s I owe to Mr. Morris."

"Yes, he is a fine fellow, and had it not been for him I should not have
been here to-day," said May, telling her tale of rescue by the boys.

The girls enjoyed their visit, and had extracted from Mrs. Montague a
promise to make Blue Gums her home for the remainder of her stay. As
the carriage was taking them down Pitt Street, Reg started in surprise
as his eye caught sight of a man crossing the street.

"Joe Brown!" he cried. "That's him for a certainty, in spite of his
store clothes. If you'll excuse me I'll follow him. I'll keep you
informed," he added, as the carriage was stopped, and he raised his hat.

Hastily hurrying in the direction taken by Joe Brown, Reg soon caught
sight of him again. He shadowed him to Market Street, where he entered
one of those cheap restaurants, at which one can get a bed or a
three-course meal for sixpence. Reg sauntered about for fully an hour
before he re-appeared. At last his patience was rewarded. Brown
appeared, and walked in the direction of George Street, and halted at
the corner of a cross-street, and waited as if expecting someone.
Presently a hansom pulled up and Joe stepped in and sat down by the side
of another man, and the cab drove rapidly away.

"The plot thickens," said Reg to himself. "Now, what the devil has he to
do with Joe?" and he called a cab and had himself driven to Blue Gums.

"Well, did you see him?" asked Hil, eagerly.

"Yes, and who do you think picked him up in a cab?"

"Mr. Philamore?"

"Yes, but how did you guess that?" said Reg, in surprise.

"I'll tell you what it is. I fancy that red-headed gentleman either
knows something, or is not exactly what he professes to be."

"We'll wait until we hear from Hal, before doing anything further," said
Reg.

"Yes, it would be just as well. But you will stay for dinner, as Mr.
Goodchild and some Tasmanian friends are coming to-night."

Reg did not refuse, needless to say. On his return to his hotel he found
two telegrams and a letter waiting for him. Opening one of the
telegrams, he read:

"Toowoomba. Wyck called here day before flood. Left for
Sydney.--Hal."

The other read:

"Albany, W.A. Self and wife arrive Adelaide Monday. Wire
address.--Whyte."

The letter contained a cheque for L150, with the photo of Mr. and Mrs.
Montague enclosed, on the back of which was written:--"May God bless and
prosper Reginald Morris is the earnest prayer of the orig