -“And how do all these histories help you, Tom?” inquired his wife. - -“In this way. I think I have found my clue at last.” - -“It was about time.” - -Constable Hobbs continued his statement to his wife and his prawn-eating -simultaneously— - -“You will notice that now I have found the jealous lover, the man I have -been looking for all this time. And that was the only motive that seemed -to me sufficient to account for the crime. I have, in fact, found two -lovers; but, in spite of Ruby and the rest, I rule out the man they call -the Squatter. He is wealthy and fond, no doubt; but he is a man well -known, he has been a member of Parliament, and is about as dull and -stupid as he is rich. - -“Now the man I am after must be a smart, clever man, and the second -lover, this Huey Gosper, seems to fill the bill very well. It is quite -likely he was the bushy-whiskered man himself, for no disguise is more -simple than to put a lot of false hair on your face. He may also have -been the drunken sailor. If this crime ever occurred as told by Mr. -Booth, it was no ordinary assault by a waterside thief, for, according to -his statement, he was not robbed. - -“You will notice that these two attempts were so cleverly contrived that, -although they failed, their author was never discovered. There was -originality of invention in both attempts, and does not this crime on the -North Shore look to be in the same handwriting, to have originated in the -same mind, to have been executed by the same hand?” - -“You have found it out at last!” cried Mrs. Hobbs, with enthusiasm. - -“On the contrary, Bell, I have found out nothing. So far, I only -suppose. And Suppose never hanged a man yet; or, at least, he should not -have done so. What I have done is to find a man and a motive. Here is a -man who, in the hearing of several, had sworn to marry the girl, and who, -if he was the author of the undiscovered crimes I have told you of, was -quite capable of the third. - -“But I am still in the dark as to how he could have committed it. -Anyhow, it is the first hopeful sign I have got for days of labour, and -on the strength of it, Bell, I bought the prawns. I must pat myself on -the back sometimes.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII -SOFT SAM - - -PROFESSOR NORRIS had not long to wait in the Golden Bar before an -_habitué_ was found who gave him directions how to find Soft Sam. - -“You go in the Domain—now’s just about his time—and on a seat near the -cricket-ground you will find a white-haired old man acting the goat with -a lot of kids. That’s him.” - -The directions impressed the Professor as somewhat singular, but such as -they were he followed them, and, sure enough, he found just the group -that had been described. He paused in astonishment for a few minutes to -watch the old gentleman, who was apparently instructing two juveniles in -knickerbockers the preliminaries in the noble art of self-defence. - -“That is surprising,” said the Professor to himself, “the finest bump of -benevolence I ever saw and teaching boys to fight!” - -“I have come,” said the Professor, introducing himself, “on behalf of -Mrs. Booth, the widow of a late friend of yours. She wishes you to help -her in her present difficulty, that you have no doubt heard of.” - -“Oh, yes, I heard about it,” nodded Sam. - -“She wishes you to help her discover the author of the crime.” - -“Then she has sent to the wrong party. As pretty a job as ever I heard -of! A real artist that man, whoever he was; and I’m not the one to give -him away. Not me! Go to the detectives, the men who are paid for that -kind of work.” - -“I should have told you that with Mrs. Booth money is simply no object in -this case. She would willingly give a thousand pounds to have the truth -discovered. Why, she’s committed for trial for the crime herself!” - -“I don’t want her money—a great deal of good may it do her, or any one -else! If I help her it will be to get her out of a mess, not to get -somebody else in.” - -“Do as you will; only, if you can, come to the help of the poor girl. -She says that her late husband always used to speak of your ability in -the most enthusiastic way.” - -“And it’s a pity for him he had not thought well enough of it to follow -my advice, and he would be alive and well at this moment. I told him -time after time that running after this woman would bring him no luck; -but, like all the young ’uns, he would not listen—would have his own way, -go his own road, and now all my trouble on him is thrown away. It’s -enough to make a man disgusted with human nature. In a couple of years I -would have made him king of the Australian turf. - -“I made him what he was—out of mud, as you may say—but he must go like -all the rest. Thought he was clever enough to hold his own bat. Now, as -to this affair, tell me all you know about it first. But wait a minute, -have you got sixpence on you?” said Soft Sam, after vainly searching all -his pockets. - -The Professor quickly produced a shilling, which Soft Sam, handing to one -of the children who still hung about, said— - -“Now, the first of you that gets to the gate is to spend it.” - -With a shout and a scuffle the whole mob disappeared. - -The Professor then related at length all the particulars of the crime -known to him. - -“And on the strength of that evidence,” said the old man, when Mr. Norris -had finished, “they arrested Mrs. Booth—the Queen of Sydney they used to -call her at the bar. The dunderheads! Why, I would not trust them to -catch a rat for me. You say the room of the crime remains untouched, -just as it was? Let us go over and see it.” - -An hour later, under the guidance of Police-Constable Hobbs, who had the -key and charge of the room, the two gentlemen entered the home of Mrs. -Delfosse. - -Mr. Hobbs eyed the newcomer curiously. Who was he, and why had he come -under the guidance of the Professor? Perhaps some expert detective -brought from Melbourne or one of the other colonies. - -To a casual observer, Soft Sam would have seemed to pass into the house, -up the stairs, and into the fatal room without so much as a glance about -him. But Mr. Hobbs was not deceived in this way. He noted the quick -eyes of the old man, saw, examined, took in everything. Only a moment he -paused at the door of the room, and then passed in as though it was of no -further interest. This surprised the policeman, who had examined and -wondered at that door for hours as the seat of the hidden mystery. - -The old man crossed to the fire-place, gave a pressure with his hand to -the register grate, then stepped to the window, looked out, glanced at -the catch, and said almost impulsively— - -“It’s as plain as kiss your hand.” - -“What is?” interjected P.-C. Hobbs imprudently. - -“That the police force are a lot of mokes,” continued the old man, -turning about; and in another tone, “We may as well go back, Professor.” - -“What, already? You have hardly seen the place!” - -“I’ve seen enough. Come along!” - -Soft Sam would say no more till they were out of the house and seated in -the ferry, on the way to Sydney. - -“You say the bedstead has not been shifted?” - -“No; nothing has been moved.” - -“Then your mystery is so simple, a child could see through it! Any one -but a regular detective or a duffer should be able to find it out in five -minutes. He was only a clever amateur after all who did the job.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Why, he has left his track.” - -“Then how was it done?” - -“That I do not feel at liberty to tell you—at least, just yet. I must -see Mrs. Booth and have an understanding with her. She is a girl of -sense, as far as girls go. For, mind you, as I said at first, I am not -going to be dragged in to give evidence in any police-court proceedings. -None of their tomfoolery for me! If I tell Mrs. Booth how she can clear -herself, I expect her only to act when, and as I tell her.” - - * * * * * - -At Darlinghurst Soft Sam expressed the wish to speak privately with -Bertha, and the Professor had to wait impatiently till the interview was -over. - -Coming out, Soft Sam only nodded to him on his way to the gate, and any -one who had noted the old man’s face as he walked down Oxford Street -would have seen his usual serene smile was gone—he was troubled. - -Crossing Hyde Park he hailed a man on an adjoining footway. - -“Heigh, there, Huey!” - -Huey Gosper, for that was the gentleman called, seeing who it was -addressed him, came forward at once over the turf. - -“Is it a fiver you want, Sam?” he said, putting his hand to his pocket, -and remembering the old gentleman’s peculiar way. - -“No, boy; I wish that was all the trouble. The fact is, I was just going -to hunt you up. I have something of importance to tell you. Now, mind -this, don’t laugh, and think it’s not serious.” - -“Well, what’s the matter?” said Huey, easily. - -“The matter, my boy, is this—that the climate of Sydney for the next year -or two is likely to be very unhealthy for you. You have got a complaint -that nothing can cure but the air of South America, and the medicine must -be taken at once.” - -“But what are you driving at, Sam?” said Huey, turning pale. “Yours is a -big order.” - -“Now, don’t act the goat with me, Huey. You have always found me your -friend, and if you have made a mess it’s because you would not take my -advice. And when I tell you that after breathing the air of North Shore -at three in the morning, it is necessary for your health to try -Valparaiso, you should understand I mean what I say.” - -And, saying no more, the old man moved on, gloomy and thoughtful. - -“Both of them mugs! All the world are mugs. I am a fool to try and -train any of them,” he said to himself. - -When the Professor entered Bertha’s cell after her interview with Soft -Sam he found her quite radiant. - -“I know all about it now, Pro; or rather, I know how it was done; for Sam -will not tell me who it was, though I believe he knows.” - -“And how was it done? I am just dying to know!” - -“You must wait a little bit yet, Pro. Sam made me swear not to tell a -soul till he gave me leave, or he would have told me nothing. So, of -course, I must keep my word. But be assured, Professor, my troubles now -are nearly over. In a few days at most I go out a free woman. Did I not -tell you that Soft Sam was a clever old man?” - -“Clever at villainy, it seems, Bertha! All the same, we must be thankful -to him.” - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX -HOW MASTER HOBBS GOT HIS BALL FROM A NEIGHBOUR’S YARD - - -WHEN Constable Hobbs had seen his visitors safely out of the house he -returned to the room of the crime full of thought. - -It was apparent to him that this strange old man had read the secret and -method of the murder at a glance. Not two minutes had he been in the -room, and the tone of his involuntary exclamation announced that he had -solved the riddle. - -How had he done it? What magic was there in this old man’s vision that -was lacking in his own? He had marked in his mind every movement, every -glance of Soft Sam—the door that had hardly arrested his slow walk into -the room, the fire-place he had only touched, and finally, the window -where the exclamation had taken place. - -What was there so noticeable about the window to excite the old man? He -went towards it, and looked it over carefully. Four squares of glass, -two in each sash, secured by a common window-fastener, that was now -closed, as Police-Constable Hobbs had always seen it. - -He opened the window, and scrutinized it carefully. - -What were these two small lines that cut the paint of the lower bar of -the upper sash, immediately under the fastener? - -He looked at them carefully. At the edges the cuts were deeper. They -were such marks as are seen on the tops of corks of lemonade bottles. -And the marks were recent. - -“That’s it!” cried Hobbs, joyfully. “That’s what he saw! What a fool I -was never to have opened the window! They are hardly to be seen when it -is closed.” - -But his triumph was only for a moment. These marks may have explained -everything to the old man; they were so far silent to Constable Hobbs. -He had, however, found a clue, and he started to think to put this and -that together. - -The window had, so far, never entered his calculations; there were so -many objections to be overcome in that direction. Nevertheless, putting -them aside, he devoted all his thought to the window and its lock. -Drawing out his pocket-knife, he found it was an easy job to press back -the little brass bar when it was open. He remembered doing the same -trick as a boy, when he happened to be locked out of his own home. But -with the knife he found it quite impossible to shut the lock again from -the outside. - -Descending to the kitchen of the house he procured a piece of very fine -wire, and, having borrowed a ladder, mounted to the window from the -outside. He had previously again closed the window. He now readily -opened it as before, with his knife pushed up between the junction of the -two sashes and pressed sideways. Raising the lower sash and bending his -wire in the form of a loop, he was able with a little dexterity to pass -it over the knob of the catch; holding the two ends of the wire in one -hand he drew down the lower sash, and then by a sideway pull easily -pulled the little brass bar out again. - -The window was shut and locked. He had only to loosen one end of the -wire to withdraw the whole and place it in his pocket. - -Descending the ladder and mounting to the room, he again opened the -window and examined the two marks. Yes, there could be no doubt on the -matter. The two marks were deeper and plainer than ever. His own wire -had fitted the grooves left by a previous one. - -He felt happy and proud of himself. At any rate, he had beaten the -much-vaunted Dobell so far. So pleased was he at that moment, that if -some peripatetic hawker had at that time cried out “prawns” for sale in -the street, he would have lavishly treated himself to a pint, in spite of -Bell and all her lessons in domestic economy. - -But this rash ardour soon cooled, and no demand was made on his tendency -to extravagance. He was not out of the wood yet, not by a long way, he -told himself, as he surveyed the iron bars and the thirty feet fall to -the ground. - -“Supposing a man got to the window, how could he get through?” - -He tried each iron bar. They were all solidly soldered into the stone -window-sill. Look at them as he would, they baffled him. Even a child -could not squeeze through. And then again, a ladder must have been used -to mount to the window. The one he had just used himself he had borrowed -from a painter who was at work on a house close by. But he remembered -that the morning after the murder, with the possible idea in his mind -that the murderer had got into the room from the chimney, he had searched -the neighbourhood for some distance round, and had found no -privately-owned ladder long enough, and no painters using ladders. It -was a common burglar’s trick to enter houses this way, so he had looked, -and carefully looked, but he had found no sign of ladder, or even marks -of where a ladder must have stood if it had been used. - -His mind was in a turmoil. He thought and thought, but could see no way -out. At last, in despair, he went home to tea, and relieved his mind by -telling his discovery and his troubles to his wife. He had another -matter on his mind that worried him also. At the Golden Bar, which he -had visited more than once, he had had pointed out to him the person of -Huey Gosper, and the man’s aspect had struck him as familiar, but for the -life of him he could not bring to mind in what way or under what -conditions he had seen him before. - -Mrs. Hobbs was rejoiced at her husband’s news. - -“Didn’t I say so, Tom, you would find it out? I always had my doubts -about that window, though you were so positive! Why did you not look -before?” - -“Why indeed!” echoed Tom. “Why don’t we do fifty things that are plain -enough to us after we have lost the opportunity?” - -“And you can’t understand how the murderer got through the iron bars on -the window?” - -“No, that’s what puzzles me most of all.” - -“Perhaps he did not get through at all.” - -“Don’t be a fool, Bell!” - -“Drat that boy!” interjected Mrs. Hobbs. “He has got a new ball, and -won’t come in to his tea. Here, Harry! Come here!” - -But Harry did not answer, and did not come. So his mother went to the -back door to call him. But she did not call him, but paused in a kind of -wonderment on the doorstep. Presently she shouted— - -“Come here, Tom!” - -Languidly, and with true official deliberation, Mr. Hobbs came to her -side. - -“Well, what’s the matter, Bell?” - -“Look at that boy, Tom. His ball has fallen in the next yard. He cannot -squeeze through the fence or climb over it, but he is getting the ball -all the same.” - -“So I see. He has got your clothes-prop through the palings and is -dragging the ball towards him. That’s nothing. I used to steal apples -that way when I was a boy.” - -“But does not that explain what you were talking about?” - -“What! You think the murder might have been committed with a -clothes-prop?” - -“No, I don’t say anything of the kind. But it might have been somehow in -the same way.” - -“Bell, you’re mad! Wash up the tea-things, that’s more in your line. -I’ll have a smoke.” - -Hobbs sat and puffed the blue clouds, and so deep was he lost in thought -that his lips puffed mechanically long after his pipe had gone out. - -This idea of Bell’s was filtering into his mind. At first regarding it -as absurd, he gradually came to think it possible, then probable; -finally, he was morally certain there was a basis of truth in it. But -not a word of his revulsion of feeling did he let fall to Mrs. Hobbs. In -fact, he was quite convinced from that time forth that the idea was all -his own. - -“Burning! Burning!” he said to himself, with reference to an old game of -hide-and-seek that he was wont to play in his boyhood, this being the cry -of the fellow players when the seeker was near the object sought. - -Burning! Burning! He felt he was touching the key to the mystery at -last. - -An hour might have passed, when he jumped up with a loud exclamation— - -“I remember! I remember!” - -“What do you remember?” inquired Mrs. Hobbs, coming in hurriedly from the -kitchen. - -“I remember where I have seen this Huey Gosper before! He is the man I -saw on the night of the murder, chased in the scrub, and followed down -Lavender Bay steps to the boat! That’s the man! I will swear to him!” - -“Will you arrest him?” - -“I will apply for a warrant to-morrow! There is no hurry. He thinks -himself quite safe!” - - - - -CHAPTER XXX -THE ‘SOUTHERN CROSS’ - - -WHEN Soft Sam left him in Hyde Park, Huey Gosper stood for a time stock -still, as still and moveless as the monument of Captain Cook close at -hand. - -What should he do? Give up all, and fly like a child in a moment of -panic? Was it not the action of a fool? And his plans so well laid, -too! He was certain nothing could be traced to him. Had he not worked a -lone hand—no accomplice to split on him? No; he would stop and brave it -out. And then he should lose Bertha! Was life worth having without her -after he had risked so much for her sake? Yes, he would stop. - -But then, again, Soft Sam had always been right—right even when he (Huey) -had felt most confident. Was he not right over the Sydney Cup? Had he -not said that of The Vengeance and Bertha, Bertha was a trifle the better -horse? And had not Sam made Alec’s fortune for him, and would he not -have made one equally as good for himself—he, Huey Gosper, if he had only -followed the old man’s advice? - -And now it was no question of money. It was liberty, life, that was at -stake, and Soft Sam said go. Clearly the old man knew all; what was -there he did not know? And perhaps he knew that others knew, or -suspected, and so his warnings. It was good of the old chap, but just -like him. Yes, he had better go. When the old man gave the word it was -no time to linger. He had said “At once.” He would stand not on the -order of his going, but go. - -Hurriedly Huey walked to his lodgings, and packed up his most portable -valuables in a small hand-bag. His money he put in a belt round his -waist. Most of his money was, to his regret, in New South Wales -bank-notes. What would be the good of them in a foreign country? He -went down to the wharves and shipping offices, and inquired as carelessly -as possible what ships were starting. - -There was no boat going from Sydney to South America, but one would leave -in about a week from Newcastle. There was a ship out in the stream that -would sail that night for Batavia, and a schooner the following day for -the South Sea Islands. - -Huey did not half care for going to the Dutch Colony; the South Seas -seemed to him a more inviting spot. Amidst those thousands of islands it -would surely not be difficult for him to hide his trail, as good, or -perhaps better, than South America. - -He decided on the schooner, which he found was called the _Southern -Cross_. This would also give him time in the morning to change his notes -into gold. - - * * * * * - -Together with another officer, and armed with a warrant, Constable Hobbs -proceeded the following morning to the residence of Huey Gosper, but he -was not at home, had not slept there that night, the landlady said. -Nevertheless, Hobbs entered his room, which was all turned over and -littered about. There was every outward sign of a hasty -departure—clothing, books, and toilet articles littered about in a -disorder not even to be excused in a bachelor’s department. - -“The bird has flown?” muttered Hobbs. “Just my luck!” - -Hastily they proceeded to overhaul the various articles left behind. A -small portmanteau attracted the constable’s attention, and on opening it, -was found to contain a bundle of fine rope, which, being unfolded, -revealed itself as a rope ladder with two claw hooks at one end. - -“That’s the trick, was it?” said Mr. Hobbs, contemplatively; “but how the -dickens did he fix it? Those hooks would hang nicely on the iron bars of -the window, but how did he get them there, and getting them there, take -them down?” - -The answer was not long in coming. In the corner of the room stood, what -looked like a Malacca walking-cane. On careful examination it was found -to be an article that is sold at Japanese stores as a telescope -fishing-rod. The last, or weakest, joint had been removed, and two -implements were found in the pocket of an old coat hanging on the door -that fitted in the hole intended for the last joint. One was simply a -T-shaped piece of iron, with its upper points bent upwards. This Hobbs -saw in a moment would readily hook on and unhook the ladder. - -The other tool was not so simple—a lump of lead, weighing perhaps four or -five pounds. It also had a staple to fit the rod top. It was in shape -oblong and round, and in the centre of its smallest end was a -diamond-shaped opening, big enough for a pea to drop in. With a long -needle Hobbs measured the depth of this opening; it was four inches. To -Constable Hobbs it stood revealed as a leaden handle without a blade. - -“Here,” said he, speaking unintelligibly to his companion, “is my boy’s -clothes-prop. With a narrow knife fixed in such a weapon, one could, -with a little practice, easily stab a man ten feet away, particularly if -that man was asleep. But it would be far more difficult to withdraw the -blade; the weight of the lead from a good drop would drive it in, but -there would be little power to withdraw it. - -“So the blade fitted the handle loosely, and came away when it had done -its work. - -“All that is clear to me now—this that the old man saw with a single -glance of his eye from a scratch in the paint! We have the evidence. -Now for the man! Fortunately you cannot leave Australia by express -train, and if he is ashore I will have him.” - -Constable Hobbs’s first care was to go to the quays and shipping offices. -Here he learned that a ship had sailed the previous evening for Batavia, -besides several inter-colonial steamers. - -“If he has had a good scare, as he seems to have had, he will try to go -as far off as possible, likely enough he is on his way to the East Indies -in the ship that sailed last night.” - -And Hobbs felt his spirits sink with disappointment. To have got so far -and to be beaten in the last step of his progress was humiliating, -disgusting. He gained a little more hope, when he was told at the office -that the Batavia ship had taken no passengers. If Gosper had gone by her -it must have been as a stowaway. - -Hobbs did not think this probable. A man with a pocketful of money would -hardly resort to such means of escape. - -At the last moment he learned, in answer to a chance inquiry, that a -schooner had cleared that morning for the South Sea Islands, but they -could not say if she had sailed. - -Full of a fresh-born hope, Hobbs went to the telegraph office and wired -the signalling office at South Head— - -“Has schooner _Southern Cross_ passed outwards?” - -In a few minutes answer came—“Southern Cross anchored in Watson’s Bay, -awaiting change in wind.” - - * * * * * - -Half-an-hour later Hobbs, on board the police steam launch, was -proceeding rapidly down the harbour. - -Would they never get there? The launch seemed to him to crawl. Past -Cremorne, past Bradley’s Head, past the islands that dotted the blue lake -with their olive-green foliage and ruddy sandstone rocks, past Rose Bay -with its long-stretched fringe of silver sand, and then out into full -view of Watson’s Bay, nestled in snug security under the mighty cliffs of -South Head. - -Yes? The _Southern Cross_ was still at anchor, resting like a lifeless -thing upon the water. A pair of anxious eyes watched the approach of the -launch from its deck. And, as the little steamer curved round and drew -alongside, and a policeman from its bows hastily climbed on to the deck -of the schooner, a loud splash was heard on the further side of the boat. - -Hobbs was just in time to see the man he wanted disappear with a dive off -the bulwarks. Without a moment’s hesitation he doffed his coat and -helmet, and with a rush and a spring he too was in the water. - -The constable quickly came to the surface, but the watchers on the -schooner could see no sign of Huey Gosper. Twenty pair of eyes at least -scanned the surface of the sea in every direction, but no re-appearance -was visible. Hobbs vainly called for directions; a lowered boat vainly -rowed to and fro. No sign of the man but his floating hat was to be -found. - -That he had dived a quarter of a mile to the shore and climbed up the -rocks unperceived was hardly credible. - -Hobbs felt sure he was not far off. Perhaps in diving he had struck a -rock and got stunned. Even then he should have floated. - -With the courage of despair, Hobbs dived and dived again where Huey had -disappeared. With the skill of a pearl diver he felt over the bottom, or -as near the bottom as he could reach. Finally he came to the surface -panting, waving his hand for help. - -The boat came, and strong arms soon lifted on to the schooner’s deck the -senseless form of Hubert Gosper. Striking a rock appeared to have -stunned him, and a heavy belt of gold around his waist kept him from -floating. - -“Just my luck!” cried Hobbs, with a melancholy growl, as he shook the -water off himself like a shaggy Newfoundland dog. “Just my luck!” - -“But you’ve got him after all,” said his companion. - -“Got him!” replied Hobbs sarcastically. “What’s the good of a dead -criminal to a live policeman?” - - * * * * * - -The following day Bertha left Darlinghurst triumphantly on the arm of -Professor Norris, who had come to meet her. The Crown abandoned her -prosecution, and Soft Sam, having removed the embargo on his revelations, -Bertha was free to relate those particulars of the crime that had so far -remained a mystery. - -“Soft Sam saw how it was done at once, Pro,” Bertha said. “After getting -to the window and killing my husband in the way Hobbs suggested, he must -have hooked Alec’s trousers off the chair where he had left them, taken -the key out of the pocket, got an impression in wax, replaced the -trousers, closed the window, gone home, filed out a duplicate key, and -then robbed the office safe. Who would ever have thought it of him? He -was passionate, I know, and dreadfully jealous. Do you remember the -wonderful character you gave him, Pro, when you examined his head at -Windsor?” - -“And I stick to my character even now,” said the Professor. “A great -criminal or a great man! What is the difference? The circumstances of -his environment, an accident of life, a disappointed love, or a baulked -ambition. We have all the potential power for the greatest good or the -greatest evil if circumstances so will it, and the greater the brain the -greater the power. The Demon of Avarice destroyed Hubert Gosper as -surely as it is destroying thousands of hopeful lives every day. It -first demoralized, then brutalized him. But he paid the penalty, as -every one must inevitably pay. - -“You cannot rob your brother of silver without at the same time robbing -your own mind of gold. There is no usury like it. Thou shalt not steal -from yourself your honour, your self-respect, your love of your -fellow-man; for in that moment the light of true guidance shall go from -you, and all shall be darkness.” - -“Pro, you ought to have been a parson, with a beautiful long black coat, -a white fence round your neck, and a shovel hat. Then I could have come -and ‘sat under’ you—that is what they call it, I think—and made slippers -and smoking-caps for you.” - -“The truth cannot be sold, my dear, or dispensed day by day like -butcher’s meat. They who hawk salvation for pay are bartering their own -souls. But let that pass. Now you are free, what are you going to do -for Police-Constable Hobbs? I hear he is to be promoted to sergeant.” - -“I will give him five hundred pounds to buy a house of his own. Do you -think that will do?” - -“I thought you would do no less, my dear. Mr. Hobbs, when he hears it, -will be the happiest man in the police force.” - - * * * * * - -Twelve months later Bertha startled the Professor by a resolution she -seemed suddenly to have arrived at. - -“I have been thinking, Pro.” - -“What about, my dear? A new bonnet?” - -“Now don’t be a quiz! It’s not in your line, as the theatrical people -say. You are more suited for the ‘heavy’ business. I have decided to go -to Paris. You know how I love to get you to talk about that place. And -now I mean to see it for myself. I have heaps of money, which, as you -will not help me to spend it, I must try and do myself.” - -“And are you going alone?” - -“That depends. I had thought”—looking slyly at the Professor—“that you -might like the trip yourself.” - -“Then I must marry you,” replied the Professor. - -“Would that be so very dreadful?” - -“You know I am yours, Bertha, to do what you will with. That which a man -may do with honour for the woman he loves, that will I do for you now and -ever more.” - - * * * * * - -Amongst its departing list of passengers by the following Messageries -Maritime mail steamer _Marseilles_, _en route_ for Paris, the _Evening -Times_ announced the names of Professor and Mrs. Norris. - - * * * * * - - THE END - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NORTH SHORE MYSTERY*** - - -******* This file should be named 67735-0.txt or 67735-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/7/7/3/67735 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - - - -Title: The North Shore Mystery - - -Author: Henry Fletcher - - - -Release Date: March 29, 2022 [eBook #67735] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NORTH SHORE MYSTERY*** -</pre> -<p>This etext was transcribed by Les Bowler</p> -<p style="text-align: center"> -<a href="images/cover.jpg"> -<img alt= -"Graphic cover" -title= -"Graphic cover" - src="images/cover.jpg" /> -</a></p> -<h1>THE NORTH SHORE<br /> -MYSTERY</h1> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="GutSmall">BY</span><br -/> -HENRY FLETCHER</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center"><span -class="GutSmall">LONDON</span><br /> -SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO., LIMITED<br /> -PATERNOSTER SQUARE</p> -<p style="text-align: center">1899</p> -<h2><a name="pagev"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -v</span>CONTENTS</h2> -<table> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p><span -class="GutSmall">CHAP.</span></p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'></td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="GutSmall">PAGE</span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">I.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE CRIME</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page1">1</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">II.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE MISFORTUNES OF A B.A. -OF LONDON UNIVERSITY</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page8">8</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">III.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>MRS. HOBBS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page13">13</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">IV.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE BOARDING-HOUSE AND -BOARDERS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page18">18</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">V.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>CONSTABLE HOBBS -DISTINGUISHES HIMSELF</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page32">32</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">VI.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>MRS. BOOTH COMMITTED FOR -TRIAL</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page46">46</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">VII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>LOOKING -BACKWARD-WINDSOR</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page64">64</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">VIII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE TWO LOVERS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page71">71</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">IX.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>HUEY AND ALEC</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page80">80</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">X.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE GOLDEN BAR</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page92">92</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XI.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>HOW TO START IN -BUSINESS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page97">97</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>ALEC AND HUEY START -BUSINESS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page106">106</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XIII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE HAWKESBURY HANDICAP</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page116">116</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XIV.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE TRIAL</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page124">124</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XV.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE PARRAMATTA RIVER</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page134">134</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XVI.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE WEIGHTS FOR THE SYDNEY -CUP</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page141">141</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XVII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE RELIGIOUS JOCKEY</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page147">147</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><a name="pagevi"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -vi</span>XVIII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE NIGHT BEFORE THE -RACE</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page156">156</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XIX.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE SYDNEY CUP</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page166">166</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XX.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>A PROPOSAL</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page173">173</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXI.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE ABDUCTION</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page180">180</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>IN THE GARDENS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page197">197</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXIII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE LOVERS</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page205">205</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXIV.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE CONSPIRACY</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page213">213</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXV.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE HEART UNION</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page225">225</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXVI.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>UP TO DATE -AGAIN-DARLINGHURST GAOL</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page231">231</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXVII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>MR. HOBBS AT TEA</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page236">236</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXVIII.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>SOFT SAM</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page243">243</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXIX.</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>HOW MASTER HOBBS GOT HIS -BALL FROM A NEIGHBOUR’S YARD</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page251">251</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right">XXX</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p>THE ‘SOUTHERN -CROSS’</p> -</td> -<td style='vertical-align: middle'><p style="text-align: -right"><span class="indexpageno"><a -href="#page259">259</a></span></p> -</td> -</tr> -</table> -<h2><a name="page1"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 1</span>CHAPTER -I<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE CRIME</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">On</span> August 15, 188–, the -public of Sydney were aroused to unusual excitement by the -following announcement in the Evening Times of that -date—</p> -<h3>“A NORTH SHORE MYSTERY.</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">CRIME OR SUICIDE?</p> -<p style="text-align: center">SUDDEN AND UNEXPLAINED DEATH OF -A<br /> -WELL-KNOWN SPORTSMAN.<br /> -STABBED TO DEATH IN HIS BED.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">HOW WAS IT DONE?</p> -<p>“The usual quiet of North Shore was this morning rudely -dispelled by the alarming rumour <a name="page2"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 2</span>that a crime of an unusual kind had -been committed in the house of Mrs. Delfosse, Lavender Bay.</p> -<p>“An inquiry proved the report only too well founded.</p> -<p>“Mrs. Delfosse, it may be stated, is a widow lady of the -highest respectability, who keeps a boarding establishment of the -better kind in a stylish mansion near the Lavender Bay -steps. Amongst her boarders was, till this morning, the -well-known sportsman, Alexander Booth, more widely known under -his <i>nom de guerre</i> as ‘Newmarket.’</p> -<p>“Mr. Booth was married, and shared with his wife a -spacious bedroom on the second floor, the window of which has a -fine harbour view. At seven o’clock this morning the -other inmates of the house were aroused and startled by a -succession of loud shrieks coming from this chamber. In -haste they rushed to the landing, but in response to calls and -knocking on the door there was no reply. The room was as -quiet as the grave.</p> -<p>“The door was locked on the inside. It was decided -without hesitation to burst it open. This being done, the -spectators were horrified to find the senseless form of Mrs. -Booth stretched on the floor, and in the bed itself the lifeless -corpse of <a name="page3"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -3</span>Mr. Booth. Further examination showed the death of -this gentleman to be no natural event. The body was resting -on the chest and arms, and between the shoulder-blades was buried -what appears to be a thin knife or dagger. The doctor and -police were immediately sent for, and Mrs. Booth removed to -another room. Here after a time she recovered from what -proved to be a swoon, but it was only to return again very -quickly to the same state. At the time of writing she is -somewhat recovered.</p> -<h3>“MRS. BOOTH’S STATEMENT.</h3> -<p>“Her statement of the event is very brief, and only adds -to the strange surroundings of the case—Her husband and -herself retired to rest on the Sunday night at their usual hour, -she herself locking and bolting the door, as was her -custom. She slept well, and was only awakened by a feeling -of coldness close to her; she turned and looked at her husband, -he was stiff and rigid, the features a waxen pallor and the eyes -wide open, staring at her with a frightful horror in them. -She sprang from the bed, she screamed, she screamed again; she -remembers no more.</p> -<h3><a name="page4"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -4</span>“THE SCENE OF THE CRIME.</h3> -<p>“Sergeant Burrel was quickly on the scene, and made a -careful inspection of the premises and the room itself. It -did not require the opinions of a medical expert to convince the -ordinary layman that death in this case was not -self-inflicted. Apart from the absence of any motive for -self-destruction, the blow was such as no man could possibly give -to himself.</p> -<p>“The room, as has been stated, is on the second floor, -and its one window is protected by upright iron bars five inches -apart, indicating that some former tenant had used it as a -nursery. There is only the one door to the room, and the -chimney, which was carefully inspected, would not allow a passage -through its registered grate to an animal larger than a -cat. The window itself was found to be shut and fastened -inside by the ordinary catch.</p> -<p>“The police are very reticent, but so far no arrest has -been made. The inquest will be held to-morrow, when the -medical evidence and more details may be disclosed. In the -meantime the house is surrounded by crowds of the curious, -particularly in the right-of-way in the rear of the <a -name="page5"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 5</span>premises, from -which the window of the room can be seen.</p> -<p>“Great sympathy was expressed at Tattersall’s this -morning by Mr. Booth’s fellow metallicians on the news of -the sad event reaching the club. No member of the -fraternity was more highly respected than the late Alexander -Booth, and his death will be a great loss to Sydney -sportsmen.”</p> -<h3>“ANOTHER CRIME.</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">THE MYSTERY DEEPENS.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">THE CITY OFFICE OF ALEXANDER -BOOTH<br /> -BROKEN OPEN AND ROBBED.</p> -<p>“Before going to press news reaches us that the mystery -surrounding the sudden death of Alexander Booth is heightened by -the statement of his clerk, David Israel, that on going to the -office at the usual hour this morning he found the door ajar, and -on further examination in the office, the safe itself open, and -bare of all contents, save the books of the firm. He states -that his first impression was that his master had arrived before -him, and had opened the premises and safe, and was probably -somewhere near at hand; but as minutes passed by and no one -appeared, he became alarmed. He then locked the place <a -name="page6"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 6</span>up, and went at -once to his master’s private residence, Lavender Bay, only -to learn the sad details of his sudden death.</p> -<p>“An important statement made by this witness is that -only Mr. Booth had a key to his office safe, which he securely -locked on Saturday afternoon. As the safe does not appear -to have been tampered with in any way, its unlocking adds to the -strange peculiarities surrounding this case.</p> -<p>“David Israel does not know the exact amount of money -missing, but estimates it at two or three hundred pounds -only. ‘If,’ said he, ‘this had occurred a -month ago, the loss would have been very different, as up to that -time Mr. Booth made no secret of the fact that he had a large -amount—thirty or forty thousand pounds—in securities, -locked up in what he considered a burglar and fireproof -safe. But the late notorious robberies in the city seemed -to have weakened his confidence, for only three weeks ago he -transferred the whole of his valuables to the safe keeping of the -Bank of New South Wales.’”