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 WITH THE BANKS 
 AT HER MERCY
 
 WITH 
 
 THE BANKS 
 
 AT 
 
 HER MERCY 
 
 (S?^w 
 
 AN AUSTRALIAN 
 BANKING STORY 
 
 #*|/f- 
 
 By a. DONNISON 
 
 author of 
 "Winning a Wife in Australia' 
 
 SYDNEY : 
 THE LOCKLEY LIBRARY, 14 MOORE STREET 
 
 1908
 
 J. A. Packer 
 
 PRINTER 
 
 276 George Street 
 Sydney
 
 
 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 PRECIS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. — Scene — Interior of one of the Banks in Sya- 
 ney — showing the inner working. Period — The present 
 day. Introduction of the two chief characters of the 
 Book. 
 
 CHAPTER II. — Leads up to the meeting of the two char- 
 acters, man and woman. 
 
 CHAPTER ni.— Their first interview, and the opening of 
 the plot. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. — ^A musical evening at Potts' Point, at 
 which Miss Dalrymple appears as a veiled character, 
 arousing the intense interest of Mr. Dallas, and fore- 
 shadowing mystery. 
 
 CHAPTER V. — Miss Dalrymple begins her financial opera- 
 tions. Concern of Dallas. Banking operations ex- 
 plained. 
 
 1.592770
 
 CHAPTER VI.— Life in the Counting House. 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— Plot develops. Miss Dalrymple invites 
 Dallas to dine with her. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. — How the dinner passed off— a novel situ- 
 ation. 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— The scene after the dinner. The mystery 
 profoundly affects Dallas. 
 
 CHAPTER X. — Further financial operations, in which the 
 mystery grows deeper. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. — Financial complications. Dallas tries to 
 force the position, but is outmatched by the woman's 
 skill. 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— The key to the mystery. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. — Complications increase. — Dallas has a 
 final interview with Miss Dalrymple, but fails to mas- 
 ter the situation. Receives his dismissal. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. — Miss Dalrymple leaves Australia, while 
 confederates carry on the financial operations, now ap- 
 proaching a climax. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. — First suspicion of the frauds. — Excitement 
 in the Bank. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. — The methods of the conspirators traced 
 out 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. — The victims compare notes. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. — Fresh set of complications result there- 
 from. Tragedy looming ahead.
 
 CHAPTER XIX. — Dallas breaks down, and has to take 
 
 holiday. Goes to Tasmania and Melbourne. No 
 
 news of Miss Dalrymple. All the conspirators have 
 escaped. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. — Dallas remains in the country. Letter 
 reaches him from Miss Dalrymple calling him back to 
 Sydney. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. — Another interview with Miss Dalrymple, 
 who describes events. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. — Same interview. Miss Dalrymple re- 
 lates the actions of the conspirators in Europe. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. — And how her woman's wit and skill 
 once more controls the situation, and reveals how 
 grand can be a woman's character.
 
 The Author claims this Is an "original" story, in the 
 true sense of the word. It is quite different from ordinary 
 stories in subject, conception, plot, character, and treat- 
 ment. 
 
 It is terse and dramatic — limited to the doings of the 
 two characters. 
 
 Dialogue preponderates, as it more dramatically main- 
 tains the action which hardly ceases.
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 COMING EVENTS CAST THEIR SHADOWS BEFORE. 
 
 "See thou character." 
 
 "Give thy thought no tongue 
 Nor any unproportioned thought his act." 
 
 — Hamlet. 
 
 The great doors of the Bank swung open with 
 ponderous state. The Banking Chamber was full 
 of stir. There was the hurrying of steps; the noise 
 of many voices; the click and clatter of coin; the 
 flutter of notes under the rapid fingers of the tellers. 
 
 A stir and movement everywhere. The coming 
 and going of clerks; the whisk and whirr of deft 
 turning over of pages. The rustling of cheques, the 
 clatter of rulers, pens, the thud of books. Office- 
 doors banged. But the precision of regular work 
 was stamped upon the surging hum. A busy turmoil 
 of urgent pressing business. 
 
 In the midst of the bustle around, Keith Dallas 
 sat in his office, leisurely perusing the day's letters 
 which the correspondence-clerk had deposited on 
 the desk. 
 
 Dallas glanced through the pile, one by one, 
 replacing them face downwards. He took up the 
 last, scanned it, and laid it upon the others. The 
 clerk would shortly return and take them away. 
 
 Dallas turned to other work. Presently he 
 laid down his pen, and, leaning back in his chair, 
 re-read the last letter. 
 
 Apparently it was an ordinary business com- 
 munication, the writer requesting to be allowed to
 
 12 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 open an account. The signature was ''Grace Dal- 
 rymple." But the handwriting denoted character, 
 amd the short, concise wording appealed to the in- 
 stincts of the business man. 
 
 "Accustomed to business, and — young," com- 
 mented Dallas, as he examined the note. 
 
 He put it aside. The olerk returned. 
 
 *'Any comments, sir?" 
 
 "No, Addison, you may take them. Stay; I 
 am keeping this letter, and will answer it myself. 
 Let me see the enclosure." 
 
 "I am afraid it has been passed through the ex- 
 changes; I handed the entry to the teller half-an- 
 hour ago." 
 
 "A cheque?" queried Dallas. 
 
 "No, sir; a letter of credit by a London Bank 
 on the Corporate Bank here." 
 
 "Was it quite in order with cheque attached?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Ascertain if the Exchange clerk has gone 
 out." 
 
 In two minutes Addison returned with tke docu- 
 ment in his hand. 
 
 The sub-accountant carefully examined the 
 cheque and endorsement. 
 
 Without a word, Dallas returned it to Addison, 
 and resumed his writing. 
 
 The letter of credit, innocently issued by a Lon- 
 don house on the other side of the world, perfunc- 
 torily made out, entered and signed without a 
 thought bestowed upon it more than is given to 
 many hundreds of its fellows bearing ttie same 
 date — came to Sydney, formed the beginning of a 
 chain of circumstances that led on to crime, mystery, 
 and the inevitable tragedy, which would assuredly 
 have taken a different direction and affected other 
 careers, had but Dallas passed that letter without 
 second scrutiny. 
 
 Yet the document was correct in itself. It 
 passed through the Exchanges, was compared with-
 
 COMING EVENTS 13 
 
 the advice by the Bills Payable clerk in the Cor- 
 porate Bank, was entered up in the books of the 
 department, and next morning was stamped "Paid," 
 tied up with the other vouchers paid on that day, 
 placed in the voucher-chamber, and so far as this 
 history is concerned, was never again inspected. 
 Yet it had winged its shaft. 
 
 A few days later, Dallas paused beside the **D" 
 Ledger. 
 
 "Show me the account of Grace Dalrymple." 
 
 With the promptness of an expert, the ledger- 
 keeper caused the huge ledger to open itself at the 
 required place. 
 
 The account already showed numerous trans- 
 actions to have passed. The sub-accountant glanced 
 at the heading of the account. 
 
 "Did you take this lady's signature?" 
 
 "No, sir, it came in a letter, written on an en- 
 closed slip of paper." 
 
 "Then, you are not aware of her occupation, 
 or if 'husband's authority' be advisable?" 
 
 "I am not, sir." 
 
 "Let me see the next few entries that reach 
 you." 
 
 "Cheques in favour of numbers," remarked 
 Dallas to himself, as he walked away. 
 
 Perhaps he was conscious of that vague sense 
 of presentiment which so often comes to men who 
 live under the influence of intense mental effort, and 
 felt he ought to have exercised the banker's usual 
 prudence, and ascertained somewhat more as to their 
 new constituent. Had the apparent straightforward- 
 ness of a letter lulled to rest the native cautiousness 
 of a Scotchman? 
 
 In the course of the day, the ledger-keeper pre- 
 sented two cheques to Dallas. He casually exam- 
 ined the face of the cheques, the marks, and stamp- 
 ings on the backs, and returned them to the clerk, 
 as though they betrayed nothing of note.
 
 14 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 As soon, however, as he had passed out from 
 the office, Dallas made certain notes in his private 
 diary. It was only a precautionary act, for in the 
 midst of the claims of scores of ordinary business 
 matters, it was not to be expected that his mind 
 would retain remembrance of trifling incidents, 
 while experience had taught him to take cognisance 
 of any circumstance, however slight, which bore 
 relation to transactions not finally closed. 
 
 When, throughout the day, distinct business mat- 
 ters need to be dealt with in turn, it is very neces- 
 sary to keep the mind disentangled, as it were, and 
 much of Dallas' success was due to his clearheaded- 
 ness in being able to pass on to subordinates such 
 details as did not call for his own immediate atten- 
 tion. He was thus never over-crowded in his work, 
 but always on the alert for the unforeseen, and pre- 
 pared to give thought and care to the weightier 
 matters which ever wait upon the judgment of the 
 chief officials. 
 
 In fact, Miss Dalrymple's account and its trans- 
 actions had passed from his mind, when soon after 
 three o'clock, the ledger-keeper, opening the door, 
 appeared with a deposit slip in his hand. 
 
 "You said, sir, you would like to see the entries 
 that were being passed through this new account." 
 
 Dallas took the slip, which represented a con- 
 siderable amount. On the back were enumerated 
 several cheques, forming part of the deposit. 
 
 "Obtain me all these cheques." 
 
 He resumed his writing as the clerk left the 
 room in order to trace the whereabouts of the 
 cheques before they should pass out of the Bank. 
 A few minutes later he placed them beside the sub- 
 accountant. 
 
 Dallas nonchalantly turned them over in his 
 hand, and gave them back to the clerk. "That is 
 all," he said; "the same to-morrow." 
 
 In the morning Dallas had detected the larger 
 of Miss Dalrymple's cheques to have come through
 
 COMING EVENTS 15 
 
 the Merchants' Bank, and that, now, one of the 
 cheques paid in by the lady was drawn by Morier 
 and Cie — a firm unknown to him — on the same bank. 
 He simply added a note to his diary, if need be, for 
 future reference, and then steadily disposed of the 
 work that had accumulated on his table. 
 
 An hour later, Dallas was walking down George- 
 street, and had absolutely forgotten the incident in 
 a crowd of other almost similar matters. He had 
 merely observed the usual caution followed out with 
 new constituents whose antecedents happen to be 
 unknown. And yet, a half-consciousness of having 
 forgotten something caused him several times to 
 pause in his walk and endeavour to recollect what 
 he may have overlooked. 
 
 It was the mystic touch of that undiscovered 
 force in the world connecting mind and matter, and 
 the events looming before him were conveying their 
 messages to the receptive mind by telegraphic touch, 
 which were faintly felt, but not understood. 
 
 Dallas had a wide acquaintance with Sydney 
 folk, such as one is wont to meet in the city in the 
 late afternoon. Officials, merchants, bankers, and 
 men of standing were now leaving their offices and 
 making their way homeward. A bow, a nod, or a 
 smile of recognition greeted almost every second 
 man he met, while more rarely he had the pleasure 
 of the always marked bow of the few ladies it was 
 his privilege to know. 
 
 Although a bachelor, Dallas was not a "society- 
 man," as the term is understood, and refrained, as 
 much as possible from accepting the too-lavish invi- 
 tations which were ready to be showered upon one 
 in his position who had already earned the acknow- 
 ledgment of ability. 
 
 Among a few families he was intimately re- 
 ceived, his sterling worth and quiet, unassuming 
 manner winning appreciation. At these houses he 
 was always glad to spend one or two evenings in 
 every week (thus varying the monotony of the
 
 16 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 lodging-house), for Dallas denied himself the luxury 
 of a club. 
 
 But a man who thus feels himself to be steadily 
 advancing his position in life, esteemed and sought 
 after by his fellows, and conscious of possessing the 
 judgment, the knowledge of men and things, and 
 the capacity for work necessary to fit him for the 
 highest posts, cannot be expected to have reached 
 the higher plane without feeling that natural am- 
 bition which bids him prepare himself for the still 
 more advanced office which comes in time to those 
 few who sedulously strive, and know how to wait. 
 
 Nor is it to be supposed that Dallas's life had 
 been uneventful. On the contrary, he had had a wide 
 experience (which, however, cannot be referred to 
 now), tending to develop to an unusual degree the 
 manliness of character until, at the present time, 
 we find him in the full strength and vigour of com- 
 paratively early manhood. 
 
 One has consummate confidence in oneself when 
 all the natural powers are strong, and everything 
 seems to be capable of accomplishment. It is the 
 gift of perfect manhood, and yet, imperceptibly, an 
 insignificant incident has been powerful enough to 
 disturb the mental equipoise. Is it really contended 
 than man can dissever himself from the influence 
 of the spiritual world within and around him? 
 Unconsciously Dallas was affected in mind, and 
 stirred by a vague sense of unrest, now he shunned 
 companionship and sought a quieter thoroughfare. 
 
 He passed up Hunter-street, turned along Mac- 
 quarie-street, entered the Domain, and, with easier 
 step, took the direction of the Fig-tree Avenue. In- 
 stinct felt for the briarwood in the one pocket, and 
 for the pouch in another. He was saying to himself 
 at the time how delightfully pleasant it was to stroll 
 in the shade of the trees, and pause to watch the 
 cricket-practice. Then the match struck, and the 
 fragrant cloud, light as the summer air, drifted 
 past on either side.
 
 COMING EVENTS --l 
 
 Past the gates of the Botanic Gardens, where 
 the impicturesque notice-board curtly states "No 
 Smoking Allowed;" past the brow of the hill which 
 reveals a glimpse of Woolloomooloo, with its houses 
 on the far hillside piled up like those of Naples, 
 and whence, too, one notes the vista of the long 
 waters of the harbour stretching down beyond 
 Bradley's Head to the far Gap, at the Heads; along 
 the crest with Woolloomooloo Bay spread out below, 
 and the tree-shrouded villas of the opposite shore 
 checking the further view; on and onward to the 
 point — Lady Macquarie's Chair — leisurely strolled 
 Keith Dallas, enjoying the last serene smoke that 
 the Fates had decreed should soothe the unburdened 
 mind. 
 
 Ah, me ! how often is it thus, that our Destiny 
 comes to us with a kindly regret, granting us a 
 tender last farewell of that which we most love, ere 
 it be taken from us for ever.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE BEGINNING OF EVENTS. 
 
 "His years are j'oung, but his experience old, 
 His head unmellov/ed, but his judgment ripe. 
 And, in a word (for far behind his worth 
 Come all the praises that I now bestow), 
 He is complete in feature as in mind, 
 With all good grace to grace a gentleman." 
 
 — "Two Gentlemen of Verona." 
 
 In Australian Banks, the post of sub-acconnt- 
 ant carries with it varying duties, and not infre- 
 quently its functions are adapted to the holder, for 
 the time being, of the position, rather than the ap- 
 pointment being made of the officer to the work. 
 
 Some few j^ears previously Dallas had been pro- 
 moted from the accountantship of a country branch 
 to his present office, and gradually a change had 
 taken place in the routine of his official work. 
 
 In the country branches the supervision of the 
 office is entrusted to the accountant, who being en- 
 couraged to make himself conversant with the inner 
 particulars of the business, in due time qualifies him- 
 self for the post of manager. It is during this period 
 that the man's qualifications betray themselves, and 
 his future career depends upon the degree of know- 
 ledge of men and things that he proves himself to 
 be capable of acquiring. Dallas's marked success 
 led to his transference to the Sydney office of the 
 Bank, where his Scotch qualities of shrewd insight 
 into business and penetration of character becoming 
 recognised both by the customers of the Bank and 
 the managing authorities, he found himself more
 
 THE BEGINNING OF EVENTS. 19 
 
 and more coming into contact with the public. 
 This naturally led to certain work, hitherto attended 
 to by the sub-accountant being transferred to the 
 heads of various departments, while Dallas under- 
 took many of the duties appertaining to the offices of 
 the manager and accountant. Of these duties, a 
 part has already been referred to, in the dealing with 
 such correspondence as he thought fit, and in his 
 sanctioning the payment of certain bills and cheques 
 upon his own responsibility. 
 
 With the public he had become popular by 
 reason of a certain coolness of temperament and 
 sauvity of manner, which constitute themselves in- 
 valuable adjuncts when one has interviews with all 
 sorts and conditions of men, and, moreover, many 
 of the letters and the notices of dishonour of 
 cheques and bills being signed by Keith Dallas in 
 clear handwriting, it naturally came about that his 
 name became familiar with all the customers of the 
 Bank . 
 
 Hence it happened on the following afternoon 
 that a notice of dishonour of a cheque, with answer 
 "effects not cleared," was submitted to Dallas for 
 signature. The cheque had been paid in by Grace 
 Dalrj^mple. 
 
 Beyond cautioning the ledger-keeper against 
 paying Grace Dalrymple's cheques before ascertain- 
 ing her deposits to be "cleared," Dallas took no 
 further notice of the matter. He had observed that 
 the unpaid cheque was drawn by Morier and Cie, 
 and at once concluded his half-formed suspicions 
 to be correct, and that this new customer was — like 
 so many others — initiating a mushroom business 
 "on credit," and, as usual, had to seek credit with 
 new and weak firms. 
 
 "It is a mistake," repeated Dallas to himself, 
 in his decided way, "to allow a customer to open 
 an account without first being personally seen, and 
 some knowledge gleaned as to means. We shall 
 need now to keep incessant watch on another
 
 20 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 troublesome account, for, I suppose, that first de- 
 posit of seventy-five pounds represented her entire 
 capital. Pest ! ' ' 
 
 Dallas was banging his books and papers into 
 his safe while this thought passed through his mind, 
 and as he uttered the last word aloud, as a vent to 
 his feelings, he viciously flung-to the heavy iron door 
 with somewhat of a crash. 
 
 Having turned his key in the lock, he ascended 
 to the dressing-room. Here v/as the usual hubbut) 
 consequent upon the presence of some half-score of 
 men, whose play-hour had come, and who, while 
 going through the various evolutions pertaining to 
 the dressing-room, gave vent to those ebullitions of 
 gay humour which to the outsider seem to invest 
 the bank clerk's profession with an insouciance 
 not discoverable in other paths of life. 
 
 Dallas's advent made no difference in the ban- 
 dying of words, for men of his calibre do not find 
 it necessary to "stand upon their dignity," and he 
 was wont to take in good part the half-sly joke it 
 was impossible to resist aiming at him. 
 
 "Has anyone heard yet that Dallas thinks of 
 getting married?" asked one — Heselton by name — 
 as the gentleman in question passed out of ear-shot. 
 
 "Dallas marry!" quoth another. "More likely 
 to marry a bank, as a nun marries heaven." 
 
 "Ah, yes," chimed in a third; "I was just so, 
 before I married — bad luck to it!" 
 
 "Everett is counting up his chickens," re- 
 marked another. 
 
 "There will be some fun soon, said one, who 
 was none other than Ledger-keeper "D." "Dallas 
 has taken an 'edge' against a new account; it seems 
 a bit 'shady,' and as soon as it overdraws, then — 
 dishonour for the cheque." 
 
 "Why not? Where does the joke come in?" 
 
 "Well, the account belongs to a lady, and my 
 belief is, she has money." 
 
 "Ah! what is her name?"
 
 THE BEGINNING OF EVENTS. 21 
 
 "She ■will tackle Dallas for an explanation," 
 persisted Ledger-keeper "D." 
 
 "Well, you can propose that he shall make the 
 'amende honorable' by marrying her, and relieve 
 Heselton's anxiet3^" 
 
 "But, who is the lady?" 
 
 "Miss Grace Dalrymple," replied Ledger-keep- 
 er "D," his head emerging from the towel. 
 
 ' ' Grace Dalrymple ! ' ' repeated Everett the re- 
 ceiving-teller. "I remember, — I took her deposit 
 to-day. Fine woman, I remember — ah!" 
 
 "IIullo, Everett, what took place? Is she a 
 handsome woman, eh?" 
 
 "All. I was busy at the time . . . but — she 
 knows her business," he added, meditatively. 
 
 "Well, it will be warm for Dallas when he re- 
 fuses to pay her cheque," opined Ledger-keeper 
 "D," as he worked himself into his coat, and 
 slammed his way out the door, 
 
 "Who is the lady, Everett?" whispered Hesel- 
 ton; "fine woman, eh? Has she money?" 
 
 "My friend, you may ask Dallas; you may be 
 sure he knows all about her; but j^ou had better 
 hurry up, old man, for Dallas won't wait for you." 
 And Everett departed. 
 
 There was already a generally deserted look in 
 the erstwhile busy, bustling banking-chamber, des- 
 pite the fact that many of the clerks were still work- 
 ing, while the messengers were engaged sweeping 
 the floors, dusting the desks, filling inkstands, and 
 putting all things in order for next day's business. 
 The hours of vigorous brainful work were over, and 
 light-heartedly every one was departing for his 
 home, to live a different life for the next two-thirds 
 of the twenty-four hours. 
 
 Dallas spent the evening at Her Majesty's 
 Theatre. Instinctively he sought relief in the stir- 
 ring sensation of London drama. A Scotch youth 
 who had grown up on the heaths of the North, 
 strong in limb and constitution, keen as to sport, un-
 
 22 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 impassioned, cool-headed, comes to London like a 
 typical hero to make his fortune. He meets the in- 
 evitable adventuress, handsome, brilliant, dashing — 
 and unscrupulous. The usual strife between head 
 and heart, the one backed by an empty purse, the 
 other swelling with new life feels able to win the 
 whole world. They marry on anticipations, for the 
 head yields to the the omnipotent heart. A rude 
 awakening to the prosaic necessities of life. Then, 
 to get money. What are youth, beauty, and charms 
 to a woman without money, without position? She 
 feels life is passing without its triumphs. Should 
 the man gratify the wife's ambition? AVait! **Cui 
 bono?" Of what use is money, when the long years 
 of waiting have taken sweetness from life? Now, 
 now; it is wanted now. The pleasures of middle 
 age, forsooth! Are all these gifts and graces given 
 only to be wasted ? Distracted love with the longing 
 to please; the fierce endeavour to work and win 
 spending itself in vain. The vanity of human ef- 
 fort! Then, the post of trust; the wish, the half- 
 suggestion, the strong character sapped by inde- 
 cision 
 
 Dallas could await no more. Moved by a sud- 
 den impulse, he left his seat, made his way to the 
 door, passed down the quiet stairs into the full light 
 of the spacious entrance lobby. 
 
 In Pitt-street, the usual saunterers were passing 
 up and down. He turned into jMarket-street, walk- 
 ing quickly. He paused at Elizabeth-street to allow 
 two trams to pass — the incoming one empty, the out- 
 going nearly so. He crossed into Hyde Park, 
 and struck off from the path across the grass. He 
 stopped, half-turned, and bared his head to the night 
 air. 
 
 "I could not stand that sort of thing," he said. 
 The drama having been brilliantly staged, the con- 
 trasts of wealth and poverty depicted realism, fo- 
 eussed to the mental grasp, in a vivid object lesson.
 
 THE BEGINNING OF EVENTS. 23 
 
 It indicated the power with which temptation could 
 invest itself. 
 
 Dallas could not shut out the picture, it clung 
 about him. His earnest nature did not permit a 
 thought, a scene, an impression to be lightly put 
 aside. Ideas came to stay with him. 
 
 He strode through the grass, across the central 
 avenue to the open sward beyond. There, on the 
 crest of the ridge, he looked down upon the myriads 
 of lights which seem to tell of the vast hive of 
 beings who pack the densely-housed hollows of 
 Woolloomooloo. 
 
 It was a striking scene, not without majesty, as 
 he looked from the grand pile of the Museum, which 
 towered its classic facade upon his right, across the 
 valley to where the heights of Darlinghurst reared 
 up their many lighted windows, house upon house, 
 mansion above mansion. The great Cathedral of 
 St. Mary's stood up upon the left hand. A noble 
 scene, exercising potent influence upon the mind, 
 acted as a counterpoise to the other scene of human 
 passion, with its strength and its weakness. 
 
 His equanimity returned. Unconsciously his 
 hand sought out the companionable pipe, and before 
 ten minutes had passed he resumed his walk, lei- 
 surely st: oiling down William-street, glancing with 
 even mind into the shop windows, which, one by 
 one, were being closed for the night. He ascended 
 the steep incline, passed along Darlinghurst-road, 
 and turning into Macleay-street, arrived at the door 
 of his lodgings. 
 
 Has one ever felt that sense of uneasiness which 
 clings to the mind, faint, vague, yet perceptible? 
 
 In the morning, Dallas wondered at having 
 slept later than usual. He breakfasted hurriedly, 
 and then walked down to the Bank. 
 
 The routine of the day's work began and pro- 
 ceeded as usual. Ten o'clock struck; the doors open- 
 ed. He had passed the bills and cheques of the first 
 exchange which the ledger-keepers had referred to
 
 ,WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 him, and having finished his customary perusal of 
 the correspondence, was in the act of taking his 
 papers out of the basket-tray, when the messenger 
 appeared at the open door. 
 
 "You will find Mr. Dallas within, ma'am," he 
 said, and he stood aside to allow a lady to enter.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 
 
 "In life there are meetings which seem like fate." 
 
 — Owen Meredith. 
 
 "Mr. Dallas, I presume," the lady said, glancing 
 as she spoke at a half-opened paper she held in her 
 hand. 
 
 The grace of manner delighted the sub-account- 
 ant, who, rising to receive his visitor, moved round 
 the table to place a chair for her nearer the side 
 of the desk. 
 
 The lady, an utter stranger to him, was tall, 
 remarkably well-dressed, and distinguished looking. 
 She appeared an embodiment of one of those touches 
 of romance that now and again come to vary the 
 hard, matter-of-fact routine of city business. 
 
 "Some wealthy constituent who wishes for ad- 
 vice as to investing surplus money," conjectured 
 Dallas, as he slowly resumed his seat. 
 
 "I regret to have received this communication 
 this morning," she began without hesitation, and at 
 the same time handing Dallas the paper she held in 
 her hand. 
 
 A glance showed him it was a notice of dis- 
 honour. Instantly his eyes sought the name of the 
 addressee. 
 
 "Miss Grace Dalrymple." He betrayed sur- 
 prise, which did not escape notice. 
 
 "Are you aware of any peculiarity'' in the cir- 
 cumstances, if I may be allowed to ask?" she ques- 
 tioned somewhat quickly. 
 
 But Dallas had recovered his composure.
 
 26 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "It depends entirely upon the nature of the 
 transaction. If it be private, yes; but if a business 
 matter, well, perhaps, no." 
 
 "It is both." 
 
 "Then, it would hardly be safe to hazard an 
 opinion." 
 
 "But it is most important to me. As soon as I 
 received this notice from you I hurried to Messrs. 
 Morier et Compaguie, and they were most indignant 
 that their bankers should have felt themselves called 
 upon to express doubt. They tell me they have 
 asked for no accommodation." 
 
 "Possibly they are quite a new firm?" 
 
 "Yes, but well accredited, I understand." 
 
 "It is important to you," said Dallas, after a 
 pause, "because you accept many cheques from 
 them, and you naturally think this Bank will, per- 
 haps, not care to honour your cheques until those 
 drawn by '^Morier and Cie,,' and passed into your 
 credit, have been paid." 
 
 Precisely so, but still more, it is doubtful if I 
 should continue to entertain transactions with 
 them." 
 
 "Then I ought to cause full enquiries to be 
 made as to their position and antecedents." 
 
 A shade of sudden alarm seemed to pass over 
 the expression of her face. Dallas's eyes were rest- 
 ing upon her partly in study, partly in conjecture as 
 to the nature of her business, and secretly in admira- 
 tion as to her handsome countenance, full of charac- 
 ter and intelligence. The passing shadow upon her 
 face startled him. There was something concealed. 
 But her manner was quite unchanged; she was not 
 one to give evidence of thought or feeling beyond 
 whatever her words and movements might choose 
 to indicate. She spoke, too, with a courtliness re- 
 miniscent of another sphere of life, and oddly con- 
 trasting with the subject matter of their present 
 conversation. 
 
 "I would prefer you not to do so, at all events,
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 27 
 
 for the present. Yon do not, of eonrse, understand 
 my position. As a matter-of-fact, being known only 
 to this firm, and the principals in London, I am in 
 a measure dependent upon their good offices for 
 the furtherance of my own business. Should they 
 ascertain that I have been instituting inquiries, they 
 would probably intimate a connection to be no 
 longer desirable." 
 
 Dallas bowed. 
 
 "Perhaps," she continued, "you might deem it 
 proper for me to disclose my especial business, on ac- 
 count of being one of your constituents, and if you 
 desire it, I will do so, but, at the same time, I frankly 
 confess my reluctance to broach the subject." 
 
 "It is the usual course. Madam, but in this in- 
 stance, there appears to be no reason for me to urge 
 any such step." 
 
 "Thank you," she replied, "but I wish to keep 
 my own counsel, simply because a necessary condi- 
 tion consists in my being able to frequent the so- 
 ciety of fashion, and this privilege would be lost, 
 were it to become known that I had any connection 
 with a millinery firm. I am speaking thus confi- 
 dentially with you, but I had hoped to have been 
 able to have conducted my banking affairs without 
 attracting the Bank's attention, but, of course, this 
 unpaid cheque rendered it necessary for me to see 
 you, in order to ascertain the exact footing upon 
 which in future the account will stand in your 
 eyes. ' ' 
 
 "I thank you for j^our confidence, which, of 
 course, will not in any v\'ay be taken advantage of. 
 As to the account, I wnll myself take care that it be 
 duly protected, and if any adverse circumstance 
 should arise, I will venture to communicate with 
 you immediately. If I recollect aright, your ad- 
 dress is the Carlton Hotel, Wemyss Street." 
 
 "I am more obliged than I can tell you. It is 
 precisely the favour I should have wished to ask of 
 you."
 
 28 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Saying these words, Miss DalrjTiiple rose from 
 her chair. 
 
 "As she lingered a moment, there appeared to 
 be a gracefulness — a willowy-ness — of motion. The 
 freedom from constraint in her attitude imparted a 
 sense of confidence both in herself, and in Dallas. 
 To him, her deportment idealized the elegance one 
 cannot disassociate from "form." He was im- 
 pressed; possibly the difference as to other visitors 
 who usually interviewed him, commended itself to 
 his best instincts. 
 
 He held open the door, and she passed out M'ith 
 a pleasant glance and a smile. 
 
 "Good morning, Mr. Dallas." 
 
 Then he sat down again, and resumed his work 
 — as soon as he succeeded in recollecting that this 
 mundane duty called arbitrarily for fulfilment. 
 
