"A L M A.”

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2058, 22 April 1887, Page 1 (Supplement)

"A L M A.”

An OkioiSAh Ausikaiiw nBT fIAU'-t.I) STi:riFIN f. M.I (>s m.w ,-.o :n -• All r.i j '.i, Fif/fr: ■ I CH-Mlhl; \1.H1.-i''•■N.iNi 1.11.1 Hill ajpovirg t f the relume had undertaken to find men to carry it inti dilution, and hai, for thj purpose, placed himself in communication with sundry sailors, with whom he had formerly been associated in acts of crime. He then went on to relate how he had introduced himself to Btrlie Leraeorte, and the further events m connection with the robbery which arc known to the reader. After the division of the plunder, the party broke up, and dispersed r.b -ut the country, and Bdi had neither heard of. or nut. any of them since ; except his pit tic ilar chum, the silent gentleman, who had I en with him when he first accosted Bertie. I hose two had remained together, and proceeded up country. Tne bulk of Heir gold they buried in a gully not far from Forest Creek, intending to take up a claim, and brio: it in for •ale in eudi■ entiy small quantities to lead to the belief that it was the result of their labor. All went well with them for a lime, and then, one morning, Bill awoke to find that bis partner bad deputed,taking with him the remainder of their treasure, together with the banknotes they bad received for the sale of •neb portioh as bad been disposed of. Bill animadverted on the base treachery of bis former friend, and told how he bad sought him in vain, until be became so utterly destitute that be was obliged to tucur to his old malpractices in order to obtain a living. He had found a companion in the man who had fallen a victim to Beth, and together they had committed numerous petty robberies before they attempted that which resulted in their downfall. In compliance with a request from Sub in■pector Kidley. Sill Long gave a list of the names of his associates in the robbery of the Pride of the Ocean, together with such a description of their prsons as be could accomplish. When the deposition had been duly signed and attested, B.b Kidley turned to Bertie and offered his hand. “ I congratulate you Mr. Lctacortc.’ he said, “ this man's confession completely clears you from all suspicion of having been concerned in that robbery, and I will see that at least that portion of it ■hall be given the widest publicity. It was generally agreed in the force, after the trial, that you were not guilty, and I am delighted to find that we w re right.' *■ The (act of lying under such a suspicion,'' said Bertie, "has been at times a grievous trouble to me ; and it Is hardly possible (or me to txi lain to you the immense relief which this public exon, ration has been tome. I owe it all to that boy—(bd bless him! It was a ioo»y day for me wiien I met him in the sir its of Melbourne, as friendless as myedl. but as light hearted and hopeful, aa if a brilliant future lay certainly mapped out before h,m.” ■■ WVll give the lad a testimonial,'' said the mtgi-trate, who left with them. -‘l'll send the bellman around to call a meeting lor to-night. ' Tne meeting was held in due course, under the presidency of the worthy mag : atiato, and a number of very eloquent speeches were made, ail highly eulogistic of the valor displayed by S:th I'arkio", to whom they voted an address, which was afterwards illuminated on vellum, acu haan-mmtly fram'd. Furthermore, a sum of money was subscribed, and expended in the purchase of a magnificent goii watch and chain which were pr-. sen ted to Seth, with the address, shortly aft rvards. The confession of Bill Long completely changed Bartie's plans. Toe capture of 1 anderdecken was no longer an object of paramount importance, and he rece.v.-l, with oomparative in difference, the announcement that tin police hvd filled to track that wily individual. His on thought now was to sel, out his share of th ■ claim, and d-.vote his time to the courtship of Miss Harvey. Hitt hai made him acquainted with the change that bad taken place in the ercumstancss of the Harveys, and he had, in turn, communicated his c v.n good news, which also bad bjen fully =et tjrth to the world, in the o lurnoa c( every newspaje* in the colony.