</p> -<p>The extra special edition of the <i>Evening Times</i> of the -same date had the following additional item—</p> -<p>“On learning the details of the office robbery we at -once dispatched a reporter to the scene of <a -name="page7"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 7</span>the crime in -Lavender Bay. It will be noted that, according to the -statement of David Israel, there was only one key to the city -safe, and that was in the possession of his master. If this -key was missing, then a motive for what may now be safely called -a crime is forthcoming.</p> -<p>“The police authorities had already made a careful -inventory of the dead man’s personal effects, and amongst -these, taken from the trousers pocket, was a small flat key, said -by Mrs. Booth to be, without doubt, that of her husband’s -safe.</p> -<p>“So far as the public is concerned, this safety of the -key, the abstraction of which was so naturally anticipated by our -reporter, makes the mystery still deeper, and banishes what would -at first appear to be the motive for at least part of the crime, -and the connecting link between the murder on North Shore and the -robbery in town.</p> -<p>“Despite the reticence of the police, it is plain to all -that they are as puzzled as the public in general to form an -acceptable theory as to how the crime was committed.”</p> -<h2><a name="page8"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 8</span>CHAPTER -II<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE MISFORTUNES OF A B.A. OF LONDON -UNIVERSITY</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was Sunday night, or rather in -the early darkness of the small hours of Monday morning, that -Police-Constable Hobbs wended his slow and deliberate way down -the vista of Walker Street. Why the force are trained to -step with a measured tread, which proclaims their personality -minutes before their arrival, is one of those questions only to -be answered by the benevolent supposition that Authority is -anxious to warn Criminality that it is coming!</p> -<p>The constable had a dejected air, he put no energy into the -trying of doors and windows, and even the sight of a drunk going -by short tacks up Junction Street did not restore his -animation.</p> -<p>“Never get a chance!” he muttered to himself; -“never get a chance. In the force three years and -only a common constable and a B.A. of <a name="page9"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 9</span>London University, too! -What’s the use of education, anyway? Now, if I was -only ignorant enough I might be a Member of Parliament, or -perhaps a Minister of the Crown. But to spend years of time -and bags of money to end as a policeman is enough to make a man -sick. If I was only a sergeant now it would not be so -bad. But on the Shore ability has no show, never a burglary -worth speaking of, and as for a good murder such a thing is -unheard of. I really don’t know what possesses the -people. If it was not for a few old reliable drunks that I -can always run in in case of need, I should have got the sack for -incompetency long ago. Over in Sydney, how different! -Hardly a night but some chap has a turn, and not a paltry drunk -with nothing in his pockets either.”</p> -<p>By this time the speaker had arrived at the top of that long -flight of steps that runs down the steep hill at the foot of -Walker Street to the wharf at Lavender Bay. Here he paused -a while, and his talk to himself took a new turn.</p> -<p>“Shall I or shan’t I have a smoke? It is an -hour before I have to meet the Sergeant. Shall I waste it -in a profitless round of deserted streets and lanes, or have a -quiet whiff in the bushes there? I will put the motion to -the meeting, <a name="page10"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -10</span>as our chairman used to say. Decidedly I think the -‘ayes’ have it. Then here’s for a -smoke.”</p> -<p>Saying this he drew a short black pipe from some hidden -pocket, charged it with tobacco, and descending the steps a short -distance, turned into the bushes on his left. He was just -about to strike a light when the figure of a man started up -before him and rushed forward.</p> -<p>Without hesitation the policeman took up the chase thus -offered. It was too dark to see very clearly, but the -fugitive appeared to be a young active man carrying a bag. -Now such a character does not go tearing around a quiet suburb -like North Shore at four o’clock in the morning with an -honest motive. So at least thought P.-C. Hobbs, and -he shouted “Stop!” and went at his best handicap -speed to overtake the fugitive. But this person, far from -stopping or losing in the race, had now turned some corner of -stone or bush, and when the constable came out in the open ground -beyond the bushes he found his prey had fled.</p> -<p>Not a sound, not a sign. The earth might have closed on -him.</p> -<p>More disconsolate than ever, Hobbs retraced his steps.</p> -<p>“Just my luck—the same old luck! The only <a -name="page11"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 11</span>kind of a -chance I have had for a month, and it slips through my -fingers.”</p> -<p>Going not far from the steps he sat concealed in the bushes, -and puffed his pipe. And it seemed to him as he gazed -through the fumes of Black Jack, that his previous view of things -had been pessimistic—his turn would come some day. -North Shore could not for ever remain so ferociously -virtuous. A time might come when theft, even, perhaps, a -good murder might occur on his beat. And then people would -learn that it was not for nothing that he had qualified as B.A. -at London University.</p> -<p>The dusky light and cold air of dawn now made our philosopher -consider the time come to proceed on his round. Already -fish-buyers and news-vendors were descending the steps to proceed -by the first boat. The steamer was at the wharf puffing out -steam as Hobbs looked down on her from the steps.</p> -<p>But stay! Who is that who rushes out from the bushes -next the baths and dives at full speed down the slope?</p> -<p>It is <span class="GutSmall">THE MAN WITH THE BAG</span>!</p> -<p>Like a flash our policeman again starts in pursuit. This -time he says to himself, “The man is mine!”</p> -<p><a name="page12"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 12</span>Vain -hope! Even as he rushes into the waiting-room the -ferry-boat has cast off and left the wharf. He sees the man -with the bag make a desperate leap over a yawning chasm of green -sea and white foam, and land safely on the deck. And when -he arrives it is only to be greeted by the derisive jeers of the -little crowd of passengers.</p> -<p>Slowly he returns up the steps. Shall he report the -matter to the Sergeant? It might gain him credit, and the -information might prove of use. On the other hand, the -Sergeant might want to know what he wanted at that part of his -beat at that particular time. And the question would be -awkward.</p> -<p>This is how it came about that the police records are bare of -any mention of the vain chase by P.-C. Hobbs of a -suspicious character carrying a bag.</p> -<h2><a name="page13"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -13</span>CHAPTER III<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">MRS. HOBBS</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was the custom of Mr. Hobbs when -he had been on night duty to sleep till twelve noon on the -following day, when he would awaken with a punctuality at the -dinner hour which would shame the fidelity of an alarm -clock. What was his surprise then to have his slumbers -rudely disturbed at ten o’clock by the high-pitched voice -of Mrs. Hobbs.</p> -<p>“What’s the matter, Bell?”</p> -<p>“Wake up, you! Here’s news! -Who’d have thought it! Why half the Shore might be -murdered for all you care!”</p> -<p>“What’s that about murdering?”</p> -<p>“Why, the baker boy just told me that at Mrs. -Delfosse’s, down on the Point, three of the boarders, if -not more, were murdered in their beds last night. The whole -neighbourhood is <a name="page14"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -14</span>there, and there is such a crowd you can hardly get -by. And that is your beat, too—I should just like to -know where you were last night? I’ll be bound packed -away in some corner, smoking. You need not shake your -head. I know you. Neither use nor ornament. -Whatever the Government sees in you to pay you wages I -can’t think.”</p> -<p>“Now, do keep quiet, Bell, and let a fellow have a -show. You have got hold of some cock-and-bull story that -will melt down in the end to a broken window or a drunken man -beating his wife, or some such foolery.”</p> -<p>“No such thing! You just dress and pack off to the -station. You may be wanted, and how can you get a chance to -show your ability if you are out of the way? A clever man -like you only a common constable! I say it’s a -disgrace. You should speak up, and put yourself -forward.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Two hours later Mr. Hobbs returned.</p> -<p>“You were partly right for a wonder, Bell. One man -has been murdered, and a very strange case it is, too.”</p> -<p>And then he told in detail to his wife those events that have -been related.</p> -<p>“Well, I never!” exclaimed Mrs. Hobbs. <a -name="page15"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 15</span>“What -shall we have next? And you call that a mystery? Why -it is as plain as the nose on your face. The woman killed -him, of course! Who else could have done it? That -fainting or swooning is all moonshine. Why I could faint -twenty times a day if I wanted to. I know that Mrs. -Booth—knew her before she was married. A barmaid in a -sixpenny bar. That will tell you what she is. Why I -would not trust the life of a cat to one of those -creatures. Faint, indeed! It wants a fool of a man to -be taken in by that sort of humbug.”</p> -<p>“That’s just what Detective Dobell says; -he’s got the case in hand. Sent for him to -Sydney. As though we were all fools here. Just my -luck again! He seems to think there is no doubt about it, -and that all the trouble will be to hunt up the corroborative -evidence against her.”</p> -<p>“Is that Dobell, the Sydney detective, that took your -last chance from you?”</p> -<p>“Yes, that’s the man.”</p> -<p>“Then, in my opinion, he’s a fool! If he -said it was the woman did it, then you can make up your mind he -is wrong. Is it likely, now, that a woman that wanted to -kill her husband, would get a dagger and stab him in his -sleep? Suppose I wanted to kill you now, should I go about -it <a name="page16"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 16</span>like -that? No indeed! I should buy some ‘Rough on -Rats,’ or something of that kind, and put it in your -tea. That is our way. It is only women on the stage -that use knives or daggers. You take my advice, and pay no -attention at all to what that Dobell says. That woman no -more committed that deed than I did myself.”</p> -<p>“But you were positive only five minutes ago that she -had!”</p> -<p>“I said no such thing, and if you were not the most -aggravating man in the world you would not dare to say so. -That is always your way. Trying to make out I contradict -myself, when you are too daft to know what to say. If you -would only take my advice for once you would—”</p> -<p>“What?”</p> -<p>“Just do a bit of detective work on the quiet. -This affair will make a great noise, and the man who finds out -the riddle will not be that thick-head Dobell, take my word for -it. While all these wiseacres are busy over the woman, you -just take another track. Hunt up their history, hers and -his. You say that there was no robbery. If so, what -was it done for? Who would his death benefit? Trust a -woman’s judgment. I’d back her to find more out -about a case in five <a name="page17"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 17</span>minutes than one of you tall -muddle-heads in a week.”</p> -<p>“It’s all very well to talk, Bell. If it -comes to that I give you best. But how should a woman who -has never been out of Sydney in her life understand these -things? Now, I have had the advantage of a University -education in the metropolis of the world—a B.A. of -London.”</p> -<p>“Well, Mr. B.A., if you are so clever just go into the -back yard and chop some wood for the stove if you expect to have -your tea.”</p> -<p>The B.A. went, and as he chopped he inwardly resolved that the -advice of his wife was good; that much might be gained and -nothing lost by following it. Of a truth, that Dobell did -hold his nose a trifle too high—a man who could not -construe a page of Latin to save his life.</p> -<p>“Are you going to do what I say about that case?” -screamed out Mrs. Hobbs from the kitchen.</p> -<p>Mr. Hobbs’ only reply as he took in an armful of billets -was to mutter—</p> -<p>“Bell, you’re a fool?”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>On resuming duty some hours later, Mr. Hobbs found himself -detailed for the special service of watching Mrs. Booth.</p> -<h2><a name="page18"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -18</span>CHAPTER IV<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE BOARDING-HOUSE AND -BOARDERS</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Mrs. Delfosse</span> had “seen -better days.” How it is that the profession of -boarding-house keeping is for ever associated with a vista of -past splendours history recordeth not. Other people hide -past grandeur in the oblivion of silence, or shroud their social -degeneracy even from their nearest friends. But the -boarding-house keeper trumpets her past Arabian opulence from -every vantage place her limited surroundings afford.</p> -<p>The house occupied by Mrs. Delfosse was one of a -terrace. Not a mean lath-and-plaster, run-up-while-you-wait -structure, but a fine substantial building that had, of course, -ruined the innocent contractor who erected it. This house -itself had, according to Mrs. Delfosse, been the scene of her -former life of luxurious ease, in fact, until that fatal date -when the late Captain Delfosse sailed <a name="page19"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 19</span>on his last trip to America. -There were some brutes who inwardly congratulated the luck of the -Captain in never coming back, but the lady was inconsolable.</p> -<p>As usual in such cases, in the course of time she advertised -for a few select boarders. What “select” meant -was never explained, except it might mean that the tariff and -accommodation were above the average.</p> -<p>There were five boarders—two city men on the first -floor, Mr. and Mrs. Booth on the second floor back, and Professor -Norris (an old friend of Mrs. Booth) on the second floor -front.</p> -<p>The Booths, by the way, were only counted as temporary -lodgers, as they had a fine house of their own in course of -erection at Neutral Bay, and were merely waiting its completion -to move.</p> -<p>When P.-C. Hobbs came on duty in plain clothes and -relieved his brother officer on watch in front of Mrs. -Delfosse’s boarding-house, he was just in time to overhear -that lady recounting her griefs to a little gentleman whose -outward egress she barred with her ample form in the front -doorway.</p> -<p>“What shall I do, doctor? I am ruined, entirely -ruined! To think of people coming and getting murdered in a -house of mine, and me <a name="page20"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 20</span>been here these fifteen years! -It’s not as though they were permanents! And I who -have always been so respected! Oh, little did my poor dear -captain think I should ever come to this? The first floors -have gone, and two better boarders no one could wish for; not -paltry city clerks, but merchants, real merchants, and paid like -the bank. And they left at once, never thinking of -me. No one thinks of me. No one has a thought for a -poor widow, left without resources. I call it -shameful. There ought to be a law to prevent it. And -who do you think will come and take rooms in a house where a man -has been murdered? If it was only a suicide now, it would -not be so bad. I have known persons in the best of families -make away with themselves. But I’m ruined, -ruined! I shall come to starve on the streets, I’m -sure!”</p> -<p>The little doctor, who was fidgeting to get away, here -interposed—</p> -<p>“Why not leave this house and take another?”</p> -<p>“I have thought of that; but look at the expense, and -how would I get other rooms to fit the carpets, and stairs to -suit the matting, let alone all the blinds and rollers? -Now, just look at that oilcloth—”</p> -<p>As Mrs. Delfosse turned to point out the article mentioned, -the doctor saw an opening, darted <a name="page21"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 21</span>through, and was yards up the street -before the lady could draw breath.</p> -<p>“Just like all the others. All for self; all for -his own business. Not a thought for me. No one thinks -of me.”</p> -<p>During this time, in the sitting-room of the same house, -another interview was taking place. A middle-aged -gentleman, with a strong resemblance to Shakespeare, in a -nineteenth century coat and trousers, and long waving hair, was -seated. This was Professor Norris. Why -“Professor,” was never very clear, except it might be -the long hair.</p> -<p>A young woman, tall, well-shaped, if you exclude her -pinched-in waist, a complexion of strawberries and cream, blue -eyes to match her fair hair, a nose of no particular merit, lips -blood red, and a set of white teeth—if they were all -real—as perfect and regular as the artificial -article. There was the general plumpness and freshness -about this young lady that the French term <i>Beauty de -Diable</i>, and a sparkle in her eyes at times that would set on -fire, not chips, as other sparks do, but masculine hearts.</p> -<p>This was Mrs. Booth—Bertha Booth.</p> -<p>She was raging up and down the room, her eyes red with crying, -and she moaned and sobbed as she walked—</p> -<p><a name="page22"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -22</span>“I wish I were dead! I do. Oh, Alec; -poor, dear Alec. It is horrible! horrible! I know I -shall go mad. If I sit still even for a minute, I can feel -the cold thing touching me again. Oh, why did I get -married? We were very happy before, Professor! Or why -did I not marry you, as you wanted me to? I am sure no one -would have wanted to kill you. And the way he looked! -I’m sure I shall never forget the face—it haunts -me. And we had a few words yesterday, and we never had time -even to make it up. And who did it—and how was it -done? Tell me, Professor. I’m sure you must -know—you know so many things. Don’t shake your -head. I am certain you are keeping something back. -But I will know! I ought to know! I’m his -wife! And why am I not killed too? I wish I had been; -it would have saved me hours of misery, for I shall die of -it. I know I shall die of it.”</p> -<p>“Try to be calm, Bertha; be a brave woman. Time -will heal all, reveal all; and remember that to-morrow there will -be the inquest, and you will have to attend.”</p> -<p>“I can’t go. I’m not fit to go. -It is too much. How can they expect me, who am nearly out -of my mind with this horror, to go to their dreadful -inquest?”</p> -<p><a name="page23"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -23</span>“But try and bear up, my dear. I will be -with you. You will not be alone.”</p> -<p>“And I have no dress to wear,” Bertha -murmured.</p> -<p>“No dress! Why you have heaps of -dresses.”</p> -<p>“No black dress. But there, you are a man, or you -would know at once I cannot go out in public till I have my -weeds.”</p> -<p>“If that is the trouble, you can easily order all you -want from Sydney.”</p> -<p>“But ready made! You know how I hate the shop -costumes. You can always see what they are. Madame -Beaumont shall make it; I really believe she is the only woman -who can make a dress in Sydney. And she takes two -days.”</p> -<p>“Really, my dear Bertha, you must be mad. Do you -think they will adjourn the inquest two days for you to have a -dress made?”</p> -<p>“I don’t care. They can kill me if they -like. I wish I was dead.”</p> -<p>“I shall go to Farmer’s, and tell them to send -over some costumes for you to choose.”</p> -<p>“I won’t look at them.”</p> -<p>He stood up to go. He had half crossed the room when she -called him back softly—</p> -<p>“Pro?”—and she put her arms round his neck -<a name="page24"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 24</span>and kissed -him. “Tell them I must have a waistcoat -body.”</p> -<p>At this moment there was a knock on the door. Bertha -hastily turned to a mirror to arrange her hair, before saying -“Come in.”</p> -<p>The new arrival was a young man, well but loudly dressed, -clean shaved, and well groomed. He entered quietly, -respectfully.</p> -<p>“As an old friend, hearing the sad news, I called to see -if I could be of any use in what must be a most trying -time.”</p> -<p>“Oh, Huey, is that you? Sit down, sit down. -I’m nearly mad. Thank you for calling. You can -go, Pro, and mind you remember.”</p> -<p>The Professor nodded to the visitor and left the room.</p> -<p>“Is it true, Bertha—Mrs. Booth, I should -say—all this I read in the evening paper?” said the -visitor as he drew nearer to that lady on the door closing.</p> -<p>“What the papers say, I don’t know, but they -cannot say what is more horrible, more dreadful, than the -truth!”</p> -<p>And then Bertha, at great length, with interjected sobs and -disjointed fragments of narrative, related the tragedy of the -morning.</p> -<p>Huey, or, to give him his name in full, Hubert <a -name="page25"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 25</span>Gosper, -listened sympathetically, wondering perhaps somewhat, how, after -such a shock, she had power to bring her mind to even an -inconsequential narrative.</p> -<p>“What do you think of it?” she asked him. -“The Professor will say nothing, but look awfully wise, -like a magpie on a fence. How was it done—how could -it be done? Could Alec have done it himself? He never -told me his affairs. Do you know if he was troubled about -them? It’s the uncertainty that’s so -dreadful. People that did not know us might even think I -had something to do with it.”</p> -<p>“You will pardon me, I hope, what I am going to say, and -do not jump at a conclusion at once. But I, who know you -both, am inclined to think you <i>had</i> something to do with -it.”</p> -<p>“What! I?”</p> -<p>“Now don’t take fright in that way. -According to what you say, the room is only to be entered by the -door, and you locked and bolted that; so there remains only two -possibilities—either that Alec, by some unheard-of means, -stabbed himself, or that you did the deed.”</p> -<p>“But that is monstrous!”</p> -<p>“Of course, but the point has to be considered. -There is still another supposition. You might <a -name="page26"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 26</span>have opened -the door to a third person, and afterwards reclosed -it.”</p> -<p>“Why, that is as bad as the other!”</p> -<p>“In the ordinary way, yes. But it chanced that I -have just been reading some experiments in hypnotism, by which -strange results are sometimes obtained by one mind unconsciously -over another. You, I believe, in former times were often -mesmerized, and, it occurred to me at once, would readily yield -to the evil desires, unknowingly, of some designing -scoundrel. In such a case, I say again, you may have had -something to do with your husband’s death.”</p> -<p>“But who could do such a thing? Besides, I know no -designing scoundrel. Your guess is worse than nothing at -all. It is foolishness.”</p> -<p>Nevertheless, the face of Mrs. Booth underwent a great -change. She was evidently “put darkly in -doubt,” and though she spoke in bold confidence, her -companion clearly saw his shot had told.</p> -<p>“But what you say is unnatural—horrible! All -the mesmerists or hypnotists in the world cannot make a wife kill -her husband and not know it. And as for what is in the -newspapers, they are made up of a pack of lies, and you ought to -know it as well as anybody, for did you not use to work on -one?”</p> -<p><a name="page27"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -27</span>“It may be so. I may be wrong. Only -you wanted to know a possible way that this thing might have -happened, and I gave the only explanation that occurred to -me. Now tell me, what do you think?”</p> -<p>But poor Bertha could not tell. She had no theory. -Her mind was off on a new chase, weaving all the possibilities -out of this new idea which she had openly scorned. It was -with almost a vacant air she bade Mr. Gosper good-bye, and as the -door closed she sank down on the floor, moaning.</p> -<p>The cup of her affliction was running over.</p> -<p>“The scoundrel! Yet he would not dare. It -cannot be true! Old Pro! I can never believe -it! And yet—and yet!”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>As Mr. Gosper was crossing Circular Quay on his return journey -he met the Professor, who was coming back from his errand.</p> -<p>“Have a wine, old man?”</p> -<p>“Thank you, I seldom take anything, and I am anxious to -be back to Bertha.”</p> -<p>“Oh, she’s first-rate—‘as well as can -be expected,’ as the reports have it. Come -along. It will cheer you up.”</p> -<p>With evident reluctance the Professor <a -name="page28"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 28</span>consented, -and the two entered the private bar of the Paragon, Huey leading -the way to a quiet corner, and with glasses before them, started -the conversation.</p> -<p>“This affair looks bad, Professor.”</p> -<p>“How so?”</p> -<p>“I mean for our mutual friend, Mrs. Booth.”</p> -<p>“Yes; her husband’s death will be a sad loss to -her.”</p> -<p>“Oh, that is not what I am thinking of. Husbands -are plenty enough for a woman with her money and beauty. -It’s her connection with the affair that troubles -me.”</p> -<p>“In what way?”</p> -<p>“Why, don’t you see, man? The law will -demand an explanation, and perhaps a victim, and the law that can -only see as far as the end of its nose will reason, ‘Here -is a room securely locked up with two persons in it. One of -these persons is found dead by a wound not self-inflicted. -Inference, the other person must have done it.’”</p> -<p>“Good God! You don’t think they will dare to -accuse her?”</p> -<p>“Think! It is no thinking matter. Sydney is -saying nothing else. On the ferry-boat, as elsewhere, they -were talking of nothing but that, and <a name="page29"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 29</span>the wonder was why Mrs. Booth was not -already arrested.”</p> -<p>“But this is monstrous! You know it’s -monstrous, Mr. Gosper. The very shock of such a charge -might endanger Bertha’s reason, or even her -life!”</p> -<p>“That may be true; but how will you prevent it? -What is your own private opinion on the mystery? Surely you -have formed one?”</p> -<p>“No, I have not. What you term the popular verdict -is, of course, out of the question with me, who know her so well; -but I have thought out no theory yet that will fit the -case. I can recall no incident, in fact or fiction, of this -description. Poe’s <i>History of the Rue Morgue</i> -is the nearest in point I can call to mind. But then there -was an open window.”</p> -<p>“That was the story of an ourang-outang climbing a -waterspout to an open window and throwing one woman out, pushing -the other up a chimney, and then escaping, was it not?”</p> -<p>“Yes; something of that kind. But even, as is -sometimes maintained, if Fiction is only a prelude to Fact, the -barred and fastened window in this case close that -explanation.”</p> -<p>“Well, if you must go,” said Huey, for the -Professor was rising, “remember to send for me <a -name="page30"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 30</span>at any time, -if I can help either you or Mrs. Booth.”</p> -<p>Not admitting it even to himself, a dreadful fear had pricked -the heart of the Professor. That Bertha could do such a -deed was impossible, and yet women were strange creatures. -Who could pretend to have sounded to the innermost depths of even -one? And he would stake his life yes, his life—on her -innocence. But even if it was so, and he braced his mind to -face that awful contingency, he would not desert her. -“A moment of passion—who is accountable for it? -And, say what you will, that Alec was little better than a -brute. It was in one sense a good riddance.” At all -hazards he would stick to her, and, above all, if she was accused -he would fight her battle. It is not the innocent who want -friends; it is the guilty. And, guilty or innocent, he -would stand by her.</p> -<p>So the thoughts chased through his mind as the ferry-boat -crossed Sydney Harbour in the moonlight of a bright -summer’s night. He did not heed the scene, familiar -to him, of the grey indented shore, dotted with white house -fronts and clothed with sombre foliage, or the jutting headlands, -softening their dark outlines till in the distant background -South Head was a soft grey <a name="page31"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 31</span>that melted into the sky, and its -turning light shone on the lapping water like a radiance. -He did not heed the mirrored lights of Sydney Cove, or the small -craft that, with half-drawn sail, drifted like shadows on the -shining water. He did not heed the talk of the crowded -boat, nor, passing M‘Mahon’s Point wharf, did he hear -a scream, as from a distance, and a rush of eager feet to the -stern of the vessel.</p> -<h2><a name="page32"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -32</span>CHAPTER V<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">CONSTABLE HOBBS DISTINGUISHES -HIMSELF</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Constable Hobbs</span>, on duty outside -Mrs. Delfosse’s, had for a long time nothing to break the -monotony of his watch. He allowed the Professor to pass, -knowing him well. Mr. Gosper puzzled him. He -concluded at once he was not a resident of the Shore; he -certainly did not know him as such, yet he had a kind of inward -conviction he had seen him before, but where, he could not call -to mind. But the thought did not trouble him. He met, -every day, people he had met before, without being able, or -caring for that matter, to locate the time and place.</p> -<p>It had been some time dark when the meditations of a quiet -smoke were interrupted by the opening of the front door, and the -coming out of a lady.</p> -<p>“It is her; what the dickens is she up to!”</p> -<p><a name="page33"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 33</span>It was -indeed Bertha. Bertha, hysterical, nearly mad. To be -in the house was no longer endurable, she was stifled, -choked. The suggestion of Huey had grown in her mind till -her reason seemed to forsake her. A hundred fancies that -she could not brush aside rose up as threatening witnesses.</p> -<p>“The Professor had always wanted to marry her, that was -certain; so who but he could desire the death of Alec? Who -but he could control her will, unknown to her? He must have -made her open the door.”</p> -<p>So her mind ran on. She left the house, and walked down -the road, heedless where she went, and the precautions of Mr. -Hobbs to be unobserved in his following was so much skill thrown -away. He noted that she walked unsteadily, and, with his -varied experience in “drunks,” the suggestion of -partial intoxication occurred to him. To his credit, he put -the thought aside as only worthy of an ignorant member of the -force.</p> -<p>Evidently, he said to himself, she is going somewhere of -importance, or she would hardly go at night, and by herself such -a day as this has been for her. No doubt I shall now gain a -clue.</p> -<p>“Cheer up, old man,” he said to himself; -“‘there is a tide in the affairs of man,’ -etc. Now is your <a name="page34"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 34</span>chance; this is the first good case -you have had a hand in. The ladder of promotion is before -you. Climb!”</p> -<p>Bertha by this time had descended the steep path that leads to -M‘Mahon’s Point wharf.</p> -<p>“The devil!” said Hobbs. “It seems she -means to go to Sydney. What if she is really guilty, and -means to give us the slip? I will close up.”</p> -<p>Once, twice, three times Bertha paced the wharf, her eyes bent -on the water with a hungry longing.</p> -<p>She made a step forward.</p> -<p>“Be careful!” sang out the warning voice of the -constable.</p> -<p>But, with a wild cry, Bertha threw up her arms and plunged -down. There was a splash, a few bubbles, and a little whirl -in the waves as constable Hobbs rushed forward.</p> -<p>“Well, I’m damned! Just my luck!” he -exclaimed, as he threw off his coat and hat, and with a wild -sweep of his arms dived into the harbour.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The <i>Evening Times</i>, of August 16, contained the -following double-headed paragraph in its middle page—</p> -<h3><a name="page35"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -35</span>“FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTH SHORE -MYSTERY.</h3> -<p style="text-align: center">THE PLOT THICKENS.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF MRS. BOOTH, -AND<br /> -GALLANT RESCUE BY ONE OF THE<br /> -POLICE FORCE.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHY OF THE -HERO,<br /> -POLICE-CONSTABLE HOBBS.</p> -<p>“Never perhaps in the history of the colony has a crime -claimed such universal interest, and aroused such general -curiosity, as the so-called North Shore mystery. On train, -boat, or ’bus, or wherever men are gathered together, it -forms the sole and engrossing topic of conversation. Nearly -every man one meets considers himself a born detective, and has a -solution of the mystery at his fingers’ ends. -Unfortunately, however, hardly two of three solutions agree, -either as to the personality of the criminal or the method of the -crime.</p> -<p>“An unexpected development was added to the already -complicated skein by the attempted suicide last night of Mrs. -Booth. It appears, from reports received, that -Police-Constable Hobbs had been stationed on duty by the -authorities to watch <a name="page36"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 36</span>the house of Mrs. Delfosse, the scene -of the crime, his orders being to note the doings of the -inmates. That this precaution was a wise one was shown by -the sequel.</p> -<p>“Late in the evening, after a gentleman, a stranger to -the constable, had called at the house and again departed, the -constable’s attention was aroused by the front door -opening, and Mrs. Booth, with her outdoor garments on, leaving -the house and walking towards Blue’s Point. Needless -to say, the constable followed in her wake. According to -his statement, her movements struck him as being, to say the -least, very strange. Her walk was unsteady and erratic, and -his first impression was that she was intoxicated; but, being a -man of more than average intelligence, he soon scouted this idea, -and came to the more natural conclusion that the poor lady, as -was very natural, was suffering from strong excitement.</p> -<p>“After some hesitation Mrs. Booth took the path leading -to the ferry at M‘Mahon’s Point, and Police-Constable -Hobbs at once concluded that her intention was to take the -incoming boat with the object of going to Sydney or -Milson’s Point. What was his astonishment to see her -step forward on the wharf, and with what looked like a determined -plunge, jump into the water. Without <a -name="page37"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 37</span>a -moment’s hesitation the constable ran forward, and, rapidly -divesting himself of his hat and heavy tunic, jumped in after -her. So quick was he that Mrs. Booth had barely come to the -surface ere her form was grasped, and fortunately the ferry -steamer was close at hand to provide a rope. By this time, -however, Mr. Hobbs had already landed on the wharf, neither he -nor Mrs. Booth being much the worse for their immersion. -Mrs. Booth was promptly removed to her house, where she remains -under surveillance.</p> -<p>“The numerous witnesses to this act of gallantry were -unanimous in their chorus of praise of the pluck shown by the -hero, and we are enabled by the kindness of Mrs. Hobbs to furnish -the following short account of her husband—Police-Constable -Hobbs is a native of Bethnal Green, London, England. He has -always been noted for courage and resolution, this being the -third life he has saved from drowning. He is, moreover, a -man of education, being a B.A. of London University, and -qualified by his mental attainments for a far higher position -than that at present held by him. It is one of the -anomalies of Colonial life, that some of our best men have to -commence life in such subordinate positions as that held by -Police-Constable Hobbs. As a swimmer he is no mean <a -name="page38"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 38</span>exponent, -having been for three years previous to leaving the old country -champion and captain of the Serpentine Swimming Club; as an -athlete he had few equals, either at quoits or the more active -game of rounders. We certainly think the attention of the -authorities should be drawn—more particularly the Royal -Humane Society—to the meritorious conduct of this -officer. True courage and ability such as his call for more -than the usual perfunctory meed of thanks.</p> -<p>“As to the crime itself, we have no further development -to make public. Speculation is rife, and the police, as -usual, are said to ‘have a clue.’ If so, they -preserve a most frigid reticence on the point. During the -day the rear and front of the house have been surrounded by the -customary gaping crowd, and it has been found necessary to detail -an additional constable to preserve order in the -neighbourhood. The inquest, which was to have been held -to-day, has been postponed until to-morrow to allow of the more -perfect recovery of Mrs. Booth.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>In consideration of his immersion in the harbour, P.-C. -Hobbs was allowed a day off from his duties, and he readily -seized the opportunity to pursue his investigations as to the -origin of the crime.</p> -<p><a name="page39"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 39</span>The -view of his wife, that the murder was not a woman’s murder, -strongly influenced him. He was further impressed in Mrs. -Booth’s favour by the fact that popular opinion, backed by -Detective Dobell, generally condemned her. Popular opinion, -said Mr. Hobbs to himself, is an ass. It sees no further -than the end of its nose. Because the door was locked and -bolted, then, forsooth, the woman must be guilty. But would -a guilty person have so locked and bolted the door? Would -they not rather have left it open so as to admit others to -suspicion, and not fastened it, and suspicion too, on -themselves? For the crime was premeditated, the knife was -not a common one, and must have been procured on purpose by some -person versed in anatomy. It was, in fact, more of a skewer -than a knife, such a skewer as is used in ham and beef shops to -join together the pieces of brisket.</p> -<p>That door unfastened would have meant the inclusion of the -whole household in the range of doubt—a sharing of the -burden of suspicion that would be comparatively light to -bear. Of course, it was true that even the cleverest -criminals often committed the greatest blunders, and such might -be the case in the present instance. But was it not more -reasonable to suppose that the criminal <a -name="page40"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 40</span>had himself -refastened the door; the lock was a common one, and worked -easily; a pair of pliers to grasp it, with the help of a skeleton -key, would have both unlocked and locked it from the -outside. Then there was the bolt. Certainly that was -a puzzle, but one that could be solved must be solved.</p> -<p>At any rate, he would go to Sydney and interview these -boarders; and David Israel, the clerk, his statement required -sifting. It was a curious accident if these two crimes were -not in some way connected. He found the first address in -his pocket-book—</p> -<p style="text-align: center">SCHNIDER BROTHERS,<br /> -<span class="smcap">Clarence Street</span>,</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><i>Wholesale Importers of Jewellery -and</i><br /> -<i>Fancy Goods</i>.</p> -<p>A few minutes’ walk took him to Clarence Street, and in -answer to his inquiry he was promptly ushered into a back office, -where two fair gentlemen were seated at a huge desk.</p> -<p>“Are you the Messrs. Schnider?”</p> -<p>“Ve are,” said the elder, promptly turning -round. “Vat can we have ze pleasure of doing for -you?”</p> -<p>“I am in the Police Department,” replied Mr. <a -name="page41"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 41</span>Hobbs, -handing over his card, “and I have called for such -information as you can give relative to the crime committed at -your lodgings.”</p> -<p>“Ah! Dat vas vat I say to my brothers. Ve -shall have some policemans round to ask us shoost nothings at -all.”</p> -<p>“Did you know much of Mr. and Mrs. Booth?”</p> -<p>“No; ve knows very little. Ve sees them zometimes -at dinner; ve speak to them English—ve love the -language—but they not speak much to us, and they speak the -English very padly. They do not understand what you call -the idiom, so we get tired. Ve speak not much to them; ve -fear to speak like them. Ah, Sydney is bad for the English -language. Not like in Shermany; there they speak her -particularly. I hear no good speaking in zis country. -They learn the English like some parrots, not like in Shermany, -vere ve learn at school. It is much shame to -you.”</p> -<p>“Did you notice if Mr. and Mrs. Booth were friendly -together? Did they have disputes? Was she a good -wife?</p> -<p>“Not so good vife as we have in Shermany. There -the frau, she stop home all ze day, do all ze work of ze home, -and ze good man, when he have dinner, go to the beer garden and -drink twenty, thirty bock, and when he come home a <a -name="page42"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 42</span>little bit -what you call tipsy, the good frau she help him to bed, and not -say one little word. Not like as here, vere the vife goes -out to valk about half ze day. It was bad, very -bad!”</p> -<p>“I am sorry to interrupt you, but what I wish to know is -not about Germany, but about this business of the murder. -Have you any reason to think Mrs. Booth had any ill-feeling -towards her husband?”</p> -<p>“Ve know nothings, shoost nothings at all about zese -peoples. They speak, I tell you, the English very padly, -not like as in Shermany.”</p> -<p>“Damn Shermany,” said P.-C. Hobbs to -himself, as he promptly bowed himself out. “They are -either a pair of fools or a pair of rogues, trying to bluff me -with gammon.”</p> -<p>But he did not escape so quickly as he expected. After a -hurried consultation together, one of the partners stepped -forward.</p> -<p>“Do not go for a little minute. This, I tink, is -the first time zat you see our store. We always like to -make some little present to our new friends. Come zis -vay. Come zis vay.” And the German led the way to the -back premises, where on numerous shelves a host of packets and -cardboard boxes were stored, having for the most part fastened on -the outside a sample of the goods <a name="page43"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 43</span>within. With much preliminary -graciousness the merchant went to a small box and produced a -common wooden pipe, worth, perhaps, twopence, and, presenting it -to Mr. Hobbs, he said—</p> -<p>“You will keep that, my friend. It is vat you call -ze keepsake. That is vone good pipe—vone very good -pipe; same as they smoke in Shermany. If you will show zat -pipe to your friends it shall do us some good in the -pisiness!”</p> -<p>Pocketing the present, the constable made his way out.</p> -<p>“Now for the third man, the acknowledged friend of Mrs. -Booth—Professor Norris, Park Street, is the address, I -think. Yes, it is Park Street.”</p> -<p>The shop was easily found, a small narrow-windowed place with -this sign written in large letters across the front—</p> -<p style="text-align: center">PROFESSOR NORRIS, SCIENTIFIC<br /> -FOOTIST.</p> -<p style="text-align: center"><span class="smcap">The -Past</span>, <span class="smcap">The Present</span>, <span -class="smcap">The Future</span>.