inals!"

CHAPTER XXVII.

FOILED.

Reg passed a restless night, turned himself out of bed early, and went
for a stroll in the Domain before breakfast. He was ill at ease and full
of self-reproach, for it seemed to him he had neglected his oath. He had
given himself up to the pleasure of the hour, while Wyck was still at
large. He blamed himself for believing rumours and not satisfying
himself of their truth, and altogether worked himself into a miserable
frame of mind.

After a hasty breakfast, he hurried round to the "Grosvenor," and asked
for Goody, and shewed him the telegram.

"That's funny, very funny," said Goody.

"Is that friend of yours here still?" asked Reg.

"No, he has gone to stay at Government House for a few days. He shewed
me a most pressing invitation."

"When was this, Mr. Goodchild?"

"Last night. He told me he knew a lot of the Governor's friends, and
that the Governor had asked him almost as a favour to go, as he
complained of being bored."

"Did he tell you this?"

"Yes, he seemed to sympathise with his friend."

"Poor devils, how badly we treat them," said Reg, with mock
commiseration.

"Now I don't agree with you there, Mr. Morris. I think we treat the
Governors right royally;" said Goody, mistaking his tone.

"You try to do so in your straightforward, honest way, and such are the
thanks you get for it. But good-bye for the present, I have some work to
do."

Reg hurried away to Blue Gums where he produced the telegram, which the
girls read with surprise. All agreed that nothing could be done until
Hal returned.

"You'll keep your appointment with Mrs. Montague," said Reg, rising to
go: "but you must excuse me. I want to look round."

"After Philamore?" asked Hil.

"He's staying at Government House."

"What!"

"So your father told me this morning."

"Then he can't be Wyck," said Hil, emphatically.

Meeting Hal on the arrival of his train, they drove together to their
hotel, to take up the thread of their abandoned plans. Hal told his
story:

"On my arrival, I went to the 'Royal' and saw Bill, who, of course, said
he knew nothing; but when I threatened to arrest him on a warrant he
changed his tone. He told me Wyck had called for his things on the day
before the flood, and then started for Sydney. Bill said he had
complained about the loss of a black stick, of which he knew nothing. I
wired to you, and caught the next train back."

"I expect Mr. and Mrs. W