The Captain did not seem so cordial to them as they left the ship, and he wore a disappointed look. As they said good-bye to all, and the tug started for shore, a figure on deck waved his hat and called out to them: "I found you out."
"Good-bye, you old idiot," shouted Hal, and an uproarious laugh greeted the amiable Tickell.
"It's nearly time they had an outer harbour here," said Reg, as he tried to dodge the spray flying over the side of the tug.
"Yes, you're right, but there seems to be too much jealousy amongst the three ports. Glenelg think they ought to have it, and the Semaphore, too, lays claim to it, and between the lot of them we have to land with a wet skin."
"Now then, gentlemen, hold tight," shouted the tug-captain, as a wave washed the small boat from stem to stern and drenched them to the skin.
After a tedious voyage they were landed at the pier, wet through and, having made arrangements about their luggage, they stepped into the train for Adelaide.
"Where shall we stay while in Adelaide, Hal?" asked Reg, when they were fast approaching the pretty little city.
"The 'York' is the tip-top house, but I should prefer the 'United Service.'"
"Good, the 'United Service' it shall be."
Half-an-hour later they stood at the door of the hotel, ready and fit for work.
"Hal, are you ready to begin the search?" asked Reg.
"Right you are. We'll go to Reuter's first, and see if there is a cable."
The office was in King William Street, close by and, on enquiry, a cable was handed to Reg. It read:
"Morris, Adelaide. All well. Revenge. Whyte."
"Yes, Whyte, we'll be revenged," said Reg, handing the telegram to Hal.
"Wyck will arrive a stranger here. He will enquire for the best hotel, and will be told the 'York.' He will tip the man, and ask him if there are any good-looking girls there, and he will be told that old Ford won't have a barmaid about the place, and is fearfully particular. Then he'll ask for another, and he ought either to be told of the South Australian Club, the United Service, or the Southern Cross. All these keep saloon bars, so we cannot do better than enquire at them."
"Why do you think he will proceed in that way?"
"Wyck is fond of ladies, isn't he? Well, where would a stranger go to talk to a nice girl? He'd go to a saloon bar, where so many good-looking girls are found."