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Characters Delineated by the -Marvellous Science—The<br /> -Discovery of Professor Norris—The Secret of Life Long<br /> -Hidden Under Foot Now First Revealed. Phrenology,<br /> -Physiognomy, and Palmistry Entirely Superseded by<br /> -the Up-to-date Science, Footology.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">“Man, Know Your -Feet.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">Do not Waste Your Old Boots, but -Send One Along<br /> -with Five Shillings in Stamps for Full Character Chart.</p> -<p><a name="page44"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 44</span>The -greater part of this window was occupied by a mammoth foot in -plaster of Paris, and P.-C. Hobbs regarded it -curiously. A large bump, like a bunion, on the big toe, was -marked, “Mount of Venus.” A zigzag track down the -instep, looking like the plan of the river Murray, as seen on -maps, was designated, “Line of Life.”</p> -<p>“What humbug will they be up to next?” exclaimed -Hobbs, as he regarded this curiosity.</p> -<p>In answer to his inquiry the attendant at the counter informed -him that the Professor had not arrived that day, and had sent a -message saying he should not come till the next morning.</p> -<p>“An important engagement, no doubt,” added the -speaker. “The Professor is often summoned to attend -some of the highest families.”</p> -<p>“To read their feet?”</p> -<p>“Of course. You see, it’s all the rage -now. The foot, unlike the hand, is not distorted by work -and hard wear. Being used solely to tread with, it retains -all Nature’s revelations in their pristine purity. -Fortunes are constantly made by those who are wise enough to -consult the future in their feet, and in love and matrimony none -should be without their guidance. Shall I make an -appointment with you to meet the Professor—your feet appear -to be really interesting? The Professor <a -name="page45"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 45</span>loves his -work, and I am sure he would be pleased to see you.”</p> -<p>“No, thank you, young man. I called on other -matters. Perhaps I can find your master at his private -address. Good-day.”</p> -<h2><a name="page46"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -46</span>CHAPTER VI<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">MRS. BOOTH COMMITTED FOR TRIAL</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> his day’s round, Mr. -Hobbs returned home to his tea. For this meal he was glad -to see a plate of pink prawns on the table. If he had one -weakness of the epicure, it was in the direction of prawns, and -Mrs. Hobbs, when in a specially good humour, was wont to indulge -him. This happened with her perhaps the more rarely, as her -husband was wont on these occasions, while praising the quality -of the prawns, which he rated as being nearly equal to Gravesend -shrimps, to inveigh against Colonial provisions generally.</p> -<p>“The meat was not equal to English meat—not the -flavour—the vegetables were tasteless, and the fruit -lacking in juice.”</p> -<p>These remarks on the products of her native land made Mrs. -Hobbs mad and restive.</p> -<p><a name="page47"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -47</span>“If everything was so good in England, why in the -name of fortune did you leave it?”</p> -<p>“I wish I had not, and that’s the truth,” -Mr. Hobbs would reply.</p> -<p>“And I wish so too!” would retort his good -lady.</p> -<p>Then would follow a domestic squall, during which Mrs. Hobbs -launched forth in voluble Anglo-Saxon on the worthlessness of men -in general, and this one in particular.</p> -<p>In the meantime her husband leisurely ate up the prawns.</p> -<p>This night was an exception. The meal passed without the -customary equinoctial, and Mrs. Hobbs got her fair share of the -shrimps.</p> -<p>“I can tell you what it is, Tom, if you go jumping in -the water again with your uniform clothes on, and expect me to -wash them and get them decent, you are very much mistaken; -somebody else may do them, I won’t. Such a job, with -all the nasty salt water in them. If that brazen-faced -hussy wants to drown herself let her. Good riddance, I say, -to bad rubbish. If it had been me, now, you would not have -been so quick, I’ll be bound.”</p> -<p>“Now, draw it mild, Bell! It was you that were -taking her part only last night.”</p> -<p><a name="page48"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -48</span>“How dare you say that, you aggravating man! -Did I not say at once that it was she that killed her husband, -and now are not my words proved true? Has not her guilty -conscience driven her to try and drown herself? Why, -it’s as plain as the nose on your face.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be so hasty; it proves nothing of the -sort. You will admit that if she is the criminal, she must -be a most daring and cold-blooded one. Now, daring -criminals, particularly women criminals, are hardly ever known to -display remorse of any kind. The mind of an innocent woman -is only too likely to be upset by such a day as that passed by -Mrs. Booth, but a criminal having expected it would remain quite -unmoved.”</p> -<p>“So you still think she is innocent?”</p> -<p>“I am more convinced than ever.”</p> -<p>“And what have you done to-day?”</p> -<p>“To commence at the beginning—I thought the matter -well over last night. You will remember that the doctor -said the knife entering the back near the spine, between the -ribs, pierced the heart, and caused instantaneous death; but -violent muscular movements of the limbs and body were likely to -have occurred for some moments afterwards, and the stab could not -have been self-inflicted. I felt by no means sure of -that. It <a name="page49"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -49</span>seemed unlikely, certainly; but any solution of this -problem must be an unlikely one, and this appeared at least as -feasible and plausible as any. Then I tried to imagine how -Mr. Booth could have carried out his purpose. The knife, as -you know, had no proper handle, but only the thin pointed -haft. Suppose he had stuck it in his bed, raised himself, -and fallen backwards on the point, and then, in his pain, turned -over—this would account for his position?”</p> -<p>“Why, of course, that’s it, Tom! It’s -as plain as possible! Why, you have got more sense than I -gave you credit for!”</p> -<p>“But that is not it, Bell. I have carefully -examined the bed and the sheet he was lying on, and there is no -perforation, such as the haft must have made. Giving up -this idea, I had to find another solution. If Mrs. Booth -was not the criminal, but some third party, who was that criminal -likely to be? Clearly some one resident in the house; this -was the more likely. They would be on the spot, and be -acquainted with all the small details necessary to execute such a -deed undetected. At the same time, it must not be -overlooked that a person capable of entering, undisturbed, one -locked room, might, perhaps, just as easily have entered a -locked-up house.</p> -<p><a name="page50"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -50</span>“I considered the inmates in this -order—There was Mrs. Delfosse, the landlady. She is a -respectable lady, and known on the Shore for years. In -regard to her, the crime could bring no conceivable -benefit. Mr. Booth was almost a stranger to her, and his -tragic death is likely to prove a serious loss, so I rule her out -of the possibles. Next there is the servant girl. -Here I thought there might be a clue. These betting men are -mostly a fast lot; perhaps Booth had been tampering with -her. But Eliza Smith is a quiet, decent girl, engaged to be -married to a carpenter, and when she assured me Mr. Booth had not -spoken half-a-dozen times to her in his life, I believed -her. So I ruled her out. Then there are the other -boarders—the two Germans, the brothers Schnider, on the -first floor. I said to myself, ‘These foreign fellows -are often the kind of men to fancy other men’s wives, and -to take strange means to gratify their fancy.’</p> -<p>“Acting on this idea, I called on these gentlemen in -town. They seem to be in a good way of business, fine -warehouse, clerks, and all the rest of it; but the men themselves -are a pair of ugly yellow devils, with big fat noses. -Supposing Mrs. Booth to be a party to an intrigue with one of -them, to say the least she has very bad taste. But then I -reflected that women are very capricious.”</p> -<p><a name="page51"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -51</span>“Not more than men, I’m sure!”</p> -<p>“And, though the late Mr. Booth was at least in -appearance worth half-a-dozen of these German sauerkrauts, yet we -have the memorable example of Hamlet’s mother, that -ugliness itself is sometimes an attraction to feminine -taste.”</p> -<p>“Who was that Mrs. Hamlet? Did she live on the -Shore? I never heard of her.”</p> -<p>“No, she is a character in a play.”</p> -<p>“Written by a man, I suppose?”</p> -<p>“Yes; William Shakespeare.”</p> -<p>“That explains it. I knew it would take a man to -write foolery like that! And what did those Germans tell -you?”</p> -<p>“I could get nothing out of them. They talked like -two idiots, so I left them in disgust. But, coming home, -and thinking the matter over in my mind, I began to doubt if they -had not been acting a part with me to try perhaps to throw me off -the scent. Is it likely now, that two dunderheads such as -they pretended to be, could successfully carry on a Sydney -wholesale business? They tell me, and I have no doubt -it’s true, that it takes a man to be as sharp as a razor -for that kind of work. And later, when crossing the ferry, -I met one of the clerks I had seen in the office, I took the -opportunity to pump him in a quiet <a name="page52"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 52</span>way about his bosses, and he was not -slow to talk.</p> -<p>“‘Are they fond of women!’ said the -clerk. ‘Just terrors! I believe it’s all -they think about, and they think no small beer of -themselves. Why, there’s Jacob, that’s the -eldest, to hear him you would think all the girls in Sydney were -running after him, and the married women, too. Even this -Mrs. Booth they are talking about so much now, he has often said -she had made a dead set at him, wanted him to spark her about, -and I don’t know what.’</p> -<p>“‘And did he?’ I asked.</p> -<p>“‘Not that I know of. He never told us -that. But then he is such a terrible liar I never believe a -word he says.’</p> -<p>“Here we arrived at Milson’s Point, and the clerk -left me, but what he had said caused me to think more seriously -of these Germans, particularly the elder one, Jacob. As you -said yourself, Bell, the knife is not a woman’s weapon, and -more than that, with the exception of a few sailors who carry a -sheath knife, it is not an Englishman’s weapon. With -many foreigners, on the other hand, it is their common mode of -attack. Here we have a man stabbed in a house, probably by -an inmate of that house. Two of these residents are -foreigners, <a name="page53"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -53</span>and one of them has an avowed passion for the wife of -the murdered man. What is more likely than that he should -be the criminal?”</p> -<p>“Of course, Tom, it’s as clear as daylight; -it’s that Jacob! That’s the man!”</p> -<p>“Not so fast, Bell, not so fast. How did he open -and close the locked and bolted door?”</p> -<p>“Why? why! she must have done it for him!”</p> -<p>“Then she is as guilty as he is, and we had decided she -was innocent! Besides, how does this explain the robbery of -Mr. Booth’s safe in Sydney? For, in spite of the -newspapers, I am convinced there is some connection between the -two events. Reviewing the evidence carefully, I think with -the Germans it is so far a case of suspicion only. Another -boarder was Professor Norris. He, you will remember, was -the first to break open the door and enter the room. And -mark this, he is an old friend of Mrs. Booth. I went to his -shop in Park Street, where he appears to carry on a -fortune-telling or character-reading business. As I -expected, he was not there; but I found him at Mrs. -Delfosse’s. He talked very freely, and I must admit -seemed very straightforward in all he said. He may be a bit -eccentric in his opinions, but I am bound to say appears as -little like a murderer <a name="page54"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 54</span>as any man I ever met. This is -what he said, in answer to my questions—He had known Mrs. -Booth about four years, when he first employed her to assist him -in his lectures on phrenology and clairvoyance, which he gave in -various towns of the colony. He finally gave up this work, -because Mrs. Booth, who was a Miss Summerhayes at that time, got -tired of the business, and preferred a life in Sydney. Here -she took a place as barmaid, and after a time, against his -advice, married the late Mr. Booth. Their married life, he -said, was fairly happy, so far as it had gone; nevertheless, he -still believes the match was an unsuitable one, and that later on -it would have led to dissensions and misery. He is fairly -convinced that Mrs. Booth had no hand in her husband’s -death. She was still, he said, very fond of him. He -could think of no enemy who could desire, or would have benefited -in any way by Booth’s death; but he expressed the opinion -that all men connected with horse-racing are more or less rogues, -and Mr. Booth’s acquaintances were all of that class.</p> -<p>“I asked concerning Mrs. Booth’s relations to the -German boarders. He said they were on no more than just -speaking terms. They met sometimes at meals, but Mrs. Booth -had often told him that she did not like their manners. -‘They ate <a name="page55"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -55</span>their food like hogs,’ that was her -expression. So that latterly she had done no more than nod -to them. The Professor felt positive they had had no hand -in the crime.</p> -<p>“‘Who has then?’ I asked. ‘Whom -do you suspect?’ He said, ‘I have no -suspicions. I have thought of nothing else for the last two -days, day and night, and I cannot even form a theory, even a -stupid theory, as to either how the crime was done, or who did -it. I am pretty well acquainted, by reading, with the -history of mysterious crimes, but this, so far as I know, is -without a parallel. If I did not know Bertha—that is -Mrs. Booth—so well, I should incline to the view that she -must have had a hand in it; but I can assure you positively, that -I would rather believe it was I myself did it say when I was -asleep than that she ever dreamed of such a thing. I know -her so well. She would not harm a fly, and the sight of -blood at any time would make her faint right away. No, -decidedly no, it was not Bertha, and who it was I cannot -imagine.’</p> -<p>“With this I left him. The man may be a skilful -liar, but I think not. It is not the action of a criminal -to try and avert suspicion from others—the Germans, for -instance. In Mrs. Booth’s case it might be -understood. It is not the action <a name="page56"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 56</span>of the criminal to leave no theory to -explain his crime. So that I am inclined to believe the -Professor, and rule him out, and for that matter, accepting his -evidence, rule out Jacob Schnider.”</p> -<p>“But who is there left, Tom?” chimed in Mrs. -Hobbs. “If the people in the house are not to be -suspected, and the man did not kill himself, it must have been -some one outside.”</p> -<p>“So I think. This is why I called at Mr. -Booth’s Sydney office and interviewed his clerk. This -young man’s story, as published, ran so pat I did not half -like the look of it. In the first place, supposing him to -be guilty, his story is such as a specious scoundrel would -invent. The fact that three weeks ago he knew that -thousands of pounds worth of securities were in the safe, while -at the date of the robbery there was only a few hundreds in cash, -looks a plausible enough suggestion till you come to examine -it.</p> -<p>“What were these securities? Were they inscribed -stock, mortgage deeds, or bonds? If so, however valuable to -the owner they might have been, they would be quite useless to a -thief. Cash, on the other hand, is useful to anybody, and -there is nothing to show that the cash in the safe at this -particular time was not as large as it had <a -name="page57"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 57</span>ever -been. On the other hand, supposing David Israel to be the -criminal, or cognisant of the crime, it is hard to understand why -an apparently useless murder of great danger and difficulty was -added to the comparatively easy crime of theft. Certainly -the safe must have been opened by a strange key. Why, -having the key, should the robber trouble himself about the life -of Mr. Booth? Clearly, if there was any connection between -the two crimes there must have been some other motive besides -that of robbery.</p> -<p>“These were the thoughts in my mind when I questioned -the clerk. He is a glib young man, very dapper in his -dress, very voluble in talk, and this is what he said in answer -to my questions—He was still carrying on the business, not -opening any fresh accounts, but simply paying and receiving cash -as it became due. In this he was acting according to -instructions from Mrs. Booth, who desired that all her -husband’s engagements should be honourably met. He -had been in the employ of the late Mr. Booth for the past six -months, his duty being to keep all the accounts and the books, -Mr. Booth being a poor scholar. The business had been very -profitable, no doubt of that, and, besides, his master had had a -great run of luck. He could not remember such a run <a -name="page58"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 58</span>of -‘skinners’ as Booth had had lately. I asked him -what a skinner was.</p> -<p>“He said it was a day that was bad for the public; when -they were skinned, in fact. As he kept all the accounts, I -asked him if he could tell me more exactly by referring to them, -how much money had been left in the safe on Saturday. -Israel seemed to me to hesitate a little; perhaps it was only my -fancy, for he very quickly gave me a total—£374 -10s.</p> -<p>“‘This is larger,’ I suggested, ‘than -the amount that you first stated.’</p> -<p>“‘Yes, it is,’ he said; ‘but I then -spoke hurriedly, without reference to the accounts.’</p> -<p>“‘Was it usual,’ I asked, ‘to have so -much loose money?’</p> -<p>“‘Oh, yes,’ he answered, very sharply, -‘we often had a couple of hundred; but Saturday was a busy -day, and there might have been a little extra.’</p> -<p>“‘As a matter of fact,’ I inquired, -‘is not this the first time in your experience that such a -large sum in cash has been locked up in the safe?’</p> -<p>“‘Perhaps it is,’ he said.</p> -<p>“‘Is it not a fact, Mr. Israel’—and -here I made a shot at a venture, an inspiration of the moment <a -name="page59"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 59</span>‘that -Mr. Booth was about to dispense with your services?’</p> -<p>“‘No such thing!’ he exclaimed; but his -sallow face turned red, then very pale. ‘No such -thing; he might have growled a bit, he did occasionally when -“lively”; but he did not mean what he -said.’</p> -<p>“‘He did give you notice then?’</p> -<p>“‘In a sort of way; but it was not serious, and he -was half tight at the time.’</p> -<p>“‘And when would this notice expire?’</p> -<p>“‘The end of this week. But it was not -serious, I tell you. I took no notice of it. As a -matter of fact, Mr. Booth could not understood his own books, and -knew he could not do without me.’</p> -<p>“At this point I turned the conversation, and asked him -did he know if his master had any enemies, or any persons who -would benefit by his death. Israel answered readily -enough.</p> -<p>“No, he did not know any particular person; but a big -betting man was likely enough to have bad blood with some people; -and, as regards his death, that might no doubt lead to the -scratching of all his horses in training by his widow; and of -course those who had backed them would lose, and the chances of -other horses in the race be so much the better.</p> -<p><a name="page60"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -60</span>“This was a new clue to me, and, bidding good-day -to Mr. Israel, I came home. Carefully considering the -evidence of this clerk, it appears to me the most important of -all. In the first place, on his own statement there was -ample motive for a robbery of the safe. And not only was -there a motive, but he was the only person likely to know that -such a large sum was locked up. Next, we have his own -assertion that there was £374. But how much more may -there have been, unentered by him in those books, over which he -had full control? And this notice of dismissal that he was -under which he now treats so easily—may, very likely, have -been of serious consequence to him. And why was this notice -given? Certainly a man in Booth’s position, ignorant -of accounts, much of whose business was done on ‘the -nod,’ and required an expert to recognize all his varied -customers, would be very slow to dismiss a confidential -clerk. Probably the cause was something -serious—perhaps criminal? At any rate, it looks -shady. If there was a spirit of revenge in this man we have -a motive for his master’s death; but if we add to this the -possibility, as he himself suggested, of a betting-book being so -arranged as to gain largely by Mr. Booth’s death, we have a -second and still stronger motive.”</p> -<p><a name="page61"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -61</span>“Well, I will say, Tom,” said Mrs. Hobbs, -“you have more sense than I gave you credit for. You -should arrest that Jew boy at once. I should not hesitate a -minute.”</p> -<p>“Easy, my dear, easy. Remember you were equally -persistent just now, first that Booth killed himself, then that -Jacob Schnider did it.”</p> -<p>“I said nothing of the sort. It was you, you -thick-headed numbskull! But there, that’s just like -you, trying to put your own mistakes on my shoulders! Why, -no one with a grain of sense could hesitate for a minute. I -had my doubts from the first about that clerk!”</p> -<p>“Well, old woman, let us suppose it is the clerk, or -some one helping him. How do you account for his passing -through two locked and bolted doors, and re-passing, leaving them -fastened behind him? That he should be able to open the -doors is understandable, but that he should have troubled to -relock and rebolt them after himself is incredible. The man -who robbed the shop locked neither safe nor door, though the -motive in that case would have been quite as strong and the job -much easier, for in this case the locking was from the -outside.”</p> -<p>“Then the murderer did not open the doors at -all!”</p> -<p><a name="page62"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -62</span>“So I was inclined to think. But there are -only two other possible entrances to the room—a chimney a -cat could hardly crawl down, and a window fastened inside, barred -without, and thirty-three feet from the ground.”</p> -<p>“Well, I don’t care what you say! That -Israel did it, right enough! I never saw a man so -aggravating as you are. You no sooner find the man that did -it than you try and prove he didn’t!”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>It was the evening of the next day. Mr. Hobbs had -returned to his tea.</p> -<p>“Well, Tom!” said his wife; “how did the -inquest go? Anything fresh?”</p> -<p>“Nothing fresh, Bell. Nothing I have not told -you. Dobell, as I expected, has found out nothing. He -is in a bit of a fix I can see plainly enough. He expected -to find corroborative evidence against Mrs. Booth, but, so far, -he has failed.”</p> -<p>“Then the jury acquitted her?”</p> -<p>“On the contrary; they committed her for wilful murder, -and by this time she is in Darlinghurst. But that was only -what was to be expected. A coroner’s jury have not -got a judge to direct them. Their verdict is only -tentative. With the evidence before them they did -right.”</p> -<p><a name="page63"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -63</span>“And how did the poor woman take it?”</p> -<p>“You never saw any one look more astounded. She -stared round the room as though she was looking at a ghost, and -then swooned right away, with a loud shriek. The Professor -was there to hold her up, and I could see him turn pale and -tremble like a leaf. He told me himself that the shock of -this affair is likely to send the poor girl out of her mind, and -it is easy to see he is very much attached to her.”</p> -<p>“Poor dear creature, what she must suffer! You -must help her, Tom. Now set your wits to work. I know -you can if you like.”</p> -<p>“I will do my best, Bell; and if brains and ability, -though I say it that should not, can solve the North Shore -mystery, I will solve it!”</p> -<h2><a name="page64"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -64</span>CHAPTER VII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">LOOKING BACKWARD-WINDSOR</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Three</span> years earlier than the -incidents related in the preceding chapters, the walls and fences -of that moribund and derelict country town, Windsor, were -ornamented by a series of posters that proclaimed the early -appearance of the renowned Professor Norris, mesmerist, -phrenologist, and magnetic healer; also the gifted clairvoyant, -Bertha Summerhayes, reader of the past and future. And then -followed numerous details of the wonders and signs common to such -entertainments, the bill concluding with this parting -advice—“Man, know thyself!”</p> -<p>Why men generally are invited to make the acquaintance of the -very second-rate article referred to was not stated. Or, -having found what an unmitigated fool that person generally is, -what he was to do in the matter was also a blank.</p> -<p><a name="page65"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 65</span>Windsor -took the posters very quietly. Nothing but a circus or a -Hawkesbury flood will stimulate the languid circulation of a -native of its mud flats. Professor Norris and his -assistant, who had arrived at Mrs. Brown’s family hotel -that morning, had returned from a round of inspection, and met in -their sitting-room to compare notes.</p> -<p>“What do you think of the town, my dear? Is it not -a fine, quaint old place?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know about being quaint, it is old -enough. Why, half of the buildings seem to be empty, and -the other half public houses? Whatever do the people do for -a living?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps they drink in each other’s bars,” -said the Professor simply.</p> -<p>“And do you know what Mrs. Brown asked me? She -said we must pay each day’s hotel charges in -advance!”</p> -<p>“It must be her large organ of Caution. This is -very unusual.”</p> -<p>“So I told her, but she explained that shows had so -often failed to make expenses in this ‘quaint’ old -town of yours, that continued losses had forced them to make this -stipulation. Nevertheless, she was kind enough to add that -she would give something towards the subscription to pay our fare -to Sydney when the time came.”</p> -<p><a name="page66"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -66</span>“That was her large organ of Benevolence, and very -kind of her.”</p> -<p>“But what a place! I am sure I thought being a -professional was something nice, that at any rate people would -respect me; but it seems we are looked upon as little better than -tramps. For my part I’m sick of it. Windsor is -the last straw. Once catch me in Sydney again, and a team -of bullocks shall not drag me out of it!”</p> -<p>“You are too impressionable, my dear. Remember our -educational mission. It is not only for our own personal -ends we travel, but more especially to awaken in men a more -enlightened interest in those mesmeric and electric powers that -invest them. Think of the cause, my dear, think of our -mission.”</p> -<p>“Fiddlesticks for your mission! The -‘Cause’ will not clothe us, and feed us, and pay the -Mrs. Browns their bills.”</p> -<p>“Now, don’t fret; we may have a good house -to-night, our bills are really posted everywhere.”</p> -<p>“Of course they are; they are on the doors of all the -empty houses.”</p> -<p>“And who can tell how many heads I may have? I -have remarked some really interesting subjects in this -place. The temperaments are largely lymphatic. I saw -the largest <a name="page67"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -67</span>alimentativeness standing at an hotel door that I have -ever seen.”</p> -<p>The Professor, having got on his favourite theme, would have -gone on indefinitely, had not a servant come to the door to -announce the visit of a gentleman from the newspaper.</p> -<p>“Show him up by all means,” said the -Professor. “It is always wise to stand well with the -Press, and besides, he may want his character read. It -would be a most excellent advertisement for us, most -excellent.”</p> -<p>The gentleman from the newspaper was coming up the stairs with -an aggressive step. As general utility in the office he had -been dispatched to demand immediate cash payment of the printing -bill, and he felt no hesitation in undertaking the task. He -had been told to stand no humbug, and he meant to act up to -instructions. Hubert Gosper was a tall, lank youth, with -the Colonial looseness of limb, like wheels on an old axle that -want screwing up; a narrow face, regular features, the eyes small -and set back, as Australian eyes are wont to be, with the -accompanying lines in the forehead, and contraction of the -eyebrows, due to the glare of light. As he entered the room -with careless confidence the Professor bowed to him, but before -he could commence his abrupt <a name="page68"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 68</span>demand, his eye caught the face of -Bertha Summerhayes.</p> -<p>And she smiled at him graciously, and from her eyes came a -fire that flashed through him, seared him in some way, making -him, as it were, from that moment, and instantly, in some sort, -another man. For the nonce he was almost dumb, and stumbled -and stammered disconnected words.</p> -<p>The Professor in pity came to his assistance. “Ah; -no doubt you wish to have your character read? I shall do -so with the greatest pleasure. Of course, members of the -Press are on my free list. Take a chair.”</p> -<p>Hubert, or Huey, as he was commonly called, mechanically -obeyed.</p> -<p>“Really, a most remarkable head!” exclaimed the -Professor, after his fingers had passed once or twice through the -hair of the sitter. “Most remarkable? I find -you have intellectual gifts, which, if properly cultivated, might -make a first-class novelist or playwright. A wealth of -language and imagery that promises the eloquence of a great -orator. In the perceptive organs you have that analytical -faculty that is required by the legal mind, and, should -inclination lead you to mathematics, or the exact sciences, you -have all the organs required, of the most ample <a -name="page69"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -69</span>development. On the side of morals, I find strict -integrity and lofty veneration. The Church would in you -gain an ornament and a bright light. Of what -are—perhaps unfairly—termed the selfish organs, your -share is a wise and proper balance, and the animal only such as -is required to give the requisite energy and stimulant to the -whole. I say, without hesitation, that to such an endowment -of intelligence as you possess no path in life, however eminent, -is closed. You may be a statesman, a prelate, a poet, -artist, or engineer, and I would even venture so far as to say -you might in time, by diligent study and observation, be a -phrenologist.”</p> -<p>“Be a what?” exclaimed Huey, as though some insect -had stung him.</p> -<p>“A phrenologist, my dear sir; one of the noblest careers -open to our poor, frail humanity.”</p> -<p>“How much a week do they get?”</p> -<p>“If you mean how much in paltry coin is their share, the -returns, I admit, are somewhat scant, but the wealth of gratitude -from honest hearts made happier, and the noble exaltation in the -spread of science and truth are illimitable.”</p> -<p>“I’m afraid the terms won’t suit!”</p> -<p>“Reflect, my dear friend. This day a path opens -before you. Be my pupil; such talent <a -name="page70"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 70</span>as yours lies -buried—let it burst forth and bloom.”</p> -<p>Huey’s eyes by this time had again wandered to Bertha, -who sat apart, and the feeling was strong within him that he must -see again and talk with this girl. This proposal of the -Professor’s, though idiotic from his own point of view, -would form an excuse for further visits.</p> -<p>So when they parted a little later, without one word being -said of the printing account, it was understood that Huey was to -think the matter over and call again.</p> -<h2><a name="page71"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -71</span>CHAPTER VIII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE TWO LOVERS</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">An</span> empty wood dray was going up the -main street, Windsor, a young man seated on the side rail, -carelessly resting after bringing in a second load of firewood -from Pitt Town Common.</p> -<p>He was well-proportioned, muscular and hard with work, and -black tanned by the sun.</p> -<p>Professor Norris, had he given an honest chart of this -man’s character, would have found little for exultant -rapture; and, on the other hand, little to condemn. A mind -uncultivated, stunted by hard physical labour, he sat in his dray -with a stolid, bovine content, for he had dined heartily on his -midday meal of damper, corned beef, and a billy of black tea.</p> -<p>So he jolted on his road, as happy for the time being as a -hungry cow in a lucerne paddock; but looking up his eye caught -sight of a newly-pasted <a name="page72"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 72</span>bill on a wall, and he pulled up his -horse to read it. Seeing an acquaintance and old -school-fellow close by, be hailed him—</p> -<p>“Hullo, Huey! what’s all this about on this -bill? Mesmerism and clairvoyance! What sort of fake -is that? Is there any circus in it, or horses?”</p> -<p>“No, Alec,” replied Huey; “it’s a man -that feels your bumps and tells you, you are an awfully clever -fellow, and a girl that reads you your fortune, and all kinds of -things besides.”</p> -<p>“Oh, that sort of rot! I thought it might have -been something worth seeing.”</p> -<p>“The show’s not up to much, but the girl’s a -ripper—the prettiest girl in the world, I do believe! -Straight wire, and no joke!”</p> -<p>“Is it worth a bob now, to go and see her?”</p> -<p>Little thinking how much hung on his answer, little knowing to -how large a degree that answer would shape his own life and that -of others, Huey answered—</p> -<p>“Pay a bob! Why, it’s worth a quid, man, and -cheap at the price!”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>On his second visit to the Professor, Huey got on speaking -terms with Bertha, and that young lady, instinctively seeing, or -feeling, the conquest <a name="page73"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 73</span>she had made, added more gracious -smiles and still more gracious words to ensnare her victim. -And yet there was a certain haughtiness and reserve about her -that repelled familiarity, and perhaps added to her charm.</p> -<p>“It must be very nice for you,” said Huey at this -interview, “to be travelling about the country, seeing all -the different towns and people; not confined, a poor creature -like myself, to one dull little place.”</p> -<p>“So I thought,” replied Bertha, “when the -Professor persuaded me to make this journey with him, but I am -heartily tired of it. Out of Sydney you are buried, fairly -buried, and what is there to see but the same old bush and the -same old stupid people wherever you go. It is all very well -for the Professor; he finds wonderful ‘subjects,’ as -he calls them, everywhere. I don’t know how many -possible Shakespeares and Miltons he has not discovered. To -hear him, you would think the bush was just running over with -talent. He says it is only accident that brings great men -to the front, and that for one that is known, hundreds are lost -to themselves and everybody else. Now what is the good, I -want to know, of being as clever as clever can be, if you have to -waste it all on wallabies and cockatoos?”</p> -<p><a name="page74"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 74</span>And -here it seemed to Huey that Bertha’s words had a personal -address, that she already felt an interest in him, and, in this -indirect way, was summoning him to a new life.</p> -<p>“But what is a fellow to do—one of those clever -men you speak of, I mean? How is he to get out of the -rut? What is the good of being clever, anyway? Like -the Professor, for instance. He is not very rich, I -suppose?”</p> -<p>“Oh, poor old Pro! Rich?—no! And never -will be. His one desire is to spread what he calls the -‘Light of Modern Research’; but it’s my belief -that people don’t want his ‘Light,’ or anybody -else’s. Every one thinks himself so clever, you -know. And when you try and prove to them they are just -ignorant and stupid, they don’t like it.”</p> -<p>“And what do you think of it all, Miss -Summerhayes?”</p> -<p>“I am afraid I am one of the stupid, ignorant -people! I just want to be like everybody else—no -better, no worse. Only let me be where there is -somebody—some life. This is my last appearance on the -platform. Once in Sydney, there I stop. Dear old -Sydney! I had no idea what a delightful place it was till I -had spent twelve months amongst gum-trees, post-and-rail fences, -and bark huts.”</p> -<p><a name="page75"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -75</span>“And where do you live in Sydney?” Huey -asked, but before the answer came the Professor burst into the -room.</p> -<p>“I have found it out, my dear. Really it’s -the most simple thing in the world as plain as the nose on your -face, so to speak and no one has ever seen it before. -It’s a scientific discovery of the highest importance, and -will rank with the laws of gravity and natural selection. -Really the law is self-evident.”</p> -<p>“What law, Pro? What are you excited -about?”</p> -<p>“You know, my dear, I have often told you that, valuable -as phrenology is as a guide to character, it yet only tells a -man’s possibilities, not what a man is. This must be -looked for in other directions, and I have always held that -physiognomy was the clue. But although we all acknowledge -that character is shown by the face, no one has yet pointed out -the simple rule by which we are all, even a little child, more or -less guided. Now, that rule I have just thought out, and I -venture to predict it will revolutionize our social -organization.”</p> -<p>“Well, what is the rule? Tell us, Pro, quickly, or -you will have found out something else and forgotten all about -it.”</p> -<p><a name="page76"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -76</span>“The rule, my dear, is this—That where those -changes, that take place in the face of every person to express -the varied emotions, are found as a permanent part of the face -when in repose, then that person has that emotion in a -correspondingly high degree, and it follows that as the character -is changeable, so is the face. One is an exact index of the -other. Let me illustrate. You yourself, who have -large love of admiration, an organ becoming and proper of your -sex, have the mouth depressed between the nose and chin. -Now, when you smile, as you are now doing, the corners of the -mouth are drawn back, as it were, giving to any mouth a slight -appearance of what, to you, is a permanent feature. And -when a person is resolute or determined, is it not a fact, Mr. -Gosper, that the teeth are clenched and the jaw projected? -Are not these also the signs of resolution and -determination? And so on, all through. I could -multiply instances indefinitely, but one has only to stand before -a mirror, and like an actor, express the different sentiments, to -learn the whole key to physiognomy in a few minutes.”</p> -<p>“But what do you mean to do about it, Pro?” -inquired Bertha, smiling incredulously.</p> -<p>“When we get back to Sydney I will write a <a -name="page77"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 77</span>book. I -am inclined to think you are right as to the want of sympathetic -appreciation of the public for lectures. Literature is the -teacher of to-day. To literature I will turn my -energies.”</p> -<p>Huey, who was in no ways interested in the “new -law,” here found means to escape, and with a smile of adieu -from Bertha that haunted him for many days to come, descended the -stairs, and as he descended there seemed to be a light going out -of his life.</p> -<p>She would leave the next morning; how much that meant he -commenced to realize. The flames of a new hope, brightened -in her presence, flickered and dimmed as he left her. With -the descending stairs the hope grew smaller and smaller, and once -descended, seemed to go right out.</p> -<p>What could he, odd man in a country printing office, hope to -offer? Even George Street, that up to this time had -appeared a right and proper kind of thoroughfare for a country -town, now looked mean and squalid, and Windsor itself a grave for -youth and energy. He could not stand it. He felt sure -he could not stand it. Better far to starve in a city than -vegetate amidst the Hawkesbury flats, animate and inanimate.</p> -<p>And joined with this thought was a passionate resolve to see -Bertha Summerhayes again, to <a name="page78"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 78</span>strive for her, to fight for her if -need be, but to possess her at any cost.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>On Pitt Town Common, the following morning, Alexander Booth -was having an inward experience, not unlike that of his chum, -Huey. He had been twice to the lecture, and though not -mesmerized by the Professor, he was affected in a most strange -manner by his fair assistant.</p> -<p>He had not spoken to her, he had only seen her as one of a -small audience, yet she already filled his thoughts in a way that -was engrossing and irresistible, almost painful. It was as -though his mind had been a clean slate and she the first to write -on it, not in part, but over the whole surface.</p> -<p>So it came about that the logs would not split that day; they -might have been tough or fuzzy, or crossed in the grain. He -had never found his judgment so mistaken as to how a tree would -run. Then he took to cursing the logs, the wedges, and the -maul, then by progression to damn the common, the life he was -leading, and himself for a fool for following it. He who -was used to whistle at his work, like a magpie on a stump, never -piped a note, and though the sun glared down through the -shadeless forest of box and <a name="page79"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 79</span>ironbark on the brown grass and dusty -track, it seemed to him a dark cloud was in the sky.</p> -<p>Going into Windsor at last, he flogged the horse in a way -unusual to him, and seeing Huey in George Street, hailed him with -a sense of relief.</p> -<p>“I’m full up, Huey.”</p> -<p>“Full of what?”</p> -<p>“Full of this dog’s life, of slogging all day for -a mere nothing. I’m going to give it best and -clear.”</p> -<p>“So am I. I told the boss this morning this would -be my last week; I’m off for Sydney. Windsor may be -good enough for old men to die in, but for a young man who wants -to live Sydney’s the place.”</p> -<p>“Then I’ll go with you, I’m blest if I -don’t. I’ll tell the old man to-night. -Young George is big enough now to do my work, and if the old man -does not like it he can just do the other thing.”</p> -<p>So the bargain was concluded, and the two young men, each -turned to discontent by a pretty face, decided to explore the -unknown, and plunge in the maelstrom of Sydney life.</p> -<h2><a name="page80"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -80</span>CHAPTER IX<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">HUEY AND ALEC</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> two lads had been to Sydney -before as holiday visitors, but to actually live there, to depend -for their future on what the city might offer, was a new, and at -first, delightful experience. Huey did not own to himself -that he was following in Bertha’s footsteps. He -satisfied his mind that he was only acting from the wise desire -to better his prospects and enlarge his opportunities. As -the time came that saw them at last alighting on Redfern -platform, his ambition had soared into wild dreams of what the -metropolis might hold out. Why should he not be sub-editor -of one of the important dailies? Or editor, perhaps, of -some minor paper? What the Professor had said about his -capabilities was, no doubt, exaggerated; but he felt there was a -substratum of truth. Once let him get his foot <a -name="page81"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 81</span>on the -ladder, as high of course as possible to start with, and he felt -all the power to climb to the top. Parliament and the -Ministerial bench all shone before him in a dim vista of future -greatness. He had perhaps too much common-sense to take -those dreams quite seriously, yet there was pleasure in the -nursing of them and Youth and Hope sat by to fool him.