ress," he shouted to the
cabby, as he hurried inside.

"Let's come in here for a drink," said Hal, leading the way into the
saloon of the "George," some ten minutes later.

Calling for drinks, they were surprised to see the two new chums that
they had noticed before, sitting there.

"We meet again," whispered Hil to May.

"Well, here's luck, old chap," said Hal to Reg. "I wonder how old Goody
and his daughter are getting on."

A kick passed between the new chums, who sat as if they noticed nothing.

"Yes, I wonder. She and her cousin are going on the detective business
as well, eh? That's a good joke; but she's a jolly girl," answered Reg.

"I'd like to meet that cousin of hers," replied Hal. "From all accounts,
she is a bit of a star."

"I think we ought to wire them that we have left Sydney. They'll be
wondering what has come to us."

"Yes, I should like to let them know. To tell the truth, I thought they
wanted to join us, or something of that kind, and, much as I like women,
I could not stand that," said Hal, smiling.

"It's time to go, old chap. Ta-ta, miss," and they left to get ready for
their journey.

As soon as they were gone, the two new chums looked at each other and
burst out laughing.

"So, you're a jolly girl, May!"

"And you're a bit of a star."

"Come, let's get ahead of them at any rate. We'll see if girls are so
much in the way, Mr. Hal. I consider it a gross piece of impertinence,"
said Hil, leading the way with an air of injured dignity.

"A nobbler of brandy please, miss, and let me have a flask too," said
Wyck, hurriedly entering the saloon, for his cab was waiting to take him
to the station.

The 6.30 express started for Toowoomba, taking five people, divided into
three parties, each party quite unaware of the presence of the others. A
lady had shadowed the boys to the station, and seeing them enter the
train, left hastily for the Post Office, whence she despatched the
following telegram:

Wyckliffe, Toowoomba. They left by to-night's express for
Toowoomba. Danger. Sal.

CHAPTER XXI.

TOOWOOMBA.

Toowoomba being the junction of the Western Line and the chief town on
the Darling Downs, the station was a larger one than ordinary. As the
express steamed in all was life and bustle, for the down-train had
arrived at the same time on the opposite side. Wyck having only a rug to
look after, and knowing the run of the place, jumped out directly the
train stop