Bertie now took council ol Uncle I’elet respecting the beet method ol di-posing ct his interstt in the cU'.tn; and that in \ivi lual strongly advised him to throw the e ur into a company, by which means he would avoid tiie necr.-iiy (or looking after the claim, and ■kill be able to retain a share in it. Acting upon this advice, Bertie wr :e to 1 'art. asking bu consent—he coull not help wondering jrhy hie partner b .i not yet returned to ««»er Creek -and. in reply, he received full authority to act in the matter as seemed beet to him. , . After eonenltalion with a mining-broker at Forest Crrek-the first of the kind, by-the by —Bertie drew up a prospectus, and the .sharer were placed upon the marxet. Jfcaextraordmary yields (tom the claim so much attemion, that every posed of within twenty-four boars, young friends i including Si lb) selves in possession if some tea pounds apiece, and a number of shares wlqH had already risen in value one bandied p«P oeni. Those operatic as were concluded within a

! week, and then Bertie took leave of Silver Creek, and went to Melbourne, accompanied bj Seth. They were warmly welcomed by part and Harry whom tliry found installed in a furnished bouse at South Yarra, in custody of a drrgon in pettyeoats, who officiated as housekeeper. Harry had resigned his lieutenancy in the escort, having now no further j need for distraction, and be was daily cxpectI in - the snivel of bis father, who. on learning ■ of uis fon's illness, had written to say that i he would j dn him as soon as he could. 1 Toe dinner-party at the Brantomes had on .c off with great eclat, even the languid M idamc Bran tome having warmed almost into enthusiasm at D irt’s magnificent singing lie further completed his conquest of th- lady by conversing with her in her own language, which bo spoke fluently, although dicidedly with a stong German accent. Now. for the first time, Bertie was made acquainted with Dart’s love affair, and he no longer wondered at his friend’s delay in returning to Silver Creek. Aimee Braotome was, according to this infatuated young man, the dost betwitching littje darling in the world; of the pooket-Venus type, it is true, but still marvellously beautiful, with a transcendent talent for music, Tnear statements actually received modified confirmation from Harry La'cellcs, the fa d of whose sff- ctions being engaged elsewhore icndered his evidence unimpeachable, ard Brrtie was pleased, also, to hear that D rt had made a most favorable impression upon the parents of the young lady, whilst nis pregrefs with her fair self was all that et aid be desired. A soon as be dared with decency present bin si If, Mr. Bertie Doraoorte rang the bell at Mr. Harm's cottage door, and was presently confronted by the ancient domestic, wno int en d him into the drawing-room. 11 iv bis heart beat during the few minutes lie was condemned to wait before Grace appeared I He felt it knocking against hie nos at ruch a rate that he began to be a’armcd at the symptoms, and mentally detirmined to consult a physician without d lay, having come to the cheerful conclusion th .t such an excessive liveliness in his cardiac regions could only be caused by inci| hj nt •iwjin i pectoris. But be f argot all about it when the door cp.no 1 and Grace appeared on the threshold, a :0.. ly blush mantling her cheek, whilst her eyes sparkled with pleasure. He was at her sue in a moment, and did not leave big hold cf her hand until he had installed her on the sofa, and stated himself by her side. ” '»’e were so pleased to hear of that unfortunate man’s confession,” said Grace, after a first few words of greeting, commonjive' ia themselves, but bearing a deep ngi.iiiear.ee to the young people. “ It must have l.en an immense relief to you, Mr. l-Hncorle." •' In Fed it was,” replied Bertie, who bad made up his mind not to beat about the bush, lu: to cima to the point at once, not knowing when he might again be favored with fuch an excellent opportunity lor decUrin : ids sentiments. "It was a tremendous reli.-f to me, for it not only cleared my character in the eyes of the world, but it placed me in a position to take a step which 1 had until then not dared to venture u| on.” Grace knew what was coming—young ladies always do on such occasions—but she was not a sort of girl to delay in landing her tFh after she had hooked it. She could find no pleasure in the torments of another, csp. cially as the other was an individual who, she felt certain, loved her sincerely, and whom she loved in return. Sr, drooping her head and toying with her handkerchief, ehc faint y asked what step it was that Mr. Lsrsoorte proposed to take. Bertie seized her band and lifted her head up till his eyes met hers, then be bent forward, aud audaciously imprinted a kiss upon her lips. Not one word did either speak, but their secret was out, and a moment later the young roan’s arm was around her waist, whilst her head reclined lovingly upon his shoulder.

