ADELAIDE.
"That's Largs Bay over there," said the officer on duty to the small
group of passengers collected on deck to watch the approach of the
vessel to her anchorage at Adelaide.
To none did the news come with greater pleasure than to Reg and Hal, who
were impatient to get on to Wyck's track without delay. Reg had improved
in spirits considerably since he had taken Hal into his confidence, but
he remained as determined as ever to carry out his object.
Poor old Tickell had in vain tried to penetrate their reserve, and find
out something about them, but he had to acknowledge they had seen
through all his cunning devices. He knew everybody and everybody's
business, from one end of the passenger list to the other, with the
exception of these two. His failure here worried him, but still, though
the voyage was fast terminating, he did not lose all hope of finding out
something about them. As luck would have it, he found himself standing
close beside the two who were occupying his thoughts.
"I am sorry we are going to part, gentlemen," he said, affably.
"Yes?" answered Hal, smiling.
"I shall miss your society. You are out here for pleasure, are you not?"
"Now, Tickell, my good fellow, drop all that," said Hal, seeing what was
coming.
"No offence, my dear sir. On business, then?"
"Go to the devil, Tickell--or what is better, go and worry some of the
old women," said Hal, turning away.
"Now, don't get cross, sir."
"You're an infernal old fool," said Reg, fairly losing his temper; and
tucking Hal's arm under his own, strolled away.
"Well, I'm hanged if I can make them out," said Tickell, to Mrs. Morgan,
who had come towards him.
"Found out anything, Mr. Tickell?" asked that lady, sweetly.
"No, just had another try, but no use."
"Wonder if they're criminals escaping from gaol," hazarded Mrs. Morgan,
who had all the romantic imagination of her sex.
"No, more like lords in disguise," said Tickell, thoughtfully.
"You've hit it, Tickell," said Hal, passing by, not having heard the
remark but guessing it referred to them.
"I knew it. I knew it," said Tickell, gleefully, as he rushed below to
spread the news.
"Oh, my lords, I really beg your lordships' pardon," said Mrs. Morgan,
apologetically.
"Pray what for, madam?" asked Reg, wondering if she had lost her senses.
"Well, you see, your lordships, neither me nor my gals ever guessed your
lordships was what you are, or we would not have talked about you so
familiar-like."
"My dear madam, we are no more lords than you are," said Hal, laughing
at the joke.
"Here they are; here they are," cried Tickell, to a little crowd he had
collected. "I found them out; I found them out."
"Found out what, Tickell?" asked Hal.
"I found you out, my lords. I knew all the time you were lords in
disguise, but I did not like to say so," and Tickell skipped about and
snapped his fingers with joy at the discovery.
A small tender now came alongside, and the Health Officer boarded the
ship, and at once granted _pratique_, as there had been no sickness
during the voyage. Several people accompanied him. Reg and Hal, taking
advantage of the lull, escaped to their cabins, but no sooner were they
there than the Captain rushed down to them, shook hands, and
complimented them on their disguise. He had not taken any notice of them
before, for he was a big man in his own estimation.
"I really feel annoyed at your not letting me into the secret of your
identity, gentlemen, for there is great competition and jealousy between
the captains on this route as to whose ship carries most members of the
nobility in a year. I'd have put on extra steam had I known, and arrived
a day sooner. You two will put me top of the list, and I shall be bound
to have a big passenger list coming home."
"But, Captain, we are not lords or noblemen, or anything else," said
Hal, laughing at the joke; but the Captain, being called on deck, left
them with a hurried apology.
"That confounded old fool Tickell will get us into trouble yet," said
Reg, as they both returned to the deck.
"That's them," said Tickell, pointing them out to a couple of young men
standing by with note-books and pencils in their hands, whereupon both
stepped up to them.
"My lords, I have the honour to represent the _Advertiser_. I should
feel much obliged if you would give a few particulars of your visit to
the Colony."
"I belong to the _Register_, my lords," said his companion, preparing to
write.
"I am afraid, gentlemen, you are under some mistake," said Reg. "We are
not lords, nor anything of the kind, we are happy to say. Here are our
cards."
"But you are travelling _incognito_, perhaps?" suggested one.
"No, we are both Australian born, and if I don't make a mistake, I
believe I recognise Joe Watson," answered Hal.
"That's my name. Why, now I know you--Winter; Hal Winter, of course,"
and they shook hands, laughing heartily over the joke.
