"UBIQUE," THE SCIENTIFIC BUSHRANGER.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 110, 13 May 1910, Page 3

"ÜBIQUE," THE SCIENTIFIC BUSHRANGER.

(Continued.) This sublime lickspittle pandering to wealth and position made Steele almost sick with nausea. The smug, hypocritical self-satisfaction of Thurston created in his breast an intense longing to kick some of Australia's democratic principles into him. Instead, he thought, a little homely advice might provc\nore effective, providing Thurston was not too pachy- •• , dermatous to receive it in the spirit intended. "Even gravnting that you once ran errands, I fail to see the shame of it." "I am not ashamed of it!" returned Thurston, savagely. "But you give the impression such is the case when you talk of suppressing your daughter's affection for eligible men, in order to place her into society—society that is mere artificality, and means suppressions of the natural spirits." "She is fitted' for it. She has wealth, beauty, brains. Why should she not have her chance?" he con- ■ tinued. "If, as you state, she has been forced to give up several decent young men, then I take it she has ' alreadyhad'her chance-, as yoai term it, several times over." "She" would not have been- able to display her charms with any of them. Hence my refusal," growled Thurston. "She would have displayed them *i their proper sphere—home, children," replied Steele, with warmth. "Well, we'll change the subject," Thurston, growled, recognising ' that the detective was right. Instead of considering his daughters' welfare, he had been considering his own advanceJtr -. ment by way of reflected glory. wick, and take a look at my mare," lie said. "I've arranged for a private trial, and I would like you io> be pre- , sent." Steele rose languidly from his chair.' "Is there any danger of anyone tampering with Boronia?" he questioned. "Well, one never can tell. If that scoundrel, Übique, should hear of my intended coup, 'there is no telling to what lengths he would go." "Yet, he is very fond of horses," Steele mused. "Fond or not," Thurston stormed, "if that despicable scoundrel for one moment thought I had amy considerable interest at stake, I firmly believe he would shoot the hoarse !'' And he emphasised Iris remark by bringing his clenched fist dowmTieavily upon the table, knocking the glasses to the floor in the process. "Well, sir, Ave don't premise such _a- calamity. I'll run down at once, |Ct and report first thinig in the moru- * ing," he added.

The appearance' of Steele at Raindwick next morning was the signal for a vast amount of mixed comment on the part of a knot of men congregated there. This crowd were jockeys and stable hoys for the most part, added to which were some of Sydney's keenest judges of racing, who spared not the greatest inconvenience to be present at such a notable trial. Steele had' presented his introduction from Mr Thurston, and soon was discussing the possibilities of the different animals engaged as if he had known the trainer all his life. **»*-; marked, as that animal cantered past with a well-known jockey on her back. "As fit as the proverbial fiddle, sir," replied the trainer. "She'll take a deal of beating," he added. "Who is the most likely to accomplish her.defeat ?" "Well, sor, thatls hard to say at present; different men, different ideas," he laughed. "But, as far as .. I can see, the only possible rival with any degree of speed is Gdldfinder, and he's a Queensland horse. There they are lined up ready to start," exclaimed the trainer, gazing through his glasses. "They'll finish about here," added. A moment after the knot of flying horses could be seen coming along in a cloud of dust. "That's right, Sims!" ejaculated the trainer. "You see, sir" turning to Steele—"l've given instructions to Sims to hold Boronia for the sprint at the finish." Just then the horses passed them , like a flash, Boronia second, a bay horse named The Fiddler being first. "She's beaten!" exclaimed Steele, sorrowfully. The trainer laughed at his discomfiture. "Beaten! you say. (Here he lowered his voice to a whisper). She was carrying a stone dead weight more than The Tiddler. It's a cert, for her if she keeps fit." "And she sprinted with " oo.miinenced Steele. )f "With ten stone, no less." "Then I can report favorably to Mr Thurston," laughed Steele. "Yes, and she'll have Garden to ride her; that's as good as another seven pound's.in her favor." And the / trainer strolled toward the enclosure, ' first having invited the detective td call upon him at his earliest convenience. As soon as the horses had been ridden off, a dark figure rose from the ground adjoining the fence, and, placing a pair of field glasses into his overcoat pocket, he climbed the fence and disappeared. "I'm making you pay for my holiday this time, Mr Thurston!" he chuckled. "Anyhow, I can back Gold-