How long they remained in this interesting position, and what they said to each other, when speech had become possible to them, this deponent sayeth not. Like the young woman in the American comedy “ Saratoga,” I have “been there” myself, and vow i know nothing of what I did or said on such an occasion, therefore how can I be expected to knowhow other people acted?— and even if I did I would not tell. Lovers always talk rubbish—very sweet rubbish it may be to them—but no writer who respects himself, and such little reputation as be has been able to earn, would venture to put euch rubbish in print. Nothing would ever make me believe that even the great Shakespeare himself, in his moments of dalliance with the fair Ann Hathaway, talked anything else but pretty nonsense; and, when I read a love passage, in which the parties concerned are made to converse in epigram, and rounded periods, I invariably conclude, either that they are humbugging one another or that the historian of their loves had never “been there” himself. Grace and U?rtie sat until the door opened, and Mr. Harvey (who had come home for hie mid day meal) entered, and surprised them in the same interesting position, •Hullo I" he exclaimed. "What is the meaning of this ?” (■race incontinently fled, hastily kissing her father as she passed him in the doorway, and Bertie was left to beat the brunt of the battle. This he did right manfully, and comported himself so well that the old gentleman ended in inviting him to stay to dinner, promising, alter that meal, to discuss the matter mote fully. Bertie did not return to his friends until midnight, and, when he did, a glanoe at his lace was suilicient to betray bis secret. “ You look most disgustingly happy," said Hart. “ I suppose you have done the trick, and papa has consented ?” “ Is that so 7” asked Seth, earnestly. “ Y’es—you may congratulate me, for it is all settled. ” “ And when is the fatal event to come off 1' asked Harry, after they bad wished him joy, and drank the health of the future Mrs. Lcracorte in brandy-snd-water. “ In a month. 1 had hard trouble to get it fixed for such an early date, but Mr. Harvey agreed with me that I ought to lose no time i:i presenting myself at home, and making peace with the old people, and so Grace consented.'' “By Jove, you're in luck, old boy!” exclaimed Hart. " 1 never thought he would consent to your going home at all. It will bsprt emus hard lines lot him to live out here all alone.'' ‘ 1 think he means to console himself,” replied Bertie. “ He waxed very confidential alter ' race had gone to bed, and he had imbibed a couple of glasses of whisky and water, and I gathered from his remarks that there is every probability of a Mrs. Harvey coming to take caro of him.” “ Who is the patty V asked Harry. “ He must be a tare sly old chap to carry on his love affairs so quietly.” “ I believe it is a widow—a Mrs. Coulter—the sister of a friend of his.” " Knew dashed well it was a widow,” said Harry, “and I know the lady. Her late husband was the chief partner in the firm of Coulter, Plowebare and Co., agricultural implement makers, of George street, Sydney. has made it right with her he rather a good thja&J

“ She is all that there ia of the most fashionable, as the French say. Old Coulter used to give the sweetest parties in Sydney, and she did the honors n regal style. It is really a most desirable connection.” Doting the progress of this conversation Seth sat silent, and Bertie, at last looking at him, saw that tii stood in bis eyes. 11 What is the matter, old chap ? ’ he asked, tenderly. “ 1 was thinkin’,” said Seth, with a faint attempt at a smile,l was thiukin’ what I shall do when you are gone.” “Do? Why you’ll come with us, of course I You didn’t suppose we were going to leave you behind, did you ? Why, Grace would never forgive me it 1 thought of such a thing.” Seth brightened up wonderfully. "But, said he, " I shall only be in the way, I ain’t used to ladies, yer see—l’m jest only a rough bowery boy what (ioiehed his eddication in the far West, and I guess I ain’t noways the sorter chap to mix around in your class of aerciety." ” Your manners are good enough now," re. plied Bertie—and, indeed, constant association with gentlemen had wonderfully refined the lad. “ Yon must remember that you are now rich and will have to take your place in (be world accordingly. I shall see it I can’t find a tutor for you, and, after you have been under bis care tor a tew months you will be fit to try a year or two of an English public school. How do you like the programme?” “ First rate,” replied Seth. " I’m darned ef I don’t learn ev’ry blessed thing that tutor chap kin teach afore we gits to England 1” This speech evoked a general laugh, and they separated lor the night, Harry being the only one to whom Morpheus was cruel—for his dreams were haunted by visions of Alma undergoing every imaginable epeoies of torture at the bauds of her cruel uncle.