 What momentous influences may shape them- 
 selves in a few minutes! 
 
 Nor could Dallas conceal from himself the con- 
 sciousness that not one of the many thousand people 
 whom he had met, had ever affected him in like de- 
 gree. His visitor had presented all the traits of an 
 ideal personage. Her candour and treatment of 
 him, at once as her superior in business, and yet as 
 a gentleman, her equal, flattered his inmost nature, 
 while her unmistakable aptitude for business-dealing 
 compelled his admiration. But it was upon her dis- 
 tinguished beauty and charm of manner that, after 
 all, the thoughts of the man loved to dwell. Accus- 
 tomed as he had been for years to see new people 
 every day, wnth absolute unconcern, noAv, the experi- 
 ence of the last ten minutes came to him as a revela- 
 tion. He had never conceived it to be possible for a 
 fellow-being to be so possessed of attractiveness due 
 to charming personality. Perhaps, it was only af- 
 finity, but the foundation was laid upon which love 
 builds his phantasy. 
 
 It needed positive effort for Dallas to withdraw
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 29 
 
 his thoughts and concentrate them upon the dry, 
 prosaic matters in hand. 
 
 Possibly it is immersion in such subjects 
 which tends to create appreciation of the romantic. 
 
 Still, several times during the day, he was wont 
 to see a lady's face appearing between him and the 
 paper as he wrote, and it is not unlikely certain 
 incoherencies of expression betrayed themselves in 
 his diction, and would have occasioned astonishment, 
 had anyone familiar with Dallas's terse, lucid style 
 chanced to peruse the communication. 
 
 But visions, be they never so bright, seem to 
 lose their vividness in the midst of the unbending 
 routine of daily business. 
 
 The daj's passed. 
 
 As the doctrines of Love and Matrimony were 
 among Dallas's negligences and ignorances, it can 
 be understood that a short business interview of 
 ten minutes was quite insufficient for the ingrafting 
 of the seed. If it chanced to have grown during the 
 immediately succeeding hours, it was certainly 
 choked with the cares of the next day. 
 
 And thus his mind returned to its normal state 
 of level-headedness. 
 
 Dallas usually left his office about five o'clock 
 in the afternoon, and was accustomed to saunter 
 for an hour through the parks, or to cross the water 
 in one of the quick-running ferry steamers, before 
 betaking himself to his lodgings for dinner. Some 
 six or eight gentlemen of fair standing in the city 
 afforded congenial companionship, and after the 
 dinner hour, he not infrequently preferred to spend 
 part of the evening in the smoking-room. Occa- 
 sionally he visited for an hour the house of a friend; 
 but oftener, having conversed so much during the 
 day, to become ensconced in a comfortable chair for 
 an evening's reading, appeared in the light of a re- 
 creation. 
 
 But one afternoon he turned down George
 
 30 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Street, and, walking leisurely, entered at length the 
 music shop of Hallam and Co. 
 
 The previous evening, the niece of a very old 
 friend having referred to a certain piece of music — 
 just out — which a letter from a girl friend in Eng- 
 land had characterized as "ravishing," led Dallas 
 to seek to gratify her wish. 
 
 Several people were either sitting or standing 
 at the counter, turning over the sheets of music. 
 
 Proceeding to fill up the widest gap that ap- 
 peared, Dallas asked the attendant for the "Polish 
 Dance," by Schawanka. 
 
 ""We both appear to be buying the same piece, 
 I have the music here." 
 
 Dallas almost started. Beside him was Miss 
 Dalrymple. 
 
 "I am pleased to hear of such confirmation of 
 my choice." 
 
 "I am tempted, however, on my part, to ques- 
 tion whether you are selecting music for yourself. ' ' 
 
 Dallas half smiled at the trait of feminine per- 
 ception. 
 
 "I suppose there must be a species of free- 
 masonry among musicians," he hazarded. 
 
 "You are quite right," she returned, "we 
 always know who are given to the gentle art, and — 
 we can also determine the professional from the 
 amateur. ' ' 
 
 Dallas saw that she divined his mild effort at 
 probing her secret, and that she deftly turned aside 
 the shaft. 
 
 Taking their music rolls, they left Hallam 's, 
 chatting about all manner of things. 
 
 "Whenever the Mail brings in new music of a 
 sensational or startling character, it is always put 
 aside for me," she explained laughingl3^ "In fact, 
 it is to be feared my music account surpasses the 
 traditional milliner's 1)ill." 
 
 "Then yours is an example of extraordinary 
 devotion. ' '
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 31 
 
 "Ah, yes, it has need to be so. I practice dur- 
 ing two hours daily." 
 
 "And people live in the same house?" he 
 queried. 
 
 "Yes, all around me; but, then, I am considerate 
 enough to choose a time when others may be least 
 disturbed. ' ' 
 
 "And is the practice devoted to learning these 
 new, sensational and startling masterpieces?" 
 
 The tinge of raillery in the words was far from 
 displeasing to her. It suggested a sense of humour 
 one would hardly have looked for in Dallas. 
 
 ' ' "Well, you know, music is the golden key which 
 opens the drawing-rooms of society. As you already 
 understand, it is, therefore, necessary for the pro- 
 motion of my interests. And it is also equally 
 necessary that the selections should be novel. To 
 hear one of my pieces rendered by another, is the 
 signal for me to revisit Hallam's." 
 
 "Then, you do not count the two hours of work 
 a labour of love?" 
 
 "Yes, of course, one loves everything one has 
 to care for." 
 
 Dallas laughed easily. Vivacity in another is 
 pleasant after a crowded day's work. 
 
 "I confess," he said, "I feel a desire to hear 
 you play. I hope such pleasure will soon be mine." 
 
 "Undoubtedly," she remarked complacently, 
 "although there is doubt as to your appreciating 
 my style. You are not musical." 
 
 "I had not admitted so much of the truth," 
 quoth Dallas, 
 
 "No, but you forget the freemasonry of musi- 
 cians." 
 
 "True. Hence I must trust to a sympathetic 
 bond, equally effectual, being discovered in some 
 other respect." 
 
 "Quite so, but might you not already claim 
 knowledge of the existence of such bond?"
 
 32 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY, 
 
 "It is mine, rather, to admit that you are more 
 skilled than myself to detect resemblances." 
 
 "Some advantages must be allotted to woman." 
 
 From the moment of the first interview Dallas 
 had become interested. It was also evident that 
 there was no intention to allow this interest to disap- 
 pear. In every circumstance, she commanded at- 
 tention; for this woman of the world possessed the 
 fascination of intellect. A studied conversationalist, 
 she yet appeared to draw her inspiration from the 
 minds of others, divining with sympathetic insight 
 the originality of their thought, and in inviting into 
 prominence the peculiarity and beauty of each char- 
 acter, rendered their personality delightful. Even 
 Dallas's close nature seemed ready to open itself, 
 and as they talked, there came something of a glad- 
 dening sensation; the groove of every-day thought 
 being left behind, the dormant life and energy of a 
 forceful intelligence awakened into a delight of its 
 own, in response to the power of attraction possessed 
 by her own cultured individuality. 
 
 One develops under a sense of appreciation. 
 The refinement of a manly nature found the oppor- 
 tunity for its expression, as the conversation, touch- 
 ing upon one subject after another, left the interest 
 in each still unexhausted. 
 
 The time passed quickly, although they walked 
 but very slowly. They had continued along George 
 Street as far as Bridge Street, whence they ascended 
 past the Exchange, and past the majestic piles of 
 architecture devoted to the different Departments of 
 the Public Service, which form a fitting adornment 
 of a city, and worthy of the future yet to be. 
 
 A street still full of historic trees and stones 
 and memories of those far-off "early days" upon 
 which, even from the present vantage point of time, 
 it seems so strange to look back. 
 
 With such subjects as the scene would call up 
 it is conceivable that Dallas was given an oppor- 
 tunity, which in his, then, frame of mind, needed
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 33 
 
 nothing more to render his companionship as at- 
 tractive as her own had become to him. 
 
 To Miss Dalrymple this was all new knowledge, 
 and that which makes dry reading in the pages of 
 history, takes to itself a different grace, when 
 studied in connection with a narrator gifted with 
 the power to please. 
 
 Then they crossed Maequarie Street, pausing 
 again to admire the facade of the Government 
 offices, and, entering the side gate of the Botanic 
 Oardens, they ascended the slight incline — the su- 
 perb situation of which had formerh' led to its 
 having been chosen for the location of the Exhibi- 
 tion Building of 1879. 
 
 "What a sad loss!" Miss Dalrymple exclaimed, 
 alluding to its destruction by fire. 
 
 "Yes, but it gave us back our view," assented 
 Dallas laconically, as he complacently regarded the 
 fair scene of woodland, garden, shore and water. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple laughed lightly. 
 
 "Do you know," she said, turning towards him, 
 ^'you are one of the most fortunate peoples on the 
 face of the earth, and you know also how to ap- 
 preciate your good fortun-e, I ought to add. No- 
 where are there such lovely parks and gardens as 
 in Australian cities. I admire them more than any 
 other feature. The care they have received makes 
 the omission of tree-planting in the streets seem all 
 the stranger oversight. The elm-trees of Melbourne, 
 and the oaks of Sydney, are like old friends to me. 
 I am fond of trees. Had I not elected to be a — 
 musician, let us saj^ — I think I should have studied 
 ivoodcraft." 
 
 "Why not both? One alwaj's follows two 
 professions." 
 
 "Two professions! Why do you say 'two pro- 
 fessions?' " and she made the quick movement of 
 the head which he had already noticed. 
 
 "I mean the profession which forms the serious 
 study of our life, and the other, our recreation, to 
 c
 
 34 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. s 
 
 check the rigidity which would otherwise overtake 
 our natures, were we to sell ourselves absolutely to 
 one aim and endeavour in life." 
 
 "All!" 
 
 "It was now Dallas who turned quickly to his 
 companion. There was a world of meaning in the 
 exclamation. 
 
 She was looking down upon the fleet ot Avar 
 vessels lying cosily at anchor in Farm Cove. Her 
 parasol, thrown backwards to ward off the setting 
 sun, rested upon her shoulder; she slowly twirled 
 it, the somewhat strong but shapely fingers delicate- 
 ly caressing the handle. 
 
 But she appeared unconscious of his enquiring 
 glance. 
 
 "I suppose," resumed Dallas, half -lazily, 
 "ladies do not trouble to elevate money-or-position- 
 earning attributes to the rank of professions?" 
 
 A swift momentary glance escaned her. 
 
 Dallas noticed it. 
 
 Of what was she thinking? Did she imagine 
 Dallas's words to be directed against herself? 
 
 "They do!" she said suddenly. "Women have 
 ambitions as well as men, aye, every whit as keen. 
 Is it to be thought, for a moment, that as young girls 
 we enter upon the hard, serious training of many 
 years, to seek to perfect ourselves, Avithout having 
 before us an object kept steadily in view? It is 
 always possible for educated AA^omen to marry — 
 such as any daj' they may choose. But do you sup- 
 pose they ncA^er look beyond, never count up the 
 cost, never consider AA^hat loss it means to surrender 
 all their many j^ears of training and self culture, by 
 means of Avhich they had reckoned upon earning a 
 name for themseh^es in the AA'orld's annals? But 
 if burdened AAdth household duties, AA^hat hope re- 
 2nains to the accomplished Avoman of AAnnning fame? 
 Ah ! the great mass of people do not yet comprehend 
 hoAv an increasingly large number of AA^omen are 
 developing 'ambition,' as you term it, and more
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 35 
 
 and more, every decade, will their influence be felt 
 in public affairs, and that influence, moreover, will 
 be on the good side of things." 
 
 "I am quite ready to admit the superiority of 
 women," prosaically replied Dallas, "and, speaking 
 from personal experience, they have often wonder- 
 ful heads for business, at all events, for seeing 
 where their interests are concerned, but I think such 
 has been characteristic throughout all ages." 
 
 Miss Dalrymple laughed as she looked towards 
 Dallas, her eyelids half drooping. She liked this 
 man. He was stolid, so matter-of-fact, innocent of 
 sentiment, but alert in business, just like a man — "a 
 woman's man" — and his speech tempered with a 
 dry "half -humour" — :if such term can be permitted 
 — that one never knew when an odd saying would 
 betray itself. He formed a new study for her. 
 
 When women have reached the maturity of 
 youth they need deeper pleasures than those which 
 were wont to delight them in their teens. There 
 comes a craving to satisfy their intellect, to revel 
 in the wit of words, to note the fruits of experience 
 in the opinions of added years, to perceive evidences 
 of ripened judgment, and weighed knov/ledge. The 
 enjoyment of the beauty of form and colour yields 
 place to the supremacy of mental powers and en- 
 dowments. Girlish love is succeeded, perhaps, by 
 the strong passion of the woman. Feeling, emotion, 
 the very sense of enjoyment, all become deepened 
 and intensified. The study of character, then, lends 
 a charm to conversation that did not exist in earlier 
 years, before had grown the power to estimate 
 true value. A woman's love has to be won — against 
 her will, as it were — not attracted like the quick 
 fancy of the girl. 
 
 Grace Dalrymple understood Dallas, and ap- 
 preciated him as a true and honourable gentleman. 
 But she also recognised that he quite failed to com- 
 prehend anything of her character. How is it pos- 
 sible to understand the clever woman who handles
 
 36 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 herself with ease, in the manoeuvres of conversa- 
 tional intercourse? And the zest that is hers when 
 she feels she leads on the contest from the vantage 
 ground of deeper insight? 
 
 "Men have not yet grown enthusiastic over the 
 larger life of women," she returned, as they con- 
 tinued their steps towards the upper entrance, "and, 
 perhaps, it is well. Were we to seek too early the 
 responsibilities of public life, the strain might be 
 over severe. But as each year sees a further ad- 
 vance steadily made, there can be but one result in 
 time. That result — the absolute equality of both 
 sexes in the possession of social and political rights, 
 may not be in our generation, but it will be. 
 Now, our paths diverge here. I am due at the 
 Domain Terrace, and I will leave you to cogitate 
 as to its being the wisest course to accept the inevit- 
 able with a good grace, and become voluntarily a 
 champion of women's rights. They will come, you 
 know. — Good-bye. ' ' 
 
 A bow, given with the ease of an accomplished 
 lady, and the pleasant smile of a charming woman. 
 
 Dallas lifted his hat. He did not attempt to 
 analyse his thoughts as he watched the graceful 
 movement of her form, leisurely retreating along 
 the path leading to the Terrace. 
 
 Dallas had not moved five yards from the spot 
 where they separated, when he observed her unfas- 
 ten the gate of one of the houses and pass within. 
 
 But she gave no glance in his direction. 
 
 "With one's usual instinct in such circumstances, 
 Dallas's hand sought for the pipe and pouch. 
 Thoughtfully did he appear to fill the bowl as he 
 slowly passed down the Avenue. As he blew the 
 first cloud of smoke he took his pipe out of his 
 mouth, looked at it, as though admiring its shape, 
 and then replaced it. 
 
 lie made no comment to himself, but appeared 
 to interest himself in outside things. He noticed 
 the child tumbling backward over a perambulator —
 
 LEADING ONWARDS TO APPRECIATION. 37 
 
 the rush of the nurse to pick it up. The dashing 
 dogcart and tandem that passed on the outer drive, 
 The two man-of-war sailors bestriding two livery 
 hacks tearing down the road. The pair of sweet- 
 hearts drifting along the opposite path. 
 
 But when he passed them all, he had recollec- 
 tion of none of them. 
 
 Of what was his mind thinking? 
 
 Twenty minutes elapsed before he reached 
 home. Twenty minutes spent in the busy thronged 
 thoroughfares of Woolloomooloo and Darlinghurst. 
 He remembered nothing of it. 
 
 The dinner hour came with its interval of un- 
 ceasing talk, and restored him to his sense of outer 
 things. But, later on, as he seated himself in an 
 armchair in the smoking-room, facing the open win- 
 dow, so that the light from the chandelier might 
 fall upon the pages of the book he held open in 
 his hands, his thoughts once more began to stray. 
 He read the words without comprehending their 
 meaning, until, finding he had lost the thread, he 
 commenced to read again. An unsolved idea was 
 present with him, becoming vague and more vague, 
 until an undefinable feeling troubled his brain. A 
 sensation that eluded being grasped had settled it- 
 self there. 
 
 But sleep has a wonderful fashion of banishing 
 phantasmal wanderings to their proper realms. It 
 is difficult to wake up in the bright, fresh morn- 
 ings, and find oneself to be still haunted by those ill- 
 shaped conceptions which are apt to win undue 
 prominence in the over-tired imagination.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 
 
 "Music washes away from the soul the dust of every- 
 day life." — Auerbach. 
 
 Nature intended Dallas for the niche in life 
 which he filled. Without being an enthusiast, he 
 was withal steadily devoted to his profession, and 
 fortune has but one reward to give to faithful de- 
 votees. Without any apparent aiming at promotion, 
 yet he seemed to be always the man at hand who 
 was wanted. 
 
 Success in one respect seems in people's esti- 
 mation to present an unanswerable argument for 
 corresponding gifts of attainment in everj^ other en- 
 deavour. Naturally the resultant circle of friends 
 were ever at pains to exploit those qualities, which 
 needed but opportunity to develop indefinite expan- 
 sion. 
 
 It is perhaps as difficult for some men to pre- 
 serve seclusion, as for others to emerge therefrom, 
 and when, in addition to other qualifications, one is 
 found to be still a bachelor, and on the high-road 
 to become — in people's estimation — nothing less than 
 General Manager of the Bank, it can be understood 
 that hostesses become numerous. An irreproach- 
 able private life, and certain sociable good qualities 
 seem to promise in advance just that kind of bril- 
 liant "open house" which presents to the feminine 
 mind the high ideal of married life to be attained 
 by every mother's daughter. Women love to read 
 about a state of being they never arrive at, but be- 
 lieve, nevertheless, it is in store for their daughters.
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 39 
 
 There is no doubt whatever but that this state 
 of being exists. That it is never found is simply 
 the individual's misfortune. But young girls may 
 not see with the experienced eyes of matrons, who 
 have long since graduated in the sweet failing of 
 giving rein to fancy, and reaping the worldly trou- 
 bles consequent upon making an unworldly mar- 
 riage. 
 
 Is it, therefore, to be wondered at, that, wis- 
 dom-taught, the mother should seek to save the 
 daughters from the error that marked her own heed- 
 lessness, and strive to fan the gentle flame of love 
 only in the presence of an eligible ''parti?" 
 
 But mothers and daughters will insist upon 
 viewing the eligible "parti" wath different eyes. 
 Like still loves to mate with like. 
 
 The inability to "talk nonsense" placed Dallas 
 at a disadvantage compared with even his youngest 
 clerk, and possibly had militated against his matri- 
 monial prospects. He lacked the "taking bon- 
 homie" and gaiety of spirit which commends the 
 suitor to the lady's favour. 
 
 It needs material perspicuity to connect the 
 sober-visaged man wath the brilliant entertainment 
 of the fashion-thronged mansion. 
 
 And surely Dallas never pictured it. But then 
 he was not yet married. 
 
 It is not to be supposed, that Dallas never ad- 
 mitted to himself the soft impeachment that he felt 
 flattered at some casual instance of feminine regard. 
 The pity of it is, it went no further. Already has 
 been noticed the incident of his gratifying a young 
 lady's wish in the matter — so very commonly fol- 
 lowed — of his music-offering. The detailed narra- 
 tion of its reception has been omitted, but that may 
 pass. 
 
 The young lady was an inmate — not the daugh- 
 ter — of the house at which Dallas most often visited. 
 Mr. Justice Jerome, while still a struggling barris- 
 ter, had married, taking for his wife the early friend
 
 40 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 of Dallas's mother. Doubtless, old friendship would 
 have caused Mrs. Justice Jerome to have been de- 
 lighted had one of her own daughters chosen to 
 perpetuate the alliance. But they had all married 
 in marvellous succession. To fill the void, and 
 possibly to maintain the reputation of her house for 
 its attractiveness, Mrs. Jerome interested herself 
 in her nieces, for one of whom. Miss Julia D'Arcy, 
 Dallas had committed himself to the act of buying 
 music. This trifling event was shortly afterwards 
 succeeded by the despatch abroad of a series of 
 daintily-written cards conveying intimation of a 
 ''musical evening" about to be given in honour of 
 Ivliss D'Arcy 's coming of age — a form of entertain- 
 ment more difficult of successful accomplishment 
 than the ordinary dance, which is able to conduct 
 itself. But the "At Home" found favour with 
 Mrs. Jerome. She excelled in the tactical skill 
 needed to concentrate the proper constituent units, 
 and was able to marshal the array of talent with a 
 generalship that led each performer to believe that 
 excellence had been attained. 
 
 But it needed imflagging zeal. 
 
 The house was remarkablj'' well adapted to the 
 pi'.rpose, while the adjuncts attested the capabilities 
 of an half-acre allotment. 
 
 Entering from a certain street which gives ac- 
 cess to so many houses of the wealthy, one found 
 a somewhat small garden of the usual correct order. 
 It v'as just sufficient in space to enable the residence 
 to be properly removed from the entrance. One ad- 
 mired the solid, two-storey stuccoed house, the right 
 side taken up with a large, square "bow-window," 
 the left, with a wide colonnade which swept round 
 the side and along the second front overlooking the 
 harbour, forming a most estimable promenade, lit 
 up at night with Wenham lights. The entrance-hall 
 traversing the building, connected the colonnade, 
 and encircled the double drawing-rooms, whose win- 
 dows on every side opened out upon the promenade.
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 41 
 
 Surely, the daughters of the household were con- 
 sulted when the architect framed his design. The 
 right-hand portion of the ground floor contained the 
 Judge's library, the ladies' sitting-room, and the 
 large dining-room, along the water-view front of 
 which the colonnade extended. A side passage run- 
 ning at right angles with the entrance-hall, led to 
 the staircase, and also to that mysterious recessed 
 part of the household whence originates the motive 
 power that is indispensable to its well-being. 
 
 From the colonnade on the harbour-front one 
 looked down upon the inevitable garden. Immedi- 
 ately in the foreground was, as a matter of course, 
 the tennis-lawn, with a vine-trellis at either end to 
 minimise the work of exploration after lost balls. 
 Behind the trellises was sufficient space for the 
 growth of trees, while here and there, odd corners 
 lent themselves to the gaiet}^ of the flowers of each 
 season. 
 
 On the farther side of the lawn, an embankment 
 curved itself outwards, adding a largeness of form 
 which deceived the eye. Behind the embankment 
 rose up two or three specimens of the palm, their 
 outlines relieved against the waters of the harbour, 
 and giving the outlook quite a semi-tropical charac- 
 ter. To wander in their direction invited surprise 
 by discovering the boundary of the estate. Some 
 distance below, the water's edge might be discern- 
 ed through the foliage. But these palms and the 
 embankment formed the feature of the scene. The 
 latter was a happy thought, upon which the intuitive 
 instincts of every gardening genius loved to ex- 
 pend itself. Its position and massive proportions 
 gave it the prominence which rendered conspicuous 
 every "specimen," and it need hardly be said, the 
 cfTeet was striking. In no month is an Australian 
 garden bare of flowers, and it can, therefore, be 
 imagined what presentment was offered when a 
 blaze of bloom swept round against the stems of 
 the paims. A "coup d'oeuil" suggested the charac-
 
 42 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 teristic of each quarter of the globe, but it was all 
 Australian. 
 
 '*Kurring-gai," presided over by a popular 
 hostess, possessed attraction both in the afternoon 
 and evening, which possibly contributed to the 
 daughters' early settlement in marriage. And it 
 might be supposed that Mrs. Jerome was not pre- 
 pared to see her house lose any of its prestige. It 
 has been shown that even Dallas was more suscep- 
 tible as to the charms of this house than of any 
 other. Certainly he was an appreciative friend of 
 the Judge's, but even this distinction does not 
 ahvays account for one's predilections. 
 
 The evening was somewhat advanced, when Dal- 
 las, who had been detained, passed through the gates 
 which bore upon a light scroll the letters ''Kurring- 
 gai." The house was brilliantly lit up. The hum 
 of voices told of a large presence. There was un- 
 ceasing movement. Figures constantly appeared 
 and disappeared. Light coloured dresses flashed in 
 the gaslight. 
 
 Dallas paused in full vieAV of the scene, for all 
 the windows and door were open, people promis- 
 cuously were thronging the drawing-rooms, and the 
 almost equally well lighted colonnade. Seats were 
 occupied, and couples passed up and down, the 
 figures being distinctly seen, for there was no balus- 
 trading at the front or side (where one could step 
 from the pavement to the grass), but only upon the 
 harbour-front. Within the dra^nng-rooms, guests 
 were standing in groups, conversing together, while 
 sofas, settees, and lounges — all had their occupants, 
 each one engaged in the animated conversation in- 
 separable from the concourse of people. Here and 
 there, Dallas was able to momentarily recognise an 
 acquaintance. Suddenly the first notes of a duet 
 hushed the crowd into silence, the promenading 
 ceased, many passed within, crowding the salons 
 like a concert-room, others took up vantage points 
 near doorways.
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 43 
 
 "Ah!" quoth Dallas. "Mrs. Jerome under- 
 stands the scientific requirements of a successful 
 'At Home.' She has drawn together brilliant talent 
 as usual." 
 
 He listened awhile, for the singing rang clearly 
 out into the night air. The duet was quite new to 
 his unaccustomed ear. 
 
 "Not half-bad," he considered, as a dashing 
 finale drew forth the approval of the audience. 
 
 The crowds instantly began to circulate once 
 more, passing in and out in the apparently aimless 
 manner observable of ants. A larger group had 
 gathered at the farther end of the room. - Doubt- 
 less their "intimates" were offering the customary 
 true and false congratulations to the recent per- 
 formers. The remarks, however, all fell into line, 
 the genuine criticism being reserved. 
 
 In the meantime, Dallas had taken his way to 
 the dressing room upstairs. Even upon the stair- 
 case were people passing up and down. In a few 
 minutes he returned, and entering the drawing- 
 room, found another performance in progress. To 
 his ears, it was some unheard-of piece being tre- 
 mendously dashed off in the conventional manner. 
 Everyone was absorbingly listening, so he also re- 
 mained in statue-like position. Having passed 
 through a variety of phases, the pianiste clipped a 
 series of staccato notes, and then grandly finished 
 off with every note in the piano humming after the 
 final bang. 
 
 There ensued applause, somewhat vociferous, 
 followed by the usual undertone of admiration, con- 
 gratulation and agitation, in the midst of which 
 Miss D'Arcy. passing from one to another, at 
 length encountered Dallas, who was maintaining a 
 persistent search among the crowd for Mrs. Jerome. 
 
 "Oh, IMr. Dallas! I have not seen you all the 
 evening until now." 
 
 "To admit the truth, I have but just arrived, 
 and am endeavouring to discover your aunt."
 
 44 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Oh, she is somewhere. How did you like my 
 piece?" 
 
 "I have a double congratulation to offer you," 
 said Dallas. 
 
 "I suppose on account of my having reached 
 woman's estate, as uncle calls it, although I do not 
 yet see the 'estate.' " 
 
 "Oh, that is a mere trifle; it will come in time. 
 But you played wonderfully. What is the name of 
 the piece?" 
 
 "The name! she exclaimed, and her eyes open- 
 ed wide. "Why, the Polish Dance you sent me last 
 week. I thought you had specially selected it for 
 me, because of its suiting my style of playing." 
 
 "So I did." 
 
 "And all the time you knew nothing about it?" 
 
 "Yes, I knew all about it, except the sound." 
 
 Miss D'Arcy's eyes opened still wider in as- 
 tonished surprise. 
 
 "I will tell you the secret another time," ex- 
 plained Dallas, who, catching sight of Mrs. Jerome 
 in the distance, hastened to move forward before 
 she again became lost to view. 
 
 The hostess was conversing, slightly apart, with 
 another lady whose rich dark hair, set off with a 
 deep red rose, casually attracted his notice as he 
 approached. 
 
 "Ah, Keith!" she exclaimed, "were it not that 
 you are so privileged a friend, I should be angry at 
 your late appearance." 
 
 "I have been long seeking my way to you to 
 explain the " 
 
 Dallas suddenly stopped. 
 
 At the sound of his voice, the lady v/hom he 
 had passingly observed, turned round from amid 
 the group of people among whom she had moved, 
 and flashed upon him in her beauty. 
 
 Misinterpreting Dallas's start of surprise, Mrs. 
 Jerome smiled, and said,
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 45 
 
 "I shall be pleased to present you to Miss 
 Dalrymple. ' ' 
 
 "But I have already the pleasure of knowing 
 Mr. Dallas," exclaimed that lady. 
 
 "Well, really! I thought Keith went out so 
 seldom " interjected Mrs. Jerome. 
 
 Then Dallas felt more interested in that "musi- 
 cal evening." 
 
 He presumed Miss Dalrymple intended to give 
 them some music. 
 
 "No," said Miss Dalrymple, laughingly; "I 
 have already completed my performance. Your 
 coming late has deprived you of the pleasure that 
 might otherwise have been yours. Mrs. Jerome 
 must condole with 3^ou now, instead of serving out 
 punishment. ' ' 
 
 "I am glad to find Keith has allied himself on 
 my side. I must tell you, I was asking Miss Dal- 
 rymple to play once more, when you joined us most 
 opportunely, so that now you can add your request 
 to mine." 
 
 "It becomes a pleasant punishment," responded 
 Keith, "but not more than I deserve. In point of 
 fact, I can claim acquiescence as the fulfilment of a 
 promise. ' ' 
 
 Miss Dalrymple 's glance and his own for a 
 moment met. 
 
 Dallas, on his part, divined nothing, whatever 
 the lady may intuitively have discerned, but a smile 
 passed lightly over her face. 
 
 "I fear me," she said, "there will be some 
 ready to denounce as 'bad form' the monopolising 
 twice of the piano, for there are still very many 
 who have come prepared with music." 
 
 "Believe me," answered Mrs. Jerome, "they 
 are only too delighted. Mr. Stentor is about to sing 
 now; will you give us your selection afterwards?" 
 
 "You must also excuse me," said Miss Dal- 
 rmyple to Dallas, as ]\Irs. Jerome moved away, "but 
 I must seek in my music-case for something to play.
 
 46 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Perhaps," she continued arehlj', "I will so far re- 
 member mj^ promise as to permit myself to choose 
 one that will be likely to please you." 
 
 Mr. Stentor sang. 
 
 Dallas proceeded from one group to another, 
 meeting here and there people he knew, and won- 
 dering whence came all the rest. 
 
