Later she told Ryder of the letter, and of Done’s return to Jim Crow.

‘And you did not tell me of his injuries,’ she said reproachfully.

‘I could not find it in my heart to spoil your Christmas,’ he said.  ’He was getting on famously when I left Ballarat, and he has a magnificent constitution.  I knew he was safe, but felt that you would be certain to worry.  You see, it is best.’

’I cannot think so.  You were silent because you feared to speak of your own splendid bravery.’

’Believe me, no.  It was nothing to pick up a wounded man and carry him to safety.  I was silent to spare you.’

’I am grateful for your kind intentions, and more than grateful for what you have done for him.  To Mr. Done I owe my life, and I feel that a service done to him is something for which I, too, am much beholden.’

‘And for a life that is precious to you I would—­’ He ceased suddenly, but was careful that she should understand him well.

‘A life that was precious to her!’ The phrase seemed to have an extraordinary significance.  Were the words a test?  Her heart beat quickly; for a moment she looked into his eyes.  It was as if his whole soul burned in them.  Her face paled, a faint cry broke on her lips, and she moved back with faltering feet.  He dropped his extended hands with a hopeless gesture, and turned from her.  A footstep was heard in the passage.

The party was fixed for the third evening prior to the date of Ryder’s departure, and it was a great success.  All the resources of a well-appointed station were brought into play for the gratification of the guests.  The night was warm; the company were gathered in the big drawing the French window of which opened on to the wide veranda.  Lucy was at the piano, providing an accompaniment, and the Sydneyside girl was singing an ardent love song.  Yarra paused before Ryder with a tray, on which was a cool drink.  In the act of lifting the glass the latter noticed that a uniformed trooper had suddenly appeared in the doorway.  A turn of the eye satisfied him that there was another at the French window.  He gave no sign of emotion, but leaned forward and spoke in a low voice to Yarra.

’You remember, Yarra, what I have told you.  Trooper fellow come now, maybe.’  He added a few words in the aboriginal tongue.  ‘Go quick!’ he said.

There was a wait of some minutes, during which Ryder sat sipping at his drink, apparently entirely unconscious of anything but the singing.  But presently he knew that he was the third point of a triangle, from the other points of which two regulation revolvers covered him.  He satisfied himself with a movement of his elbow that his own revolver was in its place under his vest.

‘Wat Ryder, alias Solo, I arrest you in the name of the Queen!’ The trooper from the door had advanced into the room.  ’You are my prisoner.  Stir a finger, and I’ll shoot you where you sit.’