CHAPTER XLIV, IN TUB BLUE MOUNTAINS, A very disconsolate little woman, indeed, was Alma when ehe landed in Sydney, Her belief in the truth of Harry Latcedes had been thorough, and the rude awakening from her dream i f love had proetraud her, both mentally and physically. The hateful letter bad done its work effectively. The girl had never had much belief in her own power of captivation. To herself, she seemed but a poor, silly, little thing, altogether unworthy of the notice of such a prince among men as Mr. Harry Laecellee. She was, therefore, scarcely surprised to find (as the Professor's forgery had led her to believe) that he had been merely amusing himself at her expense, but there was a brutality about the composition that seemed utterly foreign to his nature. She could understand his Iriflmg with her, whilst hii affections were engaged elsewhere; but she could not readily believe that he would degrade himsell by such open boasting of his perfidy. Yet, what did she know of men ? Her intercourse with the world had been so limited, and, in every fiction ehe had read, there was, at least, one character who, under the veneer of respectability and honor, concealed a cruel and depraved nature. Harry Lasoelles might be one of these, fait to look at, gentle in speech, bat cold and dissolute at heart, a whited sepulchre, whose mission it was to bring rain and destruction upon every innocent girl that trusted him. At thie juncture the companionship of a lady would have been of inestimable value to our heroine, but she was dependent for society upon her unde, who was kind, but scarcely sympathising, and the maid, Susie, whesi experience of life so corrupted her mind that ehe would not have wondered if she bad been told that Mr. Harry Lasoelles was a murderer in disguise. If (irace Harvey had been by her side, Alma would have learned to donbt the authenticity of that fatal letter, its very callousness being overdone to such an extent as to induce suspicion; but, as it was, she had no confidante, and ehe nursed her wrongs until she fell seriously ill. They had taken lodgings in an obscure steot in Woolooraooloo, and Johnson was a daily visitor. He had not yet dared to take any steps to secure a passage to England, (e-ring that, for some time at least, a close inspection would be made of the passengers by all outgoing vessels, and he had disguised himself tolerably effectively. When it became necessary to call in a doctor, Johnson advised that, if it were possible, they should remove to the country. “ I know of a place in the Blue Mountains where we can remain as secure from pursuit as if we were in Fiji,” he said. “It is a small farm not far from Penrith, the property of an ex conviat, who would, 1 am sure, willingly let it to ua for a time.” “ But we cannot delay much longer,” said the Professor. " The case will coma on for trial soon, and it may not be possible to get it further postponed."

servant, he dared not risk offending his master. The change to the pure air of the mountains had a salutary effect upon Alma, and she was soon able to leave her room and wander about with Susie. During the period of her convalescence, Johnson kept much in the back ground, rarely addressing her, and never offering himself as her companion. Herein he acted under the advice of the Professor, who well knew that any display of affection on his part would only excite niiused in the girl, and render their task more difficult. It was now that Johnson acquired a brilliant idea which, for a time, served to throw dust in the eyes of our young friends in Melbourne, He saw in the newspapers that a barque was advertised to sail, at an early date, for England, and he suggested that the Professor should book passengers in his own name and that of his niece, and also take a passage for him, Johnson. " Then,” be went on to say, " you can ju st go down to Sydney two or three days before the ship sails, and sec if you can’t procure some people to personate us. It ought not to be difficult as there are always people wanting to go home who would be glad to obtain passages at half rates, for you will need to ask something, in order to avert suspicion. I should, if I were you, make it my business to hang about the door of the ship’s agent, and boldly attack anybody who looks likely to want a passage. After all, if you fail, there is no reason to believe that the fact of our not sailing would be discovered, (or the passenger list will ba given to the newspapers before the vessel casts loose from the wharf, and you can tell the captain and officers not to cxpeotwi? until the last moment.” So thoroughly did Stephen Tredegar approve of this scheme that he lost not a moment in putting it into execution, and act nut for Sidney on the very same day. Alma received the information of bis projected absence for some days with apathy. The coming and going of these people was a matter of profound indifference to the girl. Her heart had been so thoroughly given to Harry Lasoillea that she could not learn to forget him, and, having so much to think of, she needed not society. She had nearly recovered her bodily health, but a profound melancholy had settled upon her, and her movements were languid and spiritless—she seemed to take no interest in anything, and would sit for hours with her arms Filed, engrossed in a rrtrosptction which only added fuel to the fire that was consuming her.

