"Money all right?"
"Can you see if I hold it up?" asked Mr. Wetherell. As he spoke a long, black boat came into view on the other side of our questioner, and pulled slowly towards him. It was the police boat.
"No, I don't want to see," said the voice again. "But this is the message I was to give you. Pull in towards Circular Quay and find the Maid of the Mist barque. Go aboard her, and take your money down into the cuddy. There you'll get your answer."
"Nothing more?" cried Mr. Wetherell.
"That's all I was told," answered the man, and then said, "Good-night."
At the same moment the police boat pulled up alongside him and made fast. I saw a dark figure enter his boat, and next moment the glare of a lantern fell upon the man's face. I picked up my oars and pulled over to them, getting there just in time to hear the Inspector ask the man his name.
"James Burbidge," was the reply. "I don't know as how you've got anything against me. I'm a licensed waterman, I am."
"Very likely," said the Inspector; "but I want a little explanation from you. How do you come to be mixed up in this business?"
"What—about this 'ere message, d'you mean?"
"Yes, about this message. Where is it from? Who gave it to you?"