"He's got grey hair you say, Terence?" asked Hal.
"Yes, but he don't look old, and I know he's a toff, too."
"It's worth risking, Reg. Let's make all preparations in case it is, for we do not intend to let him slip again."
"I saw one in Nicholson Street only yesterday, for I drove a gent to look at it, but he said the rent was too much."
Calling a cab they drove up Collins Street to Nicholson Street, and half-an-hour later they had the receipt for two weeks' rent of an eight-roomed house.
"The next thing for you to do, Terence, is to swell up a bit," said Hal.
"What do you mean--put my Sunday togs on?"
"Yes, that's the idea. How long will it take you?"
"Then go and do it, and meet me at 'Menzie's,' in an hour's time. Here's a sovereign to go on with."
The boys then drove to "Menzie's," engaged a room and locked themselves in.
"The only way we can satisfy ourselves as to his identity is by means of that stick."
"The stick! How are you going to do it? I cannot part with it on any account," said Reg, grasping it firmly, as if in fear that it would vanish altogether; he had had it made so that it could be put together in one, or taken apart.
"My idea is to send Terence to the 'Gaiety' at a time when this man is there, and carry the stick openly in his hand."
"Why, if he really is Wyck, he is almost certain to shew some interest in the stick."
"Well, that will put Terence on his guard, and he can tell him some yarn about it, and make an appointment with him at our house."
"Then you can make use of your die, my boy."
"It's a glorious idea, but I don't like parting with the stick. Having it by me is a great source of satisfaction to me."
"We can trust Terence. He's no fool, and knows well enough what success will mean to him."
"I wired young Aveling to come over with Goody and the girls. The boat's due at mid-day to-morrow. Come on down now, Terence ought to be here."
"Yes, certainly, old chap. It's our only chance."
They found Terence below, rigged out in his Sunday best, and looking very smart. The stick was handed to him, with full instructions how to act, and what to say, should the gentleman recognise the stick.
"You can depend on me, gentlemen," said Terence.
"Be off now, Terence, and don't drink anything strong. Stick to light stuff, and report to us directly you have seen him."