After the Professor had left, Johnson, who was naturally of a gregarious turn, was fain to turn to S isio tor companionship. He found her, poor child, only too willing to converse with, tor any interchange of ideas with the old convict was almost impossible, and her mistress now rarely opmed her lips except in answer to a question. Johnson was not ill-looking, and was ready enough in conversation, so that he soon succeeded in making himself very agreeable with tbc little maid,—in a platonic sense, of course, for he was too wise to make love with the maid whilst wooing with the miseries. II) told Susie of his attachment to Alma, and waxed so eloquent in describing his sufferings that he completely enlisted her sympathies.and secured what he felt to be a most valuable ally. One day Alma was seated on the bank of a creek which ran through the garden, listlessly throwing pieces of stick and bark into the stream, and watching them float away. It seemed to her that life was ended to her—that never again would she know happiness, or eveu contentment, and she was fast lapsing into that condition of recklessness which prompts a person to take a rash step merely in order to procure some great change. A twig crackled behind her, but she did not turn her head ; she. knew vaguely that someone was approaching, but felt not the faintest cudosity on the subject—the only (ace she would have cared to eee she might now never look upon again except with disgust and abhorrence. “ May I sit down ? ’ asked Johnson—for it was he who had sought her out in this her favorite resting-place. “ It you please,” replied Alma, coldly, and without looking up. “It is not well for you to be so much alone,” said Johnson, as he seated himself by her side. “ You must remember that you have scarcely recovered from what might have been a severe illness, and your health will suffer if you are not a little more lively and cheerful.”

"Lively and cheerful 1 —” Alma said no more, not oaring to betray her thoughts to a stranger. “ You ate young, Miss Tredegar, and, if you ate not very happy now, you have many years before you in which to make up for it. Forgive me if I appear intrusive, you must be aware of the deep interest I take in your welfare.” Alma looked at him perplexedly—she could not understand this sudden affectation of sympathy in a man, who had recently, u. least, seemed purposely to avoid her. “ You are very good,” she said with a grave smile. "1 had hoped that you would have perceived that my thoughts were constantly concerned with you—that my life is devoted to your service—but I am not surprised, there hj nothing in me to attract even the passing notice of a young girl.” This was said with an ait of wonderful resignation, and Alma could not feel offended, although it was impossible for her not to divine the intention of the speaker. " You underestimate your value, Mr. Johnson,” she replied. " I should think many a young girl would feel flattered at receiving attention from you.” “ But not the only girl whose good opinion is of any value tome!” exclaimed Johns m, passionately—he was really acting very well indeed—quite in the stylo of the jcunc premier of modern comedy. Alma I you will forgive me, I love you—love you devotedly 1 Dare I hope that in time—” " It is needless to proceed, Mr, Johnson,” said Alma, rising ; “ I would spate you the pain of further speech, for 1 may tell you that love and I have parted company for ever. I shall never love, and I shall never marry.” "Surely you cannot mean this!” exclaimed Johnson, as earnestly as if he was not fully aware that the young lady had already given her love to one whom she regarded as unworthy. " May 1 not hope that in time to come you will change your mind?” " I shall never change my mind, Mr. Johnson,” said Alma. “ You will forgive me for leaving you, this conversation is extremely unpleasant to me, and cannot afford you much ea iifaotion—it were better ended, now and forever." " Say you forgive me I” said seizing hetr hand. " Believe that I would! not willitfgly give you pain—l only spakfl because, seeing you unhappy, I could iH longer keep silent.” " I forgive you, sir 1” said Alms, withdrawing he hand. “As you unhappy, and, being so, 1 can smvpattiise with others.” Johnson thanked her with effusion, she walked away, he assumed an pressive of resignation and despair, that she might glance backwards tering the bouse. He was, pointed, and, with an oath, be self on the grass and proceeded t^^^K " I'll have you yet my lady,” £2O

