d Dr. Haddon, promptly.

"Then my client instructs me to withdraw the case, as he does not wish
to carry the matter further."

"What's that?" said the Chairman, in surprise.

"Well, your worship, if you will allow me to explain," said Mr. Qurves,
in his impressive way, "I should like to say that I have never given up
a case with greater pleasure than I do this one, for I am an Australian
born and I consider the defendants acted like men, and I wish publicly
to apologise for anything I have said to their discredit. I consider
them an honour to our country."

"Hear, hear. Hurrah!" burst from all sides.

"Silence!" cried the crier, but he cried in vain.

When silence was in some measure restored, the Chairman remarked:

"If Mr. Wyckliffe wishes to withdraw from the prosecution there is
nothing left for the Bench but to dismiss the case. The defendants have
undoubtedly broken the law, which we are here to administer, but though
we are magistrates, our sympathy is for the Australians, and I cannot
help saying that I am glad that our duty demands from us nothing that
will prevent them from quitting the Court."

Ringing cheers here broke out from all quarters, which no one wished to
check. Even members of the Bench were seen to join in the applause. The
Inspector, fearing Wyck might be roughly handled, got him away quietly
and sent him off in a cab to his hotel.

Enthusiasm ran high, and the boys had considerable difficulty in leaving
the Court. At last they got safely into a cab, but even then the crowd
refused to leave them unmolested, and the horse was removed and they
were dragged in triumph to their hotel.

That evening, the young Australians gave a big banquet at the Town Hall,
at which they were the honoured guests. Toasts and complimentary
speeches followed one another in rapid succession. Australians love
their country, but they love the honour of their women above all.

Everywhere the boys were feted and made much of, and it was a relief to
them when they were able to accompany the girls and Mr. and Mrs. Whyte
to Tasmania for a lengthy stay at Goodchild's. Here they rested till Reg
had recovered his melancholy, till the memory of Wyck and his infamy had
become like an evil dream, and life seemed again to offer him a share in
its joys, and the future held out the prospect of many happy days to
come.

CHAPTER XXXII.

CONCLUSION.

The following is a cutting from the _Bulletin_:

SEQUELS T