 The song was finished. Dallas told the singer 
 he was glad that he had sung, and then looked for 
 the re-appearance of Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 Presently the hubbub of peoples' voices seemed 
 to still itself, and as Dallas, noticing the silence, 
 looked round enquiringly, the first notes of the 
 piano sounded. 
 
 It was hardly necessary for Dallas to move to 
 a position whence he could see the instrument ; even 
 his ear told him Miss Dalrymple presided there. The 
 full-toned "semi-grand" responded instantly, as 
 everything animate and inanimate leaps with the 
 alacrity of bounding life at the spirit-touch of the 
 master hand. Dallas stood still as enthralled as if he 
 were not Scotch. There was no movement in all 
 the crowd; every one faced the same way. Uncon- 
 scious of the attention, the pianiste, her full hand- 
 some countenance responsive to her theme, yielded 
 herself to the delight of rendering into the melody 
 the mental imagery of another's mind. To her it 
 was absorbingly attractive. Catching the inspira- 
 tion, conscious of her mastery of the instrument, 
 and feeling every chord to be in unison with her own 
 will, piano, theme, and player constituted one har- 
 monious whole. There was no break, no pause. It 
 was unknown music to Dallas. Inexplicable ideas 
 seemed to race through his mind bearing him off to 
 another sphere; full of delight, he strove to follow 
 and catch the thoughts that evaded him. 
 
 Then it ceased. 
 
 As her hands fell from the notes. Miss Dal- 
 rymple glanced upwards, her eyes still airlow with 
 the excitement of music.
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. • :7 
 
 The glance shot straight to Dallas. He resisted 
 almost an impulse to rush for"\vard. Then the crowd 
 surging between, broke the spell, and with some- 
 thing of a sigh of relief, he passed out into the cool 
 colonnade. 
 
 The genius of the woman struck and oppressed 
 him. Perhaps the consciousness of man's super- 
 iority was slipping awaj'. The woman was not his 
 rival, only his equal in directions other than his 
 own. 
 
 He leant upon the balustrade beside a pillar, 
 and looked out upon the garden, out upon the water 
 darkly flashing with the deep glint of night, like 
 the light of a gem. 
 
 Still the same indefinable feeling that will not 
 admit appeasement. Not a thought shaped itself. 
 Nothing seemed to clear the mental vision. How ab- 
 surd! Incomprehension to assail him, whose keen 
 insight led him daily to pierce straight to the heart 
 of things ! 
 
 "You hardly expected so soon to have vour 
 wish fulfilled?" 
 
 Dallas started as though he were shot. 
 
 "Fulfilled!" he answered presently, with some- 
 thing akin to suppressed passion in his voice. "Ful- 
 filled? it is but just awakened. I desire now to hear 
 you sing." 
 
 "That is impossible — I do not sing." 
 
 Dallas was surprised to hear the change of 
 voice, and her almost startled manner of speaking. 
 
 "But if I ask you?" 
 
 "Not now — not now — perhaps alone." 
 
 "Thank you; I will remember." 
 
 He wondered whj^ she appeared so disturbed. 
 The tesselated pavement clicked with the movement 
 of many feet, as the people walked about. 
 
 Taking his arm, they joined the throng. 
 
 There is perhaps no place easier, or yet more 
 difficult, than crowded drawing-rooms for private 
 converse. One's attention being continually drawn
 
 4S WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 off by the observation of one's surroundings, con- 
 versation assumes a sketchy character. People's 
 words floating behind them are caught up by the 
 passers-by; phrases become so fashioned that they 
 may just convey the meaning and no more. Hence 
 one often carries away the memory of a word or 
 even a look full of more meaning than would have 
 been given by fully expressed sentences. 
 
 Still, Miss Dalrymple talked upon general sub- 
 jects. To women of her training topics easil}' sug- 
 gest themselves, and she is mistress of the art of 
 entertainment. But Dallas interjected, 
 
 ''I understand now the 'raison d'etre* of the 
 daily two-hours' practice." 
 
 "Well, do you consider the result to be worth 
 the effort?" 
 
 "Worth it?" he exclaimed, and then paused. 
 "Perhaps," he continued, "but it depends upon the 
 motive." 
 
 "The motive! You puzzle me. The world 
 usually holds music to be its own sweet reward with- 
 out regard to motive." 
 
 "And is it so with you?" 
 
 "Undoubtedly; one cannot hope to become an 
 artist unless one's art should inspire with passion. 
 Half-hearted artists cannot be." 
 
 "Yes, that is quite true, but another reason was 
 passing through my mind." 
 
 "Yes. I understood you — perfectly — but we 
 will allow that to pass. A woman's nature is com- 
 plex, and motives and ideals become blended in a 
 manner not always understandable by men." 
 
 "Evidently that belief has become an axiom." 
 
 She replied with a pleasant laugh that seemed 
 to clear the atmosphere of its trifling doubt. 
 
 "I fear j^our Polish Dance is now wasted," he 
 resumed; "you will need to visit Hallam's again." 
 
 They were standing in the doorivay of one of 
 the French windows, having paused on the threshold 
 of the salon.
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 49 
 
 The people, as they passed in the colonnade, 
 observed them with some interest as they talked 
 together. Perhaps something in their mien indi- 
 cated a difference in manner towards each other. 
 
 "Yes," she replied, "since your gift has sup- 
 planted me." 
 
 "My gift! How did you know?" 
 
 "How do I know of so many things that seem 
 to concern you?" she said, somewhat archly. 
 
 "Clairvoyance?" he queried. 
 
 There was a slight negative movement of the 
 head, and looking fairly into his eyes, she smiled. 
 
 "You would hardly believe me were I to tell 
 you." 
 
 "Tell me." 
 
 "Simply by observation," she said nonchalant- 
 ly. He did not believe her. 
 
 "One thing more I observe," she continued; 
 "you do not believe me." 
 
 Dallas moved uneasily. Miss Dalrymple again 
 glanced towards him — a look that had almost 
 coquetry in its swiftness, — and laughed a soft, low 
 laugh as she moved away. 
 
 Dallas stood still, striving, perhaps, to glean the 
 meaning of word, look and action. He watched her 
 join a throng assembled near the piano, and heard 
 her voice unconcernedly taking up the discussion, 
 evincing her complete forgetfulness of the past ten 
 minutes. 
 
 Dallas slowly turned, and crossing the colon- 
 nade, leant once more upon the balustrade next to 
 the pillar. He had something more to think about; 
 a dim sense haunted him that he was playing a game 
 in which he had not the controlling of the moves. 
 
 But he was simply experiencing the power 
 which a beautiful woman is able to wield over the 
 feelings of even a cool, deliberate man of the world. 
 He strove to divert himself. Half turning, he 
 noticed the appearance, the manner, the bearing 
 of the couples as they passed him, — their pleasant
 
 50 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 unrestrained talk about trifles, the ready smile, the 
 lightsomeness of spirit, their insouciance, now and 
 then varied with the ponderousness of those who 
 seem never able to view the lighter delicacy of life. 
 
 But observation of this nature proved itself to 
 be an insufficient corrective for Dallas's perturlsa- 
 tion. 
 
 He joined one or two friends; they chatted 
 about trifles, and the daily occurrences. He glanced 
 casually into the draAving-room, resumed part in 
 the conversation, looked up and down the colonnade, 
 and felt generally an impatience with others as 
 well as with himself. 
 
 ''The Judge has come across an old friend," 
 remarked one; "Major Somebody, on furlough from 
 India. He succeeded in finding for him a congenial 
 whist-partner, and he has been stationary all the 
 evening. ' ' 
 
 "Yes, by-the-bye, Major Philtop," responded 
 Dallas, "I meant to have made myself known to 
 him. Let us go to the library." 
 
 They proceeded along the colonnade, around 
 the side of the house, and passing in at the entrance 
 hall, entered the library. 
 
 Dallas was not astonished to find the room 
 crowded with occupants. It was the customary 
 order of things. The assemblage, under the pre- 
 siding genius of the Judge himself — who doiibtless 
 bore in mind happy remembrances of the club life 
 of younger days — presented a spectacle of bub- 
 bling-over good spirits. Even smoking on these oc- 
 casions was permitted, while every one seemed to 
 have something to say, and the moment to be op- 
 portune. Men stood, sat, smoked, and talked as they 
 listed, no one being more appreciative of a story 
 than Judge Jerome. 
 
 Yet, in the neighbourhood of the bow-window 
 two tables were surrounded by whist players, who 
 carried on their game heedless of the passing talk.
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 51 
 
 Approaching his host, Dallas exchanged a few 
 words, and then mentioned he would like to be 
 presented to Major Philtop, "for, you know," he 
 said, "he and my father were school-fellows." 
 
 "Of course, Dallas, of course. Come with me. 
 Philtop, whom do you ttiink we have here?" 
 
 They drew near the table where the game was 
 in progress. Major Philtop raised not his eyes, but 
 proceeded deliberately with his play, picking up th.; 
 last two tricks. 
 
 "Three," he said, marking the points on his 
 whist-counter; "honours are even. It is your deal." 
 
 Then he turned towards the two gentlemen, 
 and leisurely scanned the younger man. 
 
 "Do you recollect a school-mate named Dallas?" 
 continued the Judge. 
 
 "Egad, yes. You don't mean to say this is 
 Dallas's boy? By jove, it is so; he is cut in the 
 same shape as his father. Did not dream to meet 
 
 you at this end of the world. How are you, how 
 
 ah!" 
 
 The Major abruptly left off his hand-shaking, 
 and resumed the seat from which he had risen in 
 a moment of excitement. 
 
 The turned-up card had indicated the comple- 
 tion of the deal. 
 
 "You must leave Philtop alone, Dallas, until 
 he has finished his whist," said the Judge, carrying 
 off his guest to the other end of the room. 
 
 Half amused, Dallas found a seat among the 
 coterie who seemed to form the Judge's entourage. 
 Many of them were familiar guests, and were bent 
 upon passing a pleasant hour. 
 
 Easily the talk flowed on with ever-varying sub- 
 ject and mood, and just sufficientl}" tinctured with 
 the "personal" to give piquancy. 
 
 The merry quip, the racy tale, the Avitty re- 
 joinder, the infectious laugh, the curt remark — how 
 they succeeded each other, and carried one away 
 with the delights of good fellowship.
 
 52 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Judge Jerome passed the cigar-ease towards 
 Dallas. Selecting one, he proceeded to snip the end, 
 and with a ''Thank you," accepted a lighted match 
 from his neighbour. 
 
 Five minutes later he slowly rose from his chair, 
 moved about the room, and presently passed out. 
 
 The Judge noticed him. "The Major's off- 
 handedness has hurt him," he said to himself. 
 
 Dallas removed his cigar, and as he came upon 
 the colonnade, threw it into the garden. He glanced 
 through the drawing-rooms, betook himself to the 
 long dining-room, where a host of visitors were par- 
 taking of refreshments. 
 
 He exchanged a few words with an acquain- 
 tance or two, as he helped himself to claret, and 
 then, once more, alone by himself, he looked out 
 over the balustrade. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple had departed. Unconsciously 
 Dallas had been learning the fact. 
 
 The delight which comes of movement, of 
 colour, of light, of music, and the ever-flowing 
 sound of voices, the undercurrent of excitement, 
 the charm of human intercourse in its pleasantest 
 form, all yielded place now to the desire of being 
 alone. 
 
 He sought out his hostess. 
 
 "Going," Mrs. Jerome exclaimed, "so early! — 
 I cannot spare you. — Not to be thought of. It was 
 quite enough for Miss Dalrymple to have deserted 
 us, although there is some excuse in her case, that 
 she has another engagement. By-the-bye, Keith, 
 tell me how you came to know Miss Dalrymple?" 
 
 "I believe Miss Dalrymple goes out a great 
 deal," replied Dallas. 
 
 "True, she is much sought after," concurred 
 Mrs. Jerome. 
 
 "But I had first the pleasure of meeting her in 
 the Bank, when one morning she happened to come 
 in; for in these days it is necessary even for ladies 
 to keep banking accounts."
 
 A MUSICAL EVENING. 53 
 
 "Now, Keith, you interest me. I have several 
 times wondered what inducement has led Miss 
 Dalrymple to Australia. A young lady — for she is 
 really quite young — to come here alone, to live at 
 an hotel, to go about in the most independent man- 
 ner, — perhaps — is she wealthy, Keith?" 
 
 Mrs. Jerome broke off abruptly as though sud- 
 denly possessed of the idea. Dallas only laughed. 
 
 "I really do not know; she is less known to me 
 than to yourself, for, I confess, my speculations, if I 
 have ever indulged in such a subject, have not led 
 me so far, as you seem already to have progressed." 
 
 "Oh, but you men never do think. Do you 
 imagine, for instance, that she can be an artist?" 
 
 "She is a most accomplished musician," replied 
 Dallas. 
 
 "No, I mean, do you think she paints, — comes 
 here to study scenery, you know?" 
 
 "It is beyond my powers of guessing," said 
 Dallas, stolidly. "Perhaps," he suggested, "she 
 intends to write a book about us." 
 
 "I believe, now, you are perfectly right," ex- 
 claimed Mrs. Jerome, most impressively. "Except 
 for such a purpose, no one with such beauty and so 
 charming would come here in this unexpected man- 
 ner, and yet appear so indifferent as to the sensa- 
 tion she makes — for she has made a sensation" — 
 Mrs. Jerome added confidently, "One felt instinc- 
 tively she had some other object, — but we will talk 
 about her another time," she concluded as some 
 people approached. 
 
 "I shall hope, then, that you will tell me what 
 characters may be expected to figure in the book," 
 answered Dallas, laughingl3^ "Good-night." 
 
 "Good-bye, Keith." 
 
 Ascending the stairs, Dallas re-possessed him- 
 self of his light overcoat and hat, and passed out 
 through the tiled hall resounding with the constant 
 passage of footsteps, out beyond the circle of light, 
 out through the open gateway, and presently in the
 
 54 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 silent street he paced with slow thoughtful steps. 
 His hand had already sought in his overcoat pocket 
 for the inevitable case, and in no hurray to reach 
 home, he turned down towards the Bay, and con- 
 tinued along the hill towards Bayswater-road. It 
 was a quiet and peaceful stroll, and yet as he turned 
 in at the gate of his lodgings, there was a decided 
 air of impatience about his every movement which 
 was strangely imusual with him.
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 IS A MAN'S TRUST JUSTIFIED? 
 
 'True friendship depends on similarity of taste, and 
 difference of temperaments." — Georges Sand. 
 
 About this time there began to exhibit them- 
 selves in the banking world those periodic indica- 
 tions of uneasiness which provide for the business 
 classes just that degree of irregular excitement for 
 which less fortunate people are fain to frequent the 
 gambling tables. 
 
 The clerks, unconscious of looming disturbances 
 doggedly droned, or raced, through their daily 
 work, harping on the universal refrain of insuffici- 
 encj' of pay and slow promotion. 
 
 The higher officers, who were admitted into the 
 inner secrets of affairs, feeling a natural anxiety as 
 to the future, were carefully scrutinising every 
 transaction that might throw light on the probable 
 course of events, because it is the unexpected which 
 always happens. 
 
 There was already to be noticed instances of 
 that hesitancy in speculation and enterprise which 
 is always the fore-runner of a more serious state of 
 things. It denoted the proverbial failure of con- 
 fidence. The reckless doings of the few outsiders 
 who, fancying the opportunity of their life to have 
 come, forthwith plunge-in, were unable to stem the 
 steady onward torrent of dull trade setting in. Only 
 a goldfield being discovered upsets the ordained 
 order of things. Now, every one, unable to see into 
 the future for himself, strove to glean that know- 
 ledge from his fellow, possibly admitting in his
 
 56 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 heart of hearts that the other is the wiser. At all 
 events, he is more absolutely certain of his own de- 
 ficiencies than of his neighbour's, when it comes to 
 be a question of decision as to the yet unknown. 
 
 Whatever the opinion may be at other times, 
 and without doubt there are alwaj^s some who 
 dimly discern the need of certain action, and un- 
 consciously following a course which suggests itself 
 by some happy chance or instinct, earn for them- 
 selves thereafter the reputation of keen business 
 insight, shrewd forethought, and so forth, when the 
 wheel of fortune having deposited her favours for 
 the time being in their hands, qualified them for 
 directorates. 
 
 But the Banks have more tangible evidence of 
 the mercurial state of financial barometers. Each 
 customer's banking account reflects the working of 
 his mind, and it becomes necessary to separate the 
 reckless from the deliberate, and mentally to gauge 
 the extent and value of the aggregate result. 
 
 Following the course adopted by all the more 
 careful Banks, it was usual for one of the officers of 
 the Bank of Australia to prepare every morning a 
 synopsis of the previous day's transactions, setting 
 forth not only the business that had taken place 
 with the Bank's customers, but also with the other 
 Banks individuall3\ This summary was handed 
 either to the accountant or the sub-accountant for 
 annotation or remarks before being forwarded to 
 the manager. 
 
 Dallas, however, iipon his appointment to his 
 office, perceiving the importance of this tell-tale sum- 
 mary, caused the return to be made out in copying 
 ink, and a press copy taken for his own use. This 
 was also supplemented by a further comprehensive 
 review of each week's business, and was made up 
 on the Tuesday morning, as accurately as could be 
 gathered from the figures, pending the taking-out 
 of the weekly abstract from the balances of Monday 
 night.
 
 IS A MAN'S TRUST JUSTIFIED? 57 
 
 For some two or three weeks Dallas had re- 
 marked a constantly growing tendency in the figures 
 which a comparison with the corresponding period 
 of last year bvit tended to confirm. Examining in 
 detail the particulars rendered by each department, 
 it was evident that w^hile some classes of business 
 maintained their normal state, others betrayed a 
 certain excitement in the irregular rise and fall of 
 transactions. 
 
 As Dallas on this Tuesday morning scanned 
 the weekly totals, he found himself making many 
 more notes than usual, and at length deemed it ad- 
 visable to confer with the accountant. Together 
 thej^ continued their investigations, broadly sum- 
 marising the erratic movement to be due to three 
 classes of business accounts — certain commercial 
 traders, some independent men with moJlerate hold- 
 ing of property, and certain agents identified with 
 speculative enterprise. 
 
 Rapidly they turned up the different accounts 
 as they came to mind, noting the often large in- 
 creases quite beyond the movements of normal 
 growth. But few w^ords were spoken as the index 
 finger rested on the significant figures. To each of 
 these men they told their own tale. 
 
 "It is well you drew attention to the matter," 
 said the accountant, "for undoubtedly many of 
 these accounts will need more careful watchfulness. 
 I will ask the manager to give his own instructions." 
 
 Leaving Dallas still perusing the w^orking of 
 the accounts, the accountant leisurelj^ made his way 
 towards the manager's room as though inflation of 
 business was but a matter of ordinary occurrence. 
 
 The manager, meeting the accountant in the 
 hall learnt in a few^ sentences as to the enquiry 
 which his officers had been making. 
 
 "Yes," he replied, "all this has been long ex- 
 pected, and any ill result is being guarded against. 
 I think you have all the necessary instructions. —
 
 58 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 stay, I maj^ as well see some of the accounts in which 
 we are most interested." 
 
 Leading the way towards the ledgers, the man- 
 ager passed from one book to another rapidly glanc- 
 ing down the accounts of many old constituents. 
 
 *'Yes, it is exactly as we have estimated, the 
 older and well-established businesses are maintain- 
 ing their ordinary rate of transactions. This rush 
 is due to those numerous new firms, half importers 
 and half agents for foreign firms. They are seeking 
 to establish themselves with the help of undue credit 
 to buyers. We must see that their accounts preserve 
 credit balances, and take extra care with the dis- 
 counts." 
 
 "But the increase of transactions is noticeable 
 in other accounts, besides those of importers," ex- 
 plained the accountant. "Here, for instance," he 
 continued, referring to one he had already inspected 
 with Dallas; "this man is an old customer possessed 
 of independent means, but see how " 
 
 "Pooh! he is only seized with a touch of land- 
 mania, house-buying, or something. He thinks 
 values will rise again." He shrugged his shoulders, 
 "there are hundreds more like him. See that these 
 do not overdraw without reference to me, that is 
 all." 
 
 "I ought to mention also," pursued the account- 
 ant, "that some of the exchanges with the Banks 
 are showing rather remarkable developments." 
 
 "Yes, yes, the same thing — over-speculation; 
 they will be wiser later on." 
 
 "The Traders' Bank, however," chimed in 
 Dallas, "exhibits somewhat different features. For 
 five weeks the balance of exchange has been against 
 them to a large extent." 
 
 "Well," responded the manager, "did you as- 
 sure yourself as to its cause?" 
 
 The somewhat supercilious tone of the manager 
 nettled Dallas, for in his judgment these matters
 
 IS A MAN'S TRUST JUSTIFIED? 59 
 
 demanded far more serious attention than his chief 
 seemed disposed to give them. 
 
 ''Chiefly due to the large number of notes which 
 we return," answered Dallas rather curtly. 
 
 "Quite so. The Traders' Bank is increasing its 
 business, perhaps, too rapidly." 
 
 This ended the short conversation. The mana- 
 ger returned to his room, and the accountant passed 
 into his own office. 
 
 Dallas remained, experiencing a feeling of dis- 
 gust. The staff had unquestioning faith in the busi- 
 ness acumen of the manager. He had proved him- 
 self both able and far-seeing, and had steadily pro- 
 gressed from post to post, until he was appointed 
 to the management of the Sydney office, — a rapid 
 promotion such as could be obtained only by mark- 
 ed ability, and the possession of strength and de- 
 cision of character. However, Dallas could not but 
 respect the opinions to which he had just given 
 utterance, and endeavour to feel his own concern 
 had been somewhat needless. 
 
 The manager's allusions, however, to new trad- 
 ing firms recklessly struggling for the acquisition of 
 business naturally caused the account of Miss Dal- 
 rymple to occur to mind. 
 
 Dallas stepped across to the ledger-desk. The 
 "D" ledger-keeper being absent, he took up the in- 
 dex and, ascertaining the folio, turned up Miss Dal- 
 rymple's account. It was perfectly in order, and 
 showed a considerable credit balance to have been 
 maintained. But as Dallas turned over the three or 
 four pages of the account, something akin to dismay 
 seized upon him. The abnormal increase of the 
 transactions was beyond reason, and appeared to be 
 simply fulfilling the manager's words. It was im- 
 possible for all her transactions to be conducted 
 with "cash," and consequently there must be the 
 usual proportionate amount of credit given. The 
 account was being well financed, as far as the Bank
 
 60 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 was concerned, but to what extent was she contract- 
 ing liabilities with other wholesale houses? 
 
 Dallas shuddered; he saw but too well the 
 inevitable result. 
 
 A woman — a new-comer — unaccustomed to 
 Australian methods of trade — apparentlj'^ without 
 advisers, but supplied evidently with stocks to an 
 unlimited extent — what hope could she have of safe- 
 ly passing through those pitfalls of mercantile life, 
 wherein merchants, who have grown old in business, 
 but too often find themselves at fault? The account 
 was openly carried on, indicating, so far as the 
 larger cheques were concerned, the firms with whom 
 she dealt, and the sums paid in seemed to be all 
 ^' trade" receipts. 
 
 Dallas's face was very grave, as he walked 
 slowly towards his office. 
 
 "She cannot transact business for cash only," 
 he repeated to himself, *'I must learn from her the 
 amount of credit she allows, and to whom. . . . 
 But how to learn ! ' ' 
 
 Dallas was sitting back in his chair reflecting 
 on these matters, full of concern for a lady in whom 
 he felt an acknowledged interest, and of dread for 
 the future. Instinctively he knew that this proud, 
 accomplished woman would never endure the dis- 
 grace of seeing herself branded a mercantile de- 
 faulter. He did not ask himself what would hap- 
 pen when the crash came; but the sudden, quick 
 movement of decision with which he took up his 
 pen and set himself to work, avowed a determina- 
 tion to direct her course. 
 
 At this moment the messenger appeared at the 
 door, and ushered into the room — Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 Dallas hastily arose with an air of startled as- 
 tonishment so plainly depicted upon his face as 
 could not escape observation. 
 
 Her smile almost faded away as the quick pene- 
 trating glance essayed to discover the cause of his 
 change of countenance.
 
 IS A MAX'S TRUST JUSTIFIED? 61 
 
 With a hesitancy of manner that seemed foreign 
 to her, she began slowly, as she seated herself : 
 
 ' ' I appear to be falling into the habit of coming 
 to you whenever advice is needed." 
 
 A pleased look came over Dallas's face, as he 
 replied : 
 
 "You may be quite sure that nothing gives me 
 more pleasure than to find myself of service to you. ' ' 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Dallas, but I will not trench 
 long upon your time to-day. I wish to cable £1500 
 to London. I have just paid in the balance of the 
 amount, and would be glad if you would kindly 
 remit the sum as soon as the cheques have all been 
 collected." 
 
 £1500 to London?" queried Dallas, with some 
 constraint in his voice. 
 
 Matters were assuming another phase not 
 dreamt of in his calculations. 
 
 She glanced towards him, the tone of his re- 
 mark having evidently struck upon her attention, 
 and motioned assent with a slight betraj'al of sur- 
 prise. 
 
 "Doubtless you wish this money to reach Lon- 
 don on a given date, to meet maturing liabilities?" 
 
 "No, it is not to discharge a liability." 
 
 Dallas listened with blank expression. 
 
 "I presume there can be no objection to cabling 
 money to London even though unaccompanied by 
 any previous advice or instructions?" 
 
 The very faint tinge of asperity in the voice 
 recalled Dallas to himself. Evidently his conclu- 
 sions had been altogether erroneous, and ]Miss Dal- 
 rymple must be possessed of resources of which he 
 possessed no knowledge. 
 
 "I beg your pardon," he replied, perceptibly 
 relieved in mind, "of course there is no objection, 
 and I shall have great pleasure in at once prepar- 
 ing the cable. Will you, please, give me the par- 
 ticulars ? ' '
 
 62 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 ''The name is John Duliith and Son, but they 
 have a cable address, 'Dulson.' " 
 
 "That will be sufficient," replied Dallas ,"our 
 London office will advise them." 
 
 "In that case I shall be enabled to curtail my 
 own cable of advice, and limit it to the matter in 
 hand." 
 
 Ringing his gong, Dallas gave instructions to 
 a clerk to prepare for Miss Dalrymple's signature 
 the usual cable form for transmitting £1500 to Lon- 
 don to "Dulson." 
 
 "I suppose you adopt a code for transactions 
 of this nature?" 
 
 "Oh, yes! Three or four words convey the 
 necessary intelligence to London. Cable transfers 
 are daily coming more into use." 
 
 "Your banking arrangements certainly appear 
 to offer unusual facilities for the conduct of busi- 
 ness. I have had some little experience in most 
 countries, but really believe that not even in Eng- 
 land do traders receive as much — what shall I call 
 it — co-operation ? ' ' 
 
 "It is a system, without doubt, peculiar to Aus- 
 tralia, but it appears to be well adapted to the con- 
 ditions of the country, but, as in every other busi- 
 ness, there is an unknown quantity that has to be 
 reckoned with." 
 
 "And that is?" Miss Dalrymple questioned. 
 
 "Our too-intimate connection with the financial 
 world of London." 
 
 "But why should such be considered a disad- 
 vantage ; ' ' 
 
 "Because the knowledge of our country and 
 ourselves is not commensurate with the largeness of 
 the interests at stake." 
 
 "I have heard repeated," assented Miss Dal- 
 rj'mple, "some curious stories of newspaper mis- 
 takes, and on the part of individuals who apparently 
 first begin to develop an interest in Australia, when 
 their sons — not their daughters, I notice — announce
 
 IS A MAN'S TRUST JUSTIFIED? 63 
 
 their intention of coming hither; but surely ignor- 
 ance of this nature must be a thing of the past 
 among those who have regularly traded for years 
 with Australia." 
 
 "No, our English race seems, in a certain sense, 
 to be slow to learn. It will place faith in the irre- 
 sponsible vapourings of writers one hardly ever 
 heard of, or in those who have never seen Aus- 
 tralia, rather than in the long record of continually- 
 growing trade and production. I suppose it is 
 owing to the English press having always been so 
 true to British interests that it cannot be believed to 
 be now at fa'ult. But, without doubt, these writers 
 are prejudicially affecting Australian affairs 
 through lack of discretion and closer inquiry." 
 
 "Perhaps Australia is too far off," suggested 
 Miss Dalrymple, with a suggestion of banter in her 
 tone. She liked to hear Dallas speaking in his seri- 
 ous, earnest way, often with an unconscious touch 
 of irony. 
 
 "If that were so, our affairs should appear 
 roseate-hued, instead of sombre," replied Dallas. 
 
 "Ah, but distance lends no enchantment to 
 money. ' ' 
 
 Dallas laughed quietly. It was very pleasant to 
 converse with a lady who added the charm of beau- 
 tiful womanhood to the shrewd common-sense of a 
 man of business. 
 
 The clerk entered, and placed on the table the 
 application form for cable transfer and the cable- 
 message book. Dallas handed the first to the lady 
 for her signature. 
 
 "Your cheque will be needed for the full 
 amount of transfer and costs. You will see the 
 several items set forth on the application form." 
 
 "Yes," said Miss Dalrymple, as drawing forth 
 a pocket-tablet she proceeded to note down the par- 
 ticulars. "But I have no cheque with me. To carry 
 a cheque-book in one's satchel constitutes a source
 
 64 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 of too great temptation. I must ask you to oblige 
 me with a blank form." 
 
 "Procure Miss Dalrymple a cheque-form," said 
 Dallas, and the clerk disappeared. 
 
 ''Your cable consists of five words," he con- 
 tinued, "one word for the London address, one for 
 our own, and three for the message." 
 
 "Curt enough," remarked Miss Dalrj'mple; 
 and will that be sufficient to instruct your people in 
 London to forward the money to Messrs. Duluth 
 and Son?" 
 
 "Yes, each word signifies a phrase." 
 " 'Dulson folly reason,' are those the three 
 words?" she asked, reading the cable as her eyes 
 fell upon the open book. "Would it not sound more 
 appropriate if it read, 'Dulson reason folly'?" 
 
 She spoke laughingly, and proceeded to fill in 
 the cheque-form which the clerk handed to her. 
 
 But Dallas suffered a sharp pang of annoyance, 
 and as he watched her writing, made no reply to 
 her remark. 
 