"Then who is that old fool who told us a long yarn about your being
lords in disguise? I am awfully sorry you are not."
"And why, Watson?" asked Hal.
"Oh, news is scarce, and the arrivals of nobility are welcomed nowadays.
They catch on, you know."
"Don't understand, Watson."
"Why, from a matrimonial point of view. There are so many mammas lying
in wait to receive them. But I must go. I am glad to see you, Winter;
call at the office and look me up, some time or other."
"Certainly I will," and the two shook hands.
"Fancy that," said Hal, "he and I were at school together; we haven't
seen each other for ten years."
"He does not seem over fond of the nobility, with all his enterprise,"
said Reg, smiling.
"No," answered Hal. "He is a young Australian. His father is one of the
leading citizens, but when a man's on a paper he is not allowed to
express his own opinions."
"Then the papers toady to the nobility?"
"Not exactly. I consider the Australian Press is second to none in the
world, and both the papers these men represent would hold their own in
any country; but they must study public taste, like any other public
caterers, and they do so love a lord. See, they are both now engaged
with the bishop's son."
The Captain did not seem so cordial to them as they left the ship, and
he wore a disappointed look. As they said good-bye to all, and the tug
started for shore, a figure on deck waved his hat and called out to
them: "I found you out."
"Good-bye, you old idiot," shouted Hal, and an uproarious laugh greeted
the amiable Tickell.
"It's nearly time they had an outer harbour here," said Reg, as he tried
to dodge the spray flying over the side of the tug.
"Yes, you're right, but there seems to be too much jealousy amongst the
three ports. Glenelg think they ought to have it, and the Semaphore,
too, lays claim to it, and between the lot of them we have to land with
a wet skin."
"Now then, gentlemen, hold tight," shouted the tug-captain, as a wave
washed the small boat from stem to stern and drenched them to the skin.
After a tedious voyage they were landed at the pier, wet through and,
having made arrangements about their luggage, they stepped into the
train for Adelaide.
"Where shall we stay while in Adelaide, Hal?" asked Reg, when they were
fast approaching the pretty little city.
"The 'York' is the tip-top house, but I should prefer the 'United
Service.'"
"Good, the 'United Service' it shall be."
Half-an-hour later they stood at the door of the hotel, ready and fit
for work.
"Hal, are you ready to begin the search?" asked Reg.
"Right you are. We'll go to Reuter's first, and see if there is a
cable."
The office was in King William Street, close by and, on enquiry, a cable
was handed to Reg. It read:
"Morris, Adelaide. All well. Revenge. Whyte."
"Yes, Whyte, we'll be revenged," said Reg, handing the telegram to Hal.
"So far, so good. What's the next move?"
"Wyck will arrive a stranger here. He will enquire for the best hotel,
and will be told the 'York.' He will tip the man, and ask him if there
are any good-looking girls there, and he will be told that old Ford
won't have a barmaid about the place, and is fearfully particular. Then
he'll ask for another, and he ought either to be told of the South
Australian Club, the United Service, or the Southern Cross. All these
keep saloon bars, so we cannot do better than enquire at them."
"Why do you think he will proceed in that way?"
"Wyck is fond of ladies, isn't he? Well, where would a stranger go to
talk to a nice girl? He'd go to a saloon bar, where so many good-looking
girls are found."
"You're right, old chap. Let's go over to the 'Cross.'"
On entering the small saloon, they found a handsome young lady in
attendance. After calling for drinks, Hal asked her how long she had
been there.
"I only came yesterday," she replied, sweetly.
"Good-bye, miss," said Hal, with equal sweetness.
Johnny Lord's and several more were visited, but without success, for no
one knew of such a person as they were enquiring for.
On calling at the South Australian Club they were met by a very busy,
energetic, little man, who said he was the proprietor, and seemed proud
of it.
"Have you had a gentleman named Wyckliffe, stopping here?" asked Hal, as
he stood sipping some iced wine.
"Yes I did. He stayed here three days."
"Do you know where he went when he left?"
"I fancy he left for Port Pirie; at least that's where I heard him say
he was going to," answered the bustling little man as he hurried away.
"Did you know Wyckliffe?" asked Hal of the young lady who presided over
the bar.
"Yes, I knew him slightly," she answered.
But the entrance of a gentleman of the masher type, who shook hands with
her, and kept her in conversation with him, effectually prevented any
further information being procured from that quarter. Hal and Reg
therefore left.
"Hal," said Reg, anxiously, "is Adelaide a very holy city?"