</p> -<p>Alec, in his own more stolid, matter-of-fact way, had his -dreams too. A well-paid billet, with little to do but drive -about in a buggy and have unlimited drinks at the wayside pubs, -was nearly his ideal, if put in words. He was not brought -to Sydney in a hope to renew the sight of Bertha; he did not know -she had gone there; for Huey, with an instinctive jealousy, had -not told him.</p> -<p>The sight of this girl had acted on him as a species of -revelation that the good things of life were not confined to a -timber-getter on Pitt Town Common. That in fact much that -was desirable, this girl, for instance, was, for a -firewood-getter, hopelessly cut off. So he had thrown down -his tools, careless of his father’s displeasure, and taken -the train with Huey.</p> -<p>To an arrival from the country George Street, Sydney, is an -everlasting wonder and delight. The throng of passengers -and vehicles all rushing <a name="page82"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 82</span>along, the multitude of strange -faces, and smartly dressed shop-windows, causes him to wander up -and down, with mouth half open and staring eyes, devouring, as it -were, the scene before him. Huey and Alec were not quite -new chums to the city, and passed successfully the numerous door -men on Brickfield Hill, who, perhaps attracted by their tanned -faces, or the country clothes, or some other sign that their -dog-like instinct finds in the Bushman, solicited their patronage -on terms the most pressing.</p> -<p>It was only after their second day, when they had first made -inquiries in the direction of their hopes, that those hopes -became more shadowy and indistinct.</p> -<p>Huey found no possible opening for a sub-editor who was not -qualified by previous experience in the same kind of work.</p> -<p>Alec, who had pitched on the occupation of brewer’s -traveller as his ideal, at least to commence with, found on the -most casual inquiry that not only experience, but influence, was -required to secure the billet. He was, however, consoled -for the loss, for a time, by a visit he paid casually to a horse -sale-yard, where the heavy gold watch-chain and imposing air of -the auctioneer took his fancy. He would be a horse salesman -at all costs. <a name="page83"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -83</span>He invited an <i>habitué</i> of the yard to take -a drink, hoping to get some useful information.</p> -<p>He did.</p> -<p>“You understand horses—perhaps you know a good -beast when you see one?”</p> -<p>“I should think I did; and a bad one, too.”</p> -<p>“That’s just it; you know the bad points about a -horse. Now, an auctioneer doesn’t; he just sees in -every animal ‘The finest beast that ever came into this -yard!’ And you think, I suppose, he just has to stand -there and take bids, and knock it down to the highest -bidder?”</p> -<p>“Well, I should think so.”</p> -<p>“You are a soft one, and no mistake. Where did you -come from? Damper must be cheap in your part. Why, -you mug, the auctioneer just bids himself, and keeps her going if -he sees a mug about, and then runs him as far as he thinks he -will go before he knocks him down. Now, could you run a mug -and not be caught ‘on the rocks’?”</p> -<p>Alec had to own to himself that at present that prospect was -closed to him.</p> -<p>On the third day, ambition having cooled, they tried for more -humble posts, Huey as reporter and Alec as ’bus driver, but -here also they found the door closed on them.</p> -<p><a name="page84"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 84</span>By the -end of the week their ardour had so cooled that Huey was hunting -round job offices for a place as printer’s devil, and Alec -found the dignity of driving a tip-dray one to be desired. -But they found even in these humble walks those more qualified -than themselves before them. So they spent a great part of -the day walking about the Domain or sitting on the seats, resting -after their tramps for work. They did not tell each other -much of their experience after the first day or so. Their -day’s fortune on a re-meeting was all summed up in the -mutual ejaculation—</p> -<p>“No luck!”</p> -<p>“No luck!”</p> -<p>Taken up with their own cares, the two friends had, these last -few days, paid little heed to those about them, yet more than -once they had noticed a rather stout old gentleman, clean-shaved, -white-haired, with a babyish, chubby face, like a cherubim gone -to seed, with a pair of big blue eyes that looked wonderingly -about. There was generally a cluster of children about him, -whom he incited to foot races, long jumps, and other sports, he -himself seeming more gay and childish than all the rest. -One morning two of these small boys began fighting, and, to the -surprise of the young men, the old gentleman, far from <a -name="page85"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 85</span>interfering, -was urging them on, with eager instructions as to how to hold -their fists and strike their blows. Huey went forward to -interfere. Alec, for his part, thought the sport rather -interesting than otherwise. But the old gentleman pulled -Huey up by exclaiming—</p> -<p>“Let the young roosters have it out; it makes them -game! Watch the little fellow—he is trying the La -Blanche I taught him yesterday!”</p> -<p>The bigger boy now retreated, howling, with a bleeding nose, -but the old gentleman sent a threepenny-piece after him by -another boy, and in like manner rewarded the victor. The -children then left in a bee-line for the main entrance gate, -probably, as the old gentleman suggested, “To blue their -swag.”</p> -<p>So it came about that they all fell talking together, and in -course of conversation the old gentleman learned some of the -young men’s experiences.</p> -<p>“So you have come to Sydney to make your fortunes, my -boys? Nothing like it; I admire pluck. But how are -you going about it? Making fortunes wants understanding, -like everything else. You want to know the ropes, and if -you don’t get on the right track soon, you waste all your -time, and perhaps never find it at all.”</p> -<p><a name="page86"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -86</span>“Well, can you tell us the ropes?” -interjected Alec.</p> -<p>“That is as it may be. I don’t give all my -experience away to the first comer just for the asking. Let -us hear what your ideas are of making a fortune first.”</p> -<p>“Well,” said Huey, “I believe in getting -into some firm, the bigger the better, and by steady industry and -making myself useful, working my way up to the highest -position—early to bed, early to rise, a penny saved is a -penny got, and all that sort of thing.”</p> -<p>“No good,” was the laconic comment of the old -gentleman. “Those sentiments might have been all -right a hundred years ago, but they are not up to date. -Honest Integrity, when he has been in a firm long enough, say all -the best years of his life, gets promoted by getting the sack, -because his salary looks too big, and they can get a younger man -to do his work for half the money. As for the ‘early -to bed’ racket, I never knew any one but labourers and poor -devils who could not help it that stuck to that game. And -the ‘penny saved’ is no better; you have not got the -value of that penny till you have eaten it, or spent it in some -other pleasing fashion. A penny saved and put of course, in -a bank that goes bung is a mug’s <a name="page87"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 87</span>game. Why, all this kind of -foolishness you are talking is the ruin of hundreds of promising -lads; and it’s just unlearning it all and reading it the -other way about that is called experience.”</p> -<p>“But you don’t mean to say,” urged Huey, -“that honesty is not the best policy?”</p> -<p>“Oh, no,” said the old gentleman, “honesty -is a good line, particularly for a cashier or a trustee. Be -as honest as the day, you gain confidence; and then sooner or -later you can clear to America with a good swag. Yes, -honesty is a paying game, properly conducted.”</p> -<p>Hubert smiled aside to Alec. The old gentleman was -either wrong in his head or was trying to take a rise out of -them.</p> -<p>“I don’t suppose you know who I am,” -continued the old gentleman. “I am called Soft Sam, -or Old Sam, and I have put more successful men on the right track -than any other man in Sydney. Men as green as you are, some -of them; now owning houses there” (pointing to Macquarie -Street) “and stores there” (pointing to Circular -Quay).</p> -<p>“And do all the chaps you help do well?” inquired -Alec.</p> -<p>“No, they don’t; and I’ll tell you -why. After getting along all right with the start I give -them <a name="page88"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 88</span>they -get so cocky, they think they are too clever to come to me again, -and sooner or later they make a hash of it. There are -several of them over there” (jerking his thumb towards -Darlinghurst); “but it’s all their own foolishness, -and thinking they could run before they could walk. But -this is dry work talking; let us go and have a wet.”</p> -<p>They went towards the gate, the young men wondering what kind -of a man this Soft Sam might be. Presently the old man -spoke again—</p> -<p>“Bless me!” and he clapped his hands in both his -pockets. “I have not got a copper on me!”</p> -<p>“Ah, now we are coming to it,” thought Huey; -“he will want to borrow money.”</p> -<p>But Soft Sam did nothing of the kind.</p> -<p>“Come along, boys, it’s all right. -I’ll meet one of my lads before we have gone -far.”</p> -<p>Even as he spoke a flash sulky, with a fast-trotting pony, -driven by a superfine young swell, was dashing past. Old -Sam put up his hand, and the vehicle stopped. He stepped -forward, and this is what the young men heard—</p> -<p>“Give us a quid, Johnny.”</p> -<p>“A fiver if you like, Sam.”</p> -<p>“No, a quid will do.”</p> -<p>A pocket-book was brought out, the paper <a -name="page89"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 89</span>handed over, -and with a mutual nod the sulky disappeared round the corner.</p> -<p>“A friend of yours?” inquired Huey.</p> -<p>“One of my pupils.”</p> -<p>“Then you are a kind of professor?”</p> -<p>“Well, I never went in for any fine name like -that. I just show the ropes to young fellows as I think -will benefit, and when I want a pound I just ask the first one -handy.”</p> -<p>“But I suppose you will have a lot of money of your -own?”</p> -<p>“Not a penny in the world. What do I want money -for? It is all very well for young fellows like you, but I -would not be bothered with more than I can put in my waistcoat -pocket. I tried it once, but mates were always borrowing -it, or worrying me to give or lend it, so I got clear of the lot, -and a good job too.”</p> -<p>Soft Sam was now accosted by a man who crossed the street to -speak to him, and Alec heard him whisper—</p> -<p>“Lend us a quid, Sam; I’ve got a mug!”</p> -<p>As though it was a matter of course, the hand of the old man -went to his pocket, and the note so recently put there changed -hands once more. With this the stranger hurried away and -joined another.</p> -<p><a name="page90"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -90</span>“Now you see what it is to have money,” said -Old Sam. “Now, that Jackson is no better than a fool, -and I will wager he is trying to work the confidence trick on -that new chum he is with. I told him times enough it is not -in his line, but he is one of the clever ones, thinks he knows -everything.”</p> -<p>The party had turned into George Street. Soft Sam pulled -up before a draper’s window, flaming with posters, -announcing “A Great Fire Sale.”</p> -<p>“My idea,” he said, pointing to the -placards. “A month ago, Smallway was nearly a -broker. He came to me. I told him to make a fire in -his back-yard, call out the Brigade, and give a reporter a fiver -to make half a column of it. Since then he has been coining -money.”</p> -<p>“How is that?” said Huey. “I -don’t see where the profit comes in.”</p> -<p>“Damaged goods, of course. The public will pay -fifty per cent. more for smoky, soiled calico than they will for -new. Why, he has got one man and three boys dipping rolls -of goods in dirty water in the back-yard all the time. It -is a little gold-mine while it lasts. I may as well go in -and get a quid off him as any one else.”</p> -<p>So saying, the old man stepped into the shop, which was -crammed with eager buyers, and in <a name="page91"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 91</span>a little time sallied forth with a -note in his hand.</p> -<p>“Would not give me less than a fiver. Said he owed -me a hundred times as much. Now, that’s the sort of -man I like—a man who knows where his success comes from, -and does not gammon it is all his own cleverness. Come -along, lads, and I’ll show you the finest sight and the -finest girl in Sydney. Here we are; they call it the Golden -Bar.”</p> -<h2><a name="page92"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -92</span>CHAPTER X<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE GOLDEN BAR</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> door swung behind them, and -truly the young men were fairly dazzled. A spacious room, -walled with mirrors, with pillars and panelling, fretwork and -tracery, all of burnished gold—even the frescoed ceiling -had a gilt cornice—the furniture, the ornate bar, and -fairy-like shelves, all were gilt.</p> -<p>And the light that streamed in from the oriel roof was -rose-coloured, and gave a halo of glory to the whole.</p> -<p>And behind the bar were three fair maidens, and behind them -again the usual range of bottles and decanters.</p> -<p>Only for this familiar sight the lads would have taken the -place for the dwelling of some genii or millionaire.</p> -<p><a name="page93"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 93</span>Soft -Sam smiled as he saw their astonishment. It pleased -him.</p> -<p>“Nice little crib to smoke a pipe, eh? What will -you take? A bottle of Foster, my dear, and never believe me -again if you are not the prettiest girl in the town! Yes, I -call you the Queen of Sydney.”</p> -<p>The barmaid tossed her head contemptuously, served the drinks, -and was about to turn away, when her eyes caught those of -Huey.</p> -<p>“An old acquaintance! How are you? Come to -stop in Sydney?”</p> -<p>And Bertha, for it was Bertha, glorified by the latest fashion -in dress and coiffure—Bertha, morocco-bound and -gilt-edged—smiled at him, bending her head on one side and -looking slantwise with her eyes.</p> -<p>Huey drank in her smile like dew from Heaven; drank it in with -a species of intoxication. He answered in words he was -ashamed of, so halting and stumbling. Then the three sat -down.</p> -<p>“Isn’t she a clinker?” said Sam.</p> -<p>“My word!” added Alec.</p> -<p>Huey said nothing.</p> -<p>“I’ll go and have a word with her,” said -Alec, and, rising, he went to the bar, and started a conversation -with Bertha.</p> -<p><a name="page94"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 94</span>Huey -watched them, expecting with certainty that Bertha would receive -the clumsy compliments and remarks of Alec with indifference, if -not disgust. What was his surprise to see her answer -graciously, and, could he believe his eyes, smile on Alec, with -that same soul-devouring smile that she had bestowed on -himself. He felt in a moment a great hatred for Alec, and -he felt as though this old chum of his had basely robbed him of -some dear treasure, and had any one noted Huey’s eyes at -that moment, they would have seen a flash of hell-fire from -them.</p> -<p>The moment passed,—it was all in a moment, but a -bitterness remained, even though as Huey sat there he saw this -smile bestowed not on one only, but half-a-dozen other favoured -customers.</p> -<p>“Well, boys,” said Soft Sam, “you can stop -and see the gals. I’m off. You know where to -find me. So long.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>They had had tea at their coffee palace—Huey and -Alec.</p> -<p>Huey said he would go upstairs and read. Alec said he -would stroll down to Paddy’s Market. But no sooner -had Alec gone out than Huey put down his paper, went out in the -street, and made a straight line for the Golden Bar. He <a -name="page95"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 95</span>turned the -corner and was about to enter, when he came nearly full-butt on -Alec.</p> -<p>There was no explanation. They knew they had lied to -each other, and they felt, not ashamed of themselves, but sore -that the other should know. They entered together and drank -together, and played dominoes to pass the time, while they -watched each other and Bertha behind the bar, and she smiled on -both of them when they came for drinks, with a uniform -sweetness.</p> -<p>And the lads drank love and hate as they sat together, and -though they spoke in the usual friendly tone, they knew the old -friendliness and mutual confidence was buried for ever.</p> -<p>Where they sat the two young men could hear most of what -Bertha said to the numerous customers that came to her. -Amongst these was a small crowd of flash young men, full of loud -talk and coarse jokes. One of them, leaning on the bar, -looked up at Bertha—</p> -<p>“I tell you what it is, my dear. Say the word, and -I’ll marry you.”</p> -<p>Bertha turned on him contemptuously—</p> -<p>“Marry you? You must think I want a husband -badly. And what have you to marry on?”</p> -<p>“A few thousands.”</p> -<p><a name="page96"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -96</span>“What is that? The man that speaks to me -must have twenty thousand to begin with.”</p> -<p>The whole conversation was doubtless a thoughtless jest on -both sides, but one pair of ears at least did not take it -so. Alec sealed the words in his memory. And the -first question he asked Soft Sam when they met him next day -was—</p> -<p>“How can I make twenty thousand pounds?”</p> -<h2><a name="page97"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -97</span>CHAPTER XI<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">HOW TO START IN BUSINESS</span></h2> -<p>“<span class="smcap">That’s</span> a pretty tidy -sum,” said the old man; “not that the amount makes -much difference while you are about it. It is just as easy -to make twenty thousand pounds as twenty thousand pence, if you -are on the right track. Now, I have been turning you two -young chaps over in my mind, and the question is, what are you -fit for that has got money in it? I should judge -you,” turning to Alec, “to have a good loud -voice!”</p> -<p>Without a word Alec stood up and gave a coo-ee like a steam -whistle, a screech that could have been heard across the water at -North Shore, and woke up the Domain sleepers like the sound of -the last trump.</p> -<p>“That will do,” said the old man. -“What a pair of bellows you must have! Now, the first -thing you must do is to start in business.”</p> -<p><a name="page98"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -98</span>“But that will require capital, whatever we -choose,” observed Huey.</p> -<p>“That is where you make the mistake, my lad. When -a man starts in business with capital, the chances are ten to one -he loses it. If a chap’s smart enough for business, -he’s smart enough to start without capital. Now, -money is made to be lost by the mug and picked up by the man of -talent.”</p> -<p>“Then if no money is wanted, how do you -start?”</p> -<p>“On credit, my lad, and the more you owe to the right -people the safer you are. Who will help you when you are -hard pushed? Your friend? Not a bit of it. Your -creditors! Who will push your business, bring you -customers, put you in the way of a good deal? Your -creditors. No man ever failed for debt. It was for -not owing enough! Why, half Sydney firms would be wound up -to-morrow but for their wise foresight in owing too much. -The creditors dare not face the loss, so they keep them -going. As for the squatters in the country, from what I -hear there is not one in a score could pay ten shillings in the -pound, and they are as jolly as sand-boys and as happy as -kings. Does the price of wool trouble them? Not -much!”</p> -<p><a name="page99"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -99</span>“And is it wise to pay nobody?”</p> -<p>“No, that is a fool’s game! A small creditor -is a small enemy, while a big creditor is a big friend. -It’s the same with appropriating. Never take a few -paltry pounds, you may get seven years. It is just as -simple to start a rotten company and scoop thousands—just -as easy and no risk; only fools can’t see it. And who -gets in quod? The little fishes or the big ones? Why, -the little fishes all the time? Why, the law is a net made -so delicate that all the big sharks can break through; the only -question is, will you be a man eaten or a man-eater?</p> -<p>“It’s all the foolishness and humbug we are taught -while we are boys that spoils life for most men. They start -out at a game they don’t understand, with the certainty -they do. Mind you, I’m not saying things are not -pretty well as they are, for if there were no mugs where would -our turn come in?”</p> -<p>Huey felt at first a certain revolt and repugnance to the -doctrines of Soft Sam, but little by little the feeling wore -off. The calm certainty of the speaker, the evidence he had -of the success of his plans, all told with force. How could -he argue against success; he, who so far felt himself a -failure? A thought came into his mind how One <a -name="page100"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 100</span>was in old -time taken to a pinnacle of the Temple, and the kingdoms of the -world shown to him—“All these will I give you if you -will bow down and worship me.”</p> -<p>But he put the recollection aside as not suited to the affairs -of practical life.</p> -<p>Alec, on his side, received all these new maxims like new -milk.</p> -<p>To him they were as the keys of Heaven—self-evident -propositions that he wondered had never struck him before.</p> -<p>“Well, what had we better start?”</p> -<p>“I think book-making would do to begin with,” said -Sam, “you have got a good voice and plenty of -muscle,” turning to Alec. “I think that’s -about your dart.”</p> -<p>“But I know nothing of the business,” replied -Alec, despondingly.</p> -<p>“There you go again! Did you think I expected you -did? That’s another foolishness folks have got in -their head, that you have to understand a thing before you try -it. Does the clever miner know where the gold is when he -sinks a shaft? Not a bit of it. Does the old hand -that knows all the points strike it rich? Not a bit of -it. It’s the mug that comes along and does not know -pyrites from peas-pudding that hits the <a -name="page101"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -101</span>patch! I suppose you know a horse from a -cow?”</p> -<p>“I should say so!” said Alec.</p> -<p>“Then that’s all you want to know to be a -bookmaker. Directly you begin to know one horse from -another you commence to be too clever; you are inclined to back -your fancy on your own hook, and it’s very soon all up with -you.”</p> -<p>“But don’t you have to make a book? Is there -not some science or skill in taking the proper bets, or hedging, -or something of that kind?”</p> -<p>“There is nothing in it that a baby can’t learn in -five minutes. You back the field against the public all the -time, and the public all finish by losing their money; you always -finish by getting it.”</p> -<p>“But bow much shall I make? Shall I get -£20,000?”</p> -<p>“No, I don’t say you will. I only said this -was to commence with. You might make a thousand a -year. Will that suit till I can put you on a lay for the -other?”</p> -<p>Would it suit? A lad who had been earning so far a few -shillings a week with the life of a working bullock! Would -it suit? Was honey sweet in the mouth; was pleasure better -than pain? Alec just closed with the offer right away, <a -name="page102"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 102</span>and had to -get up and shake hands with Soft Sam on the strength of it.</p> -<p>“But I must warn you,” continued Sam, “that -it is not all beer and skittles. It will be awkward if the -favourites win the first few races, because you will have to cut -and run, and your business is as good as done for in that line -for the future. But there is no good meeting trouble -half-way. I’ll see you launched when the game is -pretty right. All the same, it is as well to be prepared -for a belting.”</p> -<p>“I’m ready,” said Alec. “I can -stand hard knocks with anybody.”</p> -<p>Huey had said nothing to all this. The possibility of -being hunted as a blackleg was not tempting to him, so he turned -a look on Soft Sam, which the old gentleman seemed to -understand.</p> -<p>“I suppose now the hard knocks and the clearing racket -are hardly in your line?”</p> -<p>“I can’t say they are,” answered Huey.</p> -<p>“So I thought. You want a gentlemanly occupation, -without risk, no trouble to speak of, and bags full of -profit?”</p> -<p>“That’s just about my complaint.”</p> -<p>“Then here’s the very thing? You must start -as a turf prophet. You have been on a newspaper <a -name="page103"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 103</span>and can -string words together, and that is what is wanted.”</p> -<p>“But I know no more about horses or who is likely to win -than Cook’s statue over there.”</p> -<p>“No more does any other turf prophet. Do you think -that even if they knew one certainty they would not go and pawn -their shirts, make their pile, and retire to private life? -Do you think these men are what they call philanthropists, who -sell turf knowledge, equal to bank-notes, to the first comers, at -five bob a head? Of course the public does—that Al -copper-fastened fool, the public. You will have to learn -the ‘pitch’—that’s easy. Always -refer to the ‘stable,’ what the stable says, what the -stable think. And when your tip loses, as it generally -will, ‘Very sorry I could not tell you sooner. But at -the last moment the stable decided to run him stiff. Could -not get the money on. Ring was afraid of him. So they -are saving him. Will be a dead bird for sure the next -handicap, and I shall have the straight wire, you make no -error.’ That’s about the total of it; of course -you will vary it a bit, just for variety, ‘The stable has -been forestalled; the owner is saving him for the Cup, and the -stable did not know till the last moment. The jockey was -got at.’ Or, supposing it’s a mare, then it was -‘one of her off days.’ The <a -name="page104"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 104</span>fact is, -the game is too simple for a smart man. To an old fisherman -it is like catching yellowtail.”</p> -<p>“But five shillings a tip won’t bring in much, I -should think, unless the yellowtail you speak of are very -numerous,” objected Huey.</p> -<p>“The five bobs, as you say, do not amount to much; -hardly pay the advertising. The profit is another branch of -the business. It stands to reason that the mugs who go to -turf prophets are about the muggiest of mugs there are. -This is what makes the business such a soft thing. Suppose -a race is coming off with eleven horses entered and five of them -possible winners; then to five different mugs you give five -different ‘extra special’ tips, in consideration of -which you are to stand in free for half the winnings. One -mug wins and shares, and swears by you ever after, or at least -till you have cleaned him out. As for the others, you -smooth them down as per usual—horse could have done it -easy, his time at private trials was seconds under, but stable -was not on the job!”</p> -<p>“It seems to me that this kind of thing is what is -called swindling?”</p> -<p>“You can call it that if you like,” said Soft Sam, -smiling. “Most people call it business, and very good -business too. There is only one thing you have to get to -make a start.”</p> -<p><a name="page105"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -105</span>“And what is that?” asked Huey, with a tone -of misgiving, as he remembered the diminished state of his -finances.</p> -<p>“A name. The mugs like a good name. Let me -think,” and the old gentleman paused. “Fred -Archer was called the ‘Tinman,’ that will do as well -as another, and it sounds ’cute. Now come along, -lads, let’s make a start. We must have a fresh -rig-out to begin with.”</p> -<p>With this the old man led the way, and in a few minutes -conducted the young men to the interior of a tailoring -establishment much patronized by the fancy. At the -suggestion of Soft Sam an order was left for a complete outfit of -the latest fashion in sporting garments. No payment was -asked for; the presence of the old gentleman appearing to smooth -all difficulties.</p> -<p>On leaving the shop Soft Sam said—</p> -<p>“You can pay them when you are in funds. The price -will be pretty stiff, but after this they will always serve you -on the same terms; and remember this, and paste it in your hat: -If you have only one friend in the world let him be a -tailor.”</p> -<h2><a name="page106"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -106</span>CHAPTER XII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">ALEC AND HUEY START BUSINESS</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> next week saw Alec fairly -started on a Randwick tram, with an assistant recommended as -clerk by Old Sam. As his pouch was devoid of any money but -small silver, he had been provided by the provident old gentleman -with a twenty pound note, good enough to look at, but not readily -changeable at any bank. With this he was to bluff inquirers -for their money if the first race went against him.</p> -<p>“No man,” said Old Sam, “will bustle you for -his money if you ask him to change twenty quid. In the -first place, it is not likely he has got change, and even if he -has, he will be extra soft if he would care to do it on Randwick -flat.”</p> -<p>The note, however, was not wanted, and was duly handed -back. The day had been skilfully chosen. Alec -returned to the Coffee Palace as <a name="page107"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 107</span>proud as a hen with a new clutch, -with £47 10s. in his pocket. This with childish pride -he displayed to Huey.</p> -<p>“Better than wood-cutting, sonny!”</p> -<p>That week all the newspapers that would insert the -advertisement on credit contained the following—</p> -<p style="text-align: center">“THE TINMAN,</p> -<p>Pronounced by all the prince of turf prophets. The only -man in the Colonies that gave three straight-out winners for the -last Caulfield meeting; five firsts and two seconds for Randwick, -and a record for the year never approached in turf history. -We have as good as ever for future events.</p> -<p>“Try the Tinman; Tinman, the turf guide. Tinman is -not lucky; Tinman acts on information. Agents all over the -Colonies. Tinman is a moral. Why throw your money -away on stiff ’uns when you can get the office for a crown, -straight as a wire, from the Tinman.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">Box ABC, G.P.O.”</p> -<p>The fruit of this “rot,” as Huey denominated the -above par that he had inserted at the old man’s directions, -astounded him. Letters with money rained on him—in -small amounts, it is <a name="page108"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 108</span>true; still it rained, and the -shower was received as manna from Heaven.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>During all these days, and long after prosperity had come to -them, the two young men were nightly frequenters of the Golden -Bar—partly to see the girl they were now both madly in love -with, and partly to watch each other.</p> -<p>What was maddening to Huey was that he could make no claim to -any special preference shown to himself. Bertha always -received him pleasantly, and seemed to appreciate him and -understand his point of view, as no other girl he had ever met -had done; but the mischief of it was, that her manner to many -other persons, Alec, for example, was equally gracious. -Particularly to Alec, who was always full of small talk, arrant -nonsense for the most part, that Huey disdained, even as he -watched with jealous eyes the success of his rival.</p> -<p>Unfortunately for Huey, he was endowed with an imagination, -and he saw Bertha not only as she was, a pretty, emotional, -pleasure-loving girl, but also as an exalted personage, gifted -with all those virtues and talents that formed his mute -ideal. And to see her pandering in a public bar to the -coarse jokes of fools was to him a mental torture. He did -not for a moment doubt that they two were <a -name="page109"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 109</span>far -superior to all about them, and as he recognized her superiority, -so he felt in all justice she should recognize his.</p> -<p>Alec, on the contrary, had no imagination at all worth -speaking of. To him Bertha was a fine girl, or, as he had -learned to express it, “A damned fine girl;” and he -said it and thought it in the same tone, as though he were -speaking of a horse of great merit or a prize cow. His talk -with her, and, for that matter, with every one else, was always -on what Theosophists term the “material plane.” And -if she responded freely it was perhaps because women of her -nature have the art to appear sympathetic to every one they -desire to please.</p> -<p>Between the two young men the person of Bertha was never -mentioned; but there was a silent acknowledgment of rivalry, a -silent determination on each side to have the prize, and a -certainty with each that no hope was possible without a big bank -balance.</p> -<p>“If I only had twenty thousand pounds I’d marry -you to-morrow,” cried out Alec, in a half-jesting, -half-serious tone to Bertha.</p> -<p>“If!” was all Bertha replied, as she smiled.</p> -<p>And Huey sat by and listened and ground his teeth, as he also -wished that he had the like sum. <a -name="page110"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 110</span>But he did -not blurt out his wishes in a coarse way like -Alec—“Curse him!”</p> -<p>The first use Alec made of his freshly acquired income was to -buy a rich bracelet and present it to Bertha. This she -declined, but consented to go for a drive with him on the -following Sunday.</p> -<p>Huey, for his part, put his savings in the bank as a nest-egg -towards the twenty thousand pounds—not that he did not -think a few thousands less than that amount would be -sufficient.</p> -<p>On the following Sunday Huey was seated near to Lady -Macquarie’s chair, talking to Soft Sam, when he was -astounded to see amongst the traps and buggies doing the round -Alec and Bertha in a sulky side by side. Alec gave a wave -with his whip hand as he flashed past, but it was only Soft Sam -that responded.</p> -<p>“That young fellow seems to be making the pace pretty -hot,” said Sam.</p> -<p>“I knew the girl first,” was all Huey could -answer.</p> -<p>“Then why didn’t you stick to her, man? A -filly is always such an uncertain kind of animal. You want -to yard and brand them on the jump, so to speak, when you have -made up your mind to run them in. No man understands women -till he has no further use of the information. <a -name="page111"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 111</span>There is -not one in a hundred of them is any good till they are thoroughly -broken in, and whether they are worth the trouble I very much -doubt. Did you ever tell the girl you wanted -her?”</p> -<p>“No,” said Huey.</p> -<p>“Then why don’t you if you think that way? -Any girl is to be had for the asking if you go the right way -about it. Praise them up; you can’t put it on too -thick. Keep at ’em all the time, and be as deaf as a -post to all they say that does not suit you. And -don’t you go away thinking this girl is different to other -girls; that is where I have seen smarter chaps than you make the -mistake. All girls are alike, as alike as two peas. -Of course they vary outside, and have different styles with them, -but the bed-rock, so to speak, is the same all the time. -But if you take my advice, which I know you -won’t—young fellows never do—you will just -leave the girls alone for a year or two. They spoil more -men for business, and get more of them into trouble, than -anything else.”</p> -<p>And then the old man launched forth into reminiscences of all -the promising men he had known go to the dogs after -petticoats. But Huey did not attend, his mind was agitating -wilds plans <a name="page112"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -112</span>of what he should say and what he should do when he -next met Alec and Bertha.</p> -<p>And the day for him was a horror, the park a desolation, and -through the yellow of his eyes the whole world out of joint.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The two barmaids at the Golden Bar were taking things -easily. It was a dull hour of the day for business, and -Bertha’s turn off. They were pretty girls, these two -barmaids, Sarah Jones (<i>nom de guerre</i>, Ruby), and Maria -Simpson (<i>nom de guerre</i>, Florence), and they were well, -even richly dressed, and, for their work, well-mannered.</p> -<p>For the Golden Bar was no common public-house or speculation -in immorality, but a commercial undertaking for providing the -best of everything in the best way at the best prices. And -to choose the three prettiest barmaids he could find was part of -the proprietor’s project.</p> -<p>Ruby was languidly polishing a glass that did not want it, on -the off chance that the Boss should come in and find her doing -nothing. Florence was similarly occupied.</p> -<p>“I’m getting about tired of this place,” -said Ruby.</p> -<p>“So am I,” yawned Florence.</p> -<p><a name="page113"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -113</span>“It was not so bad before Bertha came; one could -have a bit of fun and get a few presents. But she is -downright mean. She grabs everybody.”</p> -<p>“That’s it. She grabs everybody, and what -they see in her I can’t think. With her snub nose and -fish eyes, and the airs she gives herself, one would fancy she -was really what some of the chaps call her, ‘the Queen of -Sydney.’ Now, there is that old squatter from -Way-back, I had him as safe as possible till this creature -came.”</p> -<p>“I know you had, dear, and I saw that same man offer her -this morning a diamond ring worth fifty pounds if it was worth a -penny. And she would not even take it.”</p> -<p>“I wish he would try me, I’d take it fast -enough. But that is the way with that sly minx. She -will not take things herself, and prevents others. Who is -she, to put on airs? I suppose she is holding out to make a -big haul.”</p> -<p>“I tell you what I think,” exclaimed Florence; -“we are just wasting ourselves here, taking my lady’s -leavings! We might as well be two old scarecrows for all -the chance we get! And the way she makes up is something -scandalous! Why, I’m sure half her figure comes away -when she strips. A little powder, I don’t say, or a -pull-back, but when it comes to getting inside a <a -name="page114"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -114</span>dressmaker’s dummy and walking about with that, I -say it’s a fraud!”</p> -<p>“But men are so stupid. They just run after her -because she looks at them out of her eyes with the look of a -dying cat! Look at those two young sporting fellows that -come here every night. Any one can see they are gone soft -on her, and she had the cheek to go out driving with one of them -yesterday.”</p> -<p>“You don’t say!”</p> -<p>“As bold as you please—that one they call -Alec.”</p> -<p>“Well, I never!”</p> -<p>The talk was interrupted by the entrance of Bertha.</p> -<p>“Good-evening, my dear,” said Ruby; “how -nicely your hair is arranged to-day. I wish you’d -show me the way, there’s a love!”</p> -<p>Florrie came forward, also to inspect, and kissed Bertha as a -darling to make her promise to teach the secret of the new -coiffure.</p> -<p>“You are in luck, Bertha, going out for buggy -rides. Not that that young Alec is much of a catch. I -should look for something better if I were you.”</p> -<p>“My troubles!” said Bertha.</p> -<p>Soon the bar began to fill, and Alec came in <a -name="page115"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 115</span>with his -shadow, Huey. Bertha greeted them both with a friendly nod, -but the first opportunity Huey came to the bar and spoke to her -some low angry words. His eyes fairly blazed. But -Bertha merely tossed her head.</p> -<p>“I can mind my own business, and you had best mind -yours. Thank you all the same, Mr. Gosper!”</p> -<p>Then Huey retired to a corner and sulked, while Bertha smiled -on his rival and other customers with her uniform blandness.</p> -<p>If Soft Sam had been at his side he would have urged Huey to -start a desperate flirtation with either Ruby or Florrie, and to -have ignored Bertha for the time as one dead. But Huey had -no cunning in maiden wiles and maiden fence, and was hit, -palpably hit, at the first parade. But as days passed the -cloud blew over, blew over so far that later on Huey himself -drove Bertha down to Botany.</p> -<p>And so, in the mutual rivalry, honours were easy.</p> -<h2><a name="page116"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -116</span>CHAPTER XIII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE HAWKESBURY HANDICAP</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> races at Clarendon caused quite -a flutter of excitement in the adjacent town of Windsor. As -many as three men and a dog might be seen all at one time in its -main street, for some of the visitors stop over-night in the -town.</p> -<p>Old Sam and the two young men were of this number, and as -after the day’s sport was over time hung heavily on their -hands, it was natural they should sally out in quest of -amusement—Alec and Huey to see old chums and gather a -harvest of outspoken admiration for their talent and pluck, and -Old Sam to cruise about in what appeared an aimless manner from -hotel to store, to shoeing forge, and to wherever men congregated -and he could hear and listen.</p> -<p>Some words casually spoken by a blacksmith appeared to -interest him, for he sought out a bill <a -name="page117"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 117</span>referred to -on a neighbouring hoarding, and having read it carefully, at once -crossed over to a livery stable and ordered a trap to drive him -to Dr. Glenlivet’s place. They were not long going to -the house, which had auctioneer’s bills on the outside -walls, and Old Sam briskly entered, and found many others at -various parts of the house and grounds inspecting the place.</p> -<p>The caretaker inquired if there was anything in particular he -wished to see, but the old gentleman shook his head.</p> -<p>“Just come to have a look round.”</p> -<p>A look round he did, from top to bottom of the house, as -though he had thought of buying the lot, and it was only in a -casual way that he strolled out to the stable and glanced at a -mare in the stall.</p> -<p>“A rare fine horse that,” said the coachman.</p> -<p>“A vicious-looking brute?” replied Soft Sam; but a -careful observer might have noted a look of satisfaction in his -eyes as he returned to his trap, and to town.</p> -<p>That night when he met the young men his first words were, -“I’ve found it for you at last, lads!”</p> -<p>“Found what?” they exclaimed together.</p> -<p>“The twenty thousand apiece you wanted—or have you -changed your mind?”</p> -<p><a name="page118"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 118</span>The -young men had not changed their minds, so drawing them into a -private room, and carefully closing the door, he said—</p> -<p>“You must buy a mare that is to be sold to-morrow; -it’s a Dr. Glenlivet’s horse, and there is a sale at -his place. She is a thoroughbred from Hobartville; the -doctor bought her for a sulky, like a fool, for she is a vicious -brute, if ever I saw one, and smashed up his trap the first time -of asking. Anyhow, she will go cheap, I think. -She’s got a bad name hereabouts, and you must buy -her.”</p> -<p>“But what for?”</p> -<p>“What for? Why, to win the Sydney Cup, or the -Melbourne Cup for that matter. I have seen a worse-looking -animal do it. She’s got the blood, and the cut of a -clinker.”