"Well, good-bye, my dear; awfully sorry I must go. Good-bye, gentlemen," and Tickell and his friend retired.
"You'll excuse me for a moment, sirs," said the barmaid, leaving her post, with a bow. Quick as lightning, Hal leant across and examined the envelope—
"Melbourne stamp, dated two days ago."
"And that's his writing, Hal," said Reg, excitedly.
They had scarcely time to settle themselves when the lady returned, carrying a sheet of blotting-paper, which she carelessly threw on the shelf under the counter.
"Same again, please, Gussy," said Hal, trying to be pleasant.
"My name is Miss Wallace, sir," said she, indignantly.
"I beg your pardon, madam."
"I don't believe you saw Mr. Wyckliffe at all. I know what you are after, but you won't see him again, for he has left for Western Australia."
"Is that so?" queried Hal, cynically. "Then he did not go to Melbourne, Miss Wallace?"