 "Grace Dalrymple" was signed with a decision 
 that betokened a strength of character capable of 
 carrying to an issue any determination of will. 
 
 The laughing expression was still in her eyes 
 as she looked up with a frank, almost soft, glance. 
 
 "Thank you," said Dallas, as he received the 
 cheque, and attaching it to the application-form, 
 handed both to the clerk. 
 
 "Give these to the teller," he said. 
 
 "Yes, sir," responded the clerk, and departed. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple was drawing on her glove. 
 
 "The deposit I paid-in," she said, "was com- 
 posed of several cheques; do you not first ascertain 
 if they be correct before you remit these fifteen hun- 
 dred pounds?" 
 
 Seized with the instinct that comes to those 
 who study character, Dallas instantly replied: 
 
 "No, because I trust you." 
 
 She lifted her glance without moving the head.
 
 IS A MAN'S TRUST JUSTIFIED? 65 
 
 A new light had leapt into her eyes, but quickly the 
 eyelashes fell again. 
 
 Dallas felt that he had something more to re- 
 member. 
 
 "It is not business-like," she murmured. 
 
 She finished buttoning her glove, and rose to 
 leave. 
 
 "Good-bye," she said, and passed quietly from 
 the office. 
 
 Dallas noticed her mien to be different from 
 that which he had at any time previously observed.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A COMMERCIAL CRISIS. 
 
 "Let's teach ourselves that honourable stop, 
 Not to outsport discretion." — Othello. 
 
 Dallas resumed his chair, but not his work. 
 What was he to think now? 
 
 He crushed out at once the half thought that 
 Miss Dalrymple might be capable of using those 
 code words of which she knew the purport. 
 
 The man's feelings had reached that state in 
 which loyalty to the woman becomes his uppermost 
 sentiment. 
 
 He sat toying with his pen, speculating upon 
 the manner in which she appeared to be financing 
 her account, without, apparently, possessing any 
 capital. He knew, of course, that all these sums 
 could not be paid in without equivalent payments 
 being disbursed for purchases. Yet she had said 
 that this remittance was not to meet a liability ! 
 
 While thus deliberating, the ledger-keeper ap- 
 peared with a cheque in his hand. 
 
 "This cheque," he explained, "is drawn against 
 deposits which are not yet cleared." 
 
 Dallas glanced at it. "You may pay it," he 
 said, in a matter-of-fact tone. 
 
 The clerk still hesitated. 
 
 "Some of the cheques paid-in are drawn on the 
 country, and two on Melbourne." 
 
 There was a hardly perceptible pause. "For 
 how much are the Melbourne cheques?" 
 
 "The two cheques together, exceed three hun- 
 dred pounds."
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A CRISIS. 67 
 
 Dallas took up his pen and initialled the top 
 corner of Miss Dalrymple's cheque. 
 
 '*Yes," was all he said. 
 
 **I will bring the deposit-slip, sir," said the 
 ledger-keeper. Dallas made no answer, but mechani- 
 cally took the slip when the clerk returned, and ex- 
 amined the names of the drawers of the cheques, 
 which were endorsed on the slip. 
 
 He gave a slight nod of the head as he handed 
 it back to the ledger-keeper. As the latter left the 
 office with the documents, he looked backwards at 
 Dallas. He thought, evidently, the proceeding was 
 not after the usual fashion of the sub-accountant. 
 
 *'It is strange," said Dallas to himself. "She 
 appears to be doing business with a number of good 
 houses, as though she were an importing merchant — 
 a woman importer," he repeated to himself in a pe- 
 culiar tone, as it were. His reasonings quickly em- 
 braced all the probabilities co-incident with such 
 trade, and he was forced to admit the surmise 
 agreed with the working of the banking account. 
 
 "She can hardly be a mere manufacturer's agent, 
 or we should have had some advice — perhaps, an 
 agent of Morier and Co!" he suddenly thought, "a 
 commercial traveller in their employment!" There 
 was a gesture of impatience; intuitively he seemed 
 to have conceived distrust of this unknown firm. 
 
 He recollected her reference to the necessity of 
 her having the entree to good houses, in the interests 
 of her business. The remembrance of her words 
 now stirred him most strangely. 
 
 "Not that, not that thing! Impossible, too hu- 
 miliating. No, no. She evidently sells on her own 
 account, and desires her social position to be such as 
 to secure her more consideration from merchants. 
 But if she conducts her own operations, she will be 
 known as an importer, and, as yet, no one is aware 
 of it. She must work through somebody else . . . 
 Morier and Co. Ah!" 
 
 Dallas hastily rose and advanced towards the
 
 68 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 door, intending to further consult her account in 
 the ledger. But he restrained himself, and, instead, 
 took his hat from off the hat-rack above his working 
 desk, which stood in one corner of the office. With 
 quick steps he went through the banking chamber, 
 and out into the street. He was now thoroughly 
 disturbed, and, wishing to be alone, he sought the 
 crowded street. 
 
 Could he reconcile his supposition with his 
 knowledge of her affairs, so far as that acquaintance 
 went ? 
 
 Possibly, had he merely the account to deal with, 
 he would simply have used ordinary care until there 
 should come the inevitable request for accommoda- 
 tion, when he would have required full explanation 
 as to the position of the interested parties; or else 
 have desired the closing-off of the account. 
 
 But the account was Miss Dalrymple's. 
 
 Rightly or wrongly the dread incident of the 
 cable message persisted in recurring to his mind. 
 
 Had he better inform the Manager, or allow 
 him to cable a warning to London, advising a dis- 
 continuance of those words of the code? For some 
 time he walked along, seeing, yet not observing, 
 in his preoccupation, while he seemed to look for so- 
 lution of his question, after the manner of one who 
 does not seek to direct his thoughts, but rather as 
 though he wished to allow his conclusions to shape 
 themselves without effort of will. At length he 
 turned round with decisive movement. He had 
 made up his mind. He would not publicly express 
 doubt to the Bank of Miss Dalrymple. Every sense 
 within him seemed to revolt against the disloyalty. 
 It involved condemnation of a lady without, per- 
 haps, just cause, and its effects might be most harm- 
 ful and far reaching. 
 
 He would bide the events of the next few days, 
 and if any of these doubts should receive unwelcome 
 confirmation, he would seek on his own responsi- 
 bility to privately bring about an ending of the ac-
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A CRISIS. 69 
 
 count! An ending of the account! As the idea 
 suggested itself, his sense of manliness rose up in 
 oppositon to such abandonment of a lady in difficul- 
 ties — a stranger in a strange land, and necessarily 
 unaware of the dangers and quicksands peculiar to 
 the different methods of business current in Aus- 
 tralian cities. 
 
 "If she would but trust me with a full know- 
 ledge of her affairs!" he repeated to himself again 
 and again. 
 
 He waited. The days passed, burdened with 
 the increasing volume of commerce, the while being 
 fully persuaded that the eve of a very difficult period 
 was at hand. Dallas scrutinised more closely than 
 ever the details of each day's business, which might 
 be calculated to throw light upon the progress of 
 events. 
 
 There was plainly noticeable a feverishness in 
 trade; there was no rest, no pause; people seemed 
 to enter upon new undertakings, before previous 
 transactions had been closed off. The fear of being 
 "left" spurred traders on to still riskier ventures. 
 In the midst of the prevalent gambling, it was 
 needed for the Banks to keep cool. To keep cool! 
 and at a time when the least opposition caused a 
 customer to seek the assistance of a change of Bank. 
 
 In "flush" times, it was easy for even weak 
 banks to vastly increase their connection, and now 
 many times every day, Dallas was called upon to 
 exercise all his tact, and calmly argue against the 
 impetuosity of a man striding on the road to for- 
 tune. 
 
 Each day he looked for a visit from Miss Dal- 
 rymple. and each day he carefully noted the move- 
 ment of her account. In passing over the matter of 
 her reading the cable message, he felt that he had 
 committed himself to his trust in her integrity, and 
 yet it was a circumstance that would probably never 
 be known to her. 
 
 The first of the month arrived with its immense
 
 70 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 disbursement of Government funds, swelled also, 
 by its being "pay-day" for insurance and other com- 
 panies, for merchants' offices, and for all the larger 
 shops and stores. There "vvas the getting-out of 
 monthly accounts on the part of traders, and the 
 usual vigorous canvass to get-in all the money pos- 
 sible to meet the usual engagements falling due up- 
 on the "fourth" of the month. 
 
 The Banks had doubled their "telling-staff," 
 and the money flowed backwards and forwards like 
 gathering and recoiling waves, markedly alike in 
 general tenor, but each one receding and reaching 
 to a different point. Some had gained ground, but 
 others had lost. 
 
 Each individual instance required to be noted 
 by the Banks, deliberated upon, and dealt with. 
 
 Then in the midst of the swirl came the morn- 
 ing of the "fourth." The clocks had scarcely struck 
 nine before the exchange clerks were banging upon 
 the desks in the Exchange the heavy pile of 
 bills. With feverish haste the receiving Banks 
 entered up the long list in their respective books. 
 The documents were seized upon ere yet the last 
 figures were written, and carried off to the ledgers 
 by the distributing clerks of the respective Banks. 
 
 There was a rapid sorting of wheat from the 
 chaff by the ledger-keepers, and they viewed with 
 greater or less dismay the residuum of doubtful 
 documents that remained in their hands. A quick 
 turning over of leaves indicated the progress from 
 account to account, as the clerk proceeded to ascer- 
 tain if any had been unexpectedly provided for. 
 One by one. others became tossed down on the 
 desk, as accounts were found to be sufficiently in 
 funds. Then there was recourse to the receiving- 
 tellers, to learn if any remittances had come by mail, 
 and, finally, each ledger-keeper awaited with his 
 handful of rejected bills and cheques, until the au- 
 thorities should decide upon eventual payment or 
 dishonour.
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A CRISIS. 71 
 
 An ill chance of obtaining accommodation has 
 the man who ventures to leave until the "fourth" 
 the making of arrangements with his Bank. Th^ 
 Manager, the Accountant, the Sub-Accountant, with 
 every faculty bearing upon the diificulties and prob- 
 lems presented by a half-hundred different ac- 
 counts with coinciding or conflicting interests, are 
 called upon simultaneously to decide upon the 
 course and current of business. 
 
 Long experience teaches them to appreciate the 
 extent of disaster that follows upon an error of 
 judgment. Human knowledge fails to foresee 
 whether acceptance of risk will lead to profit or 
 loss, or, being declined, will ruin unnecessarily a 
 valuable business. 
 
 Weighed with the sense of responsibility of this 
 nature, Dallas approached the *'D" ledger. He felt 
 instinctively that to-day his judgment would be ac- 
 cepted by both of his superiors, and that if he recom- 
 mended the payment of all Miss Dalrymple's bills, 
 they would regard him as being possessed of a know- 
 ledge and insight into her position of affairs suffi- 
 cient to warrant this exercise of judgment, and their 
 deference to it. And yet, if they should appeal to 
 him for his reasons for belief in her stability, what 
 argument could he adduce? 
 
 He went through the list of doubtful documents 
 handed to him by the ledger-keeper. A glance 
 showed that there were none of Grace Dalrymple's, 
 and, with unfeigned relief, he proceeded to deal 
 with the bills and cheques "drawn" on sundry ac- 
 counts. After disposing of these, he said casually 
 to the ledger-keeper, glancing the while towards the 
 mass of "passed" bills lying on the desk, "I see 
 Miss Dalrymple has provided for all her engage- 
 ments." 
 
 "Grace Dalrymple, sir," he exclaimed, "I do 
 not think she has drawn any bills to-day." 
 
 "No bills!" responded Dallas in utter aston- 
 ishment.
 
 72 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "I do not remember seeing the name," con- 
 tinued the ledger-keeper, running his fingers through 
 the mass of papers, and revealing the name and 
 amount of each document. 
 
 "Stay, here are a few cheques, but only for 
 small amounts." 
 
 "I suppose you have received the exchange from 
 the Merchants' Bank?" asked Dallas. He referred 
 to the Bank which had the account of Morier and 
 Co. 
 
 "Yes, sir, all the exchanges have come in." 
 
 Dallas passed on. 
 
 Half an hour elapsed before the usual engage- 
 ments of the "fourth" were finally dealt with, and 
 the dishonoured bills handed back to the exchange- 
 clerks. 
 
 Dallas then betook himself to his office, and be- 
 gan in a perfunctory manner to peruse the corres- 
 pondence. His mind returned to the question of 
 Miss Dalrymple's prospective liabilities. It seemed 
 unaccountable that she should have been accorded 
 such extended credit. However much she might 
 inspire creditors with confidence, still Dallas knew 
 the unsentimentality of ordinary business dealing 
 would prompt merchants to use caution until they 
 should have learnt of their debtor having established 
 a sound connection, and it is not to be supposed that 
 this marvel should have been accomplished in a 
 few months. Dallas really wanted to know from 
 whom Miss Dalrymple secured her stock, not that 
 he had any suspicion of improper trading, but be- 
 cause he knew of the extraordinary difficulties at- 
 tending the inception of any new venture, and nat- 
 urally feared that a stranger would be unequal to 
 the task of coping with the continually recurring 
 risks and dangers. 
 
 So far as he had been able to discover. Miss 
 Dalrymple was purchasing for cash, but with the 
 evidently small capital at command, it was not to 
 be supposed that she should have, for instance, a
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A CRISIS. 73 
 
 surplusage of £1500 to remit to England. The local 
 creditors must either "go short," or she must re- 
 ceive consignments from London indented through 
 another firm, — for Dallas was aware that her name 
 did not appear among the consignees of imported 
 stocks. In spite, therefore, of his self-reasoning, he 
 felt perturbed as day by day he witnessed the in- 
 crease of transactions passing through her account, 
 without being able to assign thereto a logical foun- 
 dation of stability. 
 
 The morning of the "fifth," with its heavy 
 country correspondence, containing reports as to 
 the fate of bills domiciled with branches and agents, 
 taxed the working capacity of the staff almost as 
 heavily as the preceding day. The result of the 
 payments afforded a sure index as to the state of 
 trade in the country, and largely dependent there- 
 upon was the preparedness of the Bank to discount 
 fresh bills for the Sj^dney wholesale houses. 
 
 The discounting of bills being under the imme- 
 diate supervision of the Manager, Dallas was wont 
 to give but cursory attention to the Bill Department, 
 and therefore, on this date, despatched direct to the 
 Manager's room any letters having reference to this 
 subject. 
 
 Some time later in the day, Dallas was some- 
 what astonished to receive an unaccustomed visit 
 from the Manager. He was even more surprised 
 when his chief, instead of giving, in his usual quick, 
 almost abrupt, manner, some precise instructions, or 
 requiring some information in reply to short, direct 
 inquiry, began to speak of casual matters. Pres- 
 ently he asked Dallas if he kept up any comparative 
 record as to the periodical payment of bills? 
 
 "Something suggests to me," said the Manager, 
 "that an unusual amount of 'bill-renewing' is now 
 being carried on, in a manner suggestive of growth 
 of business — quite, however, imaginary. There is 
 too much 'make-believe.' Really," he continued, 
 "a commercial crisis occasionally, is as advan-
 
 74 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 tageous as a city fire in clearing away the weal: con- 
 cerns." 
 
 "Tes," agreed Dallas, ''if we can only keep our- 
 selves free from the cause and effect." 
 
 "Of course," said the Manager decisively. 
 
 Dallas waited for him to continue. 
 
 But the Manager alluded to nothing definitely, 
 and in a few minutes took his departure. 
 
 The sub-accountant remained not a little dis- 
 turbed. 
 
 "Whatever can have occurred to the chief? "he 
 exclaimed to himself. "He has evidently ascer- 
 tained something to be going wrong, and does not 
 yet like to commit himself to an opinion. . . 
 "Wanted to find out what I thought of things in gen- 
 eral. I wish, though, he had spoken out." 
 
 Still, a careful examination of all the accounts 
 which were likely to cause anxiety, failed to disclose 
 any state of immediate difficulty. There was simply 
 noticeable the feature of over-trading to which at- 
 tention had already been drawn, and as the Manager, 
 confident in the value of his securities, had already 
 somewhat superciliously treated this question, Dal- 
 las, having no fresh evidence to submit, did not care 
 to again refer to the subject. 
 
 "The Manager," opined Dallas, "has evidently 
 discovered that there is more cause for alarm than 
 he is disposed to acknowledge." 
 
 Without exactly being able to point out any 
 defect in the policy observed by the management, 
 Dallas yet felt that insufficient effort was being made 
 to secure greater consolidation of the business of the 
 Bank. And yet, as he afterwards glanced through 
 the weekly abstract, and noted the excessive re- 
 serve of coin, and knew that similar strong reserves 
 were collected at other centrally placed branches, 
 he felt bound to admit that proper precaution had 
 been observed at all times. 
 
 Then, in succession, he reviewed the other 
 items of the abstract, the Government securities held
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A CRISIS. "5 
 
 — some in London, some in Australia, apparently 
 wherever they could be most easily realized upon 
 the receipt of instructions from the Head Office. 
 
 Looking down the succession of figures, he 
 paused at the several sums entered under the head- 
 ing of liabilities, but which he knew were unclaim- 
 able, and experienced some feeling of surprise as he 
 realized what a very large sum, in the aggregate, 
 they represented. These were practically "Reserve 
 Funds," unknown to the general public. 
 
 He compared the "discounts" and 'bills nego- 
 tiated" with the relative "coin held," the total of 
 which it was designed should be increased, as the 
 bills daily matured, and, on the other hand, ob- 
 served the proportion they bore to the "Mortgages." 
 
 Should the latter have been more restrained? he 
 queried; and have borne a smaller proportion to 
 the 'bills receivable?" 
 
 But, turning to the amounts held at "Fixed De- 
 posit," he felt loth to admit that the Bank had com- 
 mitted any error in accepting so much business, 
 particularly when, turning up the report on 
 advances, he noticed how ample the margin ap- 
 peared in the case of each regular overdraft, and 
 how even the inevitable list of irregular accounts 
 were either being satisfactorily "nursed," so as to 
 produce a surplus, or else that the necessary pro- 
 vision had been already set apart to meet the de- 
 ficiency. 
 
 "And yet we have all our hidden reserve funds 
 in addition," said Dallas, as he closed up the Ab- 
 stract-book with a satisfied air. 
 
 Not long afterwards, while conferring with the 
 accountant, Dallas was asked if the manager had 
 consulted him with reference to the London bills. 
 
 "Do you refer to this morning's London mail?" 
 
 "Yes, the increase noticed for some two or 
 three months past has become still more marked 
 this week."
 
 76 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Still, London office is quite satisfied as to the 
 value of the names of the drawers." 
 
 "Yes, cables have been despatched every week 
 concerning this very question. 'London' holds that 
 the business is worth the risk, and that even if the 
 amount cannot be recovered at this end, we can safe- 
 ly fall back on the drawers or endorsers, and that 
 to refuse to purchase these acceptances would drive 
 good connections to other banks. All doubtful 
 paper is allowed to pass to other Banks." 
 
 "That may be the London office point of view, 
 but how are our customers to carry this load of 
 liability which is beyond the necessities of trade?" 
 
 The accountant shrugged his shoulders, took up 
 the blotting-pad, dropped it upon his table, and 
 spread out his hands with a gesture, almost of dis- 
 may. 
 
 It was a question that could not be answered. 
 
 At that moment the manager entered the office 
 holding a large bundle of papers in his hands. 
 
 He appeared greatly disturbed, and spoke with 
 positive fierceness. 
 
 "I feel disinclined to give up these documents 
 on acceptance." 
 
 He ran his right hand over the bills of lading 
 he held in his left hand. 
 
 "The London consignors accept the risk," sug- 
 gested the accountant, "and they are known to the 
 London office." 
 
 "Yes, yes," petulantly responded the manager, 
 "but all these are our own customers, and how can 
 they continue to carry such stocks on hand unless 
 they allow them to pass out of their hands on credit, 
 and hold weak paper in their stead, entailing upon 
 us continued renewals?" 
 
 "Would you propose throwing them upon the 
 market?" queried the accountant. 
 
 "Better so," said the manager, "it will bring 
 matters to an issue," 
 
 There was a long silence.
 
 THE BEGINNINGS OF A CRISIS. 77 
 
 "We cannot hold the goods," continued the 
 manager. 
 
 "The market could not bear such quantities 
 thrown upon it. Other acceptances would be dan- 
 gerously imperilled," submitted the accountant. 
 
 "I admit so much," said the manager, "but be- 
 lieve it will be the lesser of the two evils. A forcible 
 check is better than a long drawn-out agony. ' ' 
 
 "True, if the other Banks could only be induced 
 to take the same course of action." 
 
 "The Traders' Bank, for instance," interjected 
 Dallas. 
 
 The manager turned towards him, but made no 
 reply. The suggestion did not soothe him. 
 
 "What can possess London Banks to negotiate 
 such quantities of commercial paper?" he exclaim- 
 ed. "They must understand such forcing of trade 
 to be unhealthy and impossible; that reaction must 
 
 follow — with dullness — fall in prices — losses " 
 
 With sudden movement he turned and passed out 
 of the office. 
 
 Dallas turned hastily to the accountant. "He 
 has not determined upon any such course?" 
 
 "No, not yet; but with competition so strong in 
 London, and the continuance of this unabated eager- 
 ness to buy bills on Australia, must lead to some- 
 thing serious. The manager is troubled because he 
 is powerless to arrest this over-trading. His pro- 
 posal would doubtless have some such effect, but 
 at the expense of ruining our connection. It would 
 be a good thing if some other Bank carried out the 
 idea, but not our Bank." 
 
 Dallas returned to his own room, conscious of 
 the grave issue that lay before them, and how force- 
 ful the stream that was sw^eeping ouAvards to the 
 edge of the cataract in the distance. Nor could his 
 thoughts help turning to one whom he knew would 
 be one of the first to be overwhelmed in the disaster. 
 And yet, he was powerless to even mitigate the 
 fall.
 
 78 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 The awfulness of a commercial crisis can only 
 be understood and appreciated by those who have 
 passed through the experience. 
 
 As he entered his office from the inner side. 
 Miss Dalrymple appeared at the other door.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 BECOMING ENTANGLED. 
 
 "I am content to be that which thou wilt, 
 
 Tho' humble be my pathway and obscure, 
 Yet from all stain of guilt 
 Keep thou me pure." 
 
 — Lewis Morris. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple's manner betrayed some trepi- 
 dation, but too slight to challenge attention. 
 
 Dallas, unfeignedly pleased to see her, moved 
 across the room with a grave smile of welcome, and 
 then placing a chair near the table, waited for her 
 to speak. He knew her visits were always due to 
 matters of some moment needing discussion, and he 
 also understood that Miss Dalrymple was accustom- 
 ed to approach the subject-in-hand with business- 
 like directness. 
 
 And now promptly seating herself after a some- 
 what terse greeting, she drew some letters from her 
 reticule, and straightway began : 
 
 "I have just received my London mail, and will 
 you please read this advice from Lintott and Co. 
 You may remember my having remitted £1500 by 
 cable a few days ago. I may tell you the amount 
 was sent to pay for a line of goods. They are al- 
 ready on the way hither, and now this letter tells 
 me Lintott have dispatched the very same kind of 
 goods valued at . . . £769 3s. 4d., she continued, 
 reading from the invoice. "They cannot be sold," 
 she added, suddenly looking towards him. 
 
 "Refuse to take delivery," Dallas coolly re- 
 marked, "the consignment not having been or- 
 dered."
 
 80 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 ' ' I cannot venture to do so ; yet if the shipment 
 were to be sold at auction, the market would be 
 spoiled for my own order; and, moreover," she hesi- 
 tated slightly, "I do not wish Lintott to know of 
 my having sent an order to Duluth." 
 
 Dallas waited for the situation to explain itself 
 more fully. 
 
 ''These goods are specialities, and will be use- 
 less if not sold in two or three weeks. In a fortnight, 
 I find, Lintott 's consignment will be delivered; my 
 own order about three weeks later. Unless further 
 consideration should suggest a different course, I 
 propose to dispose of the first lot in this city as 
 quickly as possible. Should the goods 'take' well, it 
 is probable a large proportion of the second con- 
 signment may be placed in other cities of Australia. 
 Should no one else be importing to any extent, or 
 only indenting sample lots, the venture will be high- 
 Ij^ profitable; but if I have been anticipated — ah, 
 well!" 
 
 And she shrugged her shoulders. 
 
 "If the first consignment will not arrive before 
 a fortnight," suggested Dallas, "it might be worth 
 while to visit two other cities in the interim. "We 
 could supply you with letters to our Bank or agents, 
 and perhaps they might materially assist you." 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Dallas, but I fear such a course 
 would disclose my business. I have admitted you to 
 my confidence, but I wish none else to know, chiefly 
 for social reasons, which you already understand. 
 However, if you do not mind, I shall discuss the 
 matter with you later on, inasmuch as a dealing of 
 this nature will carry me into paths calculated to 
 prove my inexperience in ways Australian. By- 
 the-bye, can you tell me through which Bank the 
 draft will be presented; Lintott and Co. state they 
 have negotiated it through the London Union 
 Bank." 
 
 "We act as agents for the London Union Bank, 
 and, therefore, the draft will be forwarded through
 
 BECOMING ENTANGLED. 81 
 
 our London Office. Probably it will have arrived 
 in this morning's mail." 
 
 Dallas touched his bell; a clerk appeared. 
 
 "Ask' Mr. Addison if he has received a London 
 bill for — What was the amount?" 
 
 "£769 3s. 4d." 
 
 "For £769 3s. 4d., drawn by Lintott and Co., 
 on Miss Dalrymple." 
 
 In a few minutes, the clerk returned with the 
 bill in question. 
 
 Dallas perused the docket of instructions at- 
 tached to the bill, and noticed that there were no 
 alterations or erasures of the printed matter, indi- 
 cating that drawers were consigning to Miss Dal- 
 rymple on the same terms accorded to all other con- 
 stituents. Dallas gathered therefrom, with much 
 satisfaction, that she must be most favourably 
 known to Lintott and Co. 
 
 As he glanced up, he perceived Miss Dalrymple 
 to have been steadily regarding him. 
 
 "This is the draft you referred to," he said, 
 speaking with a quiet assured tone; "but it is not 
 to be presented for acceptance until the arrival of 
 the 'Oruba.' It is drawn at ninety days after sight." 
 he added. 
 
 "The usual rebate being allowed?" she ques- 
 tioned. 
 
 "If retired before maturity! — certainly; but 
 this bill is not negotiated." 
 
 "Not negotiated!" exclaimed Miss Dalrymple. 
 "Then, are there any special instructions as to non- 
 acceptance, or non-payment?" 
 
 "No, only the usual course to be followed." 
 
 "And that is?" 
 
 Dallas hesitated, resenting this cross-question- 
 ing. 
 
 "I beg your pardon," she said quickly, "I really 
 forgot that was purely the Bank's concern. How- 
 ever, the matter is quite immaterial, for I hope to 
 tell you this afternoon that I shall be prepared to
 
 82 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 accept on arrival, and retire within thirty days. 
 And now, I wish you 'Good-morning!' " 
 
 Dallas, as he reseated himself, perceived he still 
 held the bill in his hand. He called his clerk. 
 
 "Return this London bill to Mr. Addison, to 
 be passed through in the usual course.". 
 
 As he mechanically drew towards him the first 
 papers that came to hand, he felt conscious, once 
 more, of a haunting feeling that something was 
 being concealed. 
 
 "Why should she have been so anxious to know 
 the procedure adopted with regard to bills? Could 
 she have had an inkling in her mind that the Bank 
 intends to refuse the responsibility of holding bills 
 after giving delivery' of the goods? ... It Avould 
 have a serious effect were we to refuse delivery ex- 
 cept for cash, and send her consignment to the auc- 
 tion-room. And Grace Dalrymple, being a new, un- 
 known name, would naturally be one of the first to 
 be so dealt with. . . . Suppose the manager were 
 to require payment on delivery? . . ." 
 
 Dallas laid down his pen, and leant back in his 
 chair in deep thought. 
 
 " 'Not negotiated!' Ah, that accounts for her 
 surprise. . . She understood at once that the Bank 
 was not interested — well, not specially so — in ob- 
 taining assurance of payment. . . She is profoundly 
 clever," he cogitated, . . . "And yet she will pay 
 within thirty days, and I fully believe her. . . No, 
 there is some other reason . . .some other reason." 
 
 Dallas resumed his pen with a sense of unrest. 
 He did not understand, whereas he felt he ought to 
 know of the whole matter. That is all. 
 
 "Mr. Dallas!" He looked up, startled. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple had re-appeared at the door. 
 
 "I feel some constraint," she said, speaking in 
 a suave tone which lent, at once, grace and dignity 
 to her manner. "I feel some constraint as to taking 
 up so much of your time in the Bank with my af- 
 fairs, which really only concern me personally, and
 
 BECOMING ENTANGLED. 83 
 
 can have no other interest for you except such as 
 yourself — a very valued friend — may be pleased to 
 exhibit on my behalf. Perhaps, therefore, you may 
 do me the honour of calling at the hotel — the Carl- 
 ton Hotel — sometime in the evening, if you should 
 happen to be quite at liberty?" 
 
 Dallas rose up the moment she spoke, but re- 
 mained standing at the table. 
 
 The marked difference of his demeanour did 
 not escape her notice, and a kindly entreaty of 
 tone distinguished her last words. 
 
 What answer but one could he make to an in- 
 vitation so graciously and frankly given ! 
 
 She hardly thanked him by word — she suffered 
 her glance to communicate their message. 
 
 "Will you come to dinner?" she suddenly 
 added. "I dine always at the table d'hote — the 
 hour is half -past six — this evening?" 
 
 The last two words were uttered half-question- 
 ingly, half-affirmatively. Never had her manner 
 appeared so engaging, so attractive. 
 
 Dallas felt it difficult to remain altogether cool- 
 headed. The rustle of her dress as she passed out 
 at the door dwelt on his mind. 
 
 Throughout the day did his thoughts wander, 
 assuming queerer shape than he, perhaps, cared to 
 admit being conscious of. Who might this inex- 
 plicable woman be whose tastes, sentiments, even 
 business-habits, coincided with his own, and yet 
 whom he was bound to acknowledge as his superior 
 in many respects in the very province in which he 
 had earned his position. 
 
 She was profounder than himself; more intui- 
 tive, of quicker penetration, and keenly observant. 
 
 She assumed to herself with the ease of pos- 
 session the very capabilities which the cultivated 
 mind of man is able to command, and she added 
 thereto the natural heritage and acquired accom- 
 plishments of a gifted woman. 
 