</p> -<p>The two sporting men assented at once, their confidence in -Soft Sam’s judgment being unlimited, and it was agreed and -understood that the two young men should jointly buy the mare, -and have her trained and raced as the old man should direct.</p> -<p>When they met again the next night Alec gleefully told the old -gentleman—</p> -<p>“I’ve bought the mare—got her for twenty -quid; there was only one bid against me!”</p> -<p><a name="page119"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -119</span>“And what shall we do with her now?” said -Huey.</p> -<p>“We?” interposed Alec. “Who said it -was our horse? Did I not buy her and pay for -her?”</p> -<p>“But you know it was agreed we should go -shares!”</p> -<p>“Shares be blowed! What’s the good of half a -horse to anybody? I bought her and paid for her. If -you want a horse, buy one yourself!”</p> -<p>“You are a liar and a fraud!”</p> -<p>The response from Alec was a quick blow from the shoulder that -knocked Huey down. Quickly jumping to his feet again, he -rushed at Alec. It was a short smart fight, the old man -sitting quietly by smoking and enjoying the mill, and no one at -hand to interfere. It was finished by a knock-out blow from -Alec that sent Huey dazed and stupid to the ground.</p> -<p>“Very well done!” said the old man. -“With a little science you’d do inside the -ropes. Now, you’d better shake hands and make it -up.”</p> -<p>“I’m willing,” said Alec, holding out his -hand with a patronizing smile.</p> -<p>“I’ll see you damned first!” was all Huey -said, as he rose slowly to his feet with a look of concentrated -hatred in his eyes. “It’s your turn now, but, -mark you, mine will come!”</p> -<p><a name="page120"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 120</span>The -old man expressed no surprise at the rupture, perhaps he had -foreseen it. He would take no side in the quarrel. He -knew that the struggle for a woman was at the bottom of the feud, -and the dispute about the mare a mere spark that had lit a hidden -train of animosity.</p> -<p>He advised Alec what to do with the horse. He was to run -him at small meetings, and not to win even then more than he was -obliged. To avoid suspicion he was even to run her in the -first Cup Meeting itself as a stiff ’un unless the weights -were lighter than could be hoped for.</p> -<p>“Get her trained away in the bush where none of the -sports will notice her, and if I am not mistaken she will do the -trick for you.”</p> -<p>Huey also came to Old Sam for sympathy and advice, and while -the old man was not willing to say anything more of Alec than -that he was a fool to fall out with an old pal, he was willing -enough to help Huey.</p> -<p>“I’ll tell you what I’ll do, lad. -There are more horses than one in this district. Windsor -and Richmond are the cradle of the Australian turf, there are -more good ones, of the right sort, knocking about here than in -any other place in the Colonies. If your mind’s set -on having a flutter <a name="page121"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 121</span>I’ll spend a day or two -looking round and see what I can do for you.”</p> -<p>It was a week later that Huey received a telegram to go to -Windsor, and from there to Wilberforce, to meet Soft Sam. -He went at once; and was taken straight away to see a black horse -grazing in a paddock.</p> -<p>“He’s not as cheap as the other,” said Soft -Sam, “and I can’t say I’m quite so sweet on -him; but then he’s a horse, and say what you like, a horse -carries money better than a filly. He has never been -raced. I heard on the quiet that the owner believes he is -not sound, and he thinks I am a softy who knows no better. -But take my tip, that horse is as sound as a bell.”</p> -<p>So another bargain was made, another horse changed owners, -only the matter was kept quiet, not even Alec hearing that Huey -had a horse in training.</p> -<p>There was no pretence of outside civility between the two -young men now. Bertha heard part of the story from both -parties, but with neither would she take sides; only from that -time forward she declined to drive out with either of them.</p> -<p>Alec was fast coming to the front in the business he had -chosen, and was already talking of <a name="page122"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 122</span>being proposed for -Tattersall’s; but while his income rose, so did his -spending. He had no thought of saving money, bit by bit, to -make his pile. It must be done by some great coup, that was -his only plan.</p> -<p>Huey also prospered, but his takings were never very great, -and of this the larger part was put aside; for, despite the -assurance of Soft Sam that the number of mugs was unlimited, Huey -felt the time would come when they must run short.</p> -<p>The first time Alec entered the mare he had to name her, and -as Bertha she ran almost last in a selling race at Rosehill; not -quite last though, for there was a black horse behind her named, -a queer name Alec thought, The Vengeance, and entered in a name -new to the turf.</p> -<p>For it was Huey’s horse, and he had chosen a friend at -Richmond as nominal owner.</p> -<p>And in the months that went by these two horses often met -again, and once at Warwick Farm in a Birthday Handicap, in which -the field was so moderate or so “stiff” that -Bertha’s jockey, in spite of the order that she was only -out for an airing, could not keep her back, she pushed to the -front and made a dead heat of it with The Vengeance, who was -being pulled hard at the post, and nearly got disqualified in -consequence.</p> -<p><a name="page123"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 123</span>On -the whole, the two young owners were highly satisfied with their -investments. They knew from repeated trials that their -animals were pounds and pounds better than the cattle they -allowed week after week to beat them. At the same time, Sam -warned them that there were several others, at the same game as -themselves, all entered to get the weight lowered, all waiting -for the one event of their lives, when their true form should be -publicly shown—and their value as racers gone for ever.</p> -<p>Alec already counted his great coup as good as accomplished; -if not this season, then certainly the next. The Sydney Cup -should be his, and with it the hand of Bertha Summerhayes.</p> -<p>Huey heard him boast so one day to Soft Sam, and glared at him -viciously as he walked away, muttering to himself—</p> -<p>“No, you traitor and bully! The Cup is not yours -yet, nor Bertha either! The Vengeance is mine, and at any -cost he shall be truly named?”</p> -<h2><a name="page124"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -124</span>CHAPTER XIV<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE TRIAL</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Huey Gosper</span> talked bravely to -himself, but he was well aware that, however closely he might -have gauged the capabilities of The Vengeance, he had as yet -never seen the mare Bertha in proper form, and ridden with the -order, “Go for it.”</p> -<p>This uncertainty might upset all his plans. The truth of -the matter he must know, and know he would.</p> -<p>Then his imagination began to evolve scheme after scheme to -accomplish his object. He knew where the horse was -quartered, over at Wigway’s, near the Pitt Town -Common—an old acquaintance of Alec, and well-known to -himself too, for had he not as a boy often gone over there in the -season to pick oranges and play cricket with the young -Wigways?</p> -<p><a name="page125"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -125</span>Clearly he could not go himself, or at any rate in his -present personality, poking about the place. They would -know him in a minute, and be on their guard with the mare. -Alec would hear of his visit at once, and smell a rat. But -who could he trust? He knew no one fit, and to be confided -in, and then he remembered one of Soft Sam’s -sayings—</p> -<p>“A man who takes pals in a job takes witnesses against -him. What you can’t do on your own hook don’t -do at all.”</p> -<p>And the possibility of disguising himself occurred to -him. Truly, he knew nothing of that kind of thing, but -there were people that did, and it should not take much skill to -deceive the “cockatoos” out at Nelson.</p> -<p>This was the motive that sent Huey to a theatrical costumier, -well-known in the profession, who readily undertook to make such -an entire change in his customer that he would not even recognize -himself.</p> -<p>And Huey, as he surveyed the result of this promise in the -mirror, was more than satisfied.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Near an old slab cottage adjacent to the Pitt Town Common, -Farmer Wigway was drawing rails. His movements were -deliberate—deliberate as though he had an assurance that -eternity was <a name="page126"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -126</span>before him, and he had to put in time. He was -well seconded in this endeavour by his team of bullocks, who -stopped to ruminate on the vanities of life or some cognate -reflection at every step.</p> -<p>Farmer Wigway swore at the oxen in a fatherly way to wake them -up occasionally to mundane affairs, and the procession moved -on.</p> -<p>The noise of wheels made by a light trap could be heard coming -along the ridge, and at once Farmer Wigway stopped to -listen. Not that he was a very curious man, but buggies -were rare in that part of the Common. None of the -neighbours owned one, and the stopping to speculate as to who it -might be “put in more time,” and so the end of life -was served.</p> -<p>The sound of a trotting horse and light running wheels came -nearer and nearer, along the ridge, through the ironbarks, then -turned off down the spur into the box-tree flat that led to -Farmer Wigway’s. On it came, and before Mr. Wigway -had had half the necessary time to study the new development in -all its bearings and possibilities, a buggy, driven by a -middle-aged man with bushy whiskers, who had a lad seated by his -side, pulled up before him.</p> -<p>“Is this the track to Catti Creek?”</p> -<p>“That depends,” answered Wigway, after giving <a -name="page127"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 127</span>the matter -due consideration, “what part of the Creek you -want.”</p> -<p>“I’m trying to hunt up some forfeited selections -out that way. They tell me at the Lands Office there are -several of them.”</p> -<p>“So there are, and much good may they do you! The -country is very rough. I should leave that trap behind if I -was you, and if you like, one of my boys shall go and show you -the way.”</p> -<p>The stranger seemed to fall in with this proposal readily, -for, leaving the lad and trap at the house, he soon set off under -the guidance of young Mick Wigway. But, strange to say, -though they had a map of the parish, and Mick knew every nook and -corner of it, it was sundown before they got back, and the -gentleman with the bushy whiskers had not seen half what he -wanted to see.</p> -<p>He found no difficulty in arranging to stop the night, and -that evening was given up to ’possum shooting, in which the -stranger professed an almost childish delight.</p> -<p>“It appears to me,” said Farmer Wigway, as they -trudged under the moonlit gum trees, “that I have seen you -before, Mr. —?”</p> -<p>“Amos Clark;” interrupted the stranger.</p> -<p>“Well, Mr. Clark, somehow your face and voice are kind -of familiar, yet I swear I never heard that <a -name="page128"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 128</span>name -before. Yet, come to think of it, it takes heaps of people -to make a world, and there’s lots of them must be like lots -of others. Now, there’s that old cow of mine; old -Jack Higgins, of Box Hill, has got the very spit of her, and if -it wasn’t for the brand I’d swear the two beasts were -the same animal!”</p> -<p>Mr. Amos Clark was up early the next morning, and seemed in no -pressing hurry to start off on his land quest. Besides, -Mick was not ready. He had to exercise a mare carefully -locked up in a loose-box near the stable before he could -start.</p> -<p>The old man and the bigger boys had gone off to work, so Mr. -Clark and his young companion were alone in the yard with Mick -while he saddled up. Nothing was more natural than that Mr. -Clark should fall to criticizing the animal, and approach to pat -it. But he was quickly warned by Mick to stand clear.</p> -<p>“She’s got the brute of a temper with -strangers,” he said; “kicks all round. Father -and I are the only ones in the place that dare come near -her.”</p> -<p>“What’s the good of her, then? What do you -keep her for—a vicious brute like that?”</p> -<p>“Oh, she’s not ours. A sporting cove down in -Sydney owns her—Alec Booth, perhaps you’ve <a -name="page129"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 129</span>heard of -him? He thinks a lot of her, and she can travel, my -word!”</p> -<p>“Travel!” said Mr. Clark, with apparent -contempt. “Travel! Why, my buggy horse would -give her a length and a beating any day.”</p> -<p>“What will you bet?” cried young Mick, -thoughtlessly.</p> -<p>“I’ll bet you a crown!” said Mr. Clark, who -had carefully considered that that amount would be about the -limit of the lad’s purse.</p> -<p>“Done!” cried Mick, forgetting, in the eagerness -of sport and possible gain, the injunction of his father to -secrecy, and, above all, as to over-riding the mare.</p> -<p>Quietly, and with dispatch, a fresh saddle was brought out, -strapped on the black horse, and the lad who accompanied Mr. -Clark put in the saddle. The two lads were so nearly of a -weight that only a lucky chance or careful foresight could have -paired them so equally.</p> -<p>The slip-rails were lowered, and at an easy pace the two -riders, with Mr. Clark at their side, took their way to an open -stretch of common ground.</p> -<p>Arrived there, Mick was for a race of once round the imaginary -course. He feared now, even with that, he should sweat the -mare and get <a name="page130"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -130</span>into trouble. But the stranger insisted with -scornful banter on three times round, which a critical observer -might have noted would be as near as possible the distance of the -Sydney Cup course.</p> -<p>But Mick knew nothing of this. He was easily -over-persuaded. The chance of making a crown did not come -every day, and he was sure of the race, so the horses stood in -line. Mr. Clark was to be starter and judge, and an old -dead stringy-bark the winning-post.</p> -<p>At the word Go, they went off to a level start, the black -horse making the running. Clearly this was to be no -cantering match, with a sprint at the finish. To the -surprise of Mick, he had to send the mare along at a fast gallop -to keep within a length of the black horse.</p> -<p>Once round, both horses sweating, the riders sitting quietly -at their work, the black horse led by half a length; but Mr. -Clark saw that the mare was only stopped from rushing to the -front by the tight rein of young Mick, who evidently knew -something of his business, and was not going to burst his mount -thus early.</p> -<p>Twice round, the same order.</p> -<p>The third round was entered on; the pace, fast enough already, -warmed up half-way home, and <a name="page131"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 131</span>the lad on the black horse, as -though following instructions, began to draw the whip, and his -mount shot to the front like a bullet from a gun, leaving for a -moment the mare by herself, but it was only for a moment. -Mick gave her her head, and she came away like a bird. No -whip for her! Mick knew full well that the only rider that -had ever tried her with it had had his collar-bone broken.</p> -<p>The mare closed up rapidly. At the distance they were -side by side again, the whip on the black horse going like a -flail.</p> -<p>It was a touch-and-go, both horses were all out, there did not -seem to be a pin to choose between them; and if the mare won by -half a length, it might have been noted by a critical looker-on -that the rider of the black horse had ceased work just as the -post was neared.</p> -<p>Mick was proud of his victory, but overwhelmed with -apprehension at the distressed and sweaty condition of the -mare.</p> -<p>“I shall catch it if the old man sees her again -to-day!” he exclaimed, as he pocketed his two -half-crowns.</p> -<p>“You had best groom her down, and walk her about -quietly,” said Amos Clark. “She’ll be as -right as rain in an hour or two.”</p> -<p><a name="page132"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 132</span>Mr. -Clark suddenly remembered that he had an engagement in Sydney -that evening that must be kept, so that really he should not have -time that day to go land-hunting and catch the down train. -So retiring to the house he hastily took his leave of Mrs. Wigway -and Mick, and jumping in the sulky, was quickly lost to sight on -the track through the box flat.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Mr. Clark, as he drove quietly towards Richmond and the stable -of his own horse, had much matter for reflection, so that he -hardly said a word to his young companion all the way.</p> -<p>Clearly they were a match-pair for speed as nearly as one -could choose. The mare was not in full training, it was -true; neither was the black horse, and it was a fair inference -that what would improve one would improve the other. His -lad said he might have won by a head, and he believed he might, -but what was that to stake fortune and the only girl in the world -on? He might win, of course, always provided they had the -same weight; and then, again, a mare was likely to get a better -show with the handicapper. Still, he might win.</p> -<p>But then again he might lose; there was no kind of -certainty. And he quite agreed with <a -name="page133"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 133</span>Soft Sam, -that it was only mugs that trusted to chance at racing.</p> -<p>No, a chance it should not be. He swore to himself that -by hook or by crook, when the great event arrived, the danger of -The Vengeance being beaten should not come from the mare -Bertha. But how to prevent it?</p> -<p>A dark thought crossed his mind, and not only crossed, but -stopped and dwelt there till it had assumed a definite form and -shape, and with an inward putting away of all the remonstrance of -his better feeling, he resolved—</p> -<p>“I will do it; all’s fair with a scoundrel like -him.”</p> -<h2><a name="page134"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -134</span>CHAPTER XV<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE PARRAMATTA RIVER</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Ruby</span> and Florence, of the Golden -Bar, were as pleased as a dog who has found a bone when they -overheard Bertha promise a middle-aged, benevolent-looking -gentleman, who was a casual frequenter of the house, to go out -with him the next day in a boat on the Parramatta River. -The next day was Bertha’s day off.</p> -<p>“Well, I never! As though she could not find some -one better than that to spark her about! She has got a -funny taste, certainly! Some of the boys will be surprised -to hear of it!” said Ruby.</p> -<p>“Why, I believe he is only a poor devil of a -phrenologist; keeps an office in a back street near George -Street—a sort of crank, that has not got a pound to bless -himself with!” added Florrie.</p> -<p>“Is that what he is? I thought he was not <a -name="page135"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 135</span>up to -much. Always a small English beer, and never shouts for a -soul. What Bertha can see in him I can’t tell. -Now you mark my words, with all her cleverness and airs and -graces, she will go and make a fool of herself with some poor -wretch who has to work for his living!”</p> -<p>And so the two went on, licking this little bone of scandal -from all possible points.</p> -<p>On the next day a small rowing boat was well off Cockatoo -Island before the lug-sail that had so far been hoisted was taken -down, and Professor Norris took up the sculls, Bertha, the old -companion of his travels, steering in the stern.</p> -<p>“And how is your book getting on, Pro—the book -that was to do so much?”</p> -<p>“I had to send it to London; there is not demand enough -out here, they told me, for that kind of work, to make its -publication profitable. I dare say they are right, so I -sent it on to London; but that takes time, and I have had no -answer yet.”</p> -<p>“I’m afraid you will never be a rich man, -Pro.”</p> -<p>“I’m not afraid, I’m sure of it, unless an -unforeseen accident should put it in my way. I will not pay -the price. And he who will not pay cannot expect to -have.”</p> -<p>“What price do you mean?”</p> -<p><a name="page136"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -136</span>“I will not sell my soul for the wealth of this -life. Hard work will not get it, industry will not get -it—nothing but the subjection of the whole mind and -intelligence to money-grubbing, to besting your competitors, to -out-lying your fellow-liars, to taking every advantage that the -credulity or ignorance of your fellow-creatures may give you, and -a remorseless selfishness—that is the price for the lottery -ticket of life, which even then has more blanks than -prizes.”</p> -<p>“And do you always mean to be poor, then?” said -Bertha, not much surprised at the Professor’s statement, -for she had heard him in the same strain before.</p> -<p>“Yes, poverty in cash will be mine, and I am coming day -by day to think more and more that it is better so. The -truth is not to be learned or kept in a mind from which the -howling wolf of necessity is not present to sound for ever the -cry of anguish, pain, and affliction. Not from a spring -mattress but the hard ground man rises with his eyes widely -opened to the true realities of life. But it is not about -myself I wish to speak, but you, Bertha. You have had your -wish. You are in Sydney, surrounded day after day by a -crowd of admirers. Is it what your fancy painted -it?”</p> -<p>“No, Pro, I can’t say it is. I am getting -sick <a name="page137"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 137</span>of -it, in spite of the fine dresses and the fine place. I -always feel ashamed of myself when you come in the bar. -Other men are not like you. Oh, how I wish I was -rich!”</p> -<p>“And what then, Bertha?”</p> -<p>“Why the Golden Bar might take care of itself. I -would travel to Europe and see London and Paris—above all, -Paris! It’s all very well for you, a man who has seen -all you care to see, to not mind being poor, but with a woman it -is different. A new suit does not trouble you. If you -look an old fright nobody notices it; and even if you live in a -pokey little house you do not have to clean it, cook the meals in -it, and do your own washing in the dirty little back yard. -The world is full of beautiful things, nice things, and I want to -have my share. What is the good of being so virtuous in a -hurry? Why be too good, and better than other people? -It makes you look peculiar and odd, and they don’t like -it. If the world’s all wrong, then I will be wrong -too; at any rate, I shall have plenty of company. Of course -there’s a medium in all things. I don’t say -it’s right to do what is wicked to get money. Still -money will do so much, smooth so much, that it seems to me just -foolishness to say I don’t want it.”</p> -<p><a name="page138"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 138</span>The -boat glided on over the rippling water, past the low shores of -Drummoyne, past the terraced hills of Hunter’s Hill, with -its houses half hidden by creepers, its lawns overshadowed by the -green foliaged garden trees, on, till the wide stretch of water -came that led to The Brothers.</p> -<p>An Italian sky overhead, a warm lusciousness in the air, and -with it all only the splash of the green water against the rocky -banks, and the measured beat of the sculls in the rowlocks, as -they kept a gentle time.</p> -<p>The Professor spoke again—</p> -<p>“I know I cannot make you see as I see, my dear. -Perhaps it is best. We have all to learn the use of our own -eyes, and no strange spectacles will help us. Yet there are -things which I think you can see, and one is the degradation of a -great number of the frequenters of the Golden Bar. I have -not been often, or stopped long, for the sight and sound of most -of these men was repulsive to me. Hear what they say, what -they talk about, think about. Is it not betting? or perhaps -sharping, for what other name will describe the effort to obtain -what you have not earned? And their faces, in spite of -their fine clothes, show their lives—the puffy cheek of -wrong living, the <a name="page139"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -139</span>thick, drooping eyelids of sensuality and cunning, the -projecting faces that look out from their shirt collars like an -animal waiting to spring on its prey.</p> -<p>“All these and fifty other signs are stamped on the -crowd. And it is not as if they were always so. They -were, no doubt, as other men till they associated themselves -together to hunt with the devil. I noticed particularly -that young fellow, Gosper, we first saw in Windsor, and I had a -talk with him yesterday. A few months only have changed the -man. There is a talent fit for the highest work cast in the -mud. With no aim now but self-interest, self-gratification, -to get money, to circumvent fools—that is, his -fellow-creatures-to outsharp the sharper. He could not -understand, as I wish you to do, that Innocence itself cannot mix -with muck and remain unspotted.</p> -<p>“We are, and more particularly a woman, largely formed -by those about us. Every low word and brutal jest in that -place makes its record on you, even though it only dulls your -sense of decency. You learn to respect yourself less. -Is it not so, Bertha?”</p> -<p>Bertha had tears in her eyes.</p> -<p>“You are right, Pro, you are always right. I will -leave the horrid place at once, or at least <a -name="page140"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 140</span>very -shortly, for I have to give three months’ notice. I -have felt what you said lots of times, though I never thought out -just what it was. They are a low lot, and that’s the -truth—the men that come to the bar. They say things -there before me they would not dare to say to their sisters, and -that shows what they really think of me in spite of all their -compliments. Yes, Pro, I’ll give notice to-night, and -if the worst comes to the worst we can go on the road -again.”</p> -<h2><a name="page141"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -141</span>CHAPTER XVI<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE WEIGHTS FOR THE SYDNEY CUP</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> the weights were published for -the Sydney Cup, Alec Booth rushed with the paper at full tilt to -Soft Sam—</p> -<p>“What do you think of it? Is it good enough? -Look, she’s almost at the bottom of the list!”</p> -<p>Soft Sam was in no hurry to answer. He read over the -names of the horses nominated carefully, paused awhile, and then -said—</p> -<p>“It’s as good as you could hope. You must -accept, of course, and you may send her for it when you know -better what you have to run against.”</p> -<p>“Oh, that’s all right, Sam. She’s -pounds better than anything on the list.”</p> -<p>“Of the horses you know, yes; but you don’t -suppose you are the only owner who has nursed his mount? -There may be half-a-dozen in that <a name="page142"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 142</span>list as good as Bertha, and as -lightly weighted. She’s no horse of a century, -remember; only a second-rater, and only valuable while she is -thought to be a third or fourth-rater. Take it easy, my -lad, and don’t put the money in your pocket till the cheque -is cashed.”</p> -<p>Alec’s enthusiasm was considerably damped by these -reflections; but he was confident all the same, and anxiously -waited to know the acceptances.</p> -<p>More leisurely in his movements, Huey also called on the old -man for his opinion as to his own prospects, for it was a curious -feature of the quarrel of these two young men, that both confided -in Soft Sam, and to both he was equally impartial—keeping -the secrets of each from the other, and declining to join either -party in the feud.</p> -<p>“The Vengeance is well treated—the same weight as -Bertha—and it should, bar accidents, be a match for the -pair of them; and you are a couple of fools, I say so again, as I -said before, to cut each other’s throats. -You’ll end by making a mess of it, the pair of you. -Why not save The Vengeance for another race—there are -plenty of them—and not give him away on the off-chance of -being first, when later on you might make a <a -name="page143"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 143</span>certainty -of it? And I tell you what’s more, if she -wasn’t a mare I’d back Bertha to beat your black -horse any three times out of five. He is a good ’un, -I allow; but, mark my words, she’s a fair demon if she -takes the fancy to come in first. Don’t be a fool; -think it over. Money’s the thing; damn -sentiment!”</p> -<p>Huey said he would think it over, but after he had gone the -old man shook his head.</p> -<p>“A lot of thinking he’ll do; he has made up his -mind, I can see, and he means to run The Vengeance to spite -Alec. Fool, fool! I thought he had a better -head. But there, what can you expect when there is a woman -in the case? Another pair of good men gone wrong. -Really, there is no encouragement for a man of experience to -teach these chaps; even when they hold the cards they throw the -game away. Oh, if I could only find a young fellow without -sentiment or this conscientious humbug, what I could make of -him!”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>When the acceptances were out, the problem as to who ought to -win the Sydney Cup was much simplified to Alec. The names -of a number of horses he was doubtful about were missing. -The top weights he held safe; what they could do was <a -name="page144"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 144</span>well -known. It was only amongst outsiders like his own horse -that he feared dangerous opposition. One of these was The -Vengeance, but he held that horse cheap by having seen it often -run in races with Bertha, and never show any form worth speaking -of. But there were two or three others he must inquire -about before he gave the word Go!</p> -<p>He did inquire, and with pretty satisfactory result, but he -could get no definite encouragement from Soft Sam. The old -man had no doubt The Vengeance in his mind, and while he would -not have dreamt of giving Huey away, he yet urged Alec not to -make too sure, and at any rate to back Bertha for a place. -But the young man was now full of confidence, and once he had got -his money on, made no secret amongst his intimates that Bertha -was to be “on the job.” Huey was quick to hear of it, -and he smiled a bitter smile, like a man who tasted in advance -his enemies’ discomfiture.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Jack Vandy’s stable at Randwick was not a fashionable -stable. It did not turn out winners by the score, or make -an occasional sweep of the board at a big meeting; but if an -impartial critic had examined the material Old Jack had had to <a -name="page145"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 145</span>deal with -in his time, and the results, the verdict would not have been -unfavourable.</p> -<p>A small trainer cannot choose his horses, and if a lot of -dunderheads like to buy scrubbers, and send them to him to train, -he can hardly afford to send them away, yet the subsequent -failure of these beasts to do any good for themselves or owners -helps to spoil the reputation of the trainer. Yet, as we -have said, when good fortune had given him a good thing he had -made the best of it.</p> -<p>And no horse could be better wound up to time than when Jack -Vandy turned the key. This was the man recommended by Soft -Sam when Alec inquired for a Sydney trainer, and to him, after -due arrangement, Bertha was transferred. He looked her over -critically, had her cantered up and down to watch her stride, and -then turned to Alec, rubbing his hands.</p> -<p>“She’ll do!”</p> -<p>“What for?”</p> -<p>“Anything you like if you give me the time. -She’s a clinker, or I am getting blind. It’s a -real pleasure to train a horse like that now, after the blessed -lot of cab hacks I get brought here. You’d hardly -believe it, but I have men come here and want me to train horses -you would be ashamed to put in a hearse at a funeral. And -<a name="page146"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 146</span>then -they wonder they don’t win, and take the horse away to -another trainer till they are full up, and then say we are all a -lot of sharks.”</p> -<p>“I want her ready for the Cup,” said Alec. -“At the weight I think she may do.”</p> -<p>“The time is short, but I will do my best.”</p> -<p>“Do you think she will be fit?”</p> -<p>“Make your mind easy.”</p> -<p>This is how it came about that Huey read in the <i>Referee</i> -that Alexander Booth’s filly Bertha was now under the care -of the well-known trainer John Vandy, of Randwick.</p> -<h2><a name="page147"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -147</span>CHAPTER XVII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE RELIGIOUS JOCKEY</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">One</span> afternoon the middle-aged man -with bushy whiskers emerged from Huey’s lodgings, and -walking to Elizabeth Street, took the tram to Randwick. And -he was about that horsey suburb that night and several following -nights, frequenting bars and billiard-rooms, listening to the -talk, and being taken down at pool as a new chum.</p> -<p>The ears of the bushy-whiskered man were always quick to catch -any reference to the Vandy stable, and one night from a groom in -a garrulous state of drunkenness, and at the trumpery cost of -supplying him with beer, he gained a most minute list of all and -every particular of that racing interior. It was a tedious -job to a casual listener, this long rambling statement of the -hostler, and he would not answer leading questions, but <a -name="page148"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 148</span>dilated at -length about horses at the stable who years ago had lost races -they should have won, because his advice was not followed, and -won races they might very well have lost, owing to a quiet tip -given by him to the boss.</p> -<p>But the bushy-whiskered man was not impatient. He -listened to it all, with an occasional interjection, and when at -eleven o’clock the landlord turned them out, he started to -walk back to Sydney, disdaining a conveyance, for he had much to -think about, and the walk helped him.</p> -<p>“This John Vandy seems to be a straight goer,” -said the bushy-whiskered man to himself, as he strode along, -“and as proud as a peacock of his new charge. He -hopes to make a pot out of her himself, so it’s hardly -worth bothering with him. And he is too careful, curse him, -to make it worth while fixing it up with a stable hand. He -or his son feed and groom the mare themselves, and she is always -under lock and key when not at exercise. Added to which, -she is a vile-tempered brute for a stranger to go near at any -time, so I must look in another direction. The light weight -will not give them much choice in the way of a jockey. Only -a lad can ride at that, and, of course, it will be a lad that -Vandy knows and has employed before. He would not be likely -to trust this <a name="page149"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -149</span>great <i>coup</i> to a stranger if one he knew was to -his hand. Proceeding so far, I have only to refer to the -horses racing from this stable at or about this weight, and if I -find one name more often mentioned than another I’ve got -the article sought for.”</p> -<p>Next morning Huey was busy looking up the racing records in a -file of the <i>Referee</i>. The search appeared to give him -satisfaction, for he metaphorically patted himself on the back as -he muttered, “Jack Butt’s the lad, not a doubt of -it. Let me only find him and have five minutes’ plain -English on the quiet, and the trick is done.”</p> -<p>Another interview by the bushy-whiskered man who, needless to -say, was Huey himself with the beer-imbibing groom at Randwick, -and he learned all he sought about Jack Butt.</p> -<p>“Yes, Jack Butt was in the stable—one of the -boss’s apprentices—a stuck-up prig of a -fellow—no good at the work at all, but was the best -light-weight they had, so got a mount now and then—a lad -with no spunk in him, a regular milksop, going to Sunday-school -and all that kind of cat-lap. Why, I heard him ask Old Jack -to-day for a day off to-morrow, so that he could go to one of -these religious picnics they hold down the harbour.”</p> -<p><a name="page150"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -150</span>“And did the boss let him go?”</p> -<p>“Let him go? Of course he did. He thinks a -lot of that lad, which is more than I do. Them -white-livered chickens don’t agree with me.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The committee of the Sons and Daughters of the Holy -Brotherhood had chartered that commodious ferry steamer the -<i>Lord Nelson</i> for an excursion to Middle Harbour, and the -Sons and Daughters were invited to combine a day’s sea-air -and virtue for the modest sum of eighteenpence.</p> -<p>When Huey stepped on board this craft at Circular Quay, -arrayed in his bushy whiskers, a long black coat and white tie, -he found the steamer crammed. Evidently the Sons and -Daughters had rolled up in strong force, and brought their -parents with them. And each and every one was decorated -with a pink rosette, as though, having assumed a virtue, they -wished to put a brand on it, so that the error should not be -fallen into by the unregenerate of classing them with common -people.</p> -<p>Amidst this concourse it took Huey some little time to find -what he sought, but a pale young man, very thin and lanky, met -his eye, seated in the bow. Huey turned his steps thither, -and by <a name="page151"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 151</span>a -little bit of manoeuvring managed to place himself as though by -chance next to the lad.</p> -<p>Jack Butt was the first to speak—</p> -<p>“Isn’t this beautiful, sir? To see all these -Holy Brothers and Sisters coming out to enjoy themselves? I -think everybody ought to be a Holy Brother, don’t -you?”</p> -<p>Huey did. He even went so far as to buy a pink rosette -of an obliging female close at hand and pin it on his coat, -amidst general approval.</p> -<p>“I wish I could always be with the Brothers,” -continued Butt, when they were well out in mid-harbour. -“I am in a hateful business.”</p> -<p>“What is that?” asked Huey.</p> -<p>“My father bound me to a horse-trainer, and I’m a -jockey; but my time is nearly up, and I want to leave it. -So does mother want me; but what am I to do? Even if I -tried to stop at my business I am growing too fast, and shall -soon be too heavy, though I starve myself.”</p> -<p>“That is very sad,” responded Huey. -“And what would you like to be?”</p> -<p>“Oh! I should like to go into the ministry; -it’s such a beautiful life! No work to do, and eat as -much as you like! There is nothing like it! I often -wonder, don’t you, sir, that everybody isn’t <a -name="page152"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 152</span>a -parson. So respectable and comfortable a life. But -there’s the expense.”</p> -<p>“What expense?” said Huey, his eyes sparkling in -spite of him.</p> -<p>“One has to go to college and study, and do nothing for -two or three years but learn out of books, and that wants money, -you know, sir.”</p> -<p>“How much?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps two or three hundred pounds; I don’t know -exactly.”</p> -<p>“But don’t you earn money at your trade. I -thought jockeys were well paid.”</p> -<p>“The fees, you mean? They are good enough. -Only you see that as I am still serving my time, Mr. Vandy takes -all the fees, and I only get my wages.”</p> -<p>“That is a shame,” said Huey.</p> -<p>“Yes, it’s very wrong; very unchristian, I often -think.”</p> -<p>“Did you not say your master’s name was -Vandy?”</p> -<p>“Yes.</p> -<p>“Jack Vandy, of Randwick, the trainer?”</p> -<p>“Yes, that’s his name, and where he -lives.”</p> -<p>“And you have a mare in the stable named Bertha entered -for the Sydney Cup?”</p> -<p><a name="page153"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -153</span>“Yes, we have; a vicious, bad-tempered brute, and -I know, for I have to ride her every day.”</p> -<p>“That’s very singular,” mused Huey -aloud. “I was only thinking of that mare this -morning, and what a pity it would be if she should -win.”</p> -<p>“Why a pity, sir?”</p> -<p>“Why, don’t you know her owner is a -bookmaker? Alec Booth he is called, and he is not only -that, which is bad enough, but he is an outrageous Freethinker, -and has promised all his winnings in this race to build them a -new hall.”</p> -<p>“How dreadful! Has he really?”</p> -<p>Allowing a little time for the full gravity of this statement -to duly soak into the young man, Huey continued—</p> -<p>“I am not a very rich man myself, but I would rather -lose £200 than this should take place. Think of the -hundreds of poor souls who may be lost for ever!”</p> -<p>“Two hundred pounds!” repeated Butt slowly, -“two hundred pounds! Would you really?”</p> -<p>“If I was sure it would serve a good cause, I would do -so cheerfully.”</p> -<p>“Do you think my joining the ministry would be a good -cause?”</p> -<p>“Nothing could be more worthy, and I take <a -name="page154"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 154</span>such an -interest in your pious wish, that I will go further. If -Bertha should happen to lose the Cup, which, of course, she is -likely to, with so many horses running, I shall be so pleased -that I will give you that £200, and, perhaps, a little -more, if required for your studies. For I love to help -young men, Christian young men, of course.”</p> -<p>Jack Butt surveyed his companion with a certain doubt. -Though not a smart lad, he had not been several years at Randwick -for nothing. This was very much like an offer to pull the -horse, and that would be wicked. But he reflected, would it -not be more wicked to aid this Freethinker in his horrible -design? Had he not frequently pulled horses by the order of -his master, and might he not pull one for such a good cause as -his own entrance into the ministry? His mother would be so -pleased, and he could eat what he liked. But a cautious -scruple of prudence occurred to him.</p> -<p>“Would you mind putting that in writing, sir? Of -course, as a Holy Brother, I trust you, but while it’s not -in writing I can hardly believe it.”</p> -<p>“I will do more than that,” said Huey. -“I will give you a post-dated cheque—that is, a -cheque <a name="page155"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -155</span>dated for payment after the race, and should the horse -lose you can cash it, and should it win it might be -stopped. At any rate, I could not do so much for you, but -depend on me, I shall always take an interest in you. There -are too few young men with your good sense.”</p> -<h2><a name="page156"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -156</span>CHAPTER XVIII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE NIGHT BEFORE THE RACE</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Golden Bar looked brighter, -more burnished, more glorified than usual. The gilt -mouldings and inlaid work on the walls shone with added -splendour. The yellow statuettes beamed down from their -brackets like old-time graven images, and on every hand vast -mirrors of bevelled glass reflected and re-reflected the -well-dressed <i>habitués</i>, the bar and shelves of -sparkling bottles and gleaming decanters, and, above all, the -graceful and trim forms of those twin goddesses of this spiritual -fount, Ruby and Florrie.</p> -<p>As drinks were for the nonce only casually called for, and -Bertha was away at tea, the moment was a precious one. They -could have a nice long talk.</p> -<p>“Did you hear the news, Ruby?”</p> -<p>“No; is it about the Cup?”</p> -<p><a name="page157"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -157</span>“Oh, bother the Cup! I hear about it till -I’m sick. No; Bertha is going to leave -here.”</p> -<p>“You don’t say?”</p> -<p>“But she is. I heard the boss say so. This -is her last week.”</p> -<p>“Well, I never! Who’d have thought it? -What is she up to? Going to marry that old squatter, -I’ll bet sixpence. Anyhow, it’s a good -riddance.”</p> -<p>“And so say I, the mean thing! We shall be -comfortable again when she has gone!”