With the name of Roadmaster often heard at Wandenong, Barbara Golding’s heart had no warning instinct of who the bushranger was. She thought only and continuously of the day when her brother should be released, to begin the race of life again with her. She had yet to learn in what manner they come to the finish who make a false start.
Louis Bachelor, again in his place Rahway, tried to drive away his guesses at the truth by his beloved science. When sleep would not come at night he rose and worked in his laboratory; and the sailors of many a passing vessel saw the light of his lamp in the dim hours before dawn, and spoke of fever in the port of Rahway. Nor did they speak without reason; fever was preparing a victim for the sacrifice at Rahway, and Louis Bachelor was fed with its poison till he grew haggard and weak.
One night he was sending his weather prognostications to Brisbane, when a stranger entered from the shore. The old man did not at first look up, and the other leisurely studied him as the sounder clicked its message. When the key was closed the new-comer said: “Can you send a message to Brisbane for me?”
“It is after hours; I cannot,” was the reply. “But you were just sending one.”
“That was official,” and the elder man passed his hand wearily along his forehead. He was very pale. The other drew the telegraph-forms towards him and wrote on one, saying as he did so: “My business is important;” then handing over what he had written, and, smiling ironically, added: “Perhaps you will consider that official.”
Louis Bachelor took the paper and read as follows: “To the Colonial Secretary, Brisbane. I am here tonight; to-morrow find me. Roadmaster.” He read it twice before he fully comprehended it. Then he said, as if awakening from a dream: “You are—”
“I am Roadmaster,” said the other.
But now the soldier and official in the other were awake. He drew himself up, and appeared to measure his visitor as a swordsman would his enemy. “What is your object in coming here?” he asked.
“For you to send that message if you choose. That you may arrest me peaceably if you wish; or there are men at The Angel’s Rest and a Chinaman or two here who might care for active service against Roadmaster.” He laughed carelessly.
“Am I to understand that you give yourself up to me?”