 Was it possible for Dallas to pit his strength,
 
 84 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 capable of cutting in two the iron bar, against the 
 skill of a scimitar "v\-hicli can lightly sever the silken 
 cushion ? 
 
 And her charm! Did she truly possess an in- 
 fluence impossible to resist?
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 DALLAS DINES WITH MISS DALRYMPLE. 
 
 "Worship the gods as if they came. 
 And if you don't, it's all the same." 
 
 — Chinese Parody. 
 
 Glancing backward as he mentally recalled the 
 many incidents already crowded into his short ac- 
 quaintance with Miss Dalrymple, Dallas was fain 
 to admit that there appeared no regular sequence of 
 events. It was the unexpected which always hap- 
 pened. Every interview, every visit had disclosed 
 some new purpose, some different transaction, ren- 
 dering it impossible to frame an opinion as to the 
 position, the intention, even the business of this new 
 customer, 
 
 "Whither would this apparent entanglement of 
 affairs lead him, for, in spite of himself, he already 
 began to feel as one drawn into a current? 
 
 The very mystery attached to the circumstances 
 naturally fascinated him, apart from the still deeper 
 element of romance which by reason of its very 
 strangeness was likely to make all the greater im- 
 pression. 
 
 Thoughtfully he passed the day, and leaving 
 the Bank soon after five o'clock, walked homewards 
 to change his dress. 
 
 The evenings were now beginning to lengthen, 
 for the autumn had well advanced. As the sun set, 
 a slight chill in the air became noticeable, but like 
 most autumn sunsets in Australia, the evening was 
 profoundly beautiful. Very clear was the atmos- 
 phere; the outline of the hills, the toAvers, steeples
 
 86 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 and campaniles of the city being sharply traced 
 against the sky. The heavens above were full of 
 colour, the light clouds of evening being lit up with 
 rich burning tints that shed a roseate glow upon the 
 city and upon the water, while the sails of a brig 
 which slowh' drifted up the harbour, stood out upon 
 the scene like a marvellous painting. Beyond the 
 brig, the white walls of the lighthouse upon the far- 
 off cliffs gleamed redly. 
 
 Dallas paused near Governor Bourke's statue, 
 upon the rising ground of the Domain, and looked 
 down upon one of the loveliest scenes of Sydney, 
 aye, of the world. For more than an hour Dallas 
 had been striving to give point to his thoughts, but 
 they seemed to follow unbidden paths of their own. 
 Yet he looked forward to this evening with a glad 
 heart, believing the time had come when the re- 
 ticence which had led to so much doubt would now 
 give place to a confidence, a frankness, such as he 
 hoped would enable him to prove himself of real 
 worth and appreciation in the servfce of one whom 
 he felt delighted to honour. 
 
 Passing through the Domain gates, Dallas pro- 
 ceeded leisurely towards Wemyss-street, and exactly 
 at half-past six o'clock he ascended the steps, and 
 entered the handsome hall of the Carlton Hotel. 
 
 As he deposited his hat and stick in the vestibule 
 the dinner-gong sounded, and long before it ceased 
 the guests of the hotel were to be seen making their 
 way from various directions towards the wide doors 
 of the dining-hall. 
 
 Dallas awaited ]\Iiss Dalrymple, whom he per- 
 ceived descending the staircase. She greeted him 
 wnth that charming frankness which ever left such 
 pleasant impression upon the recipient. 
 
 "As punctual as I expected. Do you know," 
 she continued, as they passed together towards the 
 saloon, "I think it is strict punctuality on the part 
 of men, which more than anything else begets a 
 woman's confidence in them. She feels that if they
 
 DALLAS DINES WITH MISS DALRYMPLE. 87 
 
 be true to time, they will be faithful in every other 
 particular. . . . Now, our seats are on the other 
 side of the table where I directed the waiter to 
 reserve tAvo for us." 
 
 The hall was nearly full, brilliantly lit, the long 
 table flashing with polished glass and adorned with 
 flowers, all the appointments being in keeping with 
 the order observed in high-class hotels. The walls 
 were divided architecturally into panels, each of 
 which holding a large mirror, reflected the lights of 
 the handsome chandeliers, and gave an unusual ap- 
 pearance of brilliancy. 
 
 "Not the least of tl.3 luxuries of the 'Carlton* 
 are these excellent chairs," said Miss Dalrymple, 
 as the waiter, slightly moving her seat, allowed her 
 to draw to the table and sink into cushioned com- 
 fort. "It is an axiom of the house to make the 
 dinner-hour the period of recreation for tired mor- 
 tals, — for very many of these people," she whis- 
 pered mysteriously, "are busy city men." 
 
 "Wealthy, as a matter of course," responded 
 Dallas, glancing down the table. 
 
 " 'Ce va sans dire.' They prefer hotel-life to 
 that of a home — 'a I'Americaine' — and I sympathise 
 with them. , , I see our admirable 'chef is still 
 true to his reputation. He makes a point of never 
 allowing us to recall when we may have tasted simi- 
 larly-prepared soup. This is chestnut soup. You 
 seem, in Australia, to have usurped everything be- 
 longing to our Europe, even chestnuts." 
 
 "No, not yet," said Dallas, laughingly, "for I 
 must in all honesty admit I have not hitherto in 
 Australia tasted chestnut soup. It is an English 
 importation." 
 
 "There are some excellent stories current about 
 our 'chef; he is an artist after Vatel's own heart, 
 and when he has surpassed himself in the prepara- 
 tion of some artistic conception — for he thinks the 
 palate is the noblest part of man — he will follow his
 
 88 WnU THE BANKS AT HER MBRCY. 
 
 *ehef d'oeuvre' into the dining-hall, and if it is not 
 eaten quickly whilst it is hot — just off the stove — 
 or not properly appreciated — woe to Courvoisier, 
 this Vatel of ours! It breaks his heart. He seizes 
 his own two hands, seeking sympathy, as it were, 
 and returns to his o\vii dominions, ejaculating, 'Ah! 
 ces Anglais, ces Anglais!' It is all he says, but the 
 words express the measure of his contempt. . . . 
 
 Monsieur will take . Mr. Dallas will also take 
 
 wine," she said to the waiter who was in the act of 
 filling her glass. 
 
 "Perhaps, though, you may prefer sherry to 
 Madeira, but the latter is a taste I have found in 
 my wanderings." 
 
 "No," answered Dallas, "I unhesitatingly ap- 
 prove whatever may bear the stamp of your favour. 
 But, tell me, do you not secretly sympathise with 
 your Vatel?" 
 
 "Most assuredly. I have several times talked 
 Avith him. He is such an artist, and he verily be- 
 lieves me to be a confrere, if one may use the term 
 — at all events, a compatriot." 
 
 "And he confides to you his — disapproval, shall 
 we call it? — of Australian irreverence for his art?" 
 
 "Yes; it is his one theme, and he becomes so 
 quaint, that my humour takes alarm, and compels 
 me to flee." 
 
 Dallas noticed how the merry flash from her 
 Byes lit up her countenance. 
 
 "I wonder, in that his sensitive soul should 
 submit to incessant torture," quoth Dallas. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple's face changed with the swift- 
 ness of a flash. 
 
 "Because," she said, with steel-like distinctness, 
 " 'the jingle of the guinea heals the hurt that 
 honour feels.' " 
 
 The sudden alteration in tone and manner star- 
 tled Dallas; he at once comprehended that a hidden 
 chord had been touched. It was his first insight to 
 her inner self, and it told him nothing; instantly
 
 DALLAS DINES WITH MISS DALRYMPLE. S9 
 
 her former maimer re-asserted itself, but the actress- 
 like expression and movement fascinated Dallas. 
 
 It happened that Black Duck was the course 
 which succeeded the fish, permitting Miss Dalrymple 
 to remark somewhat gaily, "Perhaps you might be 
 interested to hear that Chef Courvoisier considers 
 Wild Duck to be the only good that Australia can 
 produce?" 
 
 "Oh, then, he is not such a bad fellow after all, 
 for his liking in that respect awakes a kindred feel- 
 ing. But in all seriousness, this duck is wondronsly 
 rendered." 
 
 "Yes, and it is a secret that will die with him." 
 Then turning towards her guest, she continued, "I 
 know that all men have a special predilection in the 
 shape of wine, but I am about to ask you to allow the 
 choice to be mine. There is a sparkling Moselle 
 wine wafted hither by some happy chance, and but 
 sufficient of itself to bear one in imagination to the 
 land of 'Wine, Women, and Song,' as the poet hath 
 been pleased to sing of it, and whence it hath come. 
 Shall we then have our 'Brauneberg?' " 
 
 "You make me delighted with every oppor- 
 tunity of agreeing with you." 
 
 A minute later, the rich wine flowed in their 
 glasses. The movement caused it to flash and 
 sparkle in the gaslight, awaking irresistible desire. 
 
 Dallas thought it was easier to be stolid in the 
 presence of the most exacting customer than before 
 that glass of honest wine. With the delicacy of its 
 bouquet, it appealed to all the nerve-centres of his 
 sj^stem. 
 
 He turned to his hostess: "Is it to intuition or 
 to experience that the perfection of knowledge and 
 judgment has been thus given. It seems to me you 
 are most happy in your life ; an existence, one would 
 think, enwoven with the beautiful — both artistic in 
 its past surroundings, and wide in its sympathy. 
 Surely such gifts, and so cultivated, must needs lead 
 on to wondrous accomplishment?"
 
 90 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 He spoke with such deep earnestness, and with, 
 such evident sincerity as to win, unseen by himself, 
 a very kindly glance, but in the depths of that 
 glance lingered an untold shadow, brought there by 
 the words of a true heart's utterance. But rather 
 irrelevantly she hastened to turn the current of his 
 thoughts. 
 
 "I do not know," she said, "whether it be due 
 to Continental training or not, but I certainly have 
 a preference for residence in hotels. One is not so 
 quiet, perhaps, but one is — well — more comfortable. 
 You feel that you are waited upon, and that is hard- 
 ly the characteristic you have become acquainted 
 with in pensions, or lodging-houses, as we English 
 love to term our temporary abiding places. The 
 very name seems to breathe one's feelings towards 
 them. Is it not so?" 
 
 And once more the merry eyes told only of the 
 pleasure of the moment. Thus the dinner proceeded, 
 his entertaining hostess leaving Dallas not a mo- 
 ment to himself. He had long ere this gathered 
 that there could be but few countries, either in 
 Europe or America that she had not visited, but 
 whether on business or pleasure did not appear, and 
 her being conversant with every topic and question 
 of the day indicated that not only must she have 
 been largely accustomed to Society — which he was 
 able very easily to understand, — but also must be a 
 persistent reader, even to the point of being a stu- 
 dent. The extraordinary juxtaposition of accom- 
 plishments, taste, and refinement on the one hand, 
 and his knowledge of her business occupation on 
 the other, seemed to partake of the nature of a mys- 
 tery. Had all this odd mixture presented itself ip 
 Europe, he would have been quite prepared to as- 
 sume she was engaged in some wild political schemes 
 such as exercise fascination for Celtic and Slav 
 temperaments, but — in Australia — ! 
 
 However, Dallas allowed no such thoughts to 
 disturb him just now. Why should he? He was
 
 DALLAS DINES WITH MISS DALRYMPLE. 91 
 
 the guest of a charming hostess, and it seemed to be 
 equally delightful on her part to entertain a guest 
 in whom she had become interested. And no other 
 role perhaps fitted her so well, inasmuch as being 
 gifted with somewhat of a bonhomie of manner, and 
 an attentiveness that was always flattering to others, 
 she never failed to draw forth all that was best in 
 her companions. Knowing the art of conversation, 
 she taught it unto others. 
 
 Can it be wondered at, therefore, that Dallas, 
 after his intense enjoyment of the dinner hour, 
 should question within himself as to his own prosaic 
 manner of life being worth the living? 
 
 There was a pleasing restrained bustle, a general 
 emanation of good humour and enjoyment pervad- 
 ing the room, that acted like a tonic upon tired 
 nerves. Possibly, it was a fillip instead of rest to 
 out-wearied feeling, yet, nevertheless, it brought 
 with it a delight that was exhilarating. 
 
 "I suppose," said Dallas as they chatted about 
 one thing and another, "it is our fault that Society 
 with us has not the charm which is its attribute in 
 Europe." 
 
 "In a general sense, there is undoubtedly a 
 difference, due probably to the Australian being too 
 intent upon material things, and consequently neg- 
 lecting the soft nothings and airy trifles — nothing in 
 themselves, and totally disregarded by matter-of- 
 fact business people — but which have become an 
 art in the intercourse of peoples in older countries. 
 It is the poetical view by grown-up people of the 
 part that is played by Ariel in our daily lives — an 
 acknowledgment of the existence in a more matured 
 state of those lightsome fairies in which in our child- 
 hood we were such devout believers. Possibly the 
 influence of those early impressions still continue, 
 except when driven out by the pressure of cruel 
 hard work — and then, and then," she continued with 
 a gracious inclination, "an hour like this may be 
 trusted to restore the fairies' power. But Australia
 
 92 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 seems to have inherited all of England's traditions, 
 and we shall doubtless find in due course her So- 
 ciety modelled in the same fashion." 
 
 "And in the meantime?" 
 
 "And in the meantime, people must seek to im- 
 bibe something of the romantic feeling of Europe 
 by doing as you have done — visit the Old World." 
 
 Dallas liked the archness of her manner." 
 
 "Miss Dalr.ymple," he remarked, as though ad- 
 dressing a third party, "might almost be credited 
 with clairvoyancy by reason of the aptitude of the 
 surmise." 
 
 "It is not guesswork," she said quietly. "I 
 have learnt it from yourself; you allow your inter- 
 est in places and things to be too manifest." 
 
 Dallas paused a moment. "Then, indeed, I 
 hope I am able to preserve due reticence in business 
 affairs, however unsuccessful I may be with social 
 matters." 
 
 "And, indeed," answerd Miss Dalrymple, "do 
 not be concerned on that account, for I can testify 
 thereupon." 
 
 "I really believe," she continued, "that our 
 Vatel must have had regard to-day to the honour of 
 serving you, for he has prepared for your delecta- 
 tion his wonderful 'soufflee.' But I will not spoil 
 the pleasure of anticipation by description — you 
 must taste for yourself, and pronounce judgment — 
 nor is delay x>ermitted, for see it has come directly 
 from the artist and his fire, and even while it is be- 
 side you, it seems to breathe itself away." 
 
 The trifle was light as air, delicate as foam. 
 
 "It is only taste," exclaimed Dallas, "it has 
 no substance." 
 
 "Exactly," responded Miss Dalrymple, "it is 
 but taste itself, in the poetry of form, but the skill 
 required to give it form is born, not made." 
 
 The "soufflee" was the last course. As they 
 finished their wine, and occasionally cracked a nut, 
 the people one by one left the table.
 
 WAS SHE MARRIED? 93 
 
 Still they chatted. 
 
 "Now," said Miss Dalrymple, rising from the 
 table, "I expect, like other men, j'ou are longing for 
 a smoke after dinner?" 
 
 "Yes," admitted Dallas, "more than usually 
 so, for one has much to think about, a process that 
 can only be properly accomplished with the assist- 
 ance of the pipe." 
 
 "And am I not to be admitted to the counsels?" 
 she queried archly. 
 
 "By all means," he returned, "as soon as the 
 thoughts have taken to themselves definite form — 
 a circumstance not latterly accomplished by the aid 
 of such science as I may be master of." 
 
 "Perhaps, after all, you will seek the key from 
 me." She paused as they reached the foot of the 
 staircase, on either side of which stood a bronze 
 figure holding a branch with seven lights. 
 
 Dallas omitted to reply. He was only conscious 
 how radiantly handsome she looked in the full light 
 that fell upon her. 
 
 There was a kindly expression in her eyes as 
 she frankly returned his regard. 
 
 Then she said — 
 
 "The smoking room is, I believe, in the direc- 
 tion towards your left. I will await you to rejoin 
 me upstairs in the drawing-room. Au revoir."
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 WAS SHE MARRIEE? 
 
 "I may not sing to you or tell my love." 
 
 — Lewis Morris. 
 
 Dallas found a seat in a sheltered corner of 
 the balcony opening out of the smoking room. One 
 other man, also regardless of the chill night air, 
 leaned against the heavy balustrade looking out 
 upon the city. He, too, smoked in silence, not ven- 
 turing upon a single remark. Through the windows 
 could be seen the smoke-filled atmosphere, wreath 
 after wreath seeming to add to the density of the 
 mist within. A number of men were gathered there, 
 all smoking, a few reading, some with chairs drawn 
 near together, chatting in groups. Like a far-off 
 sound, the noise of talking and laughter reached 
 Dallas's ears — an incessant striking of matches, and 
 the occasional clink of glasses as waiters appeared. 
 
 Unmindful of it all, Dallas's mind busied itself 
 with recollections. He strove with deliberation to 
 piece together all the circumstances, the impressions, 
 the words, incidents, connected with his acquaint- 
 ance with this charming stranger, which might 
 throw some light upon her purpose — her object in 
 coming to Australia. Every interview seemed to 
 have revealed something anew to him, but without 
 confirming any previously-formed conclusion. He 
 admitted to himself being confronted with an 
 enigma, and he felt certain it boded something evil 
 to the Bank. But his thoughts traversed swiftly 
 all the evidences of friendliness to himself, especi- 
 ally manifest this evening. How could he connect a
 
 WAS SHE MARRIED? 95 
 
 "woman like unto this woman with nefarious inten- 
 tions? 
 
 "There is something unnatural about her deal- 
 ings, not about herself," he argued. "She is perfect. 
 Can she be hynotised?" 
 
 He shook his 'head. She was too real — too 
 strong for any nonsense of that kind. "Then, she 
 said I might need to seek the key from her; so she 
 admits to there being a mystery. . . Yet she does not 
 seem to make any endeavour to mystify me. Every 
 incident, even every utterance appears to have orig- 
 inated unpremeditatedly. ... If only one but knew 
 something more about her ! . . . Upon my word, the 
 whole affair smacks of a romance . . . romance . . 
 can one conceive of romance troubling me!" 
 
 But romance or not, the cool, calm deliberation 
 of the man had been profoundly affected, and the 
 more he thought upon the matter the more unsatis- 
 factory did its aspect appear. 
 
 With an impatient movement — as of one who 
 essays to put aside a trouble — he knocked the ashes 
 out of his pipe, replaced it in its case, and, passing 
 through the smoking-room, made his way towards 
 the drawing-room. 
 
 As he reached the gallery at the head of the 
 staircase, a stream of light pouring through an 
 open doorway led him to the drawing-room. Several 
 people were present — some conversing, a quartette 
 playing whist, two more engaged at chess, while the 
 rest were reading. The piano stood open. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple was seated on a sofa in one of 
 the bow-windows, a gas-bracket above throwing a 
 full light upon her. 
 
 She laid aside her book with a smile, as Dallas 
 approached. 
 
 "I fear you have but taken time for a cigar- 
 ette," she remarked. 
 
 "Scotchmen do not smoke cigarettes," he an- 
 swered, as possessing himself of a chair, he placed 
 it near the sofa.
 
 96 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 It seemed as though the next hour were about 
 to be as delightful as the previous period. 
 
 As Dallas glanced around, he observed several 
 of the people to be regarding them both. He turned 
 towards his companion, who perfectly unconcerned 
 had slightly moved in order to ensconce herself 
 more comfortably in the bend of the sofa — a pre- 
 paration, as it were, for a long "tete-a-tete." 
 
 Thus it occurred to Dallas, and he imvardly 
 resolved there should be an exchange of perfect 
 confidence. It was the one thing he felt sure of win- 
 ning from a woman. 
 
 Suddenly, however. Miss Dalrymple, assuming 
 a seriousness of tone, leaned towards him and spoke 
 low. 
 
 "Referring to the matter of that London draft, 
 I find I must endeavour to 'place' all the consign- 
 ment in this city, afterwards there may be an at- 
 tempt to dispose of the balance on best account. I 
 cannot leave Sydney at the present time. I shall, 
 therefore, accept the bill as soon as the 'Oruba' 
 reaches port." 
 
 "Have you had time j'et to fairly consider the 
 whole risk, with the probability — from what you 
 have told me — of there being a serious loss to 
 meet?" 
 
 "Yes, but as I am not a free agent — in a sense, 
 I can hardly now explain to you — it is difficult to 
 decide upon an alternative. Further consignments 
 from Lintott and Co, would be imperilled by hesi- 
 tation as to acceptance, and perhaps better than 
 any other London firm, they are in a position to an- 
 ticipate requirements and send hither the class of 
 goods I specially need. On the other hand, trans- 
 actions with Duluth and Son form part of my obli- 
 gation. I should dearly like to explain to you my 
 whole position, but being intimately connected with 
 others, I cannot speak of my affairs without also 
 divulging theirs, and as, in that respect, they have 
 still left me considerably in the dark, I do not know
 
 WAS SHE MARRIED? 97 
 
 to what extent there would be justification for me 
 in submitting these matters for your opinion." 
 
 Dallas's eyes seemed to retreat inwards for a 
 few moments, as he rapidly thought over all the cir- 
 cumstances attending his knowledge of her busi- 
 ness. 
 
 Beneath her eye-lashes she studied the strong, 
 cool face. Suddenly he looked up directly into her 
 eyes. Her gaze met his for a moment, and then fell. 
 
 He said: "You are a lady, here alone, a 
 stranger in a strange land, dependent upon your 
 own resources, and probably your connections being 
 the outcome merely of business dealings would only 
 be concerned, as to your failure, to the extent to 
 which their interests might be affected. In such 
 circumstances, as you admit, it is undoubtedly diffi- 
 cult to decide rightly. But, I would remind you, 
 you can command the friendly counsel of those who 
 have spent all their business lives amid similar sur- 
 roundings. The Bankers in this country never hesi- 
 tate to give advice and information when asked for 
 by a customer, and, moreover, you already know 
 m3"self to be disinterested. Therefore, tell me all 
 about yourself." 
 
 Again she looked into his face, earnestly, with 
 something of a woman's trustfulness in her mien. 
 
 "I should like to do so," she said. 
 
 She laid her hand on his arm. *'I never act 
 hurriedly — I will think over the whole case, and 
 when you come again I will know how much can 
 be spoken of. But I wish," she said, with some 
 slight hesitation, "I had met you earlier," 
 
 "But you have not long since arrived in Aus- 
 tralia." 
 
 "I mean, before I entered into the arrangement 
 that led to my coming to this country. Now, let us 
 put an end to business; it is enough to give up the 
 day without spoiling the evening also." 
 
 But Dallas deprecatingly raised his hand; he 
 was anxious to continue the conversation which
 
 •8 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 could not but result in gleaning some light, while, 
 at any moment, yielding to the usual feminine im- 
 pulse, she might grant him her confidence. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple, however, rose as she spoke, 
 and moved towards the piano. With slow reluctance 
 Dallas accompanied her, and obeying a slight move- 
 ment of the hand, as she seated herself upon the 
 music stool, he inclined himself towards a low easy 
 chair placed at the side of the piano. 
 
 As her hands touched the notes she paused, and 
 turning half round towards the chess players, asked 
 if she would be disturbing their game. 
 
 "Most certainly not," courteously responded 
 the gentleman; "you will be affording us great 
 pleasure. ' ' 
 
 Then she plaj'ed with ready instinct, selecting 
 music that pleased Dallas. Apparently forgetting 
 his presence, she suffered herself to become absorb- 
 ed in the harmony. Her eyes had the abstracted 
 gaze of one who, forgetting passing things, dwells 
 upon some inner thought, some dream, and suffered 
 the expression to find vent in the cadence of the 
 music. 
 
 As her fingers concluded the last notes, Dallas 
 suddenly leaning forward, said, "Do you remem- 
 ber at the Jeromes,' you promised to sing to me?" 
 
 A slight colour mounted into her face. She 
 bent her head before answering. 
 
 "Yes, alone perhaps, but not now." 
 
 Her hands fell from the notes, and she began 
 talking to Dallas about ordinary topics, but con- 
 verged very gravely. There was a subdued quiet- 
 ness that appeared to him to be in marked contrast 
 to all her other phases of humour. As though she 
 had been communing with some fellow-spirit, there 
 was noticeable a reserve into which Dallas felt he 
 might not enter. Their minds had become divergent 
 —they had passed out of each other's sphere of in- 
 fluence, and the conversation became almost de- 
 sultory, until the departure of several occupants of
 
 WAS SHE MARRIED? 99 
 
 the room suggested to Dallas that it was also time 
 for him to take his leave. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple made no effort to detain him 
 longer. 
 
 "I am not very often 'at home,' Mr. Dallas, but 
 if you choose to call, and take the chance of find- 
 ing me within, I shall be always pleased to see you." 
 
 Dallas passed down the long, carpeted stair- 
 case, took his hat and stick from the stand, and 
 thoughtfully made his way homeward. 
 
 Again had there seemed to have been created 
 some new development. How was it possible for a 
 man to preserve an unaffected temperament? 
 
 He had become conscious of a deep interest in, 
 and concern for this woman who thus suddenly was 
 forming part of his life. Who could she be to thus, 
 so successfully, conceal the true knowledge of her- 
 self, her life, her character? 
 
 In which of all her moods was she the actress ; in 
 which her natural self? Was she in command of a 
 business and controlling otlrers, as her account 
 seemed to prove? Or was she the agent of others, 
 as her words appeared to show? 
 
 Had she a concealed past, and now a daring 
 adventuress carrying out some bold scheme to which 
 so many half-hidden circumstances seemed to give 
 point? Or could she be the foil of others? — this 
 woman, with her strong character — never! Was 
 she the artist, purely and simply, in uncongenial 
 surroundings and circumstances — as her evident 
 tastes led the Jeromes and her friends to believe? 
 
 Unaffectedly, she had invited Dallas to the 
 hotel, with the unconcerned air of a woman of so- 
 ciety accustomed to issuing invitations to her home 
 — like as would a married woman. 
 
 A married woman ! 
 
 The thought struck cold to Dallas's heart. His 
 chest swelled with a sudden deep, quick breath, and 
 he strode out with a hastier step. With the blood 
 racing through his veins, he passed out of the Do-
 
 If'O WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 main gates, on past the wharves of WooUoomooloo 
 Bay, up the long stairs into Victoria-street, and 
 thence through Darlinghurst towards his rooms. 
 With unquenched feelings he turned the latch-key, 
 and entered his lodgings.
 
 : CHAPTER X. 
 
 COMRADESHIP. 
 
 There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple; 
 If the ill spirit has so fair a house, 
 Good things will strive to dwell with it. 
 
 — Shakespeare. 
 
 It may be assumed that Dallas is not the first 
 man who, distraught with conflicting feelings, and a 
 prey to imaginative doubts, misgivings, and uncer- 
 tainties, has found out what curative properties 
 exist in steady downright hard work, which, keep- 
 ing the brain throughout the livelong day at high 
 tension, leaves scant opportunity for the develop- 
 ment of sentimentalism. 
 
 The work in the Bank, moreover, was daily be- 
 coming more exciting. The element of uncertainty 
 was rampant, and city offices were seeking infor- 
 mation from country branches as to the prospects 
 and conditions of trade and industry; while country 
 managers were looking to the city centres for guid- 
 ance in their treatment of business. The feverish- 
 ness of trade was becoming intensified; incessant 
 sales trod upon each other's heels, yet everyone was 
 exclaiming at the evidently inflated values that pro- 
 perty was fetching. Certain people sold and placed 
 the proceeds on fixed deposit with the Banks, while 
 others were as eager to purchase. 
 
 Throughout all the time, the Head Offices of 
 the Banks were seeking to keep down the valuations 
 of securities, while the branch managers, on the 
 other hand, appealed to the fact that property was
 
 102 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 actually being sold, and realising to the full the 
 valuations they had made. 
 
 As deposits continued to accumulate, so was 
 there ever a steady demand for money. Trade was 
 good, the productive industries healthy, and Banks 
 received their interest. The country prospered. 
 
 If it were not for the pouring into the country 
 of those enormous imports which the Banks were 
 absolutely powerless to check! 
 
 Every London mail created consternation among 
 the executives of the Banks. 
 
 "The country can't stand it — can't stand it!" 
 said the managet one day to Dallas, as he lunched 
 with him at his club. 
 
 "Of course, this balance of trade against us 
 represents a piling-up of debt in one form or other, 
 but I doubt much if more than a fair proportion 
 will become a charge or burden upon us." 
 
 "Granted, but even allowing that some of this 
 imported capital becomes permanently invested 
 here, the interest will always need to be remitted to 
 England." 
 
 "Even so, and England is welcome to her share 
 of the profit. Every sum which comes to Australia 
 must in a sense, either become directly productive, 
 or else must supplant an equal sum of colonial 
 money, and that sum in Australian hands will be ap- 
 plied to further development and production. The 
 profits incidental to the working of such industries 
 will remain here, England will only take, as it were, 
 the surplus revenue that her capital has created, 
 while Australia will be the richer to the extent of 
 the working expenses expended in the carrying on 
 of these industries." 
 
 "That is but one aspect of it. Our uneasiness 
 is due to the fact which has come to our know- 
 ledge," and the IManager lowered his voice, "that 
 vast sums, amounting to tens of millions, have been 
 advanced to Australian companies in the form of 
 loans, almost repayable on demand, as well as deben-
 
 COMRADESHIP. 103 
 
 tures, while certain trading firms are becoming 
 stocked as an outlet for English goods." 
 
 "Whew-w-w!" Dallas drew in his breath. 
 
 "If English capital," the Manager continued, 
 "as in the old days, were to continue to be devoted 
 to the formation of working companies, and the ac- 
 quisition of revenue-producing properties, there 
 would be absolutely nothing to dread. The field is 
 vast, and its expansion apparently unlimited, but 
 you understand the danger of Australian companies 
 owing money, payable on demand, to a people thir- 
 teen thousand miles awaj'. Blood may be thicker 
 than water, but when money is at stake, cousinship 
 falls to a discount." 
 
 "That partly accounts for the rapid increase of 
 the deposits in some of the Banks," said Dallas. 
 
 "Yes, but for ourselves and several other Banks 
 as well, we have held aloof from this danger. It 
 is costing us, however, a considerable loss in our 
 business, for we cannot see our way to make ad- 
 vances, such as other Banks are taking up." 
 
 "We can afford to lose, for our business con- 
 stantly grows." 
 