</p> -<p>At this moment if the girls had not been so busy talking they -would have noticed the entrance of Bertha, who stood in a little -recess before a mirror adjusting her hair. What was wrong -with her hair no masculine mind could ever have divined; it -looked as neat and trim as a coiffure by the best artist could -look, yet it took Bertha at least ten minutes to re-arrange -certain tresses to her satisfaction.</p> -<p>“The bar has never been the same since she came,” -continued Florrie. “If the men were not such fools -they would see through her airs and her graces, for I’m -sure her looks are no better than other peoples!” And -Florrie tossed her head significantly.</p> -<p>“And the way she carries on is just scandalous. <a -name="page158"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 158</span>Old men, -young men, it’s all the same to her, with her simpering -look and Chinaman’s eyes! I would not throw myself at -a man like that if he was the only one left in the world. -What I say is, that for a girl that respects herself there is a -limit.”</p> -<p>“That’s it, Ruby, there’s a limit; and girls -that put on the dying duck style to anybody and everybody ought -to be shot.”</p> -<p>“I wonder who she is off with now; for sure enough she -is not going to leave here for nothing. One of those young -sporting fellows she drives out with I should not -wonder.”</p> -<p>“Or that old squatter who is rolling in money; that is -about her dart!”</p> -<p>“Now I would not be surprised if it was that old shabby -Professor she goes out with sometimes. Although she looks -so clever she is no better than a fool.”</p> -<p>“Well, I wish the Professor, or whoever it is, joy of -his bargain. And the boss has got no more sense than the -others; he pretends her going will be a big loss to him, and -offered to raise her wages; but she would not stop at any price, -she said.”</p> -<p>“Then it’s the squatter right enough. Of -course she would not stop if she had caught him. Men with -ten thousand a year are not picked up in Sydney every -day.”</p> -<p><a name="page159"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -159</span>Bertha, who had been a silent listener to this -conversation, now came forward, and was received by her two -helpmates with sweet smiles of amiability.</p> -<p>“How nice you look to-night, dear. Is it true you -are leaving us?” asked Ruby.</p> -<p>“Yes,” said Bertha, “I’m afraid I must -leave you. That old squatter does bother me so to go and -see his station on the Barcoo that I am really tired of -refusing.”</p> -<p>“So it is the squatter?” inquired Florrie.</p> -<p>“Oh, I don’t say that. There are those two -young sporting men. I think one of those might be better, -don’t you?”</p> -<p>“It’s a matter of taste, of course,” replied -Florrie. “The squatter would make you a real lady, -while those sporting fellows never come to much.”</p> -<p>“Well, I don’t know,” said Bertha. -“I fancy somehow that money does not always make a -‘real lady,’ as you call her.”</p> -<p>“What does then?” inquired Ruby and Florrie, with -astonishment.</p> -<p>“Sugar and spice and all that’s -nice—that’s what real ladies are made of!” said -Bertha, laughing.</p> -<p>“Now do be a love,” whispered Ruby, “and -tell me who it is, and I will not whisper it to a -soul.”</p> -<p><a name="page160"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -160</span>“Well, promise to be as silent as the -grave.”</p> -<p>Ruby nodded.</p> -<p>“If I don’t change my mind, the shabby old -Professor!”</p> -<p>“What do you choose that old fright for?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps because he is the only one that did not ask -me!”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The evening began to wear on, and the bar to fill with an -ever-increasing crowd. The drinks were called for more and -more frequently, and a mingled buzz of conversation and cigar -smoke filled the air. The one subject of conversation was -to-morrow’s Cup, and the merits of the competing -horses. The name of Revolver was in every mouth, bookmakers -and backers. A few spoke of Bertha, and a voice here and -there championed an outsider; but the vast majority of the public -had gone solid for Revolver. In the words of one, “He -was a moral,” and his performances were counted up, what he -had done, what he had beaten; and if public form was to be relied -on, then without doubt Revolver was one of the best of good -things.</p> -<p>Books and pencils came out, and wagers were booked, and all -the time drinks, plenty of drinks, and the toast was ever the -same, “To Revolver, good luck to him.”</p> -<p><a name="page161"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 161</span>If -whisky-laden prayer is attended to by the geni that presides over -sport, and the incense of tobacco is grateful to him, then the -hopes of to-morrow were assured.</p> -<p>As time went on, a species of delirium possessed this -crowd. From talking they had got to shouting; from modest -doubt of assertion to positive assurance. Some were florid -and blatant, others jolly and hilarious, and when news arrived -from the stable, Revolver’s stable, of course, that all was -well, a perfect roar of satisfaction went up.</p> -<p>The news necessitated more drinks, and still more, the cigars -were now puffed by many a happy smoker, oblivious of their being -unlit, and all this time the weary barmaids served and smiled, -served and smiled, with a smile so automatic it might have been -worked by a string.</p> -<p>The hero of the hour, next to Revolver, was his owner, known -to Ruby and Florrie as the “Squatter.” He was in -strong evidence in the bar to-night. Many the questions he -answered, many the drinks he shouted, and it was always -champagne, or so the bottle was labelled, and the sparkling -liquid flowed down many a brazen throat in a vain effort to -quench the unappeasable drought.</p> -<p>Alec Booth was there, beaming with hope and <a -name="page162"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 162</span>assurance, -the centre of a little coterie that listened with silent contempt -to his confident prediction of Bertha’s winning. But -they found their tongues when he offered to “shout,” -and assured him that if any man knew a horse he was the man.</p> -<p>“A real sportsman, and no mistake.”</p> -<p>Amidst this excitement there was one man who said little or -nothing, but watched from the corner of the room all that was -going forward with a derisive smile on his face, Huey Gosper.</p> -<p>“What fools!” he seemed to be saying to himself, -“to talk of public form, of private trials, and all that -kind of rubbish, as though that had anything to do with who was -going to win! Why, if merit counted in horse-racing, how -could a smart man live?”</p> -<p>The Squatter was getting minute by minute more joyous. -The glassy shining light of alcohol shone from his eyes. He -was mellow, unctuous, benevolent. All men were his -brothers, more particularly this crowd of wolves and lambs; and -all women were his sisters, all excepting one fair maid, and for -her he felt more than a brother’s regard.</p> -<p>“I’ll tell you what it is, my dear,” he -said, leaning over the bar and addressing Bertha, -“I’ll tell you what it is. To-morrow night in -this bar you shall drink Revolver’s health out of the -Sydney <a name="page163"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -163</span>Cup, and what’s more, I’ll make you a -present of it. Now, mark my words, and what I say I stick -to. To-morrow night the Cup shall be yours.”</p> -<p>Bertha laughed at the offer, but graciously, neither assenting -or dissenting. In any case, it was useless to argue with a -man who had drunk three bottles of champagne. Presently the -Squatter subsided. He wanted to sleep on the floor; -“sleep at the feet of beauty,” he murmured, but his -friends hurried him to a cab, and that night he was no more -seen.</p> -<p>With less demonstration Alec approached the bar, and seizing a -moment when Bertha was not busy, said to her—</p> -<p>“Don’t you mind that old fool, Bertha. -I’ve got Revolver’s measure. Your namesake can -make a common hack of him. Don’t you put a penny on -Revolver. Bertha’s as right as rain, and bar -accidents she’s bound to win. But you shall have the -Cup to-morrow all the same. As that old fool says, you -shall drink the winner’s health, but the name will not be -Revolver, for Bertha will come in first.”</p> -<p>Huey had heard some of this talk; heard with an inward chuckle -of derision, and the smile of amused thanks had not passed from -Bertha’s face <a name="page164"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 164</span>before he too had edged his way to -the front, and speaking very low, so that only she could hear, he -said—</p> -<p>“Pay no attention, Miss Summerhayes, to all this -foolishness. Revolver and Bertha are very good horses, no -doubt, but there are plenty better, and one of them for certain -will be running to-morrow. Neither the Squatter nor Alec -Booth will win the Cup, for there is another who means to defeat -them both, and have the pleasure of presenting you with the -Sydney Cup.”</p> -<p>“And who is this kind person?” inquired -Bertha.</p> -<p>“Your very humble servant,” replied Huey.</p> -<p>“Thank you very much, Mr. Gosper, for your kind -intentions, but all this talk is not serious. There is many -a slip between the Sydney Cup and the lip. I hope you may -all win, if it be possible; and if you all lose I shall think of -you all just the same.”</p> -<p>“But I am serious. To-morrow night it is I that -will bring you the Sydney Cup.”</p> -<p>“We shall see, we shall see,” laughed Bertha, -incredulously. “It is nearly to-morrow now, and -closing time. So good-night to you.”</p> -<p>“Decidedly,” said Bertha, as she hurried, tired, -to bed, “to-morrow I bid fair to own the Sydney <a -name="page165"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 165</span>Cup. -Do I care who wins—the Squatter, Alec, or Huey -Gosper? Do I care?” And she paused as she asked -herself the question again. “No, I don’t care a -silver sixpence! What good will the money do them? It -will go as it came. And if some win others lose, and all -the pleasure of the one must be paid by the pains of the -many. Decidedly, old Pro is right; it is a dirty business, -this horse-racing, as bad for a man as a bar is for a woman, and -I’m glad I’m going to leave it all. And to -think of Ruby and Florrie talking of me like that! It shows -what they are, and what I should come to, no doubt, if I stopped -here. Oh, why can we not live honestly and comfortably in -this world without having to meet such a lot of horrid -people?”</p> -<p>So she rambled in her thoughts till sleep came to rest her -weariness. And over the silent city no sound could be heard -but the hasty rumble of some night hansom as it sped over -wood-blocked roads, laden with midnight travellers.</p> -<h2><a name="page166"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -166</span>CHAPTER XIX<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE SYDNEY CUP</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Cup Day</span> was one of unbroken -sunshine and brightness, one of those days, so frequent in -Sydney, when only to breathe and respire is a pleasure and a -joy.</p> -<p>At an early hour the trams and ’buses were loaded with -sightseers bound for Randwick. A stranger might regret, at -the sight of these orderly and well-dressed groups, the absence -of that abandon and camaraderie between rich and poor that is so -distinctive of a great racing carnival in conservative -England.</p> -<p>For all outward sign to the contrary, this demure throng might -be going to attend a prayer-meeting; not even a -“drunk” to relieve their intense -respectability. At Randwick itself, the same decorum. -The spieler and the sharper were there, it is true, but in -subdued, unpoetic form—the <a name="page167"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 167</span>fear of the “copman” in -their eyes and movements. Law and Order presided over -all. Now, Law and Order, however admirable in themselves as -abstract entities, are, for the being overflowing with pent-up -animal spirits, profoundly dull.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>In the vast crowd that filled the grandstand it would have -been difficult to detect Huey Gosper; but there he was in a -sheltered corner, quiet, sardonic, and watchful of all.</p> -<p>His eyes were everywhere, and particularly did their glance -follow the big check suit worn by Alec Booth as this individual, -uneasy and excited, wandered from place to place, from paddock to -lawn, from lawn to stand, in fretful uneasiness.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The following account is taken from the <i>Evening -Times</i>—</p> -<p>“The preliminary events of the day caused little -excitement. All minds were eager for the big event. -The favourite, Revolver, hardened, if anything, in the betting, -as the eventful moment drew nigh, and his name was buzzed about -on every hand; but the second string of the public, the mare -Bertha, was not lacking in friends. Seven to one was -readily snapped up by the backers of the filly, and a whole lot -of outsiders <a name="page168"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -168</span>had a small following. But as far as the bulk of -public money was concerned, the race was reduced to a match -between Revolver and Bertha.</p> -<p>“At the very last moment there was a hasty rush on The -Vengeance, a colt never before mentioned prominently in the -betting.</p> -<p>“At last they faced the starter. One, two, three -breaks away, and then the almost perfect silence was dissipated -by a great roar from the crowd as the flag flashed down to a -magnificent start.</p> -<p>“They are off!</p> -<p>“Up the straight it is hard to separate them. They -are a moving mass of colour and horseflesh. Passing the -stand Country Boy, taking advantage of his light impost, shows -the way, but not for long. At the tan crossing Isabel shot -to the front, and already the field is beginning to spread -out. The favourite, going easily, can be seen well in the -van, with Bertha and The Vengeance in close attendance. At -Oxenham’s Isabel came back to her field, and here Bertha -shot to the front. She was pulling hard and fighting for -her head with her jockey. In the end he seemed powerless to -restrain her, for she came away like a shot from a gun, leaving -her field standing. There was a great shout from the -ring—‘Bertha’s beat!’ -‘She’s bolted!’ ‘Twenty to one -Bertha!’ ‘Forty to one Bertha!’ But -there were no takers.</p> -<p>“In the meantime the field was creeping up. -Opposite the stand fifty yards separated Isabel <a -name="page169"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 169</span>(now second -in command) from Bertha, Revolver, at her girths, third, and -Country Boy fourth, the rest of the field in a pack. The -pace so far was a cracker, and at the rising ground already -quenched the hopes of the backers of most of the outsiders, who -tailed off like a procession. At the five-furlong post -Bertha still led, and at the half-mile the struggle commenced in -earnest. Isabel here melted away, and was seen no more in -the front division. Country Boy once again flattered his -admirers, and led a gallant, stern chase after the errant -Bertha. Here Double Dutchman came out from the ruck, and -showed the way to a whole host so far considered his -betters. At the half-furlong the whip was drawn on -Revolver, who, responding gamely, drew up to within a length of -Bertha. A cry went up, ‘The favourite wins!’ -but it died away, as did the horse named, in the next hundred -yards.</p> -<p>“Now the supporters of Bertha found voice, and there -were loud cries of her name. At the home turn Double -Dutchman came on like an express, but Bertha still led, though -evidently nearly done. At the half-distance a new champion -appeared on the scene, as though fallen from the clouds. -The black colt, The Vengeance, coming with a wet sail, passed -everything on the course like so many mile-stones. In the -straight he fairly caught the flagging Bertha, and there was a -roar from Israel as though they had just sighted the Promised -Land.</p> -<p><a name="page170"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -170</span>“But the race was not yet over, the sound of a -competitor seemed to wake Bertha up, for with a new fire the -plucky filly disputed the way inch by inch. It was now easy -to see that her jockey had no part in her efforts, and was quite -outmastered by her.</p> -<p>“On The Vengeance the whip was falling like a flail, and -from the stand it was impossible to pick the leader as they -passed the post. But a great shout of relief went up when -Bertha’s number appeared on the board, and it was known she -had won by a head.</p> -<p>“It may be truly said such a Cup race was never run -before, for the winning jockey now admits that early from the -start he lost all control of his mount. She is notoriously -bad-tempered, so that whip and spurs are never used with her; but -of her thorough gameness there is now no question.</p> -<p>“The surprise of the meeting was the running of The -Vengeance. His display of form is a revelation, and it is -to be inferred a most unwelcome one for somebody’s -apple-cart.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The result being known, Alec Booth was fairly delirious with -joy. The whole earth was Heaven to him now and for -evermore. All and everybody must drink his health, and the -mare’s health, and in champagne of the best, and he was <a -name="page171"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 171</span>surrounded -by a throng eager to praise and congratulate him.</p> -<p>Never in his life before, never in his life again, would Alec -feel the fierce joy of that moment. He had dared all, -tossed up Ruin against Fortune, and Fortune had come down right -side up. And he swelled with pride as he thought how he, an -ignorant country lad, had bested the smart Australian turfites at -their own game.</p> -<p>No thought at this moment of Soft Sam, not one; it was he, -Alec Booth, who had planned, designed, and carried out all.</p> -<p>But a far different man was creeping away on the outskirts of -that crowd. Huey Gosper had the face of a suicide. -With an execration on his lips he left the course. So -nearly to have won, and yet lost? And he had made so sure -of it. Who could have foreseen that that brute of a Bertha -would have run her own race, despite all the pulling jockeys in -the world? And now the true form of The Vengeance was given -away. He might as well be shot for all the use of -him. It was as Soft Sam had said, Bertha was a bit the best -of the pair. Why had he not followed the old man, and not -been a fool? But he must take his gruel like a man, he told -himself that, and there were <a name="page172"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 172</span>other means open for a man of brains -and resolution.</p> -<p>Alec had not married Bertha yet, and Alec, curse him, would -have to fight once again to win her. If he had only Soft -Sam to help him it could be managed, but there was no hope there, -for Soft Sam, as he knew, would take no side in the -quarrel. Sam, he remembered, had wanted to know that Sunday -on the Domain why he had not asked Bertha to marry him. He -would take the advice. She might say Yes; then all would be -well. Alec might keep his cup, and good luck to him.</p> -<p>So he schemed and hoped and feared, wandering about, a bitter, -blighted man.</p> -<h2><a name="page173"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -173</span>CHAPTER XX<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">A PROPOSAL</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was the day following the great -race. Huey, who was seeking an interview with Bertha, had -come to the Botanic Gardens. He knew it was her afternoon -of liberty, and that was her favourite walk. So he strolled -about waiting and hoping a good hour before the expected -time.</p> -<p>Perhaps there are no such gardens in the world. A -horseshoe bay, perhaps half-a-mile across; its shore terraced and -shut in by slight rising hills, whose slopes are turfed with -verdure, and dotted here and there with tropical foliage, -flower-beds of many patterns, sweet-smelling shrubs, and bowers -of rattans and giant grasses. Paths wind about in -surprising curves, and lead to sequestered summer-houses and -lovers’ seats that invite to wooing, even though the voice -of the cooing doves <a name="page174"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 174</span>were hushed that call aloud from -every grove. And when the mind wearies of the green -foliage, the bright-hued flowers, and landscape of ever-varied -plants, there is the sea. Farm Cove the bay is -called. Trim yachts are anchored there, the warships of the -nations lie at friendly anchorage, and from time to time over the -blue water the music of their bands is wafted, or the shrill pipe -of the boatswain’s whistle. Clean, dainty ships that -bask there in the bright sunshine on the lazy tide, as though -peace on earth and sea was decreed for evermore. And beyond -the men-of-war, and across the wide stretch of harbour, there are -the blue-grey shores of Neutral and Mosman Bays, the rugged -heights of Cremorne and Bradley, all dotted with embowered -villas, half-hidden cottages, and covered with a haze like a -bloom.</p> -<p>And over all a cloudless sky, pale-blue and distant, with an -unveiled sun that shines down its vivid light on land and -sea. It is such a view as fairyland might offer, and the -artist with his crude pigments and paints abandon in despair as -hopeless of depiction.</p> -<p>No wonder that Bertha came there from week to week, arrayed in -her best, all smiling and sweet. She did only as the wild -birds do, who find no <a name="page175"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 175</span>safer haven than this oasis of -Paradise in the city’s midst.</p> -<p>Huey Gosper looked again and again at the watch he carried, -and at last his waiting was rewarded. He could see her -plainly, all unconscious of his presence, coming towards -him. With a look of unconcern he went to meet her, and so -it came about that presently they were pacing side by side.</p> -<p>“I am very sorry,” said Huey, “that it was -not I who brought you the Cup last night. My horse lost it -by a head, and I counted on it as a certainty.”</p> -<p>“Oh, don’t speak any more of it. I am -utterly tired with the Cup and the talk about it. I am -sorry for you that you have lost, and all the others whose money -has gone. Perhaps they will be wiser next time.”</p> -<p>“I know you value these things very lightly, Miss -Summerhayes. You are not like other girls, taking all that -glitters and glares for the real metal, and, poor as I am, I make -bold to speak to you as I have never spoken to woman -before. From my first seeing you at Windsor—do you -remember the time?—I have been mad for love of you. -If I came to Sydney it was to follow you; if I have striven to -make money at a detestable calling it was for <a -name="page176"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 176</span>you. -And if I strove and planned for months and months to win -yesterday’s race, you were the prize always in my thoughts -that the horse was to win. I know I am not worthy of you; -no man is. I am full of faults, yet it maddens me to see -you slaving in that golden hell, with two trollops unworthy to -lace your shoes. I would like you to lead a different life, -for I am sure your present place must be hateful to you. I -would do anything, everything if you would only say the word, and -be my wife. Bertha, will you marry me?”</p> -<p>Bertha had listened silently. His words could not have -been quite unexpected; her woman’s eyes must have learned -his secret many a long day since. Yet she hesitated, -perhaps to frame her words, perhaps to frame her mind. -Huey, of all her suitors, had much to commend him to her. -He had great intelligence, and to her judgment he was a clever -man. If he had not wealth, neither was he poor, and he had -youth and good looks on his side.</p> -<p>But then, on the other hand, she had seen a look glower from -his eyes at times like the glance of a fiend, a hard, merciless -gleam that froze all tenderness or thoughts of tenderness. -So she might have reasoned, if women so placed were apt to take a -mental inventory and figure out a <a name="page177"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 177</span>character balance-sheet. But -doubtless she did nothing of the kind as she fidgeted with her -sunshade, and stepped tranquilly along. It was not her -reason but her heart that must answer, and instinctively she -paused for its response. At last she spoke; Huey Gosper all -silent in hopeful expectation.</p> -<p>“What a pretty boat!” pointing to an 18-footer -with coloured sails that skimmed across the bay.</p> -<p>“Yes, it is pretty,” said Huey absently; -“but you have not answered me.”</p> -<p>“Oh, about getting married!” replied Bertha, as -though the question had slipped her memory. “I -don’t want to get married—at least, not yet,” -correcting herself. “It seems to make one so old all -at once, this getting married; don’t you think -so?”</p> -<p>“I do not say now, at once, or next week; but promise -me, give me your word, and let there be a bond between us, and we -will marry when you like; so only that you are mine, all else may -be as you wish.”</p> -<p>“Thank you very much, Mr. Gosper; it is very kind of you -to think so highly of me. I am not worth it, I am sure; -but, really and truly, I do not wish to be engaged. It is -so easy to lose your freedom that never comes again. -Don’t <a name="page178"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -178</span>think me hard-hearted. I feel more, much more -than I can say; but my freedom is yet dear to me.”</p> -<p>Had Huey been a patient man, or one versed in feminine ways, -he might have taken this neutral reply as one of good augury, and -left the further pressing of his suit till time and patience had -overcome her maiden wilfulness. But Huey was combustible, -suspicious, jealous. The fierce, bad light shone from his -eyes as he answered—</p> -<p>“You are mocking me. It is because I am poor, -because I have no grand home to offer you; and you are thinking -of Alec Booth and his thousands.”</p> -<p>“That is not fair of you, Mr. Gosper,” retorted -Bertha sharply. “You have no right to say such -things. I am my own mistress, to do as I like; and a -jealous, spiteful man shall never be my friend!”</p> -<p>With that she turned about with the sweep and step of a -tragedy queen, and so left him. Huey was half sorry he had -so spoken, and even yet had he followed her and pleaded pardon, -his crime of jealousy might have been forgiven; for Bertha was -one of those who, even while they resent, feel the covert -flattery of jealous accusation. But he did not stir, but -stood there angry <a name="page179"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -179</span>and raging, cursing his fate, cursing his fortune; and, -above all, cursing Alec Booth. Without doubt Alec was his -happy rival, that brainless trickster, that vain, boasting bully -had scored again; and he, Huey, was to lose all—money, -race, wife, all were taken from him.</p> -<p>“No! It shall not be!” he declared to -himself. “While I live I will struggle—I will -fight! She is rightfully mine. I saw her first, loved -her first, and she is foolish and dazzled by his winnings. -But out of defeat I will learn success, fairly if possible; then, -if not, in such a way as may be necessary,” he added -darkly.</p> -<p>And he turned on his heel and walked moodily away.</p> -<h2><a name="page180"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -180</span>CHAPTER XXI<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE ABDUCTION</span></h2> -<p>A <span class="smcap">day</span> later. It was ten -o’clock at night. Bertha was busy serving the crowd -of customers with drinks, when a lad came into the bar and asked -for Miss Summerhayes. Bertha spoke to him. He said a -gentleman outside wished to speak to her on a matter of great -importance. Without hesitation Bertha took her hat and went -to the door. Here she was accosted by a bushy-whiskered -man, who demanded in a gruff voice if she was Miss -Summerhayes?</p> -<p>“Yes, to be sure. But what’s the -matter?”</p> -<p>“A Mr. Norris sent me for you. He is very ill, and -must see you at once. Look, I have a cab; there is no time -to lose, hurry in!”</p> -<p>Before she had time to think Bertha was in the vehicle, and it -was plunging off at a rapid rate. Bertha was full of -questions, and her <a name="page181"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -181</span>interrogations came so quickly one after the other that -for a time her companion had an excuse for not replying.</p> -<p>“What is the matter with him? What has happened to -dear old Pro? He seemed all right yesterday. I never -remember his being sick before.”</p> -<p>“It’s what they call a stroke,” the -bushy-whiskered man replied gruffly.</p> -<p>“Oh, dear! Oh, dear!” sighed Bertha -hysterically. “Tell the man to drive fast! But -where is he going? This is Oxford Street—not the way -to Church Hill. I tell you he has made a mistake! -Stop!” And Bertha tried to lift the little door in the roof -of the cab above her head.</p> -<p>“That’s all right,” said her companion; -“we’ll be there in a few minutes. The Professor -was at a friend’s house up at Darlinghurst.”</p> -<p>For the time Bertha’s suspicions, now aroused, were -silenced, but soon the horse, who was travelling at great speed, -arrived at Darlinghurst, and without turning off the main road, -continued his course to Paddington.</p> -<p>“We have passed Darlinghurst. You are deceiving -me! Stop the cab, or I will cry out!”</p> -<p>“It’s all right, I tell you! Just keep quiet -for a few minutes.”</p> -<p><a name="page182"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 182</span>But -Bertha, fairly alarmed, and noting some passers-by at hand, stood -up in the cab and sang out—</p> -<p>“Help! Help! He—”</p> -<p>The third cry was stifled, for a silk muffler was placed round -her head, an odour, strange and unfamiliar, gradually stupefied -her senses, and caused her to sink unresistingly on the cushions -of the vehicle. The passers-by, alarmed by the cry, had -paused a minute, but hearing nothing more, and the cab speeding -on, had resumed their walk.</p> -<p>A policeman standing apathetically at a street corner was -startled into activity by the furious approach of the -hansom. It was clearly a case for a summons, so he rushed -into the roadway waving his arms, and cried—</p> -<p>“Stop! Stop!”</p> -<p>But the driver, instead of stopping, cleverly dodged him and -his attempt to seize the rein. The horse dashed by, and the -enraged constable, who was no mean sprinter, started in -pursuit. At least he would find the number.</p> -<p>But the light from the first lamp they passed lit up the back -of the cab only to show him the number was hidden.</p> -<p>On sped the cab, with no impediment, for the road at this time -of night was clear and deserted.</p> -<p><a name="page183"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 183</span>The -policeman to his surprise was fast losing ground, for he was -ignorant that the black horse he was pursuing was within a head -the winner of the Sydney Cup. On sped the cab, now -unpursued, through Paddington, past Woollabra, past the Tea -Gardens, and on, on into the darkness, where lamps and houses -were few, and scrub lined the road; on till the sound of the -ocean beating the high cliffs of Coogee and Bondi was audible in -a monotonous roar.</p> -<p>Inside the cab the man with bushy whiskers had removed the -muffler, and gazed with a look of gloating reverence on the pale -and corpse-like features of Bertha.</p> -<p>“Did I give her too much chloroform?” he said to -himself, as he felt her pulse. His look of anxiety passed -away. There was still a feeble beat.</p> -<p>“Mine at last!” he cried, with an accent almost of -worship, as he raised the lifeless hand to his lips.</p> -<p>“Mine, now and for ever!”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>When the night passed and the following morning without -bringing news of Bertha, surprise and astonishment began to -trouble her friends and employer at the Golden Bar. A -message was sent <a name="page184"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -184</span>to Professor Norris, who was known to be her friend, -but he knew nothing, and he returned with the messenger, his mind -filled with dread and dismay.</p> -<p>To Ruby and Florrie the mine of speculation and scandal thus -opened up was a veritable God-send. Every caller as he came -in was posted up in all the latest particulars. One of the -first to be so informed was Alec Booth, and it met him like a -knock-down blow. He was, however, soon on his mental feet -again, and sifting, by examination, the list of crude rumours -with which the two barmaids inundated him, he learned -successively, first, that it was a lad (a well-known -<i>habitué</i> of the side walk) who had called Bertha -out. Next, having found the lad, he heard from him that on -the evening before a bushy-whiskered man had driven up in a cab, -and giving him a shilling, had told him to go in the Golden Bar -and tell a Miss Summerhayes that she was wanted. The lady -had come to the door as requested, and after some words with the -bushy-whiskered man, which the lad did not overhear, they both -got in the cab and drove rapidly away.</p> -<p>This was all the information Alec could gather. Neither -a description of the cab or cabman, nor the number of the same -was to be had. A hansom in <a name="page185"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 185</span>a main Sydney thoroughfare is too -common a sight to attract even passing attention. Doubtless -if Alec had been endowed with half the imagination of a French -detective he would have found his clue ample for the prosecution -of an immediate chase. But imagination was distinctly not -his <i>forte</i>. He could weave no theory, spin no web of -conjecture; only in a vague and ill-defined way he told himself -that Bertha’s disappearance was not natural, and probably -not voluntary. She was certainly not the sort of girl to -elope at a minute’s notice, and even Alec, slight student -as he was of feminine human nature, felt that she was above all -not the girl to thus abandon her wardrobe.</p> -<p>Mixed with these feelings, that Bertha had met with foul play, -were a host of jealous doubts. Of her own accord she had -stepped into this cab. Why had she done so? Passion -boiled up in the man, and he raged impotently. At last his -mind received an inspiration.</p> -<p>“Why not go to Soft Sam?”</p> -<p>He acted on the thought at once, and in a few minutes found -himself in the Domain at the old gentleman’s accustomed -seat.</p> -<p>As Alec approached a group of children he heard the familiar -voice calling out amongst them—</p> -<p><a name="page186"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -186</span>“Now, knuckle down properly; don’t -fudge.”</p> -<p>It was Sam teaching his pupils the mysteries of marbles, and -Alec had to wait some few minutes while a chubby youngster of six -was inducted into the mysteries of holding his blood-alley in the -most scientific and approved method.</p> -<p>“Well, my lad,” said Soft Sam at last, -“what’s the trouble?”</p> -<p>Then Alec told him all he knew of Bertha’s -disappearance; how eager he was to seek her out, and how helpless -he felt himself to do so.</p> -<p>“More trouble about that girl! Why can’t you -leave them alone? Mark my words, you’ll come a -cropper over them before you are done. But there, -what’s the use of talking, the pairing season is death to -common-sense.”</p> -<p>“But where has she gone, Sam? Where shall I find -her?”</p> -<p>“That depends on who has done the job. He may be a -tradesman, in which case you may as well say -‘good-bye’; or only a botch of an amateur, in which -event you have a very good show. Advertise in this -evening’s paper for the cabman. Offer ten pounds -reward and no questions asked, and you will probably get an -answer.”</p> -<p>“But suppose the man has been squared, is it likely he -will give himself for a sum like that?”</p> -<p><a name="page187"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -187</span>“That depends, as I said at first, who put up the -job. Let us suppose it was a mug’s plant. He -would probably give the cabby a fiver for the night’s work, -and he is not the average cabman if he would not tell where he -drove to for a tenner, particularly if you undertake to ask -nothing else, and keep the cops out of the affair.”</p> -<p>Alec jumped at the suggestion at once, and he was just in time -to get the following notice in the second edition of the -<i>Evening Times</i>—</p> -<blockquote><p>TEN POUNDS REWARD.—If the cabman who drove a -lady and gentleman from the Golden Bar last evening will call on -Alexander Booth, King Street, he will receive the above. No -foolish questions asked.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>Alec went to his office and waited there impatiently for -further developments. About six o’clock a -seedy-looking man sidled into the office and asked for Mr. -Booth. He was shown into the inner room, and Alec, at the -first glance, felt that something was coming.</p> -<p>“Are you the cove wot advertised?”</p> -<p>“That’s me,” said Alec. “Are you -the cabman I want?”</p> -<p>“No, I’m not the bloke; but I think I could find -him, or what you want to know, if it was worth my -while.”</p> -<p><a name="page188"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -188</span>“Do you know where he drove his cab last -night?”</p> -<p>“Perhaps. Is that all you want to know?”</p> -<p>“That’s all. I’ll give a fiver down, -and another fiver when you take me to the house. And I want -no other questions answered.”</p> -<p>“That’s the kind of talk! You can ante up -the blunt, and we will start right away.”</p> -<p>Eagerly Alec Booth counted out five notes to the man, and then -together they left the office, and jumping into a cab at the -door, drove rapidly towards the eastern suburb.</p> -<p>It was a long, silent drive. Alec, as he had promised, -asked no questions, and the man by his side volunteered no -remark, except from time to time to give the requisite notice to -the driver.</p> -<p>Up Oxford Street, along the Old South Head Road, mile after -mile, past Paddington, Woollabra, the Tea Gardens, and then out -in the scrub towards the sea to the open stretch of desolate -ground round about Bondi. The houses were getting fewer, -and at last at a signal the cab pulled up.</p> -<p>“Here we are, boss. That’s the crib there -across the paddock,” and the man pointed to a little -cottage a few rods away, and standing back from the road. -“Now you can brass up.”</p> -<p><a name="page189"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 189</span>A -doubt crossed Alec’s mind. It might be “a -have.” But he resolved to chance it. Ten pounds would -neither make him nor break him; so paying the guide, who quickly -walked off, he bade the cabman to wait for him, vaulted over the -fence, and strode towards the house that had been pointed -out.</p> -<p>The place appeared to be unoccupied, yet there was not the -usual notice, “This House to Let,” in the -window. The front gate was fastened, but was easily stepped -over. There were blinds to the windows of the front rooms, -but otherwise from an outside view they appeared to be empty.</p> -<p>Alec knocked at the door, a loud resounding knock.</p> -<p>There was no answer, no sound of movement within.</p> -<p>He tried the door. It was a common two-inch, fastened by -a common lock. Without thought of possible consequences, in -case his information was unreliable, Alec put his shoulder to the -door, and putting forth his great strength, was pleased to find -the staple give way.</p> -<p>An empty passage, an empty house, quiet, desolate. Yet -stay! One of the four doors before him was fastened. -He turned the handle. It was also locked. Impatient, -eagerly he shouted out—</p> -<p><a name="page190"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -190</span>“Bertha! are you there?”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The day following the abduction was one of nervous excitement -to Huey Gosper. He called in at the Golden Bar, and feigned -a very natural astonishment at the great piece of news Ruby had -for him. He quite supported her opinion that “The -Squatter” must be at the bottom of it. “The -Squatter” was evidently “gone” on her; he was -the possessor of untold wealth. What more likely than that -he had used the power of his money to serve his own ends.</p> -<p>So spoke Ruby, and her tone was neither one of great -commiseration for Bertha, or great condemnation to her supposed -abductor. Perhaps the prospect of being carried off under -these conditions did not appear so terrible to her.</p> -<p>Huey wandered about the town restlessly. He took an -unaccustomed number of drinks, but they failed to act as a -sedative. He answered a large number of letters addressed -to “The Tinman,” but if his correspondents were -pleased with the tips he sent on this occasion they were mortals -easily satisfied. One question was ever uppermost in his -mind, “What should he do next?” His plan, while yet -in perspective, had appeared simple enough. Disguised he -would cage her, and later, in his own <a name="page191"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 191</span>proper person, he would come to her -rescue with a tale of how he had discovered that Alec Booth was -her abductor. In this way he hoped to gain the gratitude of -Bertha, and the overthrow of his enemy.</p> -<p>He would go the following morning. It would look -suspicious to go too soon. This was his plan, and he had -only to wait quietly; but quiet he could not be.</p> -<p>How was Bertha getting on in that lonely house? Could he -trust the cabman? Was there some fault in his plan, some -weak point in the tale he meant to tell? So his mind dwelt -and doubted. It was about six o’clock in the evening -that, carelessly turning over the evening paper, he came to the -following—</p> -<blockquote><p>TEN POUNDS REWARD.—If the cabman who drove a -lady and gentleman from the Golden Bar last evening will call on -Alexander Booth, King Street, he will receive the above. No -foolish questions asked.</p> -</blockquote> -<p>“My God!” cried Huey, “I have no time to -lose! That devil will be on my track. Why did I trust -the cabman? Why did I not follow Soft Sam’s advice, -always to work alone? Never mind, there is time yet. -To-night or to-morrow morning, what does it matter, I will take -some tools and be off.”</p> -<p><a name="page192"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 192</span>In -five minutes a bundle already prepared was in his hand, and he -was seated in a cab, speeding rapidly to the eastern -suburbs. He was nearly at his destination when he signalled -the driver to stop. Getting out he bade him wait. -Proceeding on foot he came to the solitary cottage. -Avoiding the front entrance, he walked along the side fence, -climbed it, and approached a window covered on the outside with -venetian shutters.</p> -<p>“Are you there, Bertha?” he whispered, poking a -stick through the shutters and tapping the glass.</p> -<p>No answer.</p> -<p>“Are you there, Bertha?” he cried, still -louder.</p> -<p>Still no response. With a cloud of anxiety on his face -he hastily took a short crowbar from his bundle, prized open the -shutters, prized open the window, and stepped in. With one -glance he had eyed every nook and corner of the room.</p> -<p>It was empty.</p> -<p>“Damnation!” cried Huey, as he passed through the -open door into the hall, where the front entrance itself was open -to the world. “The bird has flown, and the sooner I -disappear the better.”</p> -<p>Three minutes later he was in the cab again, <a -name="page193"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 193</span>raging with -disappointed hopes, full of doubt as to what had happened. -Had the cabman “split”? Had Alec, with that -cursed luck of his, foiled him again? Or had Bertha, more -ingenious than he had thought her, and despising the written -warning he had left, effected her own deliverance. Clearly -he had failed, but while he had life and liberty he would try -again, and Bertha should be his—yes, she should be his, or -he would swing for her!</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>When Alec Booth called the name of Bertha at the inner door, -he was gladdened to hear the sound of feet on the floor, and a -welcome voice cry—“Alec! Is that you, -Alec? Save me!”</p> -<p>With one strong drive from his shoulder the door burst in, and -there, standing with tear-stained face and imploring eyes, in the -midst of a daintily-furnished room, was Bertha Summerhayes.</p> -<p>“At last! Thank God!” exclaimed Alec. -“How did you get here?”</p> -<p>She almost fell into his arms. Her eyes lighted up with -joy, and her bosom heaved with emotion.