"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?"
"Yes, to you, Louis Bachelor, Justice of the Peace, to do what you will with for this night," was the reply. The soldier's hands trembled, but it was from imminent illness, not from fear or excitement. He came slowly towards the bushranger who, smiling, said as he advanced: "Yes, arrest me!"
Louis Bachelor raised his hand, as though to lay it on the shoulder of the other; but something in the eyes of the highwayman stayed his hand.
"Proceed, Captain Louis Bachelor," said Roadmaster in a changed tone.
The hand fell to the old man's side. "Who are you?" he faintly exclaimed. "I know you yet I cannot quite remember."