"The police be--blessed," retorted Archie, with contempt. "I am going on my own ideas in this matter; and I'm going to get Mrs. Belswin to help me."
"But she knows nothing."
"That's very likely; but she saw Sir Rupert on the night of his murder, and if she can recollect her conversation, who knows but what some chance word in it might lead to the detection of the murderer. Besides, Mrs. Belswin is a very clever woman, and in a case of this difficulty, women see clearer than men."
"Why are you so anxious to find out this murder?"
"Because I want to set Kaituna's mind at rest. The poor girl is worrying herself about the affair; and if I can find out and punish the assassin of her father, it will give her great relief."
There was again a short silence, and then Archie went on speaking:
"You see now, my dear lad, why I wish you to help me in this. I cannot do both things myself at the same time; for if I go to Melbourne, the murderer of Sir Rupert may escape; and if I stay and hunt for him, the mine may turn out a success, and no one will be there to look after Kaituna's interests."
"Does Kaituna know all your ideas," asked Toby, thoughtfully.
"Yes; and approves of them. So does Mrs. Belswin. You see, as she has been such a good friend to Kaituna, I had to tell her everything."
"Of course; quite right," responded Toby, heartily. "Well, old fellow, I'll tell you what. Some time ago The Weekly Scorpion spoke to me about taking a trip out to Australia, and writing up the colonies; so if I accept that, I'll combine pleasure and business."