"My Dear Richard,
"I am very much obliged by your coming. Did you ever hear of a case in which a swindler was swindled? This is one. Remember honesty is the best policy.
"Yours etc.,
"Watson."
"The first I will post to-night, and the second I will leave at the hotel to be called for."
About eight o'clock Terence turned up, and reported having shadowed Dick first to the Telegraph office, then to the Gaiety, and out to the Cumberland, before he came back to the stand. This seemed satisfactory news to the boys, and they again tipped Terence, and after giving him a few further instructions, let him go.
"Now for Tasmania," said Hal.
They found the Pateena was advertised to leave at noon for Launceston, and were successful in securing a couple of good berths. In the midst of their packing the following morning, it flashed upon Hal that he had made no arrangements whereby Terence could communicate with them, so they walked towards his stand, but finding both Dick and Terence there, they passed on. As a young urchin calling out "Monthly Guide" passed by them, Reg stopped him, and told him to follow them to the hotel.
"I'm fly, governor; go ahead," he said.
Shortly after the youngster joined them, and Hal gave him a note for Terence, instructing him where to write.