Frank, Sr., looked steadily at Frank, Jr., and replied:
“You have hit the nail upon the head.”
“What is it?”
“First, I must tell you a story.”
“Well?”
“It would take me some time to go into the details, so I will not attempt to do that but give you a simple statement of facts; in short, the outline of the story.”
“All right. Let us have it.”
The senior Reade cleared his throat and continued:
“Many years ago when I was traveling in Australia I was set upon by bushmen and would have been killed but for the sudden arrival upon the scene of a countryman of mine, a man of about my own age and as plucky as a lion.
“His name was Jim Travers, and I had known him in New York as the son of a wealthy family. He was of a roving temperament, however, and this is what had brought him to Australia.