, By CLARENCE W. MARTIN, Author of "The Bush Emblem," "The Lust of Hate," etc

finder to win. me a small fortune' if the worst comes to the worst." Steele had hardly time to enter Thurston's office next morning when ' that worthy thrust a letter into his face. "Look at it!" he roared. "Talk about monumental cheek! This coinfounded outlaw is the limit!" "What is it this time?—another go at your safe ?" "Read for yourself." And Steele, taking the letter, threw himself into a chair.- He drew the letter from its envelope, and commenced to> read. "Dear Thurston, —I leaiMi that yon have a mare engaged in the Epsom, Boronia by name. I also learn that she has a good chance to win. I hereby warn you that if the sum of two thousand pounds is not placed to my credit (in the name of Edward King) at the Bank of Neiv South Wales by next Monday, your .mare will no more stand a chance of winning than it would have of finding the North Pole. How or when; I intend to accomplish this end I do not intend to state. Sufficient foa* you to know I usually keep my word, as 3 T ou and your delightful detective by this time are fully aware. Two thousand pounds is only a tithe of what you will win, if your mare is successful. My holiday must be paid for, you know; and, rest assured, your animal will not win if my conditions are not fulfilled: Hoping you will see the logic of my statements,

i remain, Your protege, ÜBIQUE." ' "I suppose lie means to nobble the mare!'' exclaimed Steele, when he had finished. "That is impossible! I would answer for Jones with my life!" "But, even granting j-our trainer is impeccable, that doesn't prevent the boys being bribed." "Jones takes particular care of that,'' returned Thurston. "Anyhow, I'll ring him up ou the 'phone immediately." He crossed over to the telephone, and was put on. almost at once. "That you, Jones? Thurston speaking." "I've received a threatening letter," he ekplained. "Someone informs me that Boronia is t'o be prevented winning Epsom." '' What's that ? Mare fit and well.'' "Yes, but take care the mare is not poisoned." "Your son sleeps in stable at night. Good! We'll, good-day, Jones. I'll call on you to-morrow." "You see," he said, turning to Steele, "our friend will have to be pretty smart to get over Jones." "He'll get over Ms Satanic Majesty!" replied Steele. "I think he will have little success this time," replied Thurston. "Then you do not intend to place the money to his credit?" "I. do not intend to pay one penny!" screamed the other. "You must endeavor to shine this time. Sleep in the stable—do anything to prevent the mare being interfered with My plans for my daughter's advancement rest on this race," he added. Steele felt like returning a hasty rejoinder to Thurston's orders. "Sleep in the stable!" he muttered. "Well, perhaps I may get my chance that way. Ofttimes the unexpected happens, and I may succeed 1 here j where travelling hundreds of miles has failed." The next few days were passed hanging around the precincts of the stable, being heartily cursed by the stablemen as a dashed nuisance. He was called to the telephone on the third day. "That you, Steele?" Thurston roared, as if in a vile temper. "Yes, Steele speaking." j "That infernal scoundrel has written again. Says he gives me two days more !" "What then ?" heplied Steele. "Oh, nothing. But I warn you to keep your eyes open. Perhaps he may pay you a visit." "I'll keep a sharp lookout. Goodday, sir." And Steele hung up the receiver. The days passed in quick succession, but nothing of import occurred to disturb the equanimity of Steele's watchfulness, and the morning of the great race broke calm and clear, as Boronia stood pawing the ground in her box, her sleek sides shining . like satin—truly, in the pink of condition. Thurston had motored down, and greeting Steele, enquired if anything had eventuated. "Nothing. The mare is fit and well." "So our friend has been biting off more than he can chew, as out American cousins term it." And Thurston chuckled at liis feeble joke. But Steele proffered no remark. He himself had often thought the same, only to discover, when too late, that his remarks were not justified, judging by results. (to be continued.)