Old Broadbrim Into the Heart of Australia or, A Strange Bargain and Its Consequences. St. George Rathborne

story he told, one not connected with a chase after a murderer, enlisted his lordship's sympathies, and at the close of it the detective was told that he could have a berth on board the yacht Maybloom, one of the fastest vessels of the kind afloat.

      Once more he was in luck, and there was some hope of beating Merle Macray to Melbourne.

      Old Broadbrim had few preparations to make, and by the time he was through the yacht was ready to sail.

      As he stepped aboard he glanced toward the dock, and caught sight of a figure that startled him.

      It was the man of the previous night—the spy who had tracked him to the mouth of the alley.

      He had not abandoned the chase, but had tracked him to the yacht, and knew that he was bound for Australia.

      Old Broadbrim, however, did not hesitate.

      He went quietly to the little room assigned him and shut himself in.

      He had taken passage under the name of Logan Lane, and as such was known to Lord Harway.

      In a little while he heard his name called in the corridor beyond his door, and upon going out he found his lordship there.

      "We are off," said the Englishman, with delight. "The Maybloom is cutting the water like a knife, and I want you to come up on deck and look at her."

      Old Broadbrim ascended to the main deck and looked at the receding city.

      Lord Harway handed him his glass, and the detective put it to his eager eyes.

      He scanned the crowds on the pier, and suddenly found the man he had seen on two occasions within the past twenty-four hours.

      He was looking at the yacht with expressions of chagrin, and the detective could see that he was bitterly disappointed.

      He had escaped him, and when he thought of the threat he had breathed against Mag of the Dusthole, he feared for her safety.

      As long as he held the glass to his eyes he could see the man watching the Maybloom, and at last he turned away confident that he had outwitted Merle Macray's spy.

      Now the ocean lay before him and in a few days he would be in Sydney, ready for the task before him.

      Old Broadbrim found the occupants of the yacht the best of companions, and at times his conscience rebelled against the deception he was playing, but he promised himself that some day he would explain all to Lord Harway and beg his pardon.

      The Maybloom proved to be a splendid sailer, and day after day was passed on deck.

      It was a long voyage and one without incident to our old friend the detective.

      When at last the headland of Australia hove in sight, there was some stir on board and the Maybloom came to anchor in the spacious harbor.

      They had passed several vessels bound different ways on the high seas, but, so far as the detective could make out, none of these was the Intrepid.

      Merle Macray was ahead of him and he did not expect to beat him to Melbourne.

      In Sydney Old Broadbrim went at once to the hotel and put up.

      He changed his garments and washed, and then came out on the street to find out when he could get a vessel to Melbourne.

      Luck favored him again, and he learned that early the following morning he could take passage in a coaster for the capital of Victoria.

      The day was spent in looking around Sydney and passing the time as best he could.

      Old Broadbrim was soon up the next day and went on board the coaster in which he had secured passage.

      In Melbourne he went direct to the house of the chief of police, but that official was not in the city.

      Old Broadbrim went back to the wharf and stood watching a splendid vessel just coming in.

      Something seemed to thrill him while he watched the craft which majestically rode the waves, and all at once he uttered a little exclamation of joy.

      It was the Intrepid!

      After all he had beaten his quarry to Melbourne.

      Merle Macray, thanks to an accident to the vessel in mid-ocean, as Old Broadbrim afterward learned, was delayed, and he now came in a little behind time, but in time for him to spot his man.

      Well concealed, he watched the passengers as they came over the planks to the pier, and every one was closely scrutinized.

      "What's become of him?" cried Old Broadbrim, as the last one stepped upon the quay. "Did the ocean get him? Have I lost my man and justice her prey?"

      He was nonplused, for no one answering the description of the Cunarder's passenger had landed from the Intrepid in Melbourne.

      "But he's there. I'll bet my head on it!" said Old Broadbrim, as he turned away.