"Why; whatever makes you ask that?"
"Well, in the first place I notice an enormous number of churches, and
secondly, I hear you cannot get a drink on Sunday."
"That's true, but it came about in this way. When public-houses were
open on Sunday, the churches were always empty. The parsons agitated the
temperance party, and the result was the closing of the houses."
"And did that fill the churches?"
"Oh, no, it filled the clubs instead."
"I wonder if he would call on the Governor," said Hal, after a slight
pause.
"Don't know, but he might. Shall we see?"
"No, thanks."
"Oh, I forgot. Of course you don't appreciate Governors."
"No, you are right there. I think them useless pieces of furniture to
the Colonies. They do no good and are merely sent out for Society's sake
to be able to entertain English visitors, when they come over at the
Colony's expense. Now look at that little man in the carriage there,
with a dog by his side. Well, he has more brains than any six Governors
put together."
"Who is he?"
"He's the Lieutenant-Governor and Chief Justice, and one of the
cleverest men Australia ever had."
"Why don't they appoint him Governor, then?"
"Well, my dear old chap, if you had a friend who was in trouble
financially, or otherwise, you would do him a good turn, would you not?
Well, English political leaders do the same."
"I see, there is a big salary attached to it. But, now, how about Wyck?"
"If he has returned to Adelaide we must find him. He may have seen the
cable addressed to me, or he might have seen our names in the passenger
list wired from Albany," said Hal, musingly.
"Then we had better continue our search, for he cannot now have much
start on us," answered Reg, and they prepared to renew their enquiries
at the hotels. Walking down Rundle Street, they called at the "Globe,"
and other places, without result, till dinner time caused them to
adjourn.
"Let's have another nip of Mount Gambier whiskey," said Hal, "and after
dinner we'll try Hindley Street."
While walking along King William Street continuing their search, Reg,
who had continued closely observant, remarked:
"Is there anything exceptional about our appearance, Hal?"
"Why?"
"I was judging by the number of people who stare at us closely, and then
turn round for a second look."
"That's one of the characteristics of Adelaide--curiosity. They do love
to know who's who and, if they see a stranger, they like to know all
about him," answered Hal, as a well-dressed lady passing them stared
hard. "Now, come round this way, old chap. We must explore Hindley
Street. It's a peculiar street, fashionable at one end, and----"
"Not fashionable at the other," added Reg.
"Exactly; there is a tribe of Mongolians and Asiatics inhabiting the
lower quarters, but let's ask here where Mick Tier lives."
"What, Mick Tier, Slavin's friend when he was in England?"
"The same. Here he is," and a stout gentleman, who could turn the scale
at eighteen stone, appeared.
They had half-an-hour's chat with their genial host, without being able
to procure any additional information, and went on to the "Melbourne
Hotel." They entered the saloon, and were smilingly greeted by a
good-looking young lady.
"Good evening, Miss Wallace; how are you, this evening?" said Hal,
leaning familiarly over the bar.
"Very well, thank you."
"Have you seen Wyck lately?"
"No, do you know him?" answered she, with a slight start.
"Oh, yes, I know him well. He told me to call and give you his best
love, Gussy."
"That's very kind of him, and did he tell you my name?"
"Certainly. When did you see him last?"
"I don't remember. Why?" she asked, curiously. "But really I forget your
name, though I remember your face."
"Thompson is my name. It is very unkind of you to forget me so soon."
"I don't remember the name."
"I saw Wyck at Port Pirie. He said he thought he was going on to
Melbourne."
"But he did not go," said the girl, quickly, and Hal gave Reg a gentle
touch with his foot.
"Where did he go to?"
"Come on, let us look round and see all the pretty girls," said a
familiar voice behind them, and turning they saw Tickell and an elderly
gentleman.
"Hullo, Morris and Winter. I've found you out," shouted Tickell.
Hal made a movement of annoyance, for he had seen the girl start at
their names, and now felt sure she was in league with Wyck, and knew of
his whereabouts.
"Will you join me, gentlemen?" said Tickell, between his smiles and
smirks at the barmaid.
"No, thanks," said Hal, as he sat at a small table, with Reg alongside
him.
"Confound that old fool, he's spoilt my game," said he, in a low tone,
to Reg.
"How did you know her name, Hal!"
"My dear boy, if a girl leaves a letter on the shelves behind, addressed
to Miss Wallace--"
"I see, but where did the Gussy come in?"