 "So it should, but it is no satisfaction to find 
 good customers prepared to put millstones about 
 their necks, merely because other Banks offer them 
 the means. Doubtless many of them will come to 
 utter grief, from which they might be saved were 
 they but to think it worth while to be guided by 
 their old Bank, accept 'No' from it, and still remain 
 its customers." 
 
 Having finished lunch they did not return together 
 to the Bank, because Dallas, having some business to 
 attend to, proceeded towards the Merchants' Bank. 
 It being luncheon hour, the Chamber was deserted, 
 or nearly so, and Dallas, standing at the counter of 
 the Receiving Teller, took a pay-in slip and began to 
 fill in the amount of a cheque he held in his hand, 
 and which he wished to have passed to the credit of 
 a certain account. While so engaged, a youth com-
 
 104 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 ing up beside him, drew from his pocket a large 
 number of cheques. The pay-in slip was already 
 completed, and as the clerk — such he appeared to 
 be — leisurely withdrew the pin that held the cheques 
 together, and bending them outwards, smoothed them 
 with his hand, Dallas's eye happened to fall on the 
 name written in a large round hand on the slip — 
 "Morier and Co." At the same instant his glance 
 also comprehended that there were four figures in 
 the pounds column — that the deposit, in fact, exceed- 
 ed a thousand pounds. 
 
 Dallas passed his deposit across the counter to 
 the teller, and having received his "duplicate," duly 
 initialled, walked out of the Bank. 
 
 "A bran-new firm paying in more than a thou- 
 sand pounds," he observed to himself, "and probably 
 the same sort of thing happens every day, since 
 people do not hold over large cheques until they ac- 
 cumulate." 
 
 "Psh! There is black dealing somewhere." 
 
 Dallas felt a desire to call again upon Miss Dal- 
 rymple, but an inner prompting told him his visit 
 would be inopportune — at all events, so far as being 
 of service might be concerned. It was now nearly 
 a fortnight since the memorable evening he had 
 spent at her hotel, but although they met almost 
 daily, she had made no reference either to his visit 
 or their conversation. 
 
 "She has the lead," he said to himself; "I 
 must wait until she plays. 
 
 He was persuaded now that a drama was being 
 played, and that, moreover, he would be called upon 
 to take a part therein. And he was prepared to 
 obey the call that right and duty should see fit to im- 
 pose upon him. For himself he felt no concern, con- 
 scious of being "straight," and reliant upon his own 
 strength and resource, he was ready against the 
 time when the bolt should fall. And the chivalry 
 of his nature told him he should stand by this 
 woman.
 
 COMRADESHIP. 105 
 
 The following morning at daybreak the"Oruba" 
 arrived in port, and, reading the announcement in 
 his newspaper, he gathered that a visit from Miss 
 Dalrymple might be looked for. 
 
 The doors of the Bank had hardly opened ere 
 she announced herself. The old "bonhomie" that 
 Dallas loved so well appeared in her manner. 
 
 "It is the day for me to accept Lintott's draft," 
 she declared, as though she were remarking she had 
 called for a pleasant chat. With leisui'ely ease she 
 sat down upon the chair, and proceeded to draw off 
 her right-hand glove. 
 
 "I have never been able to accustom myself to 
 write with gloves on my hands. My signature, then, 
 appears to bear only a recognisal3le likeness, and 
 probably bankers object to signatures that present 
 but the ghost of their proper selves." 
 
 "I feel inclined to question spiritualism having 
 €ver attempted to invade a Bank," rejoined Dallas, 
 "and there is something too real about a signature 
 to an acceptance to admit of any ghost theory being 
 raised." 
 
 "No, but perhaps the ghost may appear after- 
 wards in the shape of Nemesis. Have you never 
 known a spectre to be looming ahead pointing with 
 unrelenting finger to the due date of the acceptance? 
 No ! Not to have known the mixed feelings attendant 
 upon unliquidated acceptances! Ah! then one can- 
 not look upon you in the light of a saviour — finan- 
 cially speaking, for being ignorant of such misfor- 
 tune yourself, you will be unable to feel for others." 
 
 She laughed pleasantly, light-heartedl}'', and 
 with such an unmistakable ring of fun in her voice 
 that Dallas joined in. feeling something of a weight 
 to have been removed from his mind. 
 
 This woman was true ! So he reckoned. ]\Iean- 
 while, Addison himself, in response to a message 
 sent to him by Dallas, appeared with the bill. Per- 
 haps he, too, felt some curiosity as to Miss Dal- 
 rj'mple and her transactions. He furtively watched
 
 106 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 her, as having placed the acceptance on the blotting- 
 pad before her, she took a pen from the stand. For 
 a moment the pen remained poised as she glanced 
 over the paper. Then, with deliberate movement, 
 she turned the bill sideways and without hesitation 
 wrote across its face the usual formula following 
 upon the date : 
 
 "Accepted. Payable at the Bank of Australia, Sydney. 
 "GRACE DALRYMPLE." 
 
 ** Thank you," said Addison, as he pressed the 
 folded blotting-paper upon the ink. A quick, 
 straight glance shot towards him. The impassive 
 face betraying nothing, not even deigned to notice 
 the regard. Apparently, however, the one searching 
 look had satisfied Miss Dalrymple, who composedly 
 leant backwards. Dallas could not determine 
 whether or not the slight incident conveyed a mean- 
 ing. Meanwhile, Addison was coolly unfolding 
 some papers he held in his hands. 
 
 "You have advised the manager that Miss Dal- 
 rymple is accepting this London bill?" Dallas said, 
 questioningly. 
 
 "Yes, sir," replied Addison, "and I am to deliver 
 up documents on acceptance. These," he added, lay- 
 ing the papers on the table, "are the bill of lading, 
 the invoice, a memo of charges, and the policy of in- 
 surance. They were attached to the bill, and are de- 
 liverable to yourself on acceptance." 
 
 Miss Dalrymple had taken up the papers, and 
 with a quick glance scanned their contents. She 
 made no remark until Addison having taken the 
 completed acceptance, had gone out, closing the 
 private door behind him. 
 
 She was in the act of replacing her glove, dain- 
 tily smoothing back one finger after another, the 
 while sitting back comfortably, when she remarked 
 in a casual tone to Dallas — "I shall have good or 
 bad news to tell you in a few days." 
 
 Dallas waited for her to raise her eyes. Per-
 
 COMRADESHIP. 107 
 
 haps, he thought, he might glean a hint therefrom 
 as to her meaning. 
 
 But the glove occupied her attention. 
 
 "Shall I call— then?" he enquired. 
 
 The scarcely perceptible movement of acquies- 
 cence betokened the sense of "comradeship" which 
 had grown up between them. 
 
 While in the act of buttoning her glove, a gen- 
 tleman appeared at the open door, but seeing a lady 
 present, drew back. 
 
 "I see some one is waiting to speak to you. I 
 must not incur his ill-will by trying his patience. 
 IMen put a great value upon their time during five 
 hours of the day, and then unscrupulously waste 
 ten. Good-bye." 
 
 "Good-bye!" responded Dallas. 
 
 The customer waiting without, perceived only 
 the fixed face and unsmiling eyes of a woman on 
 business matters intent. 
 
 But it had not seemed like a business interview 
 to Dallas.
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 WOO'D, NOT WON. 
 
 "He is a fool who thinks by force or skill, 
 To turn the current of a woman's will." 
 
 — Sir Samuel Luke's "Adventures of Five Hours." 
 
 Towards the end of the week Dallas, who had 
 now never absent from his mind the expectation of 
 something "being about to happen," and was con- 
 stantly on the watch for the next move, gathered the 
 time had approached when Miss Dalrymple would 
 be expecting him. 
 
 In the evening, immediately after dinner, Dallas 
 therefore set out for the "Carlton," and as he pro- 
 ceeded along under the trees of the Domain, he could 
 not avoid contrasting in his mind the confidence of 
 feeling with which he traversed this same road on 
 the occasion of his first visit to Miss Dalrj^mple, with 
 the uncertainty of the present moment, and his 
 powerlessness to control the circumstances in which 
 sTie appeared to be enfolded. 
 
 There was evident, however, in the very 
 straightness of his walk, a determination to arrive 
 at the bottom of this mystery, or whatsoever it might 
 be, and the set face indicated no possibility of going 
 backward, or of being "put off" — he meant to see 
 the matter through to its termination. 
 
 There was no pause in his walk to-night — on, 
 on, he went with even step — through the gates and 
 onward to AVerayss Street. 
 
 Entering the "Carlton," he left his hat and stick
 
 WOO'D, NOT WON. 109 
 
 in the vestibule, and ascended to the drawing-room 
 unannounced. 
 
 Across the room he saw Miss Dalrymple seated 
 in her favourite place beneath the gas-light. As 
 the door opened she looked up. 
 
 He could not mistake the glad look with which 
 she rose and welcomed him. It flattered the man 
 and stirred into being a feeling to which his pulse 
 had, hitherto, really been a stranger. There was 
 trust, honesty, and candour in the firm, warm hand- 
 clasp. 
 
 "Will 3^ou bring yourself a chair." 
 
 She had reseated herself, and Dallas, as though 
 endeavouring to hide his quickened heart-beat, leis- 
 urely chose a chair and brought it to the side of the 
 sofa. 
 
 "I can hardly call it an unexpected pleasure," 
 she said, "for I have been expecting you to call, but 
 all the same it is as pleasant as though unexpected. 
 In truth, had you delayed ten minutes on the way, 
 you would not have found me at home." 
 
 "But I beg you will not suffer me to interfere 
 with your engagements, for I called merely on " 
 
 She put up her hand. 
 
 "Do not concern yourself with trifles of that 
 nature. I seldom permit myself to be specifically 
 engaged. It seems to deprive life of — well — its Bo- 
 hemianism — although, perhaps, such an admission 
 would shock many of my hostesses. It is wonderful 
 how often, even against their will, women are called 
 upon to live a second part — their acquired training 
 as it were. But to-night, I only intended to avail 
 myself of a general invitation, and now it will be 
 pleasanter to remain at home." 
 
 Dallas could only express his delight in being 
 so highly honoured. 
 
 Then the talk subsided into more confidential 
 tones, and presently a pause indicated that Dallas 
 wished to be told some information without actually 
 asking for it.
 
 110 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Understanding the implied desire, she began, 
 
 "You will be pleased to hear that to-day I suc- 
 ceeded not only in selling the last of Lintott's con- 
 signment, but also have secured orders for a large 
 part of Duluth's." 
 
 With sympathetic touch he placed his hand on 
 hers. 
 
 "I am more than pleased to hear so. I hope," 
 he continued, "it has quite relieved you of all an- 
 xiety," laying a slight stress upon the word. 
 
 "Yes, quite so," she replied quickly. "Do you 
 know when we become the prey of anxiety, we are 
 apt to discover ourselves to be only women." 
 
 "And it was not intended, you find, for the 
 softer sex to take upon themselves the speculative 
 cares that worry the souls of men." 
 
 "It needs too much nerve," she assented. 
 "But even if the second consignment should turn 
 out as well as this one, I shall abandon all such tran- 
 sactions in future, unless " 
 
 "Unless?" he suggested. 
 
 "I have your advice in its favour beforehand," 
 she said, with an arch upliftng oi her ej'e-brows. 
 
 "And constitute me your partner?" 
 
 "Yes," she said, simply. 
 
 Dallas glanced at her a moment before speaking. 
 
 "The Bank, hitherto, has usually provided me 
 with all the care one needs to think about, so that 
 there might be some fear of the onus falling upon 
 yourself, as at present. ' ' 
 
 "But I should not mind so much." 
 
 "Can I hope, at all events, that you are now 
 able to give me your confidence?" 
 
 "Not yet," she whispered. 
 
 Thus they talked, — almost unnoticed by the 
 others in the room — in a fashion closely anear to 
 lovemaking, without, perhaps, either of them being 
 aware of the thin crust upon which they were tread- 
 ing. 
 
 They were "chums" — that is all.
 
 WOOD, NOT WON. Ill 
 
 But Dallas, as he walked home, seemed to have 
 gained a lighter tread, and an elasticity of spirit 
 which effectually dispelled the misgivings that had 
 been accumulating during the past weeks. Yet he 
 had felt older — not so very long ago. 
 
 The late tension of affairs seemed to grow easier, 
 the London wheat market "firmed," and wool re- 
 ports of late sales maintained their own. Accounts 
 from the country districts, in all parts of Australia, 
 spoke of good winter "feed," so that the prospect of 
 the next wool clip was re-assuring. 
 
 As though to improve matters, a goldfield 
 "broke out," creating, at once, an active new mar- 
 ket, and a resort for all those who had failed else- 
 where. 
 
 The commercial columns of the newspapers drew 
 attention to the continuous improvement in trade, 
 and money remaining abundant in the cities natur- 
 ally led all classes to believe that only a normal 
 state of things had existed throughout. 
 
 "The crisis has passed — for the present," re- 
 marked the Manager to Dallas. 
 
 "I suppose a good many of our customers con- 
 sider we have been unnecessarily timid." 
 
 "They do not credit us with progressiveness," 
 griml}' responded the Manager. 
 
 Meanwhile Miss Dalrymple had retired Lintott's 
 draft, and, as a matter of course, demanded rebate. 
 
 "It is an odd thing," she said, "that in business 
 matters we should stand out for every concession, 
 and yet unheedingly squander double the amount 
 within the same hour." 
 
 The Bank yielded with its best grace. 
 
 The second consignment arrived, and now Dal- 
 las's attention being called to the matter, found occa- 
 sion, every day, to look up the account in the ledger. 
 The balance was mounting up into several thousands 
 of pounds ! 
 
 He became profoundly puzzled, for he doubted 
 if she could be selling for "spot cash."
 
 112 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 One morning a letter came to hand from Miss 
 Dalrymple, enclosing a cheque for £3000, drawn up- 
 on her account, and desiring that the sum might be 
 cabled to London for credit of Messrs. Lintott and 
 Co. 
 
 Dallas pondered over the letter. He recollected 
 her having said she would not venture upon another 
 risk without first taking his advice. Suddenly the 
 thought occurred, "The money is not her own." 
 
 He dropped his pen and sat bolt upright. The 
 bare idea opened up such vistas of possibilities as to 
 what the outcome might be, that Dallas, agitated, 
 left his chair, and taking his hat, abruptly walked 
 out of the Bank. 
 
 "Something unusual has occurred, and this it 
 must be which accounts for my not having seen her 
 for so many days. She has avoided me." 
 
 In half an hour Dallas returned, and with the 
 lines of his face deepened, resumed his work. 
 
 Despite himself, his thoughts resorted to the 
 absorbing topic that refused to be silenced. 
 
 "Could these moneys be the result of transac- 
 tions with Morier and Co.?" 
 
 His instinct seemed to have distrusted that firm, 
 even before he had obtained any knoAvledge of them, 
 when he first noticed their cheques on her deposit 
 slips. He recollected, too, her alarm when he pro- 
 posed to enquire into their antecedents; her anxiety 
 that Lintott and Co. should not know of her connec- 
 tion with Duluth and Son ; her being restrained from 
 confiding in him. 
 
 Could she be a confederate of a doubtful firm? 
 And he loved her ! 
 
 There could be no hiding of the fact. He ad- 
 mitted it to himself. 
 
 "Well," he said decisively. "I must know all — 
 to the very bottom." 
 
 It was a restless day with him, waiting, waiting, 
 for the evening, but it came at last, and after dinner
 
 WOO'D, NOT WONa 113 
 
 he set out upon what he determined should be a mo- 
 mentous visit. 
 
 The hour being somewhat early, he strolled 
 slowly along, and entering the lower gates of the 
 Domain, took a somewhat circuitous direction, in 
 order the more clearly to arrange his thoughts in 
 proper sequence, and to understand definitely the 
 actual questions upon which he vowed to satisfy his 
 doubts. 
 
 But the calm smoke in the quiet evening — too 
 still to be cold — failed to soothe the turmoil of his 
 heart. With the headstrong impetuosity of a man 
 bent upon having his way, he turned towards the 
 cit3% and once again he shortly found himself mount- 
 ing the staircase leading to the drawing-room of the 
 "Carlton." 
 
 His footsteps made no sound on the thick car- 
 pet, the door was half opened, and again in the fa- 
 miliar seat he perceived Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 There were but two or three others present. 
 
 As he appeared on the threshold, she glanced to- 
 wards him with a start. 
 
 Dallas was narrowly watching every sign, every 
 movement. 
 
 There was unmistakably a look of pleasure in 
 her face, but although she arose from the sofa, yet 
 he noted she did not spontaneously come forward to 
 greet him, as on the previous occasion, and by the 
 time he had reached her side, the soft slight flush 
 had faded away. 
 
 The sudden glad smile he had grown to love so 
 well, lit up her eyes. 
 
 **She is prepared for me," he thought. 
 
 There was no reference to his unexpected com- 
 ing, but easily she spoke of one matter after another, 
 none, however, possessing any special interest for 
 either of them. 
 
 Dallas had come with a particular object in 
 vie^v — but knowing the only way for full informa- 
 tion being revealed by a lady, to be through her own
 
 114 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 free volition — he patiently waited, and chatted hap- 
 pily, as though he enjoyed the passing hour — as, per- 
 haps, he did. 
 
 As they talked together, Dallas was rather 
 pleased to observe that the other guests in the room 
 one by one rose up to depart, eventually leaving him 
 alone with Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 He was more than usually urbane, and once, 
 when unconcernedly replying, he glanced up sud- 
 denly, and discovered her eyes to be studying him 
 with terrible earnestness. 
 
 "Ah! there is something wrong," he thought. 
 "She seeks to divine how much I may happen to 
 know." Presently he became aware that he was di- 
 recting the course of the conversation, and that his 
 companion was complacently and agreeably follow- 
 ing his lead — waiting, in fact, for him to declare his 
 hand. He perceived also that he would need to be 
 sufficiently communicative in order to elicit a res- 
 ponse, and was equally conscious he must not hope- 
 lessly ruiu himself in her opinion by advancing too 
 far. 
 
 Under his guidance, therefore, the topics 
 changed from light to grave, and they drifted into 
 a drear discussion of commercial subjects. 
 
 "It appears as though the financial authorities 
 were wide in their judgment when they opined a 
 crisis to be at hand," said Miss Dalrymple, with a 
 tinge of sarcasm. 
 
 "Perhaps so, but these critical periods often re- 
 cur, more frequently, in fact, than the general pub- 
 lic appear to believe. At such times it needs, per- 
 haps, but one sensational failure of a large house or 
 institution, and then, no one can foresee the end. 
 When, of course, the crisis passes without any fail- 
 ure taking place, people, possibly, consider money 
 to have passed through one of its customary 'tight* 
 phases." 
 
 "But 'tightness of money' is a peculiarity with
 
 WOO'D, NOT WON. 115 
 
 the merehaut, is it not?" She still spoke in a sar- 
 castic vein. 
 
 "That depends in all probability," Dallas re- 
 plied, slightly lifting himself, "upon whether he 
 uses his own money which he has had first of all to 
 earn, or whether he handles some one else's, for 
 such money would be always cheap to him." 
 
 She calmly looked down; he half feared she 
 might wince at the allusion. 
 
 "AYliat difference should it make," she said in- 
 differently, "in any case, should there be a loss he 
 must pay." 
 
 "Circumstances may render it impossible to 
 pay." ( 
 
 "Then he cannot, of course, atone," observed 
 Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 "The other party who trusts and suffers does 
 not think so." 
 
 "It is the risk of business." 
 
 "The law itself draws the line at fair and pro- 
 per risk; if overstepped — imprisonment results." 
 
 Her book, lying open on the sofa, slipped off 
 and fell on the floor, face downwards. 
 
 * ' Allow me to come to the rescue, ' ' he said with 
 quiet deliberation, and then stooping forward, he 
 picked up the volume. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple unconcernedly thanked him 
 and continued : 
 
 "I suppose, in the Banks, you have very full 
 opportunities of discovering the trading character- 
 istics of customers?" 
 
 "Yes, and it occasionally happens that we 
 alight upon some which cannot be accounted for." 
 
 "And then, is it the practice to request, or de- 
 sire a discontinuance of the account?" 
 
 "By no means," curtly answered Dallas, some- 
 what nettled at her caustic words, uttered, however, 
 with perfect propriety of tone and manner. He felt 
 the veiled pin-pricks. 
 
 "Do not Banks esteem it worth consideration
 
 116 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 to exclude themselves from abetting — inconsis- 
 tencies?" 
 
 A very slight flush mounted to Dallas's fore- 
 head. 
 
 "Sometimes," he said, "it may happen that 
 but one officer perceives the slipping away. Were 
 each official to assume the responsibility of his 
 various inferences, chaos would result." 
 
 "It is very interesting," she said, suppressing 
 an incipient yawn; "but is it not — shall we say — 
 small?" 
 
 "It is interesting," he exclaimed vehemently, 
 * ' vitally interesting. ' ' 
 
 Miss Dalrymple appeared to be amazed. As 
 for Dallas, he had lost his habitual coolness; her 
 consummate nonchalance and "nerve" having un- 
 settled him. He had now no doubt of there being 
 something wrong, and he also plainly perceived she 
 had no intention of enlightening him. But he felt 
 such confidence in her integrity of motive that he 
 could only believe her to be the victim of the machin- 
 ations of others. 
 
 The feeling of loyalty to this woman was up- 
 permost in his mind. 
 
 "Miss Dalrymple," he began, with a slight 
 tremor in his voice, "when I had last the pleasure 
 of being here, you were good enough to flatter our 
 friendship with a promise of further confidence, 
 admitting, however at the time, that you were de- 
 licately placed in business matters. I came here to- 
 night, expressly to ask if you would fully trust 
 me." 
 
 "I do trust you absolutely'. I had fully imagin- 
 ed that such Avas quite evident to 3"ou. Confidence 
 in yourself was established at our first interview." 
 
 "Then you can quite understand that I am also 
 anxious to prove myself able to be of service." 
 
 "I thnnk you. Mr. Dallas, but at the same time 
 I sincerely hope it may not be necessary to test your 
 kindness."
 
 WOO'D, NOT WON. 117 
 
 "Forgive me for asking the question, but has 
 not such time arrived?" 
 
 A swift glance escaped her. 
 
 "I fear I cannot concur with you, speaking 
 merely from my own judgment of matters." 
 
 "You will not, I hope, consider me persistent in 
 my asking if the connection with others, to which 
 5'ou have already referred, has tended to form your 
 decision?" 
 
 A passing shadow on the face indicated some 
 slight annoyance. 
 
 "I fear you must accept my reply as ending the 
 matter, for upon such question I have no right to 
 speak." 
 
 Dallas remained silent. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple was about to speak changing 
 the subject, when Dallas motioned with his hand. 
 Presently she evidenced some anxiety of expression, 
 as, observing him to half-turn round to note if any 
 one had entered the room, she instantly divined he 
 had an important disclosure to make. 
 
 The slight tightening of the lips indicated that 
 the woman's instinct of "fence" was ready to 
 battle. 
 
 "Miss Dalrymple," he said, with a gravity of 
 imbending determination, "it may be that my in- 
 ferences are totally wrong, but at all events I 
 have formed the impression that serious conse- 
 quences may be averted if you will elect to confirm, 
 or otherwise, certain conclusions which I have 
 drawn ? ' ' 
 
 "Please do not speak further about business 
 topics; I have already said I have no right to 
 divulge matters which concern others." 
 
 "But if I give you the right?" 
 
 "How can you do so?" she said, speaking with 
 some impatience. 
 
 Then Dallas said deliberately: 
 
 "By asking you to honour me by promising to 
 become my wife."
 
 118 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple violently started, half rose 
 from her seat, then sank down again. She looked 
 straight across the room, while Dallas perceived 
 from the tAvitchiug of her hands — their clasping and 
 unclasping — how deeply she was moved. 
 
 Her lips quivered, while Dallas's own breath 
 became quick in his restrained excitement. 
 
 Still she made no reph'. 
 
 Dallas spoke again, but she only moved un- 
 easily in her seat. 
 
 At length she said, speaking as it were with 
 difficulty : 
 
 "I thank you for the honour — perhaps the 
 greatest honour a man can evidence towards a wo- 
 man — but it is impossible, quite impossible." 
 
 "How so?" he exclaimed, hardly able to pre- 
 vent a passion of words from bursting forth. 
 
 "I cannot explain." 
 
 "I would like you to explain." 
 
 "No, I cannot — marry — you." 
 
 Dallas, unable to remain still, rose up from his 
 seat, and paced across the room until he seemed to 
 have recovered his self-control. Then, standing 
 near to her, he said, "I think I have loved you from 
 our first meeting, but, perhaps, did not realise the 
 fulness or strength of the feeling until to-day. 
 Men with natures like mine do not lightly take up 
 love, and lightly lay it down. Nothing else but your 
 promise will now content me." 
 
 "I cannot — cannot promise." 
 
 "It is owing, then, to this pitiful mystery 
 which you persist in concealing from me — as if it 
 could be worth a moment's consideration. A few 
 weeks ago you would have given me the promise I 
 now ask for." 
 
 "You have no grounds for such an assertion," 
 she said, laying stress upon the words. 
 
 "Would you not have done so?" he asked, 
 bending down and laying his hand upon hers. 
 
 Once more the swift glance flew towards him^
 
 WOO'D, NOT WON. 119 
 
 but immediately the expression of the face grew 
 rigid. 
 
 "Ah! I see," he said, "you are steeling your 
 very heart against me. This cursed trouble," he 
 continued; "I know, I know I could save you." 
 
 But she ventured no reply. 
 
 "You have never married?" he queried abrupt- 
 ly- 
 
 "No," she exclaimed, with a ring of scorn in 
 
 her voice. 
 
 "Nor loved?" 
 
 Her expression assured him. 
 
 "What, then, comes between us?" he demand- 
 ed. "Tell me," he continued, in a tone that drew 
 forth reply. 
 
 "Something," she admitted, speaking slowly, 
 "that cannot now be forgotten — that cannot be 
 
 wiped out. It will always, always be between us 
 
 so that I can never become your wife. Please do as 
 I wish, make no allusion to this subject ever again. 
 Let us remain the good friends — warm and appre- 
 ciative — that we have been." 
 
 "Nothing of the kind," rejoined Dallas curtly. 
 "Unless I be permitted to judge for myself as to 
 this vague something you speak of, I will not be- 
 lieve in its existence." 
 
 Her face had become troubled; the man's 
 strong mind and nature affected her. 
 
 The downcast look awoke a sudden fear. 
 
 "It is not," he said, speaking thickl.y, "it is 
 
 not — that — in the past, you — you " he could 
 
 not frame the dread into words. 
 
 "No, no, not that, not that, oh, no," she ex- 
 claimed, at once divining the unexpressed thought. 
 
 "I am content," he said quietly; "I will wait 
 until I win you." 
 
 It was impossible for her not to feel touched 
 by the evidence of strong devotion. She dared not 
 look up. 
 
 Presently she said, "Will you go now; I feel
 
 120 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 very deeply the pain I have caused you; I cannot 
 bear more; I shall break down." 
 
 "Yes," he responded promptly to her pleading. 
 
 She arose, and accompanied him towards the 
 door. He stopped, and said, 
 
 "I suppose I may continue to come here to see 
 you?" 
 
 "Yes," she answered simply, standing beside 
 him. 
 
 Ah, Dallas! why did you not dare all, take the 
 woman in your arms and kiss her as a man kisses 
 in the fierceness of his love ! 
 
 A minute or two later, she heard the rattle of 
 his walking-stick as he removed it from the hall- 
 stand, the firm tread echoing on the tesselated 
 pavement, and the faint click as he passed down the 
 outer steps into the street. 
 
 Grace Dalrymple went to her room and com- 
 muned with her soul — as only women know.
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY. 
 "Have a care that your bills be not stolen." 
 
 — "Much Ado About Nothing." 
 
 The following day Dallas admitted to the 
 accountant, in answer to his enquiry, that the strain 
 of work was beginning to affect his health. 
 
 "But you seem to have aged ten years during 
 the last month or two," continued the accountant. 
 
 "I will endeavoiar presently to arrange for a 
 fortnight's furlough, and take a sea-trip. It is all 
 that will be needed." 
 
 The accountant passed on, shaking his head. 
 "]\Ien always seem to select an inopportune time 
 for laying-up in dock," he muttered to himself. 
 "Just now it will be difficult to spare Dallas." 
 
 Dallas had good reason to appear ill; he had 
 never hitherto known a single night to compress so 
 much chagrin, dread and worry into its short hours. 
 
 Still determined to solve the mystery that en- 
 shrouded the woman he had learned to love, Dallas 
 proceeded to sagaciously piece together every cir- 
 cumstance that day by day became revealed. 
 
 Miss Dalrj^mple's banking account amazed him 
 to a painful degree. Even the ledger-keeper was 
 surprised, and one day, as Dallas was inspecting 
 the entries, he remarked : 
 
 "Miss Dalrymple appears to be making 
 money." 
 
 "Yes, she must have acquired a large and valu- 
 able connection. . . I suppose all the entries are
 
 122 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 genuine; you have noticed no indications of cross- 
 firing?" continued Dallas questioningl.y. 
 
 "None whatever, sir. She pays away only 
 small local cheques, besides these remittances to 
 London, while her deposits include cheques of well- 
 known firms. Certainly she has transactiotis with 
 a large nutnber of people, many of whom are quite 
 unknown to me, but they pay cash and their cheques 
 are never returned unpaid." 
 
 "Who is her largest customer?" 
 
 "Morier and Co." 
 
 "Considerably the largest?" 
 
 "Yes, sir; almost as large as all the others to- 
 gether — at least, I think so." 
 
 "Who are Morier and Co? Of what nature is 
 their business?" 
 
 "They are indenting agents." 
 
 "Have they no warehouse?" 
 
 "I do not know of their having a store. I be- 
 lieve they are a firm who cable to London orders 
 for new fashions and millinery goods, and place 
 them, before arrival, at the best price obtainable." 
 
 The sub-accountant returned to his office, closed 
 the door and reflected. 
 
 "If I were to communicate my doubts to the 
 manager, and he should consider there were reason- 
 able grounds for suspicion of fraud being carried 
 on, he might probably desire the account to be 
 closed, and then — ?" 
 
 No, the Bank was incurring no risk, the ac- 
 count was profitable, and a large balance usuall.y 
 maintained. It would be time enough to move 
 when the inevitable overdraft sliould be sought. 
 Better, therefore, for the present, to wait and watch 
 events. 
 
 The following day another large sum was 
 cabled to London, and a few days later a still larger 
 amount. 
 
