"Oh, yes, I know him well. He told me to call and give you his best love, Gussy."
"That's very kind of him, and did he tell you my name?"
"I don't remember. Why?" she asked, curiously. "But really I forget your name, though I remember your face."
"Thompson is my name. It is very unkind of you to forget me so soon."
"I saw Wyck at Port Pirie. He said he thought he was going on to Melbourne."
"But he did not go," said the girl, quickly, and Hal gave Reg a gentle touch with his foot.
"Come on, let us look round and see all the pretty girls," said a familiar voice behind them, and turning they saw Tickell and an elderly gentleman.
"Hullo, Morris and Winter. I've found you out," shouted Tickell.
Hal made a movement of annoyance, for he had seen the girl start at their names, and now felt sure she was in league with Wyck, and knew of his whereabouts.
"Will you join me, gentlemen?" said Tickell, between his smiles and smirks at the barmaid.
"No, thanks," said Hal, as he sat at a small table, with Reg alongside him.
"Confound that old fool, he's spoilt my game," said he, in a low tone, to Reg.
"My dear boy, if a girl leaves a letter on the shelves behind, addressed to Miss Wallace--"
"I see, but where did the Gussy come in?"
"Look at her brooch, and you will find that."
"Well, good-bye, my dear; awfully sorry I must go. Good-bye, gentlemen," and Tickell and his friend retired.
"You'll excuse me for a moment, sirs," said the barmaid, leaving her post, with a bow. Quick as lightning, Hal leant across and examined the envelope--
"And that's his writing, Hal," said Reg, excitedly.
They had scarcely time to settle themselves when the lady returned, carrying a sheet of blotting-paper, which she carelessly threw on the shelf under the counter.
"Same again, please, Gussy," said Hal, trying to be pleasant.
"My name is Miss Wallace, sir," said she, indignantly.
"I don't believe you saw Mr. Wyckliffe at all. I know what you are after, but you won't see him again, for he has left for Western Australia."
"Is that so?" queried Hal, cynically. "Then he did not go to Melbourne, Miss Wallace?"
"No, Mr. Morris, he did not," she answered, with emphasis on the name Morris.
"I notice you had a letter from him," said Hal, quietly.