" I’m not going to risk ray liberty for the sake of the case,” said Johnson. “ I must remain quiet lot the present, and, besides, the girl is too ill to travel. I tell you fairly, also, that 1 am not going into the witnessbox unless as her husband, and this delay will enable me to fix that matter up, without having to wait until we get to England.” “ You said you would be contented with her solemn promise to marry you,” rejoined the Professor. •■ Things were different then, and I thought I was safe, I must be stirs of my position before I’ll stir a step. Have you read the account of that Bill Lung's confession ? The police will now bo on the alert mote than ever. Besides, how do I know that that precious nephew of yours, or his ohum, young Leraoorte, will not be in court when the case is tried and recognise me as soon as I show up ! Now, if I am Alma’s'husband, they will be silent for her sake—no. I don’t stir a step till lam married to the girl, and I don’t see any better way to bring it about than to take her away to the Blue Mountains where I shall have her to myself and can do the courting business without being interrupted.” The Professor could not fail to see the force of Johnson’s arguments, and was fain to submit; so, after the doctor had seen Alma and agreed that a change of air would be beneficial to her, the whole party removed without more delay than was necessary to secure a lease of the cottage. It was a pretty place, situated in the deep gorge of the mountains amidst thickly timbered country. The house was larger and more substantial than they had expected it would be, and the furniture, though wellworn, was good and suilicient. But of the farm there was no sign. There was an orchard, and a vegetable garden, and a small paddock, but no cultivation whatever—in fact it was a farm in name, the real occupation of its owner being dealing in horses and cattle—most of which, it was whispered, were purchased at very low rates from parsons who were never asked for a salenote. They had no neighbours—settlement having scarcely yet begun in the mountains—and for their supplies of food they were dependent upon Penritb.whioh township was situated soma fifteen miles distant at the foot of the range. The task of catering was entrusted to an old convict, who had been banded over with the place, and, being purblind and very deaf, could be trusted not to ■hatter—the more especially as he had been by cautioned, and being an uajped

bit ween bis teeth. "I don’t think I have m tde a bad beginning, and now ve will see wtnt a little pressure of another kind will effect.” Hi would have been little pleased if be could have read the thoughts of (he young girl as she left him. Her mind flew back to anotber proposal, delivered in a far different sense, and, oh I in such different language I As she oontrasted the wooing of her two suitors, she smiled bitterly, and felt that under no circumstances whatever could she give her hand to such a man as Johnson, B rt, after all, the matter was so absolutely indifferent to her that ere an hour bad passed she bad forgotten about it, and met her would be lover with as much placidity »-■ if nothing unusual had occurred between (hem. Tub Professor had been fortunate in his speculation, and returned in high glee. He bad intercepted an old gentleman at the door of the ship’s agents, and bad asoertained that he bad gone there (or the purpose of securing passages for himself and his son and daughter. The prospect of saving half the passagemoney proved too alluring to be refused, merely because the condition was attached that they should, (or the onoe, assume other names, and the bargain was concluded £ once. The Professor, relating his adventure to Johnson, added that he bad waited until the vessel was (airly out of harbor, and he further produced a copy of the next day’s newspaper, in which, amongst the departures for England, appeared the names of Professor Stephen Tredegar, Miss Alma Tredegar, and Mr. Johnson. “ The thing to do now is to bring this under the notice of these young fellows in Melbourne,” said Johnson, " and that, I confess, seems to me a poser. We can’t post them a paper with the paragraph marked, for they would suspect us at once." The Professor smiled in that aggravating manner which seems to imply consciousness of superiority. 11 That has been arranged," he said. “ How the diokons did yon manage it 7” "I wrote to Dart Tredegar—here is a draft of the letter."

