"'There'd be no harm in asking her,' I says, 'if it's worth anything to you.'
"'It is for old acquaintance sake. Where does she live?'
"'What time is best to see her?' says he.
"'Tell your sister I'll call at four to-morrow,' says he.
"We had another drink and he wished me good afternoon, and I ran all the way down here," said Terence, evidently immensely pleased with himself.
"You have done well, Terence," said Hal, and Reg shook him warmly by the hand.
"Look here, Terence, we shall want a lady to take the part of your sister to-morrow and receive him. Do you know of a respectable girl who would do it?"
"Well, that all depends. What would she have to do?"
"Well, I think I know of a lady that will suit. She _is_ my sister. She is a nurse, but is not doing anything now."
"A nurse. That's the very person we want," said Hal, quite pleased at the way things were going.
"She'll come, I suppose, Terence?" asked Reg.
"Yes, sir. She'll do anything I tell her," answered Terence, proudly.
"Then you can tell your sister to call at the house at ten to-morrow, and we'll meet you there to arrange matters," said Hal.
"Right you are, your honours. I reckon he won't get away this time," said Terence, leaving them together.
The following morning the boys took possession of their house and planned out details. Terence duly brought his sister, who, they were surprised to find, was an extremely good-looking Irish girl, quite ready to do all she was told, without asking any questions.
Hal drilled her instructions into her thoroughly, and then they both set out for the wharf, and met the _Pateena_, which arrived with all their friends on board, including Dr. Aveling, a friend of Goodchild's.
Hil was briefly informed of all that had been done, and the boys hurried back to Nicholson Street, taking the doctor with them.
"Now, doctor," said Reg, "just look at this die and see if it is fit for the job."
"Yes, it will do very well," he replied, examining the edges.
"We want you to have all your tools ready, for though Reg will do the deed, you will see that the wounds are properly dressed, won't you?"
"Certainly, I have brought all that is necessary, and, provided you are sure of your man, I am ready to help you."