</p> -<p>“Oh, take me away from this! Take me away! -It feels to me like a tomb!”</p> -<p>And Alec noted as he looked about that the <a -name="page194"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 194</span>room must -have been in semi-darkness before the opening of the door, for -the lattice shutters of the window were closed.</p> -<p>“Have you anything to take?” inquired Alec, as -Bertha almost pushed him forward in her eagerness to hasten -away.</p> -<p>“No, there is nothing. Yet, stay a moment, there -is that paper on the table; take that, it may be of use; it may -help to explain. But come, do come! I shall faint if -I stop in this place a minute longer!”</p> -<p>Alec picked up and placed in his pocket a written paper that -lay on the table, and, careless of further concern about the -house, quickly left it with Bertha on his arm, and it was not -till they were seated side by side in the cab that Miss -Summerhayes seemed to draw her breath freely.</p> -<p>As the cab bowled along, they were too busy with mutual -congratulations to remark, on another road parallel to their own, -a second cab hastening in the direction from which they had just -come. Without recognition these two cabs passed each other -not four hundred feet away, the riders in each having their eyes -closed to that which would have interested them so much.</p> -<p>It was in disjointed fragments that Bertha <a -name="page195"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 195</span>related her -experience, and, pieced together, Alec found it came to -this—</p> -<p>She was enticed into the cab by a bushy-whiskered man, who -said he had been sent to take her to Mr. Norris, who was -seriously ill. The cab, she remembered, came up Oxford -Street, when she pointed out that they were going in the wrong -direction. The man then told her that Mr. Norris was at a -friend’s house at Darlinghurst, but very soon the cab -passed that place, and then she called out and wanted to stop the -cab or summon assistance. After that she could remember -nothing till she came to her senses, feeling very sick and faint, -in the room where Alec had found her.</p> -<p>Looking about in the half-darkened room she found a written -paper on the table, the same that Alec had in his pocket. -Alec took it out and read as follows—</p> -<p>“Miss Summerhayes is warned for her own safety to make -no effort to escape or noise of any kind, as it will only force -those who watch her to do again what was done in the cab. -On these conditions no harm shall happen to you.—A <span -class="smcap">Friend</span>.”</p> -<p>“Reading that made you keep quiet, I suppose,” -said Alec.</p> -<p><a name="page196"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -196</span>“Yes,” said Bertha. “I did not -want to be smothered again, and I was terrified almost to death, -sitting there alone all day, not knowing what was to happen -next. Perhaps they were going to murder me, or throw me -over the cliffs, for I could hear the noise of the surf. -But noise in the house I heard none, till you came and broke open -the door. How did you find me out?”</p> -<p>Then Alec gave his account, how he had gone to Soft Sam, and -acting on his advice, had advertised for the cabman, how a man -had replied, and in spite of his assertion to the contrary, most -likely the cabman himself. The rest Bertha knew.</p> -<p>“How can I ever thank you enough, Mr. Booth?” said -Bertha, as she stepped once more on the pavement fronting the -Golden Bar. “How can I ever thank you enough for your -kindness and courage?”</p> -<p>“Give me this hand to keep and take care of,” -replied Alec with a sudden burst of emotional fervour, “and -no scoundrel in the future shall dare to touch you!”</p> -<p>Bertha did not answer him as she stepped lightly to the -doorway; then, half turning her head, she threw him one word as -she disappeared.</p> -<p>“Perhaps!”</p> -<h2><a name="page197"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -197</span>CHAPTER XXII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">IN THE GARDENS</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was Sunday morning. -Bertha, with her old friend the Professor by her side, was -walking in the Botanic Gardens. For the third or fourth -time she had re-told the tale of her abduction, for a third or -fourth time they had speculated as to who the author of the -outrage could be, and as to the identity of the bushy-whiskered -man.</p> -<p>“Has Mr. Booth been to the cottage again?” asked -the Professor.</p> -<p>“Yes, he went back at once, but it was empty, all but -the one furnished room I was in, and no one was there. He -inquired of the neighbours, and found that the place had been -empty and to let for some time, and it was only a few days ago -the board was taken down. Then he went to the house -agent. This agent said that a bushy-whiskered man, giving -the name of Brown, had <a name="page198"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 198</span>taken the place and paid a -month’s rent in advance. The furniture he happened to -know, for it was part of his business to keep his eyes on new -tenants, was obtained on the time-payment system. He told -Alec—or, rather, Mr. Booth—the shop. The -furniture man had seen this Mr. Brown, who had paid him a deposit -on one room of furniture. He could say no more than that he -was a middle-aged, bushy-whiskered man.”</p> -<p>“And has no more been found out?”</p> -<p>“No, nothing else. Alec wanted to put it in the -hands of the police, but I would not have it. I would -rather die than have to go in a police-court.”</p> -<p>“And so the villain is to escape?”</p> -<p>“Well, he did not do me much harm after all, Pro, and he -will get his desserts some day. All bad people -do.”</p> -<p>“That is a very consoling theory for injured people who -can obtain no redress, but I am afraid experience hardly warrants -it. The stage villain may walk to the scaffold during five -acts, but the every-day scoundrel is more often carried to -Parliament by a carriage and pair. Have you no suspicion in -your own mind as to who it was?”</p> -<p>“The girls in the bar think it was an old gentleman we -call the Squatter. He certainly <a name="page199"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 199</span>asked me to marry him, and offered -me several rich presents at different times; but I hardly think -he was the kind of man to have planned an outrage of this -kind. It is strange, though, that he has not been seen in -Sydney since the day I was taken away. But there, I am -weary to death of talking on the subject! Let us speak of -something else, Pro. I have left that horrible bar for -ever, and I have some news for you. Now guess what it -is?”</p> -<p>“You have found a new and wonderful -dressmaker!”</p> -<p>“You horrid thing, as though I cared twopence about -dress!”</p> -<p>“Then it is a new admirer who has told you that you are -the prettiest girl in Sydney, and you have believed -him.”</p> -<p>“That is really cruel of you, Pro? As though I -cared what people said. You do not deserve to be told -anything!”</p> -<p>“I will give up guessing then. Tell me what it -is.”</p> -<p>“Alec—that is, Mr. Booth—has asked me to -marry him.”</p> -<p>“And you have consented?”</p> -<p>“Not exactly. I thought I would ask you -first. I hardly know what to do.”</p> -<p><a name="page200"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -200</span>“Do you love the man?”</p> -<p>“He is brave, and strong, and kind. And then it -was so good of him to come and rescue me from that horrid -place. I really think he loves me, yet he is not just the -sort of man I have fancied in my mind. But somehow I am -afraid this ideal man of mine will never come along; perhaps he -would not have me if he did come. And then Alec loves me, -and he is very nice when he likes—and I don’t know -what to do or what to say!”</p> -<p>“You have not mentioned another of his advantages, -Bertha. I hear that since he won the Cup he is quite a -wealthy man.”</p> -<p>“Now you want to scold me. You think I like him -for his money. But I am sure a man is no worse because he -has means of his own. Why, the Squatter was ten times as -rich as Alec, and I never even looked at him. It is not -fair to expect every one to be poor like you, Pro, and I am sure -it is better for those to have it who will enjoy it than rusty -old misers who hoard it up.”</p> -<p>“And about the horse-racing, Bertha. I thought you -hated all connected with it?”</p> -<p>“Oh, Alec has promised to give up betting -altogether. He says the consultation, or sweep as <a -name="page201"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 201</span>they call -it, pays better. There is no risk, and he means to go in -for that.”</p> -<p>“And you find this Mr. Booth a man after your own -mind—not the ideal, as you said, but an every-day -representative you will be willing to live with till death do you -part?”</p> -<p>“I have thought it over, Pro. Of course Alec is -not clever. He has read next to nothing, and can talk of -very little outside his business, but all the same he might be -pleasanter to have about a house than some one who was very -clever. I fancy these clever people are not very nice to -live with, particularly if you are not so clever as they -are.”</p> -<p>“But then, Mr. Booth is not like you in any respect, -either in taste or ideas?”</p> -<p>“That is one of the reasons that makes me think we might -do very well together. Two people who were much alike would -soon be tired of one another, don’t you think -so?”</p> -<p>“I think, my dear Bertha, you first made up your mind, -and then found all these fine reasons to support you -afterwards. You ask my advice, but what you really want is -my approval. I give you, instead, my congratulations. -The wife of a poor man you might have been, as you know, any time -these two years, but I saw clearly that in <a -name="page202"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 202</span>such case -you would always have been regretting that fortune which you -might have had. Now you are marrying a man of money. -I hope it will turn out as you wish, that the gold will gild your -future; but, as in a marriage of poverty I clearly foresaw on -your part a life of regrets, so in this other union I have the -same misgiving.”</p> -<p>“Then what am I to do, Pro? Shall I remain -single?”</p> -<p>“No, my dear, by no means. For a girl above all it -is better that she should marry if she can wisely do so. I -cannot give you my wisdom, no one can. Wisdom can be bought -only by experience. There is no other price. So -marry, my dear; be happy while you can, and remember if troubles -and trials come that they are your life lessons, to be met -bravely, not as evils, but as disguised friends.”</p> -<p>“You ought to have been a parson, Pro,” said -Bertha, with tears in her eyes. “You are always so -serious. Now, tell me honestly, don’t you think Alec -is a fine-looking man?”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Alec Booth was not the man to hide his good fortune. All -his friends, more particularly those at the Golden Bar, were soon -acquainted with the <a name="page203"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 203</span>news of his proposed marriage to -Bertha Summerhayes.</p> -<p>Ruby wished him joy, and hoped very kindly he would not be -deceived in the object of his affections. And when he -inquired what she meant, replied—</p> -<p>“Oh, nothing! Of course, Bertha is an -angel—a little chipped, perhaps. It’s about -time she settled down, and, like a wise girl, she knows -it.”</p> -<p>Florrie was diffuse—</p> -<p>“How kind of you to marry her! You must be a real -good sort, Mr. Booth! There’s not many men would have -your pluck, if what they say is true!”</p> -<p>“What do they say?” inquired Alec hotly.</p> -<p>“Oh, you have heard nothing? You dear, simple -man! Then I’m sure I shall not be the one to tell -tales out of school. Besides, it may not be true; people do -tell such lies. And Bertha’s not a bad sort, though -she does hold her head up. You just shut your eyes and do -as she tells you, like a good boy!”</p> -<p>Alec, never fluent of speech, did not know how to reply to his -tormentor. He knew their ways too well to take them -altogether seriously; but the poison of their malice left a sting -behind. His only defence was a hearty “Ha! ha! -ha!”</p> -<p><a name="page204"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 204</span>The -unanswerable reply of a small head with a big stomach.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>In his turn Huey Gosper was not slow to hear the news, and -Ruby even gave him the details of “the lark,” as she -called it, they had had with Alec.</p> -<p>“And he just was mad when we rubbed it into his angelic -Bertha! You should have seen how red he got in the -face! Why, the fool is fairly crazy about her! It -would only serve him right to play a trick or two on -him—the conceited fool!”</p> -<p>A gleam of malicious joy shone in Huey’s eyes as though -a sudden unholy hope had sprung up. He whispered words to -Ruby and she to him, and by their pantomime it might be -understood that a plot, mutually agreed on, was arranged.</p> -<p>“You’ll keep your word?” interrogated Huey -as he left.</p> -<p>“Like a book, Mr. Gosper! Never you fear! -I’m not the girl to back out!”</p> -<p>And as he passed into the street Huey’s melancholy face -bore the first smile it had worn for many days.</p> -<h2><a name="page205"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -205</span>CHAPTER XXIII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE LOVERS</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Bertha</span> had chosen her favourite -Botanic Gardens for the scene of her courtship, and it was there -that her daily meetings with Alec took place. She found, -perhaps, in the surroundings, a little compensation for that want -of poetic feeling that even her partiality had to admit on the -part of her lover.</p> -<p>On his side, from either the association with Bertha, or that -mind-awakening which not infrequently arises with the amorous -sentiment, he often surprised himself by quite original -observations.</p> -<p>Bertha noted this change in him with the hope of the sanguine -woman who trusts to mould her husband in the way that good -husbands should go. If she could only wean him from those -hateful horses, that was her dream.</p> -<p><a name="page206"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 206</span>They -were walking side by side. She would not take the arm he -offered.</p> -<p>“It was too countrified!” she said, and he -submitted.</p> -<p>“How beautiful the lawns look to-day, Alec?”</p> -<p>“Yes; first-class feed for a cow,” said Alec, -gazing about critically.</p> -<p>“And the trees—do you notice what lovely foliage -they have?”</p> -<p>“I don’t know much about foliage, and that’s -a fact, Bertha; but as for trees, I reckon I know a good one when -I see it, and I looked the whole lot over the other day, and -I’ll take my oath there’s not a good free splitter in -the lot! A lot of knotty, cross-grained wretches! -They are only fit for mill-wood, if they are fit for -that!”</p> -<p>Bertha sighed softly to herself.</p> -<p>“I should so like to travel, would not you, Alec? -To go to other countries and see something of the -world?”</p> -<p>“That’s just my idea. Let’s go to the -next Melbourne Cup. We can do the thing tip-top, and have a -grand old time!”</p> -<p>“Oh, bother the Melbourne Cup, Alec! You are -always thinking of races. They say there is nothing worth -noticing in Melbourne after you have seen Sydney, except it may -be the bad <a name="page207"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -207</span>smells. And their races are just like ours, so -they won’t be much of a treat.”</p> -<p>“How you do talk, Bertha. Why, Melbourne is the -finest city in Australia.”</p> -<p>“I was thinking of other countries—France and -England, for instance.”</p> -<p>“What’s the good of our going to England? -Isn’t Australia the finest country in the world, and the -people ahead of all the others? Look at our fighting men, -our rowing men, our cricketers. Why, we can beat them all, -hands down. Australia’s good enough for me, any -day.”</p> -<p>“But think of Paris. You have heard of -Paris—wonderful, beautiful Paris.”</p> -<p>“You mean the place where the plaster comes -from?”</p> -<p>“Yes, and hundreds of things beside. It is the -city of delight, with miles of wonderful shops, arcades and -picture-galleries, and crowds of the most elegantly dressed -people in the world. I believe if I could only see Paris I -should be willing to die.”</p> -<p>“You had better see Australia and live,” replied -Alec, stumbling on an epigram unconsciously.</p> -<p>“And there is a wonderful garden there, miles long, -called the Bois de Boulogne; and now I remember that they have a -celebrated horse-race <a name="page208"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 208</span>there called the Paris Grand Prize, -and all the great people in Europe go to see it.”</p> -<p>“That might be worth looking at,” said Alec, -doubtfully; “if those Frenchmen only knew how to -ride.”</p> -<p>“And think of the hundreds of ladies all beautifully -dressed; not a rag-tag and bob-tail like we have here, but real -ladies, with real costumes, every one a study and a -delight. Oh, I should like to see it.”</p> -<p>“I don’t believe it’s better than -Randwick.”</p> -<p>“Alec, don’t talk like that. It is like some -one swearing in a church.”</p> -<p>“That’s all right, Bertha. Don’t you -mind me. Of course I know nothing about all these fine -things. Australia is good enough for me, but if you want to -see these dirty Frenchmen and their painted women, why we will -take a trip there some day.”</p> -<p>“That’s so good of you,” said Bertha, -squeezing his hand, and giving him a look that filtered through -his being with a wild deliciousness. “Only take me to -Paris, and then I will come and stay in Australia for ever and -ever.”</p> -<p>“And when shall we get married, Bertha?” inquired -Alec, thinking the moment a propitious one. “When is -the day to be?”</p> -<p><a name="page209"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -209</span>“What do you want to be in such a hurry -for? Are we not very nice as we are? I am sure it is -beautiful to walk in the Gardens every day.”</p> -<p>“I don’t say no, Bertha; but I am always afraid -some one will run off with you again, and next time I might not -be able to find you.”</p> -<p>“I am very careful, Alec, now. I never go out -after dark, and as for going in a cab, I believe I shall always -hate the sight of them.”</p> -<p>“You had better make sure; marry me and done with -it.”</p> -<p>“There you go again. I never heard of any one so -impatient. This is the best time in our lives, if we only -knew it. We are young and free, no cares, no -troubles. Let us live and enjoy as we are for a little -while. And a girl’s youth goes away so quickly. -I wonder, Alec, if you will think as much of me when I am old and -ugly?”</p> -<p>“You ugly?” said Alec derisively.</p> -<p>“Well, not perhaps quite ugly, but you know well enough -that here in Australia girls fade very quickly. I dread to -think what I shall be like in ten years’ time—all -wrinkles and grey hairs, with no more figure than a post, no -doubt. Oh! I want to keep young always, always, and -never get old at all. Don’t you, Alec?”</p> -<p><a name="page210"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -210</span>“I can’t say I ever thought much about -it. If a three-year-old would always remain a -three-year-old it would be a great chuck-in, no doubt-that is, if -they did not raise the weight. But I guess there is not -much show of getting the soft side of the handicapper. We -all have to carry weight-for-age.”</p> -<p>“I really wish, Alec, you could talk a little time -without bringing in your everlasting horse-racing. There -are other things in the world besides horses.”</p> -<p>“So there are, Bertha,” said Alec soothingly; -“there are cattle and sheep. But, you see, they are -not in my line.”</p> -<p>“You’re a goose,” replied Bertha, laughing, -“and I half believe you are making fun of me all the -time. Where did you go yesterday afternoon?”</p> -<p>“I have been house-hunting. It seems the proper -thing, when I am engaged to a girl like you, to find a home to -please her, and I wanted to give you a surprise.”</p> -<p>“You choose a house!” with a tone that made Alec -feel two inches shorter. “What should a man know -about a house?”</p> -<p>“So I concluded, and I decided that you had best please -yourself. Where would you like to live? I was -thinking of Randwick—a nice stylish place.”</p> -<p><a name="page211"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -211</span>“What, live away from the harbour—the -sea—with nothing to look at but houses and -sand-hills? That would be horrible!”</p> -<p>“Where then, my dear? Choose your own place; -it’s all the same to me.”</p> -<p>“I have always dreamt of one of those cottages with wide -verandahs near the harbour, with a water frontage, a little house -for a boat, and green lawns and gardens right down to the -water. That would be lovely!”</p> -<p>“I never thought of that. But they are very -awkward to drive to, generally, those sort of places. But I -was at Bob Simmons’s place the other day—it’s -just the kind of house you would like and we had some fine sport -with the dogs killing rats down on the rocks. One old rat -was real game, and no mistake!”</p> -<p>“But there are not rats everywhere all round the -harbour,” said Bertha, with much concern.</p> -<p>“Just swarms with them! That’s the best of -it! A fellow could always find a bit of amusement. -It’s as good as bandicooting, any day.”</p> -<p>“I think I would rather not be quite so close to the -water, then. I hate rats, and I don’t like seeing -anything killed. We will go and look for a house -together.”</p> -<p>“All right, let’s go to-morrow.”</p> -<p><a name="page212"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -212</span>“Yes, or the next day. To-morrow I have got -to have a dress tried on.”</p> -<p>And then the two lovers talked for half-an-hour as to the -relative importance of the new dress and the new house, and which -it was most important to give the first attention.</p> -<p>Needless to relate, the dress carried the day.</p> -<h2><a name="page213"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -213</span>CHAPTER XXIV<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE CONSPIRACY</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Alec Booth</span> was at his office -looking over his letters that were handed to him by his -clerk. He was not a quick reader, and a still slower -writer, so his clerk was not only a convenience, but a -necessity. One of these letters arrested his attention; it -did not refer, like the others, to horse-racing, it bore no -address and no proper signature. He read slowly—</p> -<p>“If Mr. Booth is wise he will watch his lady-love more -carefully. Like a fool, he believed her story of being -forcibly taken away in a cab. She was only too willing, if -the truth was known, and if the Squatter did not come to terms it -was because he backed out at the last moment. Even now she -is meeting him, and if Mr. Booth only likes to be on the -right-hand side of Circular Quay at half-past eleven to-night, -and keep hidden near <a name="page214"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 214</span>the last ship towards the point, he -will see her with his own eyes.</p> -<p style="text-align: right">“A <span -class="smcap">Well-Wisher</span>.”</p> -<p>His first impulse was to destroy the letter as a venomous -thing, but the doubt in his mind, once aroused by Ruby and -Florrie, came to him again. He did not doubt -Bertha—no! Ten thousand times no! But it would -be so easy to put this slander to the test.</p> -<p>Bertha out at half-past eleven on Circular Quay! Bertha, -who never went out after dark! It was absurd! Yet -men, smarter men perhaps than himself, had been made fools of -before to-day.</p> -<p>Did this explain the reason for Bertha’s hanging back -when he asked her to name the marriage day? Was she only -making a convenience of him in case the other man refused to toe -the mark? It was damnable! But it was a lie—a -wicked, cursed lie, and he would pay no attention to it.</p> -<p>But his mind could not leave the subject all that day, and -eleven o’clock at night found him walking nervously and -excitedly towards the meeting-place mentioned in the letter.</p> -<p>The last boat moored to the Quay was a sailing vessel, whose -decks appeared deserted. Perhaps <a -name="page215"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 215</span>the crew -were on shore or asleep in their bunks. Not even a watchman -was visible.</p> -<p>On the wharf a few feet from the edge a pile of casks were -stacked. Across the roadway rose the high façade of -prison-like wool warehouses. The electric light that now -makes this quarter of Sydney one of the best illuminated had not -been installed at this date, and the yellow gas-jets visible here -and there did little to lighten the darkness of the night.</p> -<p>Alec for a time looked about curiously, then paced up and -down, assuring himself the while that he was a fool for his -pains, and would have been far better off at that time of night -seated at his club playing nap. Then he remembered the -directions he had received, “to keep hidden.” Now, -the only place convenient for concealment was to stand behind the -heap of casks, close to the edge of the Quay. The simplest -observation gave this assurance, and no doubt the writer of the -letter had this place in her mind.</p> -<p>This thought did not occur to Alec. He was told to hide, -and he hid, quite unsuspicious that by doing so he was standing -in an appointed place.</p> -<p>There were no immediate passers-by; a few forms could be heard -and seen at a distance <a name="page216"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 216</span>moving about, but that part of the -Quay was for the time deserted.</p> -<p>Presently he heard the voice of a man singing, and coming -towards him, and the words rang out on the night air with -wonderful distinctness—</p> -<blockquote><p>“I’m off to Charlestown early in the -morning,<br /> -I’m off to Charlestown before the break of day;<br /> -To give my respects to all the pretty yellow girls,<br /> -I’m off to Charlestown before the break of day!”</p> -</blockquote> -<p>“Evidently a sailor half tanked,” thought Alec, as -he watched the man with peaked cap and pilot coat, half reel, -half walk up the Quay. The progress forward of the singer -was more like tacking against a head-wind than a plain, -straight-away course. He zig-zagged first over to the wool -warehouses, then across to the water’s edge, and each time -Alec expected him to tumble over, but he always seemed to -“wear ship” just in time, singing the while as though -he were the happiest fellow in all the world.</p> -<p>By accident or design one of these tacks brought the drunken -sailor just to the corner of the heap of casks behind which Alec -stood hidden.</p> -<p>He pulled up short before turning again, and, seeing Alec, -called out—</p> -<p>“Hullo, mate! can you give us a match?”</p> -<p><a name="page217"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 217</span>Alec, -not from meanness, but to get rid of the man’s presence, -told him he had not got one.</p> -<p>“I say, mate, give us a match, there’s a good -fellow”—and the sailor put his hand on Alec’s -shoulder.</p> -<p>At that moment a woman’s form could be seen approaching -from the distance, clad in a light costume. She might, for -all that light revealed, be Bertha in a walking-dress.</p> -<p>Instinctively Alec turned away his eyes to look at the -newcomer, and then the drunken sailor, like one who had waited -for a signal at the moment Alec turned his head, pulled out a bag -that had been hidden beneath his coat, clapped it over the face -and round the neck of Alec, where a spring appeared to hold it -fast, and then, with a rush and a push, sent his victim over the -Quay into the dark water of the harbour.</p> -<p>There was no cry, but a half-stifled shout; no noise but the -single splash, for the body sank like a stone.</p> -<p>The sailor stood calmly gazing down on the water for some -minutes. Not a ripple, not a break in the wavelets to show -that the victim had risen again.</p> -<p>“I thought that would fix him,” the sailor said <a -name="page218"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 218</span>to -himself. “He never could swim, and he will find it a -little late to learn now.” With that he started singing his -song again, retracing his steps. When he reached the lady -in the light dress he went up to her, and speaking without any -affectation of drunkenness—</p> -<p>“It’s no good, Ruby; he has not come. I -suppose he was too fly to be taken in by that letter of -yours.”</p> -<p>“Well, I’m glad of it, Huey. It might have -got me into a row, and the pig is not worth it. What shall -we do now?”</p> -<p>“I will take you to the dance, as I promised.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Alec, on falling into the water, went quickly enough to the -bottom, and nearly as quickly rose to the surface. He waved -his arms frantically, nearly stifled and choked as he was by the -covering on his head. When he came to the surface again it -was, fortunately for him, not in the open harbour, but amidst the -piles on which the roadway of the Quay was built—his hands -in their wild struggle caught one of the slimy cross-timbers, and -to this he clung in desperation.</p> -<p>He knew by the feel that his head was out of water, and the -bag about his head was not so tight but it allowed him to take -breath.</p> -<p><a name="page219"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -219</span>Getting firm hold of his support with one hand, he used -the other in an effort to withdraw the bag. He tried and -tried again, and, at last, aided by his strong arm, that had been -developed by years of axe-work in the bush, by a final wrench, -and a partial skinning of his ears, he pulled it off. And -then, to his lasting regret, he cast it from him.</p> -<p>He quickly understood where he was, and it was the work of a -few minutes to draw himself up on the slanting beam and seat -himself on its slippery surface.</p> -<p>For the moment he felt secure. But what was he to do -next? If he shouted for help that devil above him might be -waiting with pistol and knife to finish his work.</p> -<p>It was very uncomfortable there, soaking wet in a damp seat, -in silent darkness, with only a glimpse of the harbour through -the piles, but he reflected that he was probably safe from -further attack if he kept quiet. So he decided to sit still -and wait for the morning light, if no other assistance should -come.</p> -<p>His vigil, however, was not so long; not an hour and a half -had passed when a ship’s boat, laden probably with some -belated captain, approached quite close to him. He sang -out—</p> -<p><a name="page220"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -220</span>“Boat ahoy!”</p> -<p>The rowers stopped. Alec called again, and on his saying -he had fallen in the harbour and wanted to land, they very -cheerfully backed their craft up to the piles, and with some -difficulty Alec managed to jump aboard, and in a few strokes was -landed at the steps.</p> -<p>Alec Booth could see the spot where he had stood behind the -casks, but as he anticipated, no sailor, either drunk or sober, -was to be seen there now. He felt a satisfaction in -throwing off the numbness of his limbs by a smart walk, and his -first place of call was the office of the Water Police.</p> -<p>The officer in charge took down his statement with provoking -calm. One might have fancied that the throwing of citizens -off Circular Quay was a matter of hourly familiarity to him.</p> -<p>“And you say this man put a spring bag over your -head? Where is it?”</p> -<p>“I threw it away in the water,” said Alec.</p> -<p>“Ah! Were you robbed?”</p> -<p>Alec felt in his pockets. His watch, his purse and -pocket-book were all safe, but of course wet.</p> -<p>“Ah!” said the policeman again. “You -say this sailor who assaulted you appeared to be -drunk?”</p> -<p><a name="page221"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -221</span>“Yes, he acted like it as he came towards -me.”</p> -<p>“Are you quite sure you were sober yourself?”</p> -<p>“Sober as a judge!”</p> -<p>“Did you have anything to drink to-night?”</p> -<p>“I may have had two or three -whiskies-and-sodas.”</p> -<p>“Ah!” said the constable again, and this time in a -tone so provoking that Alec, in spite of the majesty of his -uniform, felt inclined to kick him.</p> -<p>“We will inquire into the matter, sir, and for the -future I should advise you to keep away from the Circular Quay -when you have taken two or three whiskies.”</p> -<p>Disgusted as well as wet, Alec left the office. It was -clear enough the officer gave no credence to his story, and -thought it merely the hallucination of a drunken man. So he -went home, and to bed, his mind filled with a darkening fear of -this enemy—that mysterious and unknown—who thus -boldly attacked him.</p> -<p>The letter was only too probably part of a plot to lure him to -destruction. He had no clue to his enemy, who had failed -this time, but was at full liberty to contrive some fresh scheme -for his undoing. And the next time, luck might not be on -his side.</p> -<p>Alec was brave enough in open fight, but this <a -name="page222"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 222</span>secret fear -unmanned him. And Bertha’s abduction came to his -mind—that mystery had never been explained. Had the -drunken sailor and the bushy-whiskered man any connection? -Was there a conspiracy to ruin or murder Bertha and -himself? He feared so. And he turned the question -over and over in his mind, and he could find only one hope for -peace.</p> -<p>He would go in the morning to Soft Sam.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Alec found Soft Sam seated as usual in the Domain, with a -crowd of wide-eyed juveniles about him, and apparently listening -with breathless interest to a localized history of Jack the Giant -Killer, with variations.</p> -<p>“So the young man said to the rich squatter, ‘I -can drink as much of that whisky as you can.’ And the -squatter laughed at a little chap like that swallowing oil of -vitriol like the old soaker he was himself. So he called -for glasses, and filled them. The squatter drank his, but -Jack, after taking a sip, poured his all down his neck into his -Crimean shirt, where it was soaked up.</p> -<p>“And they drank, and drank, and drank—till the -squatter was dead on the floor, and young Jack jumps up, takes -all his money, and rides away!”</p> -<p><a name="page223"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 223</span>This -was Soft Sam’s somewhat abrupt conclusion, for he saw that -Alec wished to speak to him. And as the children still hung -about, with a manifest inclination to hear the next chapter, he -dismissed them speedily with the present of sixpence, with which, -without more ado, they departed for the nearest lolly-shop.</p> -<p>“It’s cheap at the price,” said Sam.</p> -<p>“What’s cheap?”</p> -<p>“Why, happiness. I’ve made them there kids -as happy as sandboys with sixpence. It seems to me they -have often got a lot more sense that way than when they grow -up.”</p> -<p>“I’m in a bother again, Sam.”</p> -<p>“I thought as much. You can most of you find me -out when trouble comes along. What’s the matter this -time?”</p> -<p>And then Alec told the history of the previous night.</p> -<p>“It’s the girl again,” said Sam, after he -had patiently listened to Alec. “I told you she would -breed mischief. You are young and foolish like the rest of -them, and take no notice.”</p> -<p>“You don’t mean to say that Bertha caused me to be -thrown in the harbour?”</p> -<p>“Of course I don’t! But some one who is -after her did the trick right enough. And a very nice <a -name="page224"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 224</span>little job -it was, too. He must be a fellow of talent. And it -was only a fluke it did not come off. He must be a real -smart bloke, and no mistake. If he tries it on again I -would not care to insure your life. Very neat, very neat; -and not a trace to track him by. Really, I give him -credit. I could not have done better myself!”</p> -<p>“He’s a clever scoundrel, there’s no doubt; -but the question is, ‘What am I to do?’ Am I to sit -quiet till he makes another shot?”</p> -<p>“Why can’t you leave the girls alone? I tell -you they will ruin you sooner or later. Or, if you must mix -yourself up, why not marry this Bertha right away, and done with -it? While she’s single there will always be strays -browsing round after her. Put the hobbles on, man, and get -her broken in to double harness, and if this attentive friend of -yours is only half as smart as he appears to be, he will -quit.”</p> -<p>“Thank you, Sam? That’s just my own idea, -and I’ll put the matter to Bertha straight—that -it’s either get married at once or one of us missing. -And she’s not the girl I take her for if she -refuses.”</p> -<h2><a name="page225"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -225</span>CHAPTER XXV<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE HEART UNION</span></h2> -<p>“<span class="smcap">Now</span>, Bertha, say the word, -and let us be married at once. I have told you what Soft -Sam has said. You know our position. At any moment -this scoundrel may do us a mischief.”</p> -<p>“And what if he does, I’m not afraid; and I am -surprised at you, a strong man, fearing a coward who is afraid to -show himself!”</p> -<p>“That is just it, Bertha! If he would only show -himself. I am afraid of no man alive; but a crawling wretch -who springs on you unawares, I fear him as I would a death adder -in the dark.”</p> -<p>“What can he do? He has not hurt either of us -yet.”</p> -<p>“I suppose you think your cab drive was a pleasure -trip?”</p> -<p>“Well, after all, Alec, there was not much harm done, -was there? I was awfully frightened and <a -name="page226"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 226</span>all that -kind of thing, but it was all right when you came.”</p> -<p>“You will drive me mad, Bertha! I believe you try -to provoke me on purpose! Will you, or won’t you, -marry me now?”</p> -<p>“When is now?”</p> -<p>“Say to-morrow!”</p> -<p>“Impossible!”</p> -<p>“Why impossible?”</p> -<p>“In the first place, I must get my dress ready, and then -there are the bridesmaids. Who would be bridesmaids at a -day’s notice?”</p> -<p>“Oh, bother the bridesmaids. We don’t want -any bridesmaids. Let them rip!”</p> -<p>“If I don’t have bridesmaids I won’t be -married. A marriage without bridesmaids! Who ever -heard of such a thing! I don’t believe it would be a -proper marriage at all!”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, it would—as safe as the bank!”</p> -<p>“Safe or no safe, I’ll be married properly or not -at all.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps you would rather be carried off in a -cab?”</p> -<p>“Well, your marriage would be nearly as bad! Go -and write our name in a book, the same as you do at a -picture-gallery, and a man in a light suit says, -‘Three-and-sixpence, please. You are married. -<a name="page227"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -227</span>Next!’ You can bury me that way if you like -to but marry me, never!”</p> -<p>“Say your own time then; only pray be reasonable, -Bertha. I am fearful for myself, I own, but I am doubly -fearful for you. Every time I see you I fear it may be the -last.”</p> -<p>“I suppose I must give in; you men are so -impatient! Let us say this day month. That is the -very, very earliest.”</p> -<p>“A month, Bertha! Why not say twelve at -once?”</p> -<p>“I will say twelve if you like. That would be much -better, only I thought you were in such a hurry.”</p> -<p>“I should like to swear to myself for a few minutes, -Bertha, if you would kindly walk on a little way -ahead.”</p> -<p>“What you can see to be so cross about I can’t -make out. You have everything your own way. You ask -me to marry you in twelve months, and I agree to it. What -more can you want?”</p> -<p>“You are trying to take a rise out of me—I can see -clear enough. But be a little reasonable, Bertha. Say -three days, four days—in fact, say just how long it takes -these blessed bridesmaids to get themselves groomed and in proper -training for the job!”</p> -<p><a name="page228"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -228</span>“Now you are more reasonable, Alec. We -might—mind, I am not sure—we might get ready in a -fortnight.”</p> -<p>With this promise Alec had to be satisfied, or make the best -of it. He had succeeded in knocking fifty per cent. off the -first estimate, and was correspondingly elated. Perhaps he -would not have been quite so pleased with himself had he known -that for more than a week past Bertha’s bridal dress had -been completed, that the bridesmaids were long ago chosen, and -their arrangements made; that even the church and officiating -minister had been selected, and, as a matter of fact, the -marriage could have been solemnized with all those rights dear to -the heart of womankind two days from date.</p> -<p>Alec did not know this, and he was contented.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>A fortnight later the Sydney <i>Evening Times</i> had the -following paragraph in its column of social news—</p> -<p>“St. Clement’s Church, Church Hill, Sydney, was -yesterday the scene of a very pretty wedding, the occasion being -the marriage of Miss Bertha Summerhayes, a popular Sydney belle, -and Mr. Alexander Booth, the well-known sportsman, and <a -name="page229"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 229</span>owner of -the winner of the last Sydney Cup. The church had been very -prettily decorated by the friends of the bride, wreaths of -waratah and rock lilies being used with great effect. A -miniature avenue of tree ferns led from the gateway to the church -entrance, and wild flowers were not only used in the profuse -decoration, but were also scattered as a carpet for the happy -pair. The bride was married from the residence of her old -friend Professor Norris, the eminent and well-known specialist in -character reading.</p> -<p>“Punctually at half-past two the entrancing sound of the -march from <i>Tannhäuser</i> on the organ announced the -arrival of the carriages with the bridal party. The bride -was attired in a lovely gown of green peau-de-soie, with berthe -of old Brussels bone-point lace also cream in tint, the corsage -adorned with orange flowers.</p> -<p>“She carried an exquisite bouquet of white lilies and -maiden-hair ferns, and over all fell a soft tulle veil in -graceful folds to the ground. A magnificent diamond -bracelet, the gift of the bridegroom, was her only jewel. -Miss Ruby Jones, a friend of the bride, was maid of honour, and -wore a toilette of old gold silk, with gloves and shoes to match; -she wore a richly-chased gold bangle, a present from the -bridegroom, and also carried a bouquet of lilies and ferns. -Miss Florrie Simpson, the second bridesmaid, was likewise attired -in old gold silk, and she carried a duplicate bangle and -bouquet. <a name="page230"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -230</span>The whole effect of colour was a delicious harmony of -cream and gold.</p> -<p>“Mr. Booth was attended by Mr. Jenkins, the well-known -and popular host of the Golden Bar. After the ceremony, -which was performed by the Rev. A. A. Softword, the bridal party -left the church to the strains of the grand march of Mendelssohn, -ably played by that eminent organist, Mr. Treadfast, and -adjourned to the residence of Mr. Norris. Here a sumptuous -breakfast was prepared, and the house made a little fairyland -with palms and tropical foliage.</p> -<p>“After the health of the bride and bridegroom had been -duly honoured, Mr. and Mrs. Booth left amidst a shower of rice -and rose-leaves on their tour through the Blue Mountain -district. The bride wore a fashionable Newmarket walking -gown, tailor made, of a light fawn tint, with sunshade and hat -<i>en suite</i>. The presents were costly and too numerous -to give in detail. One exception must be made in favour of -a wonderful and rare piece of art, a stirrup-cup in chased gold -and enamel, of Viennese workmanship, a present to the bridal pair -from the members of the A.J.C.”</p> -<h2><a name="page231"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -231</span>CHAPTER XXVI<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">UP TO DATE AGAIN-DARLINGHURST -GAOL</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> the magisterial decision -Bertha was removed to Darlinghurst Gaol. Her appearance at -the Police Court was merely formal, and she was there committed -to take her trial at the ensuing Quarter Sessions. Bail was -not allowed, and only the daily visit of Professor Norris broke -the monotony of the following days.