Johnson read it eagerly, and laughed with delight. It ran as follows " My Deak Snt, 1 should esteem it a favor if you would be so kind as to furnish me with the London address of your unele, Mr. Stephen Tredegar, as he neglected to supply it to me previous to his departure to England yesterday by the barque Eliza Jane. 1 bought some mining shares from him and bis partner —Mr. Johnson who has sailed with him—and I neglected to obtain his address, thinking that either he or Mr. Johnson would be sure to go back to Snob’s Gully, where the claims in which 1 am interested are situated, and I now learn that the transfer may be disputed hereafter, unless a document is signed, which I propose to send to them on receiving your reply. “ 1 most ask yon to address me at the General Post Office, as I am only a visitor to Sydney, and do not care to ristf the chance of my letters going astray at the hotel where 1 am staying. "I am, “ Yours obedinetly, “James Bussell.” Dart Tredegar, Efq. “ P.S.—You will perhaps remember (hat you and 1 were fellow passengers some months ago in (he coach from Melbourne to Forest Creek, when you were accompanied by Sir Charles North and another gentleman. “ 1 address this letter to the care of Ur. Harry Latoelks who will probably know your address, as I saw by the papers that your Bister nursed him during his illness.” “ That’s tine 1" exclaimed Johnson, handing the draft back to the Professor. “ But why did you put that in about the fellowpassenger business?” “ To account (or Mr. Bussell's knowledge of the relationship between Dart and myself —he will never remember whether he had i uch a fellow-passenger or not. You see, the difficulty lay there and in the address, and I think I have got over them tolerably well.” “ You fixed it up slick, as the Yankees say. We had better arrange for someone to call for your nephew’s answer in ease he el o ild aek any questions.- It won't do (or you to sho v, for they might have some suspicion and set a watch on the post-office. I'll get the landlord of the pub 1 stayed at to call (or it, and (hen, if he is asked any questions, be can just say he has stuck it into an envelope, which was left with him, stamped and addressed by Mr. Bussell, and that he bad not the curios t/ to read the address.” These conspirators, it will be seen, left no weak place in their scheme, and it succeeded perfectly ; for, in due course, a letter arrived from Dart referring Mr. Bussell to the Professor's solicitor, Mr. Tbislletbwaite, and in viting him to a renewal of their acquaintance on his return to Melbourne. To (his letter the Professor replisd to the effect that Mr. Bussell regretted that busi ness took him to New Zealand at oooe, but that he hoped at no distant date, to meet Mr. Tredegar in Melbourne. This, of course, closed the Bussell correspondence, and removed (he last ohanoa of a discovery of the deception.

CHAPTER XLIV, A WEDDING. The letter from the fictitious Mr. llugrell tell like a bomb-shell in the camp of our friends in South Yarra. After verifyirg the news it contained by an inspection of a file of the Sydney papers, they entertained no doubt that the Professor and his party had left for England. Of course the first step taken was to inform the police in order that a detective might be despatched by the mail steamer armed with a warrant for the »oidisant Johnson, alias Vanderdeoken, That done, it became a question whether Dart should not avail himself of the same chance, so that he might be on the spot to meet his sister, and, it possible, induce her to leave her treacherous guardian. Very naturally the young man objected to this proposal. He was deeply engaged in a love-affair, before which every other consideration faded into insignificance, Was it possible that be could tear himself away from the lady without an explanation f And dared he risk declaring himself at this early stage of their acquaintance ? He thought she was well inclined towards him, bat true love is always diffident, and he feared to ask too soon lest he should be refused. All this, and more, he thought when the question of his going home was first mooted, but he assigned very different reasons for combatting proposition. I " There is no need tor suoh haste,” ha ■aid. "We can inform Sir Charles North ■V letter, and he will take oare to board He vessel and present himself to my niter." H*‘ But she will not listen to him," argued Lisoelles. “ She still believes in the Ksgrity of your unole, and mast, therefore, Kept his version of the disrate, which Kksarily involves the supposition that Sir ■ks North is a swindler." then,” said Dart, 11 Sir Charles ean over their movements, and take Hphat they do not disappear again. What H can possibly result to Alma by with my unole (or a Ik* weeks Hvr (To he continued.)