 Almost everj^ day Dallas managed to see Miss 
 Dalrymple, She always evinced the same pleasure
 
 THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY. 123 
 
 at meeting him, but never referred to business mat- 
 ters. Should the conversation ever happen to tend 
 in such direction, she Avould deftly change the sub- 
 ject. And Dallas was equally wise in carefully re- 
 fraining from touching upon his unfortunate pas- 
 sion. This he nursed in grim silence, and so long 
 as he observed the "convenances," she appeared to 
 be indifferent as to whether his love towards her 
 waxed or waned. 
 
 A few more days passed, and another consider- 
 able remittance was cabled — two thousand pounds. 
 
 Every transaction tended to trouble Dallas yet 
 more. 
 
 There appeared to be no finality, no lessening, 
 but a terrible increase. 
 
 He felt a crisis to be near. Uneasiness took 
 possession of him. 
 
 In the afternoon, as he was sauntering home- 
 ward along King-street, and into Pitt-street, he 
 overtook Miss Dalrymple. She had finished her 
 "shopping," she said, and so they passed along 
 away from the crowded streets into the comparative 
 quiet of Market-street, and thence through Hyde 
 Park. Issuing again from the Park by the gates 
 near the statues of Prince Consort and the Queen, 
 they proceeded along Macquarie-street, and when, 
 at length, they parted at the steps of the Carlton 
 Hotel, she said : 
 
 "You might call here to-morrow evening — it 
 will be my last in this city for some time. I am 
 about to leave Sydney. Good-bye." 
 
 AYithout waiting for his reply, she ascended 
 the steps, and entered the hotel. 
 
 "The expected has come at last," thought 
 Dallas, as he walked home. "She departs, and 
 leaves behind a legacy of doubt, mystery, and — pos- 
 sibly — wrong-doing, for us to unravel and appor- 
 tion. . . . Heiglio! so this is to be the end of one's 
 infatuation. . . . Infatuation! Well, so it is." 
 
 Meditatively, he sauntered along.
 
 124 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "And yet I trust her absolutelj^ for I believe 
 her to be entirely honourable, in spite of appear- 
 ances. . . . One more interview of two hours where- 
 in to win her, or lose her — for ever! ... If she 
 should leave this city, it will be through some force 
 or influence considerably greater than mine. Of 
 that I am convinced. . . . Yet she loves me — I am 
 sure of it. . . . One more try. . . . Dallas, Dallas, 
 has one of your kith ever owned defeat, even by a 
 woman!" 
 
 He pulled himself together, squared his shoul- 
 ders after his old habit, and walked briskly along. 
 
 From the set lips and confident bearing, it was 
 evident that to-morroAV all her woman's wit would 
 be needed to match itself against a strong man's 
 determination. 
 
 During the evening Dallas essayed to read, but 
 the picture before his mind of the face he loved, 
 with its expression varying with her ever-changing 
 mood, drove away all other consideration. At 
 length he retired, and in the morning woke up, as- 
 tonished at an unbroken night's sleep having once 
 more come to his tired brain. 
 
 As he entered the office, not long afterward, it 
 might have been noticed that the worn look result- 
 ing from anxiety of thought by day and night, had 
 now given place to the easy assured expression of 
 countenance which had always distinguished him. 
 
 He felt restored to himself again. 
 
 This day was the fourth of the month, and Dal- 
 las's attention was early drawn to the ledgers, 
 where he was engaged in authorising the payment 
 of bills and in conferring with the manager in cer- 
 tain cases where he did not care to accept the sole 
 responsibility. In due course he came to ledger- 
 keeper "D" who, among the batch of bills laid aside 
 to await the sub-accountant's decision, had included 
 one signed by Grace Dalrymple for £121 3s. 9d. 
 Despite his self-control, Dallas started. 
 
 "This is another new phase," he thought. He
 
 THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY. 125 
 
 first of all dealt Mdtli the other bills referred to him, 
 and then directed Miss Dalrymple's account to be 
 shown him. 
 
 The balance Avas £103 7s. 2d. 
 
 "I suppose it is quite right," said the ledger- 
 keeper, ''because she pays in large sums everyday," 
 and his finger ran up the column showing the de- 
 posits. 
 
 "Ts this the only bill?" the sub-accountant 
 asked. "Ascertain just before the 'exchanges' are 
 cleared, if she shall have paid-in, and also if there 
 be any other bills or cheques; then let me know." 
 
 ''Yes, sir." 
 
 "In the meantime, charge nothing to the ac- 
 count." 
 
 "Very well, sir." 
 
 Passing on to the next ledger, the sub-account- 
 ant appeared to have forgotten everj^thing else, save 
 the particular subject then in hand. 
 
 Having dealt with all the "first exchange" de- 
 livered by the other Banks, he returned to his office, 
 whither he was shortly followed by ledger-keeper 
 "D." 
 
 "You directed me to advise you, should Miss 
 Dalrymple pay-in." 
 
 "Yes, has she done so?" 
 
 "Here is her pay-in slip for £150 3s. 6d., and 
 here also three — four — cheques," turning them 
 over in his hand, "aggregating about £230. If the 
 cheques be paid, there will be only a balance of £23 
 left wherewith to meet this bill for £121." 
 
 "You may leave all the documents with me, and 
 I will look into the matter. Delay answering the 
 'exchanges' concerned, until I shall have finished." 
 
 "There is still a quarter of an hour, sir." 
 
 "Very well." 
 
 As the ledger-keeper left the room, Dallas per- 
 used the list of cheques detailed on the back of the 
 pay-in slip, and then entering the Outward Ex-
 
 126 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 change Department, he narrowly inspected each 
 cheque in turn before it should be despatched 
 through the exchanges to the Bank upon which it 
 was drawn. There were seven or eight cheques 
 altogether, but they were unmistakably genuine 
 "trade cheques" obtained from well-known retail 
 houses, and evidently for goods purchased. 
 
 Feeling considerably relieved in mind, Dallas 
 returned to his office, and examined the cheques 
 bearing Grace Dalrymple's signature. One for £200 
 had been cashed at the counter, and showed £100 to 
 have been paid in five twenty pound-notes, and 
 £100 in gold. 
 
 "Her travelling expenses," he surmised. "It 
 is a rather large sum to carry with her; she takes 
 no draft." 
 
 The other three cheques were unimportant, 
 being evidently given in payment of outstanding 
 accounts. 
 
 "Apparently this bill has been quite over- 
 looked," he cogitated, as holding it with both hands 
 he closely examined it in every particular. It was, 
 however, perfectly in order. 
 
 "In favour of Morris and Conway. Who may 
 they happen to be?" 
 
 Moving across to his desk, he referred to his 
 Directory which stood on the raised bookshelf. He 
 glanced quickly down the names of Morris, and then 
 slowl.y ran his finger down the page over the names. 
 There was no mention of any such firm! 
 
 "The signature is certainly correct." He pon- 
 dered deeply for some moments. 
 
 "This is doubtless the key to the mystery; it 
 will not be wise to pay the bill, the more particular- 
 ly so, as she is about to leave Sydney." 
 
 Returning the cheques and bill to the ledger- 
 keeper, he said, 
 
 "Pay these cheques, but not the bill; return this
 
 THE KEY TO THE MYSTERY. 127 
 
 to the Austral Bank with answer, 'Awaiting advice, 
 present again to-morrow.' " 
 
 Two minutes later, Dallas was driving in a cab 
 to the Carlton Hotel, 
 
 "Is Miss Dalrymple at home?" 
 
 ''No, sir," responded the porter, "she went out 
 nearly an hour ago, and left word she would not re- 
 turn until this evening." 
 
 "Should she happen by chance to come in, 
 would you be good enough to request her to call at 
 the Bank of Australia ? ' ' 
 
 "I will, sir." 
 
 "Say that Mr. Dallas called." 
 
 "Mr, Dallas, yes, sir." 
 Re-entering the cab, he drove back to the Bank
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 "GO, NOW . . . . GO!" 
 
 "As soon as women become ours, we are no longer theirs.' 
 
 — Montaigne. 
 
 The day passed, but Miss Dalrvmple did not ap- 
 pear at the Bank. 
 
 At the sound of every footstep near the door, 
 Dallas looked up expectantly. 
 
 It was nearly six o'clock when the sub-account- 
 ant, having check-locked the tellers' safes, returned 
 to his office to collect his books and papers which he 
 alwaj's put away in his own safe. 
 
 Then he hastened home to dinner, and after- 
 wards, having changed his dress, he hurried from 
 the house. 
 
 Hailing a passing hansom, he drove to Wemj^ss- 
 sti'eet. As he dismissed the cab, he stood a few mo- 
 ments on the pavement, then, replacing his pipe in 
 its case, he ascended the steps of the hotel. 
 
 Haste had changed to deliberation. The con- 
 sciousness of how much depended upon the next 
 hour filled him with a sense of grave responsibility. 
 He entered the drawing-room and, as he expected, 
 beheld Miss Dalrymple occupying the same sofa- 
 seat. Perhaps it was owing to her dress or some- 
 thing in the graciousness of her mien that made 
 Dallas think he had never beheld her so charming. 
 
 She rose to welcome him, her eyes bright with 
 a gladsome smile. But the smile faded away, as she 
 perceived the expression of his face.
 
 "GO, NOW . . .GO!" 129 
 
 "What has happened?" she whispered, "for 
 the porter told me j^oii called to-day." 
 
 She waited in strained suspense, while he slowly 
 turned to notice if any one should be observing them 
 and likely to overhear their words. 
 
 "Yes," he answered with the same slowness; 
 "an unfortunate business matter occurred which 
 needed to be promptlj^ attended to, and, therefore, 
 I ventured to call for the necessary instructions, but 
 regretted to find you were not at home." 
 
 Her attitude told of impatient expectancy. 
 
 "Perhaps there is another sitting-room where 
 we could speak together?" he said. 
 
 "Yes, come with me." 
 
 "Now," she said, as Dallas closed the door of 
 her own private sitting-room, "what have you to tell 
 me?" 
 
 But Dallas considered the time for haste to have 
 passed. He placed a chair for her near the fire- 
 place, which contained the embers of a fire, and, 
 leaning one elbow upon the end of the mantel-piece, 
 he began: 
 
 "To-day, was presented, signed by yourself, a 
 promissory-note which it was not intended should 
 fall due — not just yet." 
 
 There was a slight movement of the mouth, but 
 she preserved perfect composure. 
 
 "Quite so — there must have been a mistake, the 
 bill should not mature for another month." 
 
 "When you would have been away?" he ques- 
 tioned. 
 
 "Possibly." 
 
 "But it is necessary to meet the amount, and 
 you are about to leave Sydney." 
 
 "You might please tell me the amount, so that 
 to-morrow I may put the account in funds?" 
 
 "One hundred and twenty pounds; but I ougiit 
 to mention the bill has been returned unpaid." 
 
 "You do not mean to say it has been dis-
 
 130 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 honoured!" Starting from her chair, she turned 
 upon him with a fierce gesture. 
 
 "There was no alternative. I was unable to 
 assure the Bank as to its correctness." 
 
 She took a few short, quick steps across the 
 room, and returning, stood in front of Dallas. 
 
 "Do you consider me to be a woman who could 
 not be trusted in a matter so important?" 
 
 "I have already shown my trust in you," said 
 Dallas gravely; "the failure is, j'ou could not trust 
 me." 
 
 There was again an impatient movement as she 
 flashed upon him imperiously. 
 
 "Tell me the reason of my bill having been dis- 
 honoured; the assumption must be a self-evident 
 error. ' ' 
 
 "In the circumstances, I do not consider my- 
 self to be in a position to disclose any reason," re- 
 plied Dallas coldly. 
 
 "But you have acted upon mere supposition," 
 she persisted. "Could you not see there must have 
 been some mistake, in all probability in the date?" 
 
 "I did see." 
 
 "Why, then, did you not take some step to pro- 
 tect me?" she exclaimed almost fiercely. 
 
 "Because that bill," said Dallas, with calm de- 
 liberation, "has furnished the key to the mystery." 
 
 "Nonsense," she contemptuously interjected; 
 "how can there be a mystery in a mere mistake in 
 the date?" 
 
 Dallas felt taken aback. It began to dawn up- 
 on him that, after all, through not understanding 
 everything, he had permitted some mad suspicion 
 to run riot in his brain. 
 
 Her foot impatiently tapped the floor. 
 
 l^ut, cautious to the last, Dallas, speaking slow- 
 ly, as though seeking in the recesses of his mind for 
 some inspiration, said, 
 
 "But another matter has also been disclosed."
 
 "GO, NOW . . .GO!" 131 
 
 Tliere was, perhaps, a slight stagger, as though 
 her body swayed; yet Dallas seemed to take 
 notice. 
 
 "Well!" she queried, almost scornfully', "what 
 may now have been discovered?" 
 
 "I prefer that you should tell me," coolly an- 
 swered Dallas. 
 
 "Tell you!" she repeated in her half-contemp- 
 tuous manner; "how can I tell you?" 
 
 "Do you not see hoAv seriously you become 
 compromised?" 
 
 "Coinpromised! How? I shall be glad if you 
 v/ill be good enough to explain what you mean," 
 she continued, with restrained anger ominously 
 ringing in her tones. "Compromised! because I 
 made some mistake in the date of a bill and, conse- 
 quently failed to provide for it." 
 
 It was Dallas's turn to be thrown upon his 
 guard. He felt himself to be no match in a contest 
 with a woman's trained intelligence. Of what use 
 would it be to lay open to her the series of inferences 
 and conclusions which had made it appear evident 
 to him that consciously or otherwise, she had been 
 involved in some huge fraud? 
 
 He was silent for a few moments, a glimmering 
 of what a Avoman's scorn might prove to be like 
 obtruded itself before his mind. Still, he owned to 
 himself that he loved her none the less, as he looked 
 upon her standing before him, erect of form, with 
 flushed cheeks, and the deep eyes ready to flash — a 
 woman magnificent in her roused spirit. 
 
 He replied: "You may remember mj^ desiring 
 you to confide absolutely in me. At that time, I de- 
 clared I would save you from trouble which some- 
 thing more than experience told me to be impend- 
 iner. In fa^t. apart from this, the mere circumstance 
 of your withholding all knowledge from me as to 
 your c^mieetion'; vrould have furnished evidence 
 sufficient of itself. But I studied much more dc'i'ply,
 
 132 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 and learnt to know with every fibre of mj'- being 
 that you were perfect in honour. A man, however, 
 does not lightly give his love or his trust. Above 
 all, he is loyal to a woman to whom he has pledged 
 himself. His very first duty, perhaps, is due to her. 
 At all events, so I feel, and now I have come to you 
 expecting the same loyalty in return." 
 
 "Mr. Dallas," she said, speaking decisively and 
 clearly, "you were good enough to honour me with 
 the highest expression of feeling possible to a gen- 
 tleman, but you forget I was compelled to decline 
 its acceptance for reasons too intricate to state, 
 and, therefore, I am committing no wrong in esteem- 
 ing it my duty not to divulge matters concerning 
 other people with whom you have no connection." 
 
 Dallas listened with grave face. This brushing 
 aside, as it were, of all personal consideration, both 
 hvirt and offended the man's pride. 
 
 "That remains a point, perhaps, which might 
 be made clear." There was acerbity in the tone. 
 
 "The bill in question," she explained, "belongs 
 to another party, and has nothing whatsoever to 
 do with your Bank." 
 
 "On the contrary, I fear it concerns the Bank 
 so intimately that a sense of imperative duty will 
 require me to disclose to-morrow to my superiors 
 such information as, indirectly, will render it im- 
 possible for you to leave Sydney until the matter is 
 cleared up." 
 
 "What utter nonsense! The bill will be paid 
 the first thing to-morrow morning, and there will be 
 the end of the whole affair." 
 
 Dallas looked down with a feeling akin to des- 
 pair. Nothing seemed to remove the insuperable 
 barrier between them. He loved the woman for her 
 womanly beauty, her mental power, her strength of 
 intelligence, her nerve and firm will, and yet he felt 
 unless he could now conquer that determination on
 
 "GO, NOW . . .GO!" 133 
 
 her part — now, before he left the room — that he 
 should lose her, once and for ever. 
 
 Suddenly an inspiration struck him. 
 
 "But the other bills!" He uttered the words in 
 a deep whisper with searching intensity. The unex- 
 pected shaft struck home. Her hands met in an in- 
 voluntary movement. Possibly it was the tone ra- 
 ther than the words which conveyed to her a sense 
 of hidden danger. 
 
 Presently she replied: "You need not be 
 troubled; I have already said your Bank is not con- 
 cerned. ' ' 
 
 "I have taken every care on that score," an- 
 swered Dallas. 
 
 "You have taken care!" exclaimed Miss Dal- 
 rymple with scorn in her voice. "To-morrow, per- 
 haps, you may learn of what value your care has 
 been." 
 
 The haunting dread that had been pursuing 
 Dallas against his will, now took definite shape. 
 He suddenly felt fear. In the agony of his dread, he 
 lost his self-control, and burst forth, 
 
 "Good heavens! Is it possible I have loved a 
 swindler ? ' ' 
 
 "Mr. Dallas, how can you use such words to 
 me?" 
 
 "Do not say more," interrupted Dallas, "this 
 matter shall be placed to-morrow in the proper 
 hands." 
 
 Rightly or wrongly, he had decided upon a step 
 that induced consideration. 
 
 The anger due to outraged feeling suddenly 
 subdued itself, as her quick mind comprehended the 
 full importance of his proposed course of action. In 
 tones which told how deeply she was stirred, and 
 how strong was the effort to preserve composure. 
 Miss Dalrymple, overlooking his previous outburst, 
 proceeded : 
 
 "You are quite at liberty to use the confidence
 
 134 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 I have placed in you, for any purpose which may ap- 
 pear to coincide with your sense of duty. I pre- 
 sume, however, you are aware of the position in 
 which you woukl place me." 
 
 The raillery of her words stung him. 
 
 "I am aware," he retorted, "that this bill ma- 
 tured to-day instead of the fourth of next month, 
 in company with all the other bills. By such time 
 you would have been safe in Europe." 
 
 He waited for her reply ; she made none. Dallas 
 knew his surmise to be correct. 
 
 "But Morris and Conway," he went on to say, 
 will now be able to take instant action." 
 
 "]\f orris and Conway?" she asked, "what have 
 they to do with it?" 
 
 Dallas's first impression was that Miss Dalrym- 
 ple was preparing to fence the question, but regard- 
 ing her attentively, he saw she was speaking truly. 
 
 "Tell me," he said, impulsively, "to whom did 
 you give the bills?" 
 
 She perceived he did not know. Complacency 
 returned to her, and she took a deep breath. She 
 had ascertained the full measure of the information 
 he possessed, and it amounted to — nothing. 
 
 "It is certainly not for me to state, if informa- 
 tion which I may give is likely to be applied to un- 
 known purposes." 
 
 Utterly downcast at the hopelessness of winning 
 or even bending this woman, Dallas gazed blankly 
 before him. 
 
 Then in a flash of thought he exclained: 
 
 "Grace, did you give all the bills to ]\Iorier and 
 Co.; if so, there has been a hideous piece of treach- 
 ery, of which you know nothing. Trust me, Grace, 
 trust me ! ' ' 
 
 She looked up sharply, having already grasped 
 his meaning, and her face, for the first time, assumed 
 a look of doubt and fear. 
 
 ' ' Yes, ' ' she uttered hoarsely, ' ' all. ' *
 
 "GO, NOW . . .GO!" 135 
 
 ''And you are sure you have given bills to no 
 other parties?" 
 
 "No. only to Morier and Co." 
 
 "Do the bills aggregate a large sum?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "How much?" 
 
 She hesitated a moment, and then said, 
 
 "Between five and six thousand pounds." 
 
 "Sh. shush!" exclaimed Dallas, grinding his 
 heel into the hearth-rug. 
 
 "Forgive my words to you, Grace. I have been 
 almost out of my mind. But the whole scheme is 
 clear to me now. . . Had you but told me sooner!" 
 
 There was silence. 
 
 Dallas moved about the room restlessly. He 
 felt that nothing could be done to avert the im- 
 pending disaster. It was beyond his power to pro- 
 tect her. She could, perhaps, save herself by in- 
 stant flight — but her name, her honour! Miss Dal- 
 rymple had sunk exhausted into a chair. 
 
 "Wlien I told you, I loved you — you knew of 
 all this?" queried Dallas, stopping before her. 
 
 Her head inclined faintly in response. 
 
 "And your life might have been so full, so 
 happy with me, ' ' he said half bitterly. 
 
 She stopped him with a gesture. 
 
 "I cannot think now," he said, "of what may 
 be best to do. I will come again to-morrow." 
 
 IMechanically he moved towards the door. 
 
 "No, you must come again no more," said Miss 
 Dalrymple, rousing herself. 
 
 She rose up and, overtaking him, laid her hand 
 on his arm. 
 
 "Oh, yes," he replied somewhat wearily; "I 
 will come again." 
 
 He had reached the door, and having turned 
 the handle, held the door half-open. 
 
 "Keith," she whispered, "good-bye!" 
 
 Slowly he turned towards her.
 
 136 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Good-b— " 
 
 With passionate impulse, she threw her arms 
 around his neck, and drawing his head towards her, 
 pressed her lips to his in a deep, long, fierce kiss. 
 
 "Go, now," she said, "go." 
 
 She thrust him from her, and closed the door be- 
 tween them. 
 
 A few moments later, one of the guests in the 
 hotel, detecting the sound of uneven steps coming 
 heavily along the corridor, hastily entered a room, 
 and locked the door. 
 
 As Dallas passed down into the street, the porter 
 looked out from his room at the swaying figure 
 which seemed to stumble on every step. "Mj^ lady 
 has given him the send-off, methinks."
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 FACE TO FACE WITH MORIER ET CIE. 
 
 •"This is no time to lend money, especially on base friend- 
 ship, without security," 
 
 — Timon of Athens. 
 
 On the morning succeeding Dallas's interview 
 with. Miss Dalrymple, when disclosures were made of 
 a nature so important as to affect the whole current 
 of both their lives, the sub-accountant, still in a state 
 of mental perturbance was impatiently waiting un- 
 til the junior clerks should have finished their du- 
 ties of comparing with the ledger-keepers the pre- 
 vious day's transactions as detailed in the ledgers 
 and cash books. 
 
 As soon as a lad was at liberty Dallas beckoned 
 him to his office. 
 
 "Do you know the office of Morier and Co., 
 somewhere in Little Margaret Street?" 
 
 "No, Sir, but I will find it." 
 
 ' ' Go there and ask to see Mr. Morier and do not 
 tell your business to anyone else. If you do not see 
 him ask when he will be in? where he is now? who 
 may be conducting the business of the firm? and 
 then come back and tell me all you have learnt as 
 to the firm. But should you manage to see Mr. 
 Morier acquaint him that Mr. Dallas would like to 
 confer with him without delay on very urgent busi- 
 ness. Now run." 
 
 Dallas's pale calm face had a look as of marble. 
 
 In twenty minutes the junior returned. "Mr. 
 Morier will be here directly, Sir."
 
 138 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, a somewhat foreign-looking' 
 gentleman was ushered into the office. He was 
 rather short and rotund as to figure, with full face, 
 pointed beard, small eyes, and spectacles. Such 
 were the chief features of which Dallas took notice 
 at the first glance. 
 
 ''Will you sit down?" 
 
 "A lady importer." pursued Dallas, ''with 
 whom I have observed that you have transactions — " 
 
 "Yes, a Miss Dalrymple," interrupted Mr, 
 Morier. 
 
 "Well, she sent us word yesterday that she was 
 about leaving town." 
 
 "So I understand was her intention." 
 
 "On a visit to the country or one of the other 
 colonies?" queried the sub-accountant. 
 
 "She did not inform me," drily responded the 
 visitor. 
 
 "Then you are not connected in business?" 
 
 "We had transactions together," assented Mr. 
 Morier. 
 
 "I understand," quoth Dallas, and reflected for 
 a few moments. "It may, however, be well to men- 
 tion the circumstance. . . . Yesterday morning a bill 
 of ]\Iiss Dalrymple 's was presented for payment, but, 
 of course, could not be entertained in consequence 
 of her communication. Evidently it had been en- 
 tirely overlooked. If, therefore, there should still 
 happen to be an open account between you, and you 
 should have any further sum to remit to her, I 
 thought it possible you might be desirous of protect- 
 ing her credit." 
 
 "Pardon me," responded Mr. Morier, "but does 
 it not seem a somewhat unusual course for a Bank 
 thus to disclose the position of a customer to an 
 outside indvidual?" 
 
 "Most unusual," said Dallas, "but you will 
 quite understand I am guided by the fact of your 
 having had large transactions witli each other, but,
 
 FACE TO FACE WITH MORIER. 13» 
 
 of course, you will treat this matter confidentially, 
 and we will mention it no further." 
 
 "Certainly, it shall be just as you wish." 
 
 "I fear, however," continued Dallas, "that any 
 such precaution will be needless, for doubtless you 
 will know all the particulars in a few days, as soon 
 as the discounting Bank shall have sent out notices 
 of dishonour, and institute steps for the recovery of 
 the amount." 
 
 The two men regarded each other. 
 
 Dallas knew this promissory note had been 
 given by Miss Dalrymple to Mr. Morier, who, conse- 
 quenth% must have altered the name of drawer from 
 "Morier and Co." to "Morris and Conway," and 
 therefore that the notice of dishonour which the Aus- 
 tral Bank would have sent out yesterday must even 
 now be in Mr. Morier 's possession. 
 
 "Perhaps, you wish me to infer," said Mr. 
 Morier, "that I may be one of the endorsers to the 
 bill?" 
 
 "Not at all," replied Dallas, and waited for him 
 to speak. 
 
 * ' I consider, however, the protecting of Miss Dal- 
 rymple 's credit should be chiefly the concern of her 
 banker. Has she not proved a valuable customer?"" 
 
 "Quite so, but you may remember I asked you 
 if she was leaving the State, or only about to visit 
 the countrj''. In the uncertainty of her movements 
 the Bank could find no warrant for paying this bill." 
 
 "But was it not possible to have ascertained 
 directly from Miss Dalrymple what her intended 
 movements might be?" 
 
 "I am now applying to you for information." 
 
 "I regret I cannot enlighten you." 
 
 "It is most unfortunate," Dallas chimed in, and 
 again paused to allow Mr. INIorier to offer some fur- 
 ther suggestion. Had he not had some interest 
 in the fate of this bill, and in Miss Dalrymple 's 
 departure, he would at once have said so, and left 
 the office. The fact of his deliberately remaining.
 
 140 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 and sitting back in his chair, while his mind was 
 busily taking in the situation, made it clear to Dallas 
 that eventually his visitor would agree to all that he 
 might require to insist upon, 
 
 "Still," continued Mr. Morier, "it is very seri- 
 ous to dishonour any customer's paper, when it is 
 known that the party is so financially sound, for, of 
 course, you are aware that Miss Dalrymple possesses 
 ample means." 
 
 "From the admirable manner in which this 
 lady has maintained her account with us, we could 
 not assume otherwise." 
 
 "Then, of course, a mere bagatelle of this kind 
 will be paid, and as she will, doubtless, in a day or 
 two, communicate with us, I shall make a point of 
 advising you of her address, so that you can inform 
 her of the error, — an error she will immediately ac- 
 knoAvledge by remitting you the necessary sum." 
 
 "For how much did Miss Dalrymple inform you 
 the bill was made out?" 
 
 "Pardon me, she did not speak of any bill." 
 
 "But you, just now, alluded to it as a mere 
 "bagatelle." 
 
 Again their eyes rested upon each other's, and 
 their expressions remained blank. 
 
 "It was but an assumption," said Mr. Morier, 
 ^'but perhaps you would have no objection to my 
 inquiring the amount of the bill?" 
 
 "None whatever. It is about one hundred and 
 twenty pounds." 
 
 " Ah ! as I imagined — a mere nothing to this 
 lady — I can assure you the Bank will incur not the 
 slightest risk in protecting this lady's good name, 
 and funds are certain to be provided within this 
 month, when doubtless she intended to forward the 
 amount necessary to provide for this bill being duly 
 honoured." 
 
 "But whv in a month, if the bill be now pay- 
 able?" 
 
 The eyes glittered through the spectacles.
 
 FACE TO FACE WITH MORIER. 141 
 
 "Had Miss Dalrymple been aware the bill was 
 now payable, she would certainly have arranged 
 for her account being in funds ; therefore it may be 
 assumed she has entered the bill in her books as 
 maturing next month." 
 
 "It has been a very unfortunate error," agreed 
 Dallas. 
 
 "But surely the Bank would not allow a trifling 
 mistake of this nature to, perhaps, permanently 
 ruin this lady's reputation in the business world?" 
 
 Mr. Morier half rose from the chair in the ve- 
 hemence of his expression. 
 
 "It was precisely for the purpose of prevent- 
 ing such a calamity that I ventured to ask of you 
 the favour of this visit." 
 
 "But how can I manage to obtain the necessary 
 funds from Miss Dalrymple in time to take up this 
 bill? . . You surely do not expect me to provide 
 this large sum?" he added suddenly, fiercely screw- 
 ing himself sideways on his chair. 
 
 "A mere bagatelle," coolly suggested Dallas. 
 A quick movement of the head placed the spectacles 
 directly towards the sub-accountant. Mr. Morier 
 glared upon him. 
 
 "It is an unheard-of proceeding on the part of 
 a Bank. The ^Manager cannot be aware of the true 
 status and means of his constituent. I shall make 
 it my duty to thoroughly acquaint him of this mat- 
 ter. It is not the first time subordinate ofiicers have 
 overstepped their authority." 
 
 Mr. Morier, having risen from his seat, was 
 standing half-way to the door, his attitude betoken- 
 ing every appearance of righteous indignation. 
 
 Dallas made no remark. He was calmly admir- 
 ing the form of his finger-nails. 
 
 "Sir," said Mr. Morier, scathingly, "will you 
 be pleased to tell me if this be the actual whole ex- 
 tent of the assistance which this — this Bank of 
 yours is able to render to a valuable customer?" 
 
 "Certainly not," replied Dallas genially, "I
 
 142 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 can send word to the presenting Bank, and refer 
 them to yourself for settlement," 
 
 "Dear no," he said with a start, "I have no- 
 thing to do Avith the affair." 
 
 "That is precisely the position in which we find 
 ourselves. ' ' 
 
 "And rather than take some little trouble on 
 a customer's behalf, you Avould sacrifice a lady?" 
 