"Look at her brooch, and you will find that."
"Well, good-bye, my dear; awfully sorry I must go. Good-bye, gentlemen,"
and Tickell and his friend retired.
"You'll excuse me for a moment, sirs," said the barmaid, leaving her
post, with a bow. Quick as lightning, Hal leant across and examined the
envelope--
"Melbourne stamp, dated two days ago."
"And that's his writing, Hal," said Reg, excitedly.
They had scarcely time to settle themselves when the lady returned,
carrying a sheet of blotting-paper, which she carelessly threw on the
shelf under the counter.
"Same again, please, Gussy," said Hal, trying to be pleasant.
"My name is Miss Wallace, sir," said she, indignantly.
"I beg your pardon, madam."
"I don't believe you saw Mr. Wyckliffe at all. I know what you are
after, but you won't see him again, for he has left for Western
Australia."
"Is that so?" queried Hal, cynically. "Then he did not go to Melbourne,
Miss Wallace?"
"No, Mr. Morris, he did not," she answered, with emphasis on the name
Morris.
"I notice you had a letter from him," said Hal, quietly.
"I never had--" She got no further for, turning round, she found the
envelope facing her. "You've been reading my letters while I was away,"
she called out, in a fury; then, noticing it was an envelope alone, she
cooled down, and said:
"This was from my brother at Port Augusta."
"It's a pity all the Colonies do not adopt the same colour for their
stamps, for, while Victoria is puce, South Australia is yellow," said
Hal, carelessly pointing to the puce stamp, but the girl snatched it up,
gave him an evil glance, and sat down to write a note.
The saloon was very tastefully arranged, and Gussy had forgotten that
the wall at her back was covered with mirrors, otherwise she would not
have been so hasty as to write on a telegraph form in a manner that was
easily to be distinguished by both Hal and Reg.
"Come, Reg. We must go," said Hal, rising.
"Good-bye, Miss Wallace, I'm awfully sorry you are offended."
"She's going to send a telegram to him. We must try and get a look at
the address," said Hal, as they once more found themselves in the
street.
"How is that to be done?"
"Well, I don't know if you have noticed the way a messenger generally
carries a telegram to the office."
"Can't say I have."
"Well, I amuse myself frequently by noticing these things, and I have
observed that he invariably carries it in his hand, and reads it twice
before sending it."
"Well, what of that?"
"In the first place it will enable us to see who the messenger is, and
in the second we may be able to read the telegram as well as he,"
answered Hal, as he took up his position in a deep doorway on the side
of the street opposite to the hotel.
Shortly afterwards they saw Gussy appear at the door, and look about her
to see all was clear. A few minutes later a boy appeared carrying a
telegram in his hand.
Walking on the opposite side of the street as far as King William
Street, they shadowed him, and crossing the road walked close in his
rear. As the lad stopped at the office, he opened the telegram, and
looked at it. Hal at the same time glanced over his shoulder, and read:
V. Wyckliffe, Great Australian Palace, Melbourne. Morris and
another called for you to-day. Going Melbourne. Look out. G----y.
"Hal, you're a wonder," said Reg when he became acquainted with the
contents of the telegram.
"I reckon we're getting close on him now. He will only have three days'
start of us," said Hal, complacently. "The guide says--'Express to
Melbourne at 3.30., arriving at 10.30 next morning: boudoir car
attached.'"
"Let's fill up the time by going to a music-hall," suggested Reg.
"Don't keep them here, my boy."
"What, no music-halls!"
"Well there is a small one run by Tommy Hudson, but it is used as a
theatre. Adelaide people don't believe in leg-shows and ballets."
"But I thought they had the Gaiety people out here, and did a big
business."
"Quite true, but it caused such an extra-ordinary number of divorce and
breach of promise cases that they have not repeated it."
"Have they a decent theatre, then?"
"Yes, a capital one, run by good old Wybert Reeve, and as the Governor
goes there to-night, there will be an extra crush."
"Does he influence the public?"
"Rather, my boy. I have seen the stalls and dress-circle quite empty one
night and crowded the next to overflowing, all on account of the
presence of the Governor and his wife."
"Then we had better not rob them of their enjoyment," said Reg,
emphatically.
They spent the following morning in visiting the sights of Adelaide,
that picturesquely placed and beautifully laid-out city, nestling by the
_broad waters_ (_!_) of the Torrens, beneath its background of lofty
blue mountains; and took the afternoon express to Melbourne.