[CHAPTER XVI.]
THE DOOM OF WATERS.
The compact between Old Broadbrim and Dick Waters was a secret one, and if they were not suspected they might carry out their plans against Macray and his beautiful friend.
But they were in a wild land, and also in the very shadow of discovery and death.
Belle Demona was suspicious, as the detective knew, for she was a keen, cool-headed creature, vengeful to a degree, and, with Merle to stand by her, the future did not look very promising.
Old Broadbrim recalled the pledge he had made to Nora Doon and Foster Kipp in America.
He did not forget the young girl's last present, the four-leaved clover, which he carried in his bosom.
Now and then when on guard he would take it from its hiding place and look at it.
More than once, under the stars of Australia, he had inspected the little keepsake to smile in secret over the gift and to recall the giver.
For several days after the making of the compact in the little house on the ranch, nothing occurred to break the monotony of wild life in the bush.