</p> -<p>The best legal talent available had been secured on her -behalf, and the most skilled Sydney detective was employed, and -money was used unsparingly to unravel the mystery in her defence; -but no progress had been made. On the other hand, the -prosecution, who were no less busy in seeking for corroborative -evidence, were utterly at fault. Her past history had been -raked up, all her acquaintances interrogated for a clue that -would <a name="page232"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -232</span>indicate a secret intrigue on her part, or a previous -lapse in her morals; but her record stood the test well. -The chatter of her old companions in the Golden Bar, when sifted -by experts, was found to be mere slander.</p> -<p>Detective Dobell began to feel uneasy. It was contrary -to all his experience that a murderess, such as Mrs. Booth -appeared to be, should, up to the commission of the crime, have -led a blameless life. He had taken it for granted that -inquiry would have shown the hidden motive for the deed. -Motive there must have been. For no one, not a lunatic, -would commit a crime of this nature without reason. And -Dobell felt that the evidence, though strong, was not strong -enough. The robbery at the office was, to say the least, a -curious coincidence, but by no possible means could he connect -Mrs. Booth with it; and that left a loophole for doubt. She -had ample funds also at her own disposal, as was proved by the -bank account that Mr. Booth on his marriage had opened for -her.</p> -<p>Dobell was troubled; he felt his reputation in some sense at -stake. He was at fault, and he had felt so sure.</p> -<p>The Professor was surprised at the comparative <a -name="page233"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 233</span>calm with -which Bertha endured her imprisonment. After the first -shock, the first horror, her outward demeanour became quiet, -almost confident. It is true her lawyer had bade her be of -good heart, that the evidence, so far as known and unsupported, -was, at best, only one of strong suspicion, and what no jury -would convict on. But prisoners’ lawyers are -professedly sanguine, and the Professor hardly expected such -consolation to have so influenced Bertha’s emotional -nature.</p> -<p>“Is there anything new, Pro?” Bertha inquired one -morning, when the Professor made his usual morning visit.</p> -<p>“No, my dear; nothing. No clue, no trace can be -found. What are these heaps of letters about that you have -been looking at?”</p> -<p>Bertha had nearly the old smile on her face as she -replied—</p> -<p>“Offers of marriage, Pro! The Golden Bar was bad -enough. I used to get some sort of a proposal at least once -a week; but here in Darlinghurst I am fairly deluged. Every -man in the colony seems to want to marry me! Just look at -some of their letters. Some of them don’t even -pretend they think me innocent? I suppose if <a -name="page234"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 234</span>one of -these men should be on the jury it will be ‘Hang or -Marry!’ Really it is horrible! What can they -take me for? One husband hardly cold from a dreadful death, -and they insult me with their infamous propositions. Do you -know, Pro, if it was not for the hope that one of these letters -might have some reference to the crime and the author of it I -would not open another.”</p> -<p>“You are hopeful, then, Bertha?”</p> -<p>“For myself I am not troubled a bit. I am even -surprised at myself. I seem to be a looker-on, as one looks -at a play, and the whole thing a dream. I pinch myself at -times; I cannot be sure I am awake. And then I have a kind -of certainty that in some way the truth will come out. I -was thinking only last night that there is a man who could help -us if he would. Will you go to him?”</p> -<p>“Who is he?”</p> -<p>“He is an old friend of poor Alec’s, who was -always singing his praises, and said he could do anything, find -out anything if he only liked. You remember when I was -carried off in the cab? Well, Alec went to him, and he told -Alec how to find me. He is the man to help us, I feel -certain.”</p> -<p><a name="page235"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -235</span>“What is his name, and where does he live? -I will go at once.”</p> -<p>“He is called Soft Sam. Very likely that is not -his real name, and you will learn where to find him at the Golden -Bar. Get Ruby and Florrie to ask some of the -customers. They will know who, and you will soon find -out.”</p> -<h2><a name="page236"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -236</span>CHAPTER XXVII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">MR. HOBBS AT TEA</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Those</span> who had only seen P.-C. -Hobbs in his official uniform would hardly have recognized the -spruce and well-dressed gentleman, as he turned into the side -entrance of his house to tea.</p> -<p>“My word! What a toff!” was his wife’s -greeting.</p> -<p>But Tom smiled amiably, and produced from his tail-pocket a -paper bag with a quart of his favourite prawns, which he -proceeded to empty on to a plate on the table.</p> -<p>“Just like your extravagance, I’m sure! -However I am going to make ends meet while you are squandering -all your money on that rubbish I don’t know.”</p> -<p>“Only sixpence, Bell, and he gave me good -measure.”</p> -<p>“That’s just like you! Only sixpence! -But <a name="page237"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -237</span>where is the money to come from, I should like to -know? Any one would think we had a fortune by the way you -go on.”</p> -<p>This was the way Mrs. Hobbs relieved her feelings when her -pre-emptive right to be sole Chancellor of the Exchequer was -infringed upon. Tom did not answer; he was already seated, -decapitating in a masterly manner the pink fish.</p> -<p>“And where have you been?” continued Mrs. Hobbs, -pouring out the tea. “One would think you had been to -see some fancy girl.”</p> -<p>“And so I have, Bell,” said Tom, as calmly as -possible.</p> -<p>“And you dare to come home and tell me to my face, you -vagabond!”</p> -<p>“Take it easy, old girl! All in the way of -business. You know my inquiries about Israel were a frost, -so I determined to-day to try a fresh line. I would look up -Mrs. Booth’s antecedents, and with this object I called at -the Golden Bar, and did a bit of a mash with a barmaid there they -call Ruby.”</p> -<p>“And you had the impudence to go talking to one of those -brazen-faced painted hussies? I thought better of you, -Tom.”</p> -<p>“In the way of business, my dear, I would <a -name="page238"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 238</span>talk to -anybody. And she’s not half a bad sort,” said -Hobbs provokingly, as his wife sniffed. “She as good -as said she would meet me on Sunday if I would take her out for a -drive.”</p> -<p>“And I suppose you are going to?”</p> -<p>“Well, I did think of it; but perhaps it is hardly -necessary. She has told me pretty well all she knows about -Mrs. Booth’s history.”</p> -<p>“And what did that amount to?”</p> -<p>“If you will listen quietly for a minute I will tell -you. Mrs. Booth, while she was serving at the bar, appears -to have been a regular rage amongst the men that frequent it; she -had untold offers of marriage—one from one of the -wealthiest men in Australia, a man they call the Squatter, the -owner of Revolver, the favourite for the Cup. There were -also two young fellows who came together from the Hawkesbury -district, and were both sporting men. One of these young -men was Alexander Booth, her future husband, the other Huey, -probably Hubert Gosper. They were both, so Ruby said, mad -after this Miss Summerhayes, and for a long time that young lady -did not show any special preference. But after Alec won the -Cup, and made a small fortune, she married him, which seemed to -Ruby very sensible on her part.</p> -<p><a name="page239"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -239</span>“But before this marriage two strange incidents -occurred which were never made public in the press or the police -courts. The first was the abduction of Miss Summerhayes -from the very door of the Golden Bar one night at ten -o’clock, and her forcible taking away in a hansom cab by a -man with bushy whiskers. He appears to have drugged her -with chloroform to keep her quiet, and taken her to a lonely -house at Bondi, for it was there that Mr. Booth found her the -following day, locked up, but unharmed. Inquiries were made -by Mr. Booth, but the culprits were never traced, and Miss -Summerhayes opposed all application to the police. This -affair was generally supposed to have been promoted by the man -they call the Squatter, but it is pretty clear there was no proof -of any kind except that he was fond of the girl, and money was no -object to him.</p> -<p>“The next strange event was connected with Mr. -Booth. According to his statement at the time, he was -talking to an apparently drunken sailor on Circular Quay at -half-past eleven one night, and was suddenly bonneted with a bag -over his head that closed with a spring opening, and pushed over -into the water, and he would have been most certainly drowned had -he not <a name="page240"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -240</span>fortunately risen to the surface amidst the piles of -the quay, and there held himself up till a boat chanced to pass -and come to his assistance. Booth never found the drunken -sailor again. He made a complaint to the police, but they -appear to have thought the whole story the fabrication of the -mind of a man who had drunk too much and had incautiously fallen -in the water.”</p> -<p>“And how do all these histories help you, Tom?” -inquired his wife.</p> -<p>“In this way. I think I have found my clue at -last.”</p> -<p>“It was about time.”</p> -<p>Constable Hobbs continued his statement to his wife and his -prawn-eating simultaneously—</p> -<p>“You will notice that now I have found the jealous -lover, the man I have been looking for all this time. And -that was the only motive that seemed to me sufficient to account -for the crime. I have, in fact, found two lovers; but, in -spite of Ruby and the rest, I rule out the man they call the -Squatter. He is wealthy and fond, no doubt; but he is a man -well known, he has been a member of Parliament, and is about as -dull and stupid as he is rich.</p> -<p>“Now the man I am after must be a smart, clever man, and -the second lover, this Huey <a name="page241"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 241</span>Gosper, seems to fill the bill very -well. It is quite likely he was the bushy-whiskered man -himself, for no disguise is more simple than to put a lot of -false hair on your face. He may also have been the drunken -sailor. If this crime ever occurred as told by Mr. Booth, -it was no ordinary assault by a waterside thief, for, according -to his statement, he was not robbed.</p> -<p>“You will notice that these two attempts were so -cleverly contrived that, although they failed, their author was -never discovered. There was originality of invention in -both attempts, and does not this crime on the North Shore look to -be in the same handwriting, to have originated in the same mind, -to have been executed by the same hand?”</p> -<p>“You have found it out at last!” cried Mrs. Hobbs, -with enthusiasm.</p> -<p>“On the contrary, Bell, I have found out nothing. -So far, I only suppose. And Suppose never hanged a man yet; -or, at least, he should not have done so. What I have done -is to find a man and a motive. Here is a man who, in the -hearing of several, had sworn to marry the girl, and who, if he -was the author of the undiscovered crimes I have told you of, was -quite capable of the third.</p> -<p><a name="page242"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -242</span>“But I am still in the dark as to how he could -have committed it. Anyhow, it is the first hopeful sign I -have got for days of labour, and on the strength of it, Bell, I -bought the prawns. I must pat myself on the back -sometimes.”</p> -<h2><a name="page243"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -243</span>CHAPTER XXVIII<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">SOFT SAM</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">Professor Norris</span> had not long to -wait in the Golden Bar before an <i>habitué</i> was found -who gave him directions how to find Soft Sam.</p> -<p>“You go in the Domain—now’s just about his -time—and on a seat near the cricket-ground you will find a -white-haired old man acting the goat with a lot of kids. -That’s him.”</p> -<p>The directions impressed the Professor as somewhat singular, -but such as they were he followed them, and, sure enough, he -found just the group that had been described. He paused in -astonishment for a few minutes to watch the old gentleman, who -was apparently instructing two juveniles in knickerbockers the -preliminaries in the noble art of self-defence.</p> -<p>“That is surprising,” said the Professor to <a -name="page244"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 244</span>himself, -“the finest bump of benevolence I ever saw and teaching -boys to fight!”</p> -<p>“I have come,” said the Professor, introducing -himself, “on behalf of Mrs. Booth, the widow of a late -friend of yours. She wishes you to help her in her present -difficulty, that you have no doubt heard of.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes, I heard about it,” nodded Sam.</p> -<p>“She wishes you to help her discover the author of the -crime.”</p> -<p>“Then she has sent to the wrong party. As pretty a -job as ever I heard of! A real artist that man, whoever he -was; and I’m not the one to give him away. Not -me! Go to the detectives, the men who are paid for that -kind of work.”</p> -<p>“I should have told you that with Mrs. Booth money is -simply no object in this case. She would willingly give a -thousand pounds to have the truth discovered. Why, -she’s committed for trial for the crime herself!”</p> -<p>“I don’t want her money—a great deal of good -may it do her, or any one else! If I help her it will be to -get her out of a mess, not to get somebody else in.”</p> -<p>“Do as you will; only, if you can, come to the help of -the poor girl. She says that her late <a -name="page245"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 245</span>husband -always used to speak of your ability in the most enthusiastic -way.”</p> -<p>“And it’s a pity for him he had not thought well -enough of it to follow my advice, and he would be alive and well -at this moment. I told him time after time that running -after this woman would bring him no luck; but, like all the young -’uns, he would not listen—would have his own way, go -his own road, and now all my trouble on him is thrown away. -It’s enough to make a man disgusted with human -nature. In a couple of years I would have made him king of -the Australian turf.</p> -<p>“I made him what he was—out of mud, as you may -say—but he must go like all the rest. Thought he was -clever enough to hold his own bat. Now, as to this affair, -tell me all you know about it first. But wait a minute, -have you got sixpence on you?” said Soft Sam, after vainly -searching all his pockets.</p> -<p>The Professor quickly produced a shilling, which Soft Sam, -handing to one of the children who still hung about, -said—</p> -<p>“Now, the first of you that gets to the gate is to spend -it.”</p> -<p>With a shout and a scuffle the whole mob disappeared.</p> -<p><a name="page246"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 246</span>The -Professor then related at length all the particulars of the crime -known to him.</p> -<p>“And on the strength of that evidence,” said the -old man, when Mr. Norris had finished, “they arrested Mrs. -Booth—the Queen of Sydney they used to call her at the -bar. The dunderheads! Why, I would not trust them to -catch a rat for me. You say the room of the crime remains -untouched, just as it was? Let us go over and see -it.”</p> -<p>An hour later, under the guidance of Police-Constable Hobbs, -who had the key and charge of the room, the two gentlemen entered -the home of Mrs. Delfosse.</p> -<p>Mr. Hobbs eyed the newcomer curiously. Who was he, and -why had he come under the guidance of the Professor? -Perhaps some expert detective brought from Melbourne or one of -the other colonies.</p> -<p>To a casual observer, Soft Sam would have seemed to pass into -the house, up the stairs, and into the fatal room without so much -as a glance about him. But Mr. Hobbs was not deceived in -this way. He noted the quick eyes of the old man, saw, -examined, took in everything. Only a moment he paused at -the door of the room, and <a name="page247"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 247</span>then passed in as though it was of -no further interest. This surprised the policeman, who had -examined and wondered at that door for hours as the seat of the -hidden mystery.</p> -<p>The old man crossed to the fire-place, gave a pressure with -his hand to the register grate, then stepped to the window, -looked out, glanced at the catch, and said almost -impulsively—</p> -<p>“It’s as plain as kiss your hand.”</p> -<p>“What is?” interjected P.-C. Hobbs -imprudently.</p> -<p>“That the police force are a lot of mokes,” -continued the old man, turning about; and in another tone, -“We may as well go back, Professor.”</p> -<p>“What, already? You have hardly seen the -place!”</p> -<p>“I’ve seen enough. Come along!”</p> -<p>Soft Sam would say no more till they were out of the house and -seated in the ferry, on the way to Sydney.</p> -<p>“You say the bedstead has not been shifted?”</p> -<p>“No; nothing has been moved.”</p> -<p>“Then your mystery is so simple, a child could see -through it! Any one but a regular detective or a duffer -should be able to find it out in five minutes. He was only -a clever amateur after all who did the job.”</p> -<p>“How do you know?”</p> -<p><a name="page248"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -248</span>“Why, he has left his track.”</p> -<p>“Then how was it done?”</p> -<p>“That I do not feel at liberty to tell you—at -least, just yet. I must see Mrs. Booth and have an -understanding with her. She is a girl of sense, as far as -girls go. For, mind you, as I said at first, I am not going -to be dragged in to give evidence in any police-court -proceedings. None of their tomfoolery for me! If I -tell Mrs. Booth how she can clear herself, I expect her only to -act when, and as I tell her.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>At Darlinghurst Soft Sam expressed the wish to speak privately -with Bertha, and the Professor had to wait impatiently till the -interview was over.</p> -<p>Coming out, Soft Sam only nodded to him on his way to the -gate, and any one who had noted the old man’s face as he -walked down Oxford Street would have seen his usual serene smile -was gone—he was troubled.</p> -<p>Crossing Hyde Park he hailed a man on an adjoining -footway.</p> -<p>“Heigh, there, Huey!”</p> -<p>Huey Gosper, for that was the gentleman called, seeing who it -was addressed him, came forward at once over the turf.</p> -<p><a name="page249"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -249</span>“Is it a fiver you want, Sam?” he said, -putting his hand to his pocket, and remembering the old -gentleman’s peculiar way.</p> -<p>“No, boy; I wish that was all the trouble. The -fact is, I was just going to hunt you up. I have something -of importance to tell you. Now, mind this, don’t -laugh, and think it’s not serious.”</p> -<p>“Well, what’s the matter?” said Huey, -easily.</p> -<p>“The matter, my boy, is this—that the climate of -Sydney for the next year or two is likely to be very unhealthy -for you. You have got a complaint that nothing can cure but -the air of South America, and the medicine must be taken at -once.”</p> -<p>“But what are you driving at, Sam?” said Huey, -turning pale. “Yours is a big order.”</p> -<p>“Now, don’t act the goat with me, Huey. You -have always found me your friend, and if you have made a mess -it’s because you would not take my advice. And when I -tell you that after breathing the air of North Shore at three in -the morning, it is necessary for your health to try Valparaiso, -you should understand I mean what I say.”</p> -<p>And, saying no more, the old man moved on, gloomy and -thoughtful.</p> -<p>“Both of them mugs! All the world are mugs. -<a name="page250"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 250</span>I am a -fool to try and train any of them,” he said to himself.</p> -<p>When the Professor entered Bertha’s cell after her -interview with Soft Sam he found her quite radiant.</p> -<p>“I know all about it now, Pro; or rather, I know how it -was done; for Sam will not tell me who it was, though I believe -he knows.”</p> -<p>“And how was it done? I am just dying to -know!”</p> -<p>“You must wait a little bit yet, Pro. Sam made me -swear not to tell a soul till he gave me leave, or he would have -told me nothing. So, of course, I must keep my word. -But be assured, Professor, my troubles now are nearly over. -In a few days at most I go out a free woman. Did I not tell -you that Soft Sam was a clever old man?”</p> -<p>“Clever at villainy, it seems, Bertha! All the -same, we must be thankful to him.”</p> -<h2><a name="page251"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -251</span>CHAPTER XXIX<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">HOW MASTER HOBBS GOT HIS BALL FROM A -NEIGHBOUR’S YARD</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Constable Hobbs had seen his -visitors safely out of the house he returned to the room of the -crime full of thought.</p> -<p>It was apparent to him that this strange old man had read the -secret and method of the murder at a glance. Not two -minutes had he been in the room, and the tone of his involuntary -exclamation announced that he had solved the riddle.</p> -<p>How had he done it? What magic was there in this old -man’s vision that was lacking in his own? He had -marked in his mind every movement, every glance of Soft -Sam—the door that had hardly arrested his slow walk into -the room, the fire-place he had only touched, and finally, the -window where the exclamation had taken place.</p> -<p><a name="page252"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 252</span>What -was there so noticeable about the window to excite the old -man? He went towards it, and looked it over -carefully. Four squares of glass, two in each sash, secured -by a common window-fastener, that was now closed, as -Police-Constable Hobbs had always seen it.</p> -<p>He opened the window, and scrutinized it carefully.</p> -<p>What were these two small lines that cut the paint of the -lower bar of the upper sash, immediately under the fastener?</p> -<p>He looked at them carefully. At the edges the cuts were -deeper. They were such marks as are seen on the tops of -corks of lemonade bottles. And the marks were recent.</p> -<p>“That’s it!” cried Hobbs, joyfully. -“That’s what he saw! What a fool I was never to -have opened the window! They are hardly to be seen when it -is closed.”</p> -<p>But his triumph was only for a moment. These marks may -have explained everything to the old man; they were so far silent -to Constable Hobbs. He had, however, found a clue, and he -started to think to put this and that together.</p> -<p>The window had, so far, never entered his calculations; there -were so many objections to be overcome in that direction. -Nevertheless, putting <a name="page253"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 253</span>them aside, he devoted all his -thought to the window and its lock. Drawing out his -pocket-knife, he found it was an easy job to press back the -little brass bar when it was open. He remembered doing the -same trick as a boy, when he happened to be locked out of his own -home. But with the knife he found it quite impossible to -shut the lock again from the outside.</p> -<p>Descending to the kitchen of the house he procured a piece of -very fine wire, and, having borrowed a ladder, mounted to the -window from the outside. He had previously again closed the -window. He now readily opened it as before, with his knife -pushed up between the junction of the two sashes and pressed -sideways. Raising the lower sash and bending his wire in -the form of a loop, he was able with a little dexterity to pass -it over the knob of the catch; holding the two ends of the wire -in one hand he drew down the lower sash, and then by a sideway -pull easily pulled the little brass bar out again.</p> -<p>The window was shut and locked. He had only to loosen -one end of the wire to withdraw the whole and place it in his -pocket.</p> -<p>Descending the ladder and mounting to the room, he again -opened the window and examined the two marks. Yes, there -could be no doubt on <a name="page254"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 254</span>the matter. The two marks were -deeper and plainer than ever. His own wire had fitted the -grooves left by a previous one.</p> -<p>He felt happy and proud of himself. At any rate, he had -beaten the much-vaunted Dobell so far. So pleased was he at -that moment, that if some peripatetic hawker had at that time -cried out “prawns” for sale in the street, he would -have lavishly treated himself to a pint, in spite of Bell and all -her lessons in domestic economy.</p> -<p>But this rash ardour soon cooled, and no demand was made on -his tendency to extravagance. He was not out of the wood -yet, not by a long way, he told himself, as he surveyed the iron -bars and the thirty feet fall to the ground.</p> -<p>“Supposing a man got to the window, how could he get -through?”</p> -<p>He tried each iron bar. They were all solidly soldered -into the stone window-sill. Look at them as he would, they -baffled him. Even a child could not squeeze through. -And then again, a ladder must have been used to mount to the -window. The one he had just used himself he had borrowed -from a painter who was at work on a house close by. But he -remembered that the morning after the murder, with the possible -idea in his mind that the murderer had got into the <a -name="page255"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 255</span>room from -the chimney, he had searched the neighbourhood for some distance -round, and had found no privately-owned ladder long enough, and -no painters using ladders. It was a common burglar’s -trick to enter houses this way, so he had looked, and carefully -looked, but he had found no sign of ladder, or even marks of -where a ladder must have stood if it had been used.</p> -<p>His mind was in a turmoil. He thought and thought, but -could see no way out. At last, in despair, he went home to -tea, and relieved his mind by telling his discovery and his -troubles to his wife. He had another matter on his mind -that worried him also. At the Golden Bar, which he had -visited more than once, he had had pointed out to him the person -of Huey Gosper, and the man’s aspect had struck him as -familiar, but for the life of him he could not bring to mind in -what way or under what conditions he had seen him before.</p> -<p>Mrs. Hobbs was rejoiced at her husband’s news.</p> -<p>“Didn’t I say so, Tom, you would find it -out? I always had my doubts about that window, though you -were so positive! Why did you not look before?”</p> -<p>“Why indeed!” echoed Tom. “Why -don’t we <a name="page256"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -256</span>do fifty things that are plain enough to us after we -have lost the opportunity?”</p> -<p>“And you can’t understand how the murderer got -through the iron bars on the window?”</p> -<p>“No, that’s what puzzles me most of -all.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps he did not get through at all.”</p> -<p>“Don’t be a fool, Bell!”</p> -<p>“Drat that boy!” interjected Mrs. Hobbs. -“He has got a new ball, and won’t come in to his -tea. Here, Harry! Come here!”</p> -<p>But Harry did not answer, and did not come. So his -mother went to the back door to call him. But she did not -call him, but paused in a kind of wonderment on the -doorstep. Presently she shouted—</p> -<p>“Come here, Tom!”</p> -<p>Languidly, and with true official deliberation, Mr. Hobbs came -to her side.</p> -<p>“Well, what’s the matter, Bell?”</p> -<p>“Look at that boy, Tom. His ball has fallen in the -next yard. He cannot squeeze through the fence or climb -over it, but he is getting the ball all the same.”</p> -<p>“So I see. He has got your clothes-prop through -the palings and is dragging the ball towards him. -That’s nothing. I used to steal apples that way when -I was a boy.”</p> -<p><a name="page257"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -257</span>“But does not that explain what you were talking -about?”</p> -<p>“What! You think the murder might have been -committed with a clothes-prop?”</p> -<p>“No, I don’t say anything of the kind. But -it might have been somehow in the same way.”</p> -<p>“Bell, you’re mad! Wash up the tea-things, -that’s more in your line. I’ll have a -smoke.”</p> -<p>Hobbs sat and puffed the blue clouds, and so deep was he lost -in thought that his lips puffed mechanically long after his pipe -had gone out.</p> -<p>This idea of Bell’s was filtering into his mind. -At first regarding it as absurd, he gradually came to think it -possible, then probable; finally, he was morally certain there -was a basis of truth in it. But not a word of his revulsion -of feeling did he let fall to Mrs. Hobbs. In fact, he was -quite convinced from that time forth that the idea was all his -own.</p> -<p>“Burning! Burning!” he said to himself, with -reference to an old game of hide-and-seek that he was wont to -play in his boyhood, this being the cry of the fellow players -when the seeker was near the object sought.</p> -<p>Burning! Burning! He felt he was touching the key -to the mystery at last.</p> -<p><a name="page258"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 258</span>An -hour might have passed, when he jumped up with a loud -exclamation—</p> -<p>“I remember! I remember!”</p> -<p>“What do you remember?” inquired Mrs. Hobbs, -coming in hurriedly from the kitchen.</p> -<p>“I remember where I have seen this Huey Gosper -before! He is the man I saw on the night of the murder, -chased in the scrub, and followed down Lavender Bay steps to the -boat! That’s the man! I will swear to -him!”</p> -<p>“Will you arrest him?”</p> -<p>“I will apply for a warrant to-morrow! There is no -hurry. He thinks himself quite safe!”</p> -<h2><a name="page259"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -259</span>CHAPTER XXX<br /> -<span class="GutSmall">THE ‘SOUTHERN -CROSS’</span></h2> -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Soft Sam left him in Hyde -Park, Huey Gosper stood for a time stock still, as still and -moveless as the monument of Captain Cook close at hand.</p> -<p>What should he do? Give up all, and fly like a child in -a moment of panic? Was it not the action of a fool? -And his plans so well laid, too! He was certain nothing -could be traced to him. Had he not worked a lone -hand—no accomplice to split on him? No; he would stop -and brave it out. And then he should lose Bertha! Was -life worth having without her after he had risked so much for her -sake? Yes, he would stop.</p> -<p>But then, again, Soft Sam had always been right—right -even when he (Huey) had felt most confident. Was he not -right over the Sydney Cup? Had he not said that of The -Vengeance and <a name="page260"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -260</span>Bertha, Bertha was a trifle the better horse? And -had not Sam made Alec’s fortune for him, and would he not -have made one equally as good for himself—he, Huey Gosper, -if he had only followed the old man’s advice?</p> -<p>And now it was no question of money. It was liberty, -life, that was at stake, and Soft Sam said go. Clearly the -old man knew all; what was there he did not know? And -perhaps he knew that others knew, or suspected, and so his -warnings. It was good of the old chap, but just like -him. Yes, he had better go. When the old man gave the -word it was no time to linger. He had said “At -once.” He would stand not on the order of his going, but -go.</p> -<p>Hurriedly Huey walked to his lodgings, and packed up his most -portable valuables in a small hand-bag. His money he put in -a belt round his waist. Most of his money was, to his -regret, in New South Wales bank-notes. What would be the -good of them in a foreign country? He went down to the -wharves and shipping offices, and inquired as carelessly as -possible what ships were starting.</p> -<p>There was no boat going from Sydney to South America, but one -would leave in about a week from Newcastle. There was a -ship out in the <a name="page261"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -261</span>stream that would sail that night for Batavia, and a -schooner the following day for the South Sea Islands.</p> -<p>Huey did not half care for going to the Dutch Colony; the -South Seas seemed to him a more inviting spot. Amidst those -thousands of islands it would surely not be difficult for him to -hide his trail, as good, or perhaps better, than South -America.</p> -<p>He decided on the schooner, which he found was called the -<i>Southern Cross</i>. This would also give him time in the -morning to change his notes into gold.</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Together with another officer, and armed with a warrant, -Constable Hobbs proceeded the following morning to the residence -of Huey Gosper, but he was not at home, had not slept there that -night, the landlady said. Nevertheless, Hobbs entered his -room, which was all turned over and littered about. There -was every outward sign of a hasty departure—clothing, -books, and toilet articles littered about in a disorder not even -to be excused in a bachelor’s department.</p> -<p>“The bird has flown?” muttered Hobbs. -“Just my luck!”</p> -<p>Hastily they proceeded to overhaul the various <a -name="page262"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 262</span>articles -left behind. A small portmanteau attracted the -constable’s attention, and on opening it, was found to -contain a bundle of fine rope, which, being unfolded, revealed -itself as a rope ladder with two claw hooks at one end.</p> -<p>“That’s the trick, was it?” said Mr. Hobbs, -contemplatively; “but how the dickens did he fix it? -Those hooks would hang nicely on the iron bars of the window, but -how did he get them there, and getting them there, take them -down?”</p> -<p>The answer was not long in coming. In the corner of the -room stood, what looked like a Malacca walking-cane. On -careful examination it was found to be an article that is sold at -Japanese stores as a telescope fishing-rod. The last, or -weakest, joint had been removed, and two implements were found in -the pocket of an old coat hanging on the door that fitted in the -hole intended for the last joint. One was simply a T-shaped -piece of iron, with its upper points bent upwards. This -Hobbs saw in a moment would readily hook on and unhook the -ladder.</p> -<p>The other tool was not so simple—a lump of lead, -weighing perhaps four or five pounds. It also had a staple -to fit the rod top. It was in shape oblong and round, and -in the centre of its <a name="page263"></a><span -class="pagenum">p. 263</span>smallest end was a diamond-shaped -opening, big enough for a pea to drop in. With a long -needle Hobbs measured the depth of this opening; it was four -inches. To Constable Hobbs it stood revealed as a leaden -handle without a blade.</p> -<p>“Here,” said he, speaking unintelligibly to his -companion, “is my boy’s clothes-prop. With a -narrow knife fixed in such a weapon, one could, with a little -practice, easily stab a man ten feet away, particularly if that -man was asleep. But it would be far more difficult to -withdraw the blade; the weight of the lead from a good drop would -drive it in, but there would be little power to withdraw it.</p> -<p>“So the blade fitted the handle loosely, and came away -when it had done its work.</p> -<p>“All that is clear to me now—this that the old man -saw with a single glance of his eye from a scratch in the -paint! We have the evidence. Now for the man! -Fortunately you cannot leave Australia by express train, and if -he is ashore I will have him.”</p> -<p>Constable Hobbs’s first care was to go to the quays and -shipping offices. Here he learned that a ship had sailed -the previous evening for Batavia, besides several inter-colonial -steamers.</p> -<p>“If he has had a good scare, as he seems to <a -name="page264"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 264</span>have had, -he will try to go as far off as possible, likely enough he is on -his way to the East Indies in the ship that sailed last -night.”</p> -<p>And Hobbs felt his spirits sink with disappointment. To -have got so far and to be beaten in the last step of his progress -was humiliating, disgusting. He gained a little more hope, -when he was told at the office that the Batavia ship had taken no -passengers. If Gosper had gone by her it must have been as -a stowaway.</p> -<p>Hobbs did not think this probable. A man with a -pocketful of money would hardly resort to such means of -escape.</p> -<p>At the last moment he learned, in answer to a chance inquiry, -that a schooner had cleared that morning for the South Sea -Islands, but they could not say if she had sailed.</p> -<p>Full of a fresh-born hope, Hobbs went to the telegraph office -and wired the signalling office at South Head—</p> -<p>“Has schooner <i>Southern Cross</i> passed -outwards?”</p> -<p>In a few minutes answer came—“Southern Cross -anchored in Watson’s Bay, awaiting change in -wind.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Half-an-hour later Hobbs, on board the police <a -name="page265"></a><span class="pagenum">p. 265</span>steam -launch, was proceeding rapidly down the harbour.</p> -<p>Would they never get there? The launch seemed to him to -crawl. Past Cremorne, past Bradley’s Head, past the -islands that dotted the blue lake with their olive-green foliage -and ruddy sandstone rocks, past Rose Bay with its long-stretched -fringe of silver sand, and then out into full view of -Watson’s Bay, nestled in snug security under the mighty -cliffs of South Head.</p> -<p>Yes? The <i>Southern Cross</i> was still at anchor, -resting like a lifeless thing upon the water. A pair of -anxious eyes watched the approach of the launch from its -deck. And, as the little steamer curved round and drew -alongside, and a policeman from its bows hastily climbed on to -the deck of the schooner, a loud splash was heard on the further -side of the boat.</p> -<p>Hobbs was just in time to see the man he wanted disappear with -a dive off the bulwarks. Without a moment’s -hesitation he doffed his coat and helmet, and with a rush and a -spring he too was in the water.</p> -<p>The constable quickly came to the surface, but the watchers on -the schooner could see no sign of Huey Gosper. Twenty pair -of eyes at least scanned the surface of the sea in every -direction, but no <a name="page266"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -266</span>re-appearance was visible. Hobbs vainly called -for directions; a lowered boat vainly rowed to and fro. No -sign of the man but his floating hat was to be found.</p> -<p>That he had dived a quarter of a mile to the shore and climbed -up the rocks unperceived was hardly credible.</p> -<p>Hobbs felt sure he was not far off. Perhaps in diving he -had struck a rock and got stunned. Even then he should have -floated.</p> -<p>With the courage of despair, Hobbs dived and dived again where -Huey had disappeared. With the skill of a pearl diver he -felt over the bottom, or as near the bottom as he could -reach. Finally he came to the surface panting, waving his -hand for help.</p> -<p>The boat came, and strong arms soon lifted on to the -schooner’s deck the senseless form of Hubert Gosper. -Striking a rock appeared to have stunned him, and a heavy belt of -gold around his waist kept him from floating.</p> -<p>“Just my luck!” cried Hobbs, with a melancholy -growl, as he shook the water off himself like a shaggy -Newfoundland dog. “Just my luck!”</p> -<p>“But you’ve got him after all,” said his -companion.</p> -<p><a name="page267"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -267</span>“Got him!” replied Hobbs -sarcastically. “What’s the good of a dead -criminal to a live policeman?”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>The following day Bertha left Darlinghurst triumphantly on the -arm of Professor Norris, who had come to meet her. The -Crown abandoned her prosecution, and Soft Sam, having removed the -embargo on his revelations, Bertha was free to relate those -particulars of the crime that had so far remained a mystery.</p> -<p>“Soft Sam saw how it was done at once, Pro,” -Bertha said. “After getting to the window and killing -my husband in the way Hobbs suggested, he must have hooked -Alec’s trousers off the chair where he had left them, taken -the key out of the pocket, got an impression in wax, replaced the -trousers, closed the window, gone home, filed out a duplicate -key, and then robbed the office safe. Who would ever have -thought it of him? He was passionate, I know, and -dreadfully jealous. Do you remember the wonderful character -you gave him, Pro, when you examined his head at -Windsor?”</p> -<p>“And I stick to my character even now,” said the -Professor. “A great criminal or a great man! -What is the difference? The circumstances of his <a -name="page268"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -268</span>environment, an accident of life, a disappointed love, -or a baulked ambition. We have all the potential power for -the greatest good or the greatest evil if circumstances so will -it, and the greater the brain the greater the power. The -Demon of Avarice destroyed Hubert Gosper as surely as it is -destroying thousands of hopeful lives every day. It first -demoralized, then brutalized him. But he paid the penalty, -as every one must inevitably pay.</p> -<p>“You cannot rob your brother of silver without at the -same time robbing your own mind of gold. There is no usury -like it. Thou shalt not steal from yourself your honour, -your self-respect, your love of your fellow-man; for in that -moment the light of true guidance shall go from you, and all -shall be darkness.”</p> -<p>“Pro, you ought to have been a parson, with a beautiful -long black coat, a white fence round your neck, and a shovel -hat. Then I could have come and ‘sat under’ -you—that is what they call it, I think—and made -slippers and smoking-caps for you.”</p> -<p>“The truth cannot be sold, my dear, or dispensed day by -day like butcher’s meat. They who hawk salvation for -pay are bartering their own souls. But let that pass. -Now you are free, <a name="page269"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -269</span>what are you going to do for Police-Constable -Hobbs? I hear he is to be promoted to sergeant.”</p> -<p>“I will give him five hundred pounds to buy a house of -his own. Do you think that will do?”</p> -<p>“I thought you would do no less, my dear. Mr. -Hobbs, when he hears it, will be the happiest man in the police -force.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Twelve months later Bertha startled the Professor by a -resolution she seemed suddenly to have arrived at.</p> -<p>“I have been thinking, Pro.”</p> -<p>“What about, my dear? A new bonnet?”</p> -<p>“Now don’t be a quiz! It’s not in your -line, as the theatrical people say. You are more suited for -the ‘heavy’ business. I have decided to go to -Paris. You know how I love to get you to talk about that -place. And now I mean to see it for myself. I have -heaps of money, which, as you will not help me to spend it, I -must try and do myself.”</p> -<p>“And are you going alone?”</p> -<p>“That depends. I had thought”—looking -slyly at the Professor—“that you might like the trip -yourself.”</p> -<p>“Then I must marry you,” replied the -Professor.</p> -<p>“Would that be so very dreadful?”</p> -<p><a name="page270"></a><span class="pagenum">p. -270</span>“You know I am yours, Bertha, to do what you will -with. That which a man may do with honour for the woman he -loves, that will I do for you now and ever more.”</p> -<p style="text-align: center">* * * * *</p> -<p>Amongst its departing list of passengers by the following -Messageries Maritime mail steamer <i>Marseilles</i>, <i>en -route</i> for Paris, the <i>Evening Times</i> announced the names -of Professor and Mrs. Norris.</p> - -<div class="gapspace"> </div> -<p style="text-align: center">THE END</p> -<pre> - - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NORTH SHORE MYSTERY*** - - -***** This file should be named 67735-h.htm or 67735-h.zip****** - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/6/7/7/3/67735 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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