"You're hurrying up," laughed Barry. Jack joined in his merriment and said—
"It is your fault, you are always hurrying; and I have got into your way."
"Don't forget while I am away to keep all this dark. You are sure to be asked hundreds of questions when they know I have gone. You'll have to rack your brains to concoct some cock and bull story for them, but I have no doubt you will succeed."
Barry was not long in making his preparations, and next morning he had left Sydney without anyone being aware of it.
Jack felt in the same condition as Barry had done when he lost his pal Jake—he was lonely.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH
BADLY RIDDEN
Such a man as Barry Tuxford was quickly missed in the circles he frequented in Sydney, and twenty-four hours had not elapsed since his departure, when Jack Redland was bombarded with questions as to his whereabouts. He found some difficulty in answering them, but parried thrusts in such a clever manner as would have aroused Barry's enthusiasm. It was with Joel Kenley he had most difficulty. Barry's instructions were clear: "Tell no one where I have gone." This, of course, included the trainer, although Barry had probably not meant such to be the case. At first Jack was inclined to tell him everything, but on second thoughts abandoned the idea.
He explained, as well as he could, that Barry had been suddenly called away on business of importance and might not be back for some weeks, also that he had left him in sole charge of the horses.