him as
he rattled off the following, "You are in trouble, I know. You have had
a severe blow lately. There was a woman in it, and she's dead. You loved
that woman; her name was Amy, and the man who came between you was a
certain Wyck. You are an Australian, and have plenty of money. You are
seeking revenge, and your instrument of vengeance is in your breast
pocket. These are details I have gathered from what I have seen of you,
or what I have heard you mutter in your sleep; and knowing this much I
am curious to know more."

"You are quite an up-to-date detective, sir," said Reg, frankly.

"Ah! then you acknowledge that I have hit the mark."

"But pray, sir, are there not enough people on board to amuse you
without the need of exercising your powers on me. I am in trouble, I
acknowledge, but I prefer keeping my troubles to myself," answered Reg,
really angry this time.

"I apologise, Morris, if I have been abrupt, but really I did not mean
to be so. It is strange that though there are over two hundred
passengers on board, I have not seen a face I care about but yours, and
when I see you fretting away I feel for you, for I have gone through the
mill, and know what it is."

"What do you mean?" said Reg, growing interested.

"Let me tell you my history. I was born in Victoria. My father died when
I was fifteen, and left me to look after my mother, who was a confirmed
invalid. She died twelve months later, and I was left alone. While
walking down Collins Street one day I had an adventure which changed the
course of my career. A carriage and pair of flash horses were being
driven by, the coachman lounging on the box holding the reins
carelessly, when a tram-car rounded the corner at a good pace. The
horses gave a bound, the sudden shock sent the coachman off his box, and
away they galloped. They turned one corner, and then another safely, and
I was able by cutting through a cross street to come up with them. Well
I was always a handy youngster, and as they dashed by me I made a run
for the back of the carriage, caught one of the springs, scrambled on
the top of the carriage, and reached the box, only to find the reins
hanging round the pole beyond my grasp; but it did not take me long to
slip along the pole, pick them up, and get back to the box. I, like most
Australians can handle the ribbons, but it took me all my time to pull
those horses up in time to avoid a collision. I didn't think much of the
feat, in fact I ra