Hal and Reg had walked as far as Bourke Street, when Hal suddenly turned to his companion and said:
"What fools we are, Reg. That wire was sent late at night, addressed to the Palace. We must find out who was on duty at that hour, for that girl surely would not be." Thereupon they wheeled round, and returned to the Palace.
"Say, porter; do you keep a night-porter here?" asked Hal, of the man in livery hanging about the hall.
"Do you know who was on duty the night before last?"
"Do you remember a telegram arriving for Mr. Wyckliffe?"
"I do see," said Hal, and, by a dexterous move, a half-crown-piece changed hands.
"Thomas' buildings are not far from here, sir. I'll shew you if you just step to the door," said the porter, leading the way to the street as he noticed the girl's eyes on him.
"Enquire at the Gaiety, Bourke Street," he whispered, and hurriedly withdrew, the happy possessor now of two half-crowns.
"What did those gentlemen want?" asked the lady, when the porter returned.
"They only wanted to know where Thomas' Buildings was, miss."
"Oh, all right," said she, apparently satisfied.
Hal and Reg lost no time in following up the clue given them, and a quarter of an hour later found them in one of the many saloons of the Gaiety Hotel, where they began to take stock of their surroundings. Both agreed that it had been well-named. Business seemed brisk, and liveliness and gaiety characterised everybody. They happed to have hit upon the same saloon that Wyck patronised. Had Hal known this he would perhaps have been more careful. Two young ladies were in attendance. One of a very winning appearance; the other rather plain.
"Have you seen Wyck lately?" asked Hal, of the pretty one.
"No, he's gone," said she, colouring to the roots of her hair, and then appearing annoyed at having spoken.
"Why do you want to know? Who are you?" she asked, in rather an excited way.
"My name is Thompson. Wyck is a great friend of mine. We came out in the same boat from London," said Hal, carelessly.
"You are staying at the 'Australian,' are you not?"
"Oh, nothing. I thought I saw you there the other day. Miss Kelley, will you mind my bar for a few minutes?" and she hurried away.
"You've upset Miss Harris," said the other lady, coming forward.