Then I set to work and told him my story, from the day of my arrival in Sydney from Thursday Island up to the present moment, described my meeting and acquaintance with the real Beckenham, and all the events consequent upon it. He listened, with an awful terror growing on his face, and when I finished my narrative with the disappearance of my friend he nearly choked.
"Mr. Hatteras," he gasped, "will you swear this is the truth you are telling me?"
"I solemnly swear it," I answered. "And will do so in public when and where you please."
"Then I beg your pardon for my conduct to you. You have taken a noble revenge. I cannot thank you sufficiently. But there is not a moment to lose. My daughter is at a ball at Government House at the present moment. I should have accompanied her, but my gout would not permit me. Will you oblige me by ringing that bell?"
I rang the bell as requested and then asked what he intended doing.
"Going off to his Excellency at once, gout or no gout; and telling him what you have told me. If it is as you have said, we must catch these scoundrels and rescue your friend without an instant's delay!"
The butler here appeared at the door.
"Tell Jenkins to put the gray mare in my brougham and bring her round at once."
Half an hour later we were at Government House waiting in his Excellency's study for an interview. The music of the orchestra in the ball-room came softly in to us, and when Lord Amberley entered the room he seemed surprised, as well he might be, to see us. But as soon as he had heard what we had to tell him his expression changed.