 Dallas rather admired the lofty scorn with 
 which Mv. i\Iorier spoke, but he merely replied : 
 
 "I fear the case will not admit of further de- 
 lay; the bill is here, now, awaiting an answer." 
 
 There was a faint hesitancy. 
 
 "It is most unreasonable, unbusinesslike, but 
 rather than see the commercial standing of jMiss 
 Dalrymple thus imperilled, I will myself undertake 
 to guarantee the repayment of the amount. She 
 will be quite able, upon her return, to express Ijer 
 sense of your generous treatment. It will not re- 
 dound to the credit of your Bank. Will you, there- 
 fore, oblige me with the necessary form of guaran- 
 tee., which I will execute forthwith." 
 
 Mr. Morier re-seated himself at the table. 
 
 "It is not our custom to enter into guarantees 
 without first an arrangement being agreed upon 
 with the principal." 
 
 "What do you mean. Sir, — not take my guar- 
 antee ? ' ' 
 
 "I beg your pardon. Sir. I do not question 
 your guarantee." 
 
 "Why, then, do you refuse to take it? If you 
 need such a thing as a reference for such a paltry 
 sum, you are quite at liberty to make every enquiry 
 at my own Bank. — There, at all events, is under- 
 stood the proper conduct of business." 
 
 "My words were, that it is first necessary to 
 arrange with Miss Dalrymple, before any guarantee 
 ca» bo accepted on her behalf." 
 
 "AYliat. then, is to be done?" 
 
 "The account can be placed in funds."
 
 FACE TO FACE WITH MORIER. 143 
 
 "What," he exclaimed excitedly, "do you 
 mean me — me " stabbing his breast with an out- 
 stretched thumb — "me to pay one hundred and 
 twenty pounds into your Bank? Preposterous!" 
 
 "There is an alternative," suggested Dallas; 
 "you might come to some arrangement with the pre- 
 senting Bank." 
 
 ' ' Ah ! very likely. Would you mind telling 
 me the name of the Bank," 
 
 "The Austral Bank." 
 
 "Ah! no, perhaps not, I fear they do not 
 know me," 
 
 "But they can refer to your own Bank, and 
 then the matter can be properly conducted," quoth 
 Dallas sonievvhat slyly. 
 
 But for some reason or other the suggestion 
 failed to suit Mr. Morier. 
 
 "I will make a compromise with you," he said, 
 "I will pay half. One hundred and twenty pounds 
 is altogether too large a sum to expect merely a 
 friend to pay." 
 
 But the sub-accountant remained obdurate, 
 and glanced towards the clock. He noticed beads 
 of perspiration standing upon the forehead of Mr. 
 Morier. 
 
 At length the latter gentleman said: 
 
 "Every feeling of honour and friendship to- 
 wards an absent lady prompts me to protect her 
 credit. Since your Bank has no regard for its 
 customers' well-being, I myself will do that duty — 
 you will take the consequences." 
 
 "As you please," blandly spoke Dallas, "but 
 the funds will be needed before eleven o'clock." 
 
 Mr. Morier cast a look of evil upon him and 
 furiously strode from the room. 
 
 The sub-accountant remained in deep reflection 
 for some time before he began his work. The part 
 in the drama allotted to himself was becoming 
 plain. 
 
 Thirty minutes later, the ledger-keeper entered
 
 144 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 his office and informed him that £120 in notes had 
 been paid in to the credit of Miss Dalrymple, with 
 the words on the pay-in slip — "To meet bill due 
 4th instant." 
 
 "Pay the bill," curtly directed the sub-accoun- 
 tant, and the ledger-keeper withdrew. 
 
 "I have judged aright," commented Dallas; 
 "at all events she is safe for a month. . . the 
 other Banks ought to be informed of this fellow's 
 doings. Probably he has repeated the 'Morris and 
 Conway operation' with each one, and it is certain 
 to my mind, he will also leave Australia by the 
 next steamer. It may, perhaps, be just as well to 
 make a note of these vessels, and the dates of their 
 arrivals at Ports." 
 
 He crossed over to the waiting-room, and 
 looked down the shipping columns of the morning 
 newspaper. 
 
 "He Avill have the choice between a P. and 0. 
 liner and the American boat. Ah! he has planned 
 to escape to America. . . He will reach there in 
 twenty-one days or so, more than a week before the 
 frauds will be discovered." 
 
 "It is too bad to allow the scoundrel to escape, 
 and yet — and yet — to cause his arrest would, of 
 course, lead to the search for the maker of the bills. 
 . . . A cable to Colombo would effect detention 
 there." . . . 
 
 "No, he must go free. . ." 
 
 "0 Grace, Grace, could you not see how this 
 must inevitably end. . . and could have been 
 prevented . . . had you but told me ever^'thing 
 at the beginning . , . You love me . . . and 
 yet can condemn us both to this death in life. . . 
 No promise — no hope in the future ... to leave 
 me in absolute darkness as to what may be expected 
 . . . perhaps, long months of suspense worse 
 than death. . , Is it a small thing to take the 
 life from me?"
 
 FACE TO FACE WITH MORIER. 145 
 
 Perfunctorily he went through the day's rout- 
 ine of work. 
 
 On his way home he turned aside. 
 
 "I may as well inquire if she has really de- 
 parted." 
 
 Walking into the porter's office at the ''Carl- 
 ton," he asked if Miss Dalrymple had caught the 
 train to Melbourne. 
 
 "Oh yes, because she had only a small portman- 
 teau," as though he meant to intimate that not hav- 
 ing to pack up her impedimenta accounted for her 
 catching the train. 
 
 "But she could not have left behind her lug- 
 gage?" exclaimed Dallas in astonishment. 
 
 "No, Sir, certainly not. Her luggage was all 
 sent on board before the steamer left here, some 
 days ago." 
 
 "Ah yes, I suppose so." 
 
 Thoughtfully Dallas continued on his way. 
 
 "Evidently she has made no attempt to hide 
 her departure. Should any disclosure take place 
 during the coming fortnight she will assuredly be 
 detained at Colombo. She is travelling, too, with- 
 out haste; two or three days she will spend at 
 IMelbourne or Adelaide, before the steamer leaves. . 
 and she might have given those days to me, if she 
 had wished it. . ."
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 "SPARED FOR HIS SAKE." 
 
 "The Past that grips the present as it stands, 
 And drags it downward with its ghastly hands." 
 
 — F. Kenna. 
 
 The American mail-boat left on the following 
 Tuesday, and when Dallas failed to discovei* j\Ir. 
 Morier's name in the passenger list, he thought it 
 worth while to ascertain — if such could be done 
 without attracting attention — under what assumed 
 name he was noAv escaping. 
 
 He called Elliott, the lad whom he had pre- 
 viouslj^ despatched to the office of IMorier and Co. 
 
 "I want you to go again to Little Margaret 
 Street, and ask to see Mr. Morier — you know the 
 gentleman — give him my compliments, and say, I 
 should be glad to know the present address of Miss 
 Dalrymple, if she should have written to his firm. 
 But, in case Mr. Morier should be absent, there w411 
 be no need to ask anyone else in the office, for the 
 Bank has no wish to cause its affairs to be discussed. 
 You must, therefore, learn when Mr. ]\Iorier will be 
 expected to return to his office." 
 
 "I understand, Sir." 
 
 In half an hour Elliott returned. 
 
 "Well?" questioned Dallas. 
 
 "Mr. IMorier." answered the lad, "left for 
 New Zealand on Saturday last." 
 
 "Ah, left for New Zealand, — did you ascertain 
 to what port in New Zealand he has booked?" 
 
 "Yes, Sir, there was a youngish man sitting in
 
 "SPARED FOR HIS SAKE." 147 
 
 Mr. Morier's room; he wanted very badly to know 
 all about my business, and where I had come from, 
 but I simply said, 'I knew Mr. Morier, and wished 
 to see him.' Then he told me he had taken Satur- 
 day's steamer leaving here for Wellington." 
 
 "For Wellington!" exclaimed Dallas, "on Sat- 
 urday ? ' ' 
 
 "Yes, Sir." 
 
 "Did you hear on what business he has left, and 
 when he is likely to return." 
 
 "The man said he had gone on business mat- 
 ters, and would remain, at least, a month in New 
 Zealand, but that he could attend to any ordinary 
 affair about which I might be concerned." 
 
 "But you replied, I suppose, that it would do 
 when Mr. Morier should return?" 
 
 "That is exactly what I did say. Sir." 
 
 "You did perfectly right — now bring me the 
 newspaper file with last week's papers." 
 
 Dallas turned to Saturday's issue, where it was 
 advertised that the "Manapouri" would sail at 1 
 p.m. 
 
 In Monday's shipping columns were the lists 
 of passengers in the boats which had "cleared." 
 In the " Manapouri 's" list appeared the name of 
 "L. Morier." 
 
 "Strange," muttered Dallas, then, turning to 
 Elliott, he said, "You may take these papers back 
 to the waiting-room. That is all." Elliott left the 
 room. 
 
 Presently Dallas nodded his head. — "I have 
 it," he said. "He will have four days wherein to 
 lose his identity in Wellington, and then travel to 
 Auckland. At Auckland he Avill take passage to 
 San Francisco by the 'Alameda,' Avhich left Sydney 
 
 only yesterday. — There is yet time for a cable. 
 
 No, he goes free — for her sake. . ." 
 
 A fortnight later Dallas found himself looking 
 daily for the cable news from Colombo, speaking of 
 the calling there of the P. and 0. steamer. In due
 
 14S WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 course, the intelligence was cabled to Australia, fol- 
 lowed a few days later by a similar auuoimcemeut 
 from Suez. 
 
 Dallas began to feel easier in his mind, for he 
 assumed Miss Dalrymple would tranship at Port 
 Said, and, taking the steamer to Briudisi, proceed 
 overland to London, and — then? 
 
 The arrival of each oversea mail filled him with 
 expectancy, but no letter ever came. Sick at heart, 
 the man worked on daj' after day. 
 
 Three weeks, four weeks, passed. 
 
 Had she absolutely severed all connections be- 
 tween them? 
 
 "No," said Dallas to himself, "she loves me, 
 and her woman's heart will bring her to me. She 
 has the understanding to direct her actions for the 
 best, and the nerve to carry out her determination. 
 The future of us both must be left in her hands." 
 
 "But why not have written to me?" Ah, there 
 was the rub. 
 
 The "fourth of the month" was once again 
 drawing near, and Dallas had dreaded its coming, 
 for he kncAV it would bring in the denouement of 
 the drama. 
 
 The sub-accountant, as he grimly reflected upon 
 the impending crash, knew but too well that all 
 these Banks in Sydney would not quietly submit to 
 the wholesale robbery. He shrewdly suspected that 
 the loss, amounting to a certainty to some six thou- 
 sand pounds, and possibly four or five times as much, 
 had been carefully and scientifically distributed 
 amongst the various Banks by means of piles of 
 valueless bills. He pictured to himself the con- 
 sternation of the different Managers when they 
 should realize that they had been deliberately vic- 
 timized. 
 
 "What will their expressions be when they as- 
 certain that although we had the honour of keeping 
 the account which wrought the damage, and ob-
 
 "SPARED FOR HIS SAKE." 149 
 
 tained all the profit, yet we did not participate in 
 their losses?" 
 
 Dallas knew also full well that for many weeks 
 to come his own position would be a most unen- 
 viable one, and one, perhaps, not untouched by sus- 
 picion; but it had to be faced, and for many days 
 Dallas had been preparing himself for the ordeal. 
 
 The "fourth" arrived. 
 
 The sub-accountant attended early at his office, 
 and "passed through" without delay his usual 
 routine work. 
 
 At nine o'clock the "Inward Exchanges" came 
 pouring in from the other Banks. 
 
 The distinguishing stamp-marks were busily 
 checked upon the faces of the various documents, 
 indicating from which Bank they had been received, 
 and they were then distributed to the several ledger- 
 keepers. 
 
 The sub-accountant was standing near the "A" 
 ledger ready to decide upon the payment or other- 
 wise of doubtful bills and cheques. 
 
 "There must be something wrong here, sir," 
 said ledger-keeper "D," advancing towards him. 
 ■"Miss Dalrymple's account has, as you are aware, 
 become inoperative, and yet here are several bills." 
 
 Exactly as Dallas expected — yet a cold pang 
 struck to his heart. 
 
 With a simulated air of unconcern, he began 
 to examine them. They appeared to be made out 
 in several different handwritings, in favour of dif- 
 ferent parties and firms — one bill from each Bank, 
 and a few from city branches of these Banks, 
 known to have large businesses. 
 
 "Make me out a list of the bills, with full par- 
 ticulars as to parties, dates, and endorsements, and 
 give the name in each case of the discounting 
 Bank." 
 
 Then he passed on to the other ledger-keepers, 
 hurrying so as to quickly "clear" all the exchanges
 
 150 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 and thus leave more ample time to discuss the posi- 
 tion of affairs with the manager. 
 
 At length, having dealt with the exchanges, 
 with the exception of those he was about to refer to 
 the manager, he returned for Grace Dalrymple's 
 bills. 
 
 "They are here, sir, and this is the list." The 
 total amounted to £2957 3s. 6d. 
 
 "Nearly six thousand she said she signed, "^ 
 communed Dallas with himself; "there must there- 
 fore be a second batch falling due next month. . . , 
 Large bills, too, ranging each one from one hundred 
 to three hundred pounds. . . . 'Tis strange that 
 no inquiry ever reached me from the other Banks 
 at the time they discounted her bills." 
 
 He entered the manager's room, and one by one 
 a decision was given as to the various other bills 
 and cheques, which the sub-accountant was refer- 
 ring for treatment. 
 
 Having concluded, Dallas excused himself, and 
 returning to the ledger-keepers, delivered to each 
 one the documents pertaining to his particular led- 
 ger, mentioning, at the same time, how they were 
 to be dealt with. 
 
 Then he re-entered the manager's room, and 
 in a matter-of-fact manner laid down Grace Dal- 
 rymple's bills. 
 
 "I fear there has been a fraud perpetrated 
 with this account." he coolly commenced. 
 
 The manager rose to his feet with electric 
 haste, and grasped the bills. 
 
 "What do you mean?" he exclaimed, his voice 
 pitched high with excitement. 
 
 "Oh, the Bank is all right." explained Dallas. 
 
 "Are there no funds?" rang from the manager. 
 
 "No, sir, the account is practically closed." 
 
 "Closed! did you say? Closed" 
 
 The sub-accountant regarded him with some 
 astonishment, as he pressed his bell with unre- 
 strained peremptoriness.
 
 "SPARED FOR HIS SAKE." 151 
 
 A clerk hastily appeared. 
 
 "Call Mr. Lindsay!" he shouted. 
 
 Dallas turned towards him in still greater won- 
 derment, and noticed great drops of perspiration 
 standing on his forehead. 
 
 The accountant walked quickly into the room, 
 his face expressive of a surprise due doubtless to 
 the clerk's energetic delivery of the message. 
 
 Look at these bills, Lindsay; three thousand 
 pounds' worth. Dallas says there are no funds — ac- 
 count closed. Have you any knowledge of the mat- 
 ter?" 
 
 "None whatever," replied the accountant, ex- 
 amining the bills; "but we are not affected; these 
 appear to have been discounted by other Banks." 
 
 "Yes, yes, but there are our ovm. 'discounts' 
 on her account. Probably the makers are also 
 frauds. ' ' 
 
 "Our discounts!" exclaimed Dallas, aghast. 
 "Good heavens, I did not know she had bills under 
 discount." 
 
 His coolness vanished. Rushing from the 
 room, Dallas w^ent straightway to the Bill Depart- 
 ment. 
 
 "The 'Discount Ledger,' " he demanded, as he 
 unceremoniously pushed his way to the desk. The 
 clerks in the room looked up in astonishment as 
 the usually deliberate sub-accountant passed ex- 
 citedly through their midst. 
 
 Behind him streamed the manager and account- 
 ant, looking equally perturbed. As though alarm 
 were conveyed by the very waves of the air 
 throughout the Bank, there seemed to succeed a 
 hushed movement of excited expectancy. Some- 
 thing was understood to be wrong, and official after 
 official added numbers to the throng. In a few 
 minutes the whispers seemed to grow; excitement 
 pervaded every part of the Bank — a suspension 
 of regular work — a restless coming and going — a 
 movement — uncertainty.
 
 152 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 In the meantime, the clerk had fetched the 
 ledger from the safe, whence it had not yet been 
 taken for the day's reference and work. 
 
 Dallas ran his eye down the index. "Here it 
 is — folio one fifty-three." 
 
 His worst forebodings seem to be fulfilled as 
 his glance met the familiar name. "With the fierce 
 desperation of a man forced to believe against his 
 faith and convictions, he regarded the clerk as he 
 turned over the leaves. Her words shot through 
 his brain: ''You will learn of what value your care 
 has been!" 
 
 Folio 153 — Grace Dalrymple. 
 
 There was no balance ! 
 
 "No bills outstanding?" exclaimed both the 
 manager and Dallas simultaneously. "What does 
 this mean?" 
 
 "Some weeks ago," explained the clerk, "on 
 this date" — placing his finger on the last entry — 
 "Miss Dalrymple asked the amount of the discount 
 balance against her, less deduction for rebate, and 
 handed me a cheque on her account for the total. 
 She took the bills with her." 
 
 The manager's face indicated the extent of his 
 relief. 
 
 "And you hold no acceptances of hers?" 
 
 "None, sir." 
 
 "Dallas, in a state of sudden revulsion of feel- 
 ing, returned slowly to his own room. He sat down 
 leant his elbows on the table, and buried his face 
 in his hands. 
 
 She had spared the Bank for his sake !
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 HOW THE FRAUD WAS CARRIED OUT. 
 
 "There never did, and never will, exist anything 
 permanently noble and excellent in character which was 
 a stranger to the exercise of resolute self-denial." 
 
 —Scott. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the manager, holding near- 
 ly a score of bills in his hand, entered the office of 
 the sub-accountant. He was followed by the ac- 
 countant. 
 
 "Mr. Dallas," he began, "do you know any- 
 thing about this extraordinary affair?" 
 
 Know anything! 
 
 Both his superiors stood and regarded him. 
 Dallas arose, closed the doors, and then moved two 
 chairs to the table. It seemed to him he should, as 
 in duty bound, account for the part he had taken 
 throughout, and yet how could he betray her. He 
 well knew that a full disclosure would be quickly 
 followed by decisive action in unison with the other 
 Banks. His manager would show but little scruple 
 in sharply dealing with both Morier and his fair 
 accomplice. Moreover, Dallas had already esti- 
 mated the risk he had accepted in allowing their 
 escape. To confess to the fact would be self-admis- 
 sion of the worst form of incapacity — the lack of 
 ability to act promptly in an emergency — or else 
 something much worse — and inasmuch as there hap- 
 pened to be a handsome woman concerned in the af- 
 fair, the latter suspicion would be only too certain 
 to attach to him, destroying forever the confidence 
 of the Bank in his integrity. How could the Bank
 
 154 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 be expected to rightly determine the justice of a 
 matter in -which he himself could adduce no reli- 
 able evidence? He had simply a lover's blind faith 
 in the innocence of the woman he loved. What 
 weight would such a circumstance possess in the 
 opinion of these two hard-headed business menT 
 Dallas, at his age, falling in love, and shielding a 
 criminal ! 
 
 He had already reckoned up the cost of the 
 contempt that would follow upon confession. For 
 better or worse he had determined to make Grace's 
 interests his interests. 
 
 With marked deliberation he returned to his 
 own seat, the vertical lines imprinted on his fore- 
 head indicating the extent of his mental concentra- 
 tion. 
 
 "I can hardly explain," he began; "we have 
 certainly had a remarkable experience, as it turns 
 out, but it was impossible to foresee this result. 
 When the account was first opened with a small 
 sum of less than one hundred pounds, I confess to 
 having felt doubtful. But the account was opened 
 and managed in such a business-like manner that 
 I could not help my attention being most favour- 
 ably attracted, and concluded she possessed excep- 
 tional credit with London firms. In fact, it was 
 the common-place account of a capable business 
 party. In a very short time, however, the trans- 
 actions, as, of course, you have also observed, 
 reached large totals, too large, it seemed to me, to 
 be accounted for by legitimate trading. A stranger 
 cannot be supposed to come here and within the 
 space of a comparatively few weeks form a large 
 and valuable connection." 
 
 "Well," said the manager, "what did you de- 
 duce therefrom?" 
 
 "I knew she must have some co-operative as- 
 sistance, and by closely examining her vouchers, 
 found that the bulk of her transactions were with 
 Morier and Co. — a firm of indenting agents. As,
 
 HOW THE FRAUD WAS CARRIED OUT. 155 
 
 therefore, I had already ascertained that no goods 
 to speak of were consigned direct to our customer, 
 I gathered she was continuing and extending the 
 connection already established by English houses 
 through Morier and Co." 
 
 "Quite likely," said the manager, 
 
 "You have seen Miss Dalrymple?" questioned 
 the accountant. 
 
 "Several times, she called and spoke of busi- 
 ness matters, but never committed herself by say- 
 ing too much. I admit, however, I endeavoured to 
 learn more about her business, but the attempt only 
 drew upon me a distinct rebuff for my presump- 
 tion." and Dallas shook his head ruefully at the 
 recollection. "She evidenced, however," he con- 
 tinued, "such very great capacity, that one could 
 not but feel complete confidence in her." 
 
 "She informed you, of course, of her particular 
 line of business?" 
 
 "She led me to suppose it was something in 
 the way of millinery and fashions, and apparently 
 she dealt to a great extent with millinery houses." 
 
 "But did nothing transpire to show you there 
 was downright fraud being concocted?" 
 
 "As the time passed, and much happened that 
 puzzled me — for instance, the fact of no large local 
 payments being made — not even to Morier and Co., 
 but the amounts being cabled direct to London — 
 I felt it to be desirable to be upon my guard, but 
 watchfulness appeared to be quite unnecessary. 
 Her account was maintained in such good order as 
 to occasion no anxiety. And all the time, more- 
 over, I could elicit not one tittle of positive evi- 
 dence, and the account being a valuable one en- 
 tailing apparently no risk to the Bank, I did not 
 consider myself to be justified in giving vent to 
 bare suspicions. I am astonished beyond measure 
 that so many bills should have been discounted by 
 the Banks without some enquiry from them reach- 
 ing me."
 
 156 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 ''"Well," said the manager, "I recollect some 
 Bank or other sending to me for information, and 
 upon referring to the ledger, the account appeared 
 to be so well maintained, coupled with the sub- 
 stantial remittances she was cabling to London, 
 that I am afraid I spoke too favourably." 
 
 "But did only one Bank make inquiry?" 
 
 "I remember but one instance, but either Ad- 
 dison or Scott could probably tell us somethng " 
 
 Dallas rang his bell. 
 
 "Ask Mr. Addifeon and Mr. Scott to step here." 
 
 In a few minutes the head of the Bill Depart- 
 ment appeared. 
 
 "Do 3'ou happen to recollect," said the mana- 
 ger, "if any of the Banks made enquiry as to Miss 
 Dalrymple ? ' ' 
 
 "Yes, sir," he replied, "several Banks asked 
 for an opinion, and I gave them the substance of 
 the reply you made to the Traders' Bank." 
 
 ' ' You gave them ! ' ' exclaimed the manager 
 with wrathful emphasis. "Was it such a dilScult 
 matter to report the incident to me? Do you know, 
 sir, you are the direct cause of a huge fraud having 
 been successfully perpetrated? Do you not .yet un- 
 derstand that an individual's credit may be un- 
 doubted for a hundred or two, but quite dangerous 
 for a thousand?" 
 
 With a gesture, he waved him out of the room. 
 Silence fell upon the three men, as the manager 
 lifted his hands, and then allowed them to fall to his 
 sides expressive of despair, 
 
 "These wooden-heads!" presently muttered 
 the accountant, 
 
 "And if," the manager resumed, turning to- 
 wards Dallas, "you had known of such bills being 
 discounted in this wholesale manner Avhile funds 
 were being cabled to London, you would have felt 
 your suspicions fully confirmed, and have nipped 
 this conspiracy in the bud?" 
 
 "Undoubtedly," responded Dallas, with eager
 
 HOW THE FRAUD WAS CARRIED OUT. 157 
 
 earnestness; "the knowledge of so important a fact 
 would have supplied the link that was missing in 
 my train of reasoning. God knows what awful 
 results it would have saved. 
 
 "Ah! and all due to a clerk's stupidity — the 
 value of a dozen years' services obliterated in a mo- 
 ment—Pish!—" 
 
 "But is this a conspiracy or an isolated case?" 
 suggested the accountant. 
 
 "A conspiracy, undoubtedly," responded the 
 manager. "This woman and a confederate have 
 opened acounts in each Bank in various names, and 
 have thus secured the discounting of their own pa- 
 per over and over again. We have escaped, either 
 because she perceived that Mr. Dallas felt some sus- 
 picion, or because it was deemed advisable to stand 
 on good terms with one Bank through which they 
 could send their remittances without exciting com- 
 ment, and also obtain a good report — exactly as 
 they have managed. ' ' 
 
 "It appears to have been a well-conceived 
 scheme,' said the accountant, "but what can have 
 become of all the remittances sent to London?" 
 
 "That is precisely the information for which 
 the other Banks will be seeking. It is undoubtedly 
 their money thus despatched, ostensibly to pur- 
 chase goods." 
 
 "Then the principals will need to go to London 
 to receive the proceeds of their spoil?" 
 
 "Exactly. Probably they fled some weeks ago, 
 as soon as they had succeeded in discounting all the 
 bills the various Banks were disposed to accept. 
 Presumably they arranged for a discount limit of 
 some two thousand or three thousand pounds with 
 each Bank." 
 
 "And if," continued the accountant, following 
 out his train of reasoning, "and if we reveal this 
 knowledge to the other Banks forthwith, it may yet 
 be possible for them to secure the parties by cabling
 
 158 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 to London, and placing the affair in the hands of 
 the Loudon police." 
 
 Dallas Avas thunderstruck, and as the impor- 
 tance of the suggestion became plain to him, his 
 cheek grew pale and his lips set. It had never oc- 
 curred to him that Lintott and Co. were possibly 
 not the well-known firm of that name, but merely 
 an adoption of the name as a "blind," and they 
 Avould, of course, have a different registered cable 
 address. Lintott, therefore, was probably the prin- 
 cipal wiio had devised and directed the whole sys- 
 tem of fraud. 
 
 x\nd Grace knew the code words of the Bank 
 transmitting fifteen hundred pounds ! 
 
 Dallas quailed in the agony Avrought by the 
 thought that suddenly confronted him. 
 
 The manager had also been impressed with the 
 accountant's idea. He became thoughtful. 
 
 Presently he said: "We have no doubt as to 
 the swindle, but we are hardly prepared to vouch 
 for it as a fact." 
 
 "As, however," pursued the accountant, "we 
 have been, although unwittingl.y, the cause of the 
 losses to the other Banks, they will naturally look 
 to us for all the assistance ])ossible. to enable them 
 to retrieve their loss." 
 
 Dallas regarded the accountant, but waited to 
 see if he should propose any definite course to be 
 followed. He was prepared to interpose only in 
 the event of urgent need demanding action. 
 
 He had surrendered everything to Grace Dal- 
 rymple. His honour and reputation she held in her 
 keeping; he could, therefore, but continue to trust 
 and, if possible, defend her. The obtaining of a 
 warrant against her. and the cabling to the London 
 police, must be prevented at any cost. 
 
 "What do you think?" suddenly demanded the 
 manager. Dallas repressed a start. 
 
 "I think," answered Dallas, after a long pause 
 during which the other two silently waited until
 
 HOW THE FRAUD \\ AS CARRIED OUT. 159 
 
 he had weighed his opinion, "I think we ought to be 
 first, before all, quite sure of our ground. We gave 
 a recommendation to the other Banks on good 
 grounds, and if they should refer thereto we might 
 exhibit the account, and let them judge for them- 
 selves. The account has been worked in such a 
 manner, that while regular trading cheques indicate 
 their purpose with bold frankness, the other 
 cheques, which we now know to have been used for 
 passing the money out of sight, appear in different 
 forms as though issued for similar purchase of 
 goods from several quarters." 
 
 "When did you make this dscovery?" spoke 
 the accountant somewhat sharply. 
 
 "This morning Avhen I glanced at the ledger- 
 account. In adding up the amount of the remit- 
 tances to London. I noticed each cheque had been 
 differently drawn, although all the cablegrams ex- 
 cept three, if I recollect aright, were despatched to 
 the same party." 
 
 The manager nodded. "Continue," was all he 
 said. 
 
 "I believe, therefore," resumed Dallas, "it 
 would be proper to defend our opinion as justifiable, 
 as undoubtedly was the case at the time when it was 
 given. This course, at all events, would keep us 
 free from any complications which might follow, 
 should the other Banks decide upon attempting to 
 make arrests. In the next place, there is grave 
 doubt as to Miss Dalrymple being culpable. In re- 
 calling the several conversations I had with her, 
 the impression remains that she was innocent of any 
 intention to defraud, and that she was unaware of 
 what was happening until, perhaps, the last week 
 or two of her stay here." 
 
 "NotMdthstanding the curious discrepancies in 
 the wording of the remittance cheques," interjected 
 the accountant. 
 
 "We have no proof of it being intentional. I 
 quoted the instance to show her account would be-
 
 160 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 tray nothing on inspection. Then, at a later period 
 if she discovered the plot, I take it that she felt 
 herself to be too involved to attempt any defence, 
 and, so, fled at once. Such is the conclusion evident 
 to my mind." 
 
 "As she owes us nothing," cjuoth the manager, 
 "there is no harm in giving her the benefit of the 
 doubt. She is a handsome woman, Dallas, is she 
 not?" 
 
 "Very," responded Dallas laconically, and then 
 continued, "moreover, in not providing funds to 
 meet her promissory notes, she cannot be claimed 
 to have acted with fraud against the Banks. She 
 is responsible to those to whom she gave the bills, 
 and should those persons have discounted the bills 
 under fictitious names and pretences, I take it, the 
 recourse of the Banks will lie against them for 
 fraud — not against Miss Dalrymple." 
 
 "For what consideration did she give the 
 bills?" queried the accountant. 
 
 "Presumably," responded Dallas, shrugging 
 his shoulders, "for purchase of goods." 
 
 "From fictitious firms?" 
 
 What reply could Dallas make? She had told 
 him that all the bills had been given to Morier and 
 Co. He could only surmise that Morier and Co. had 
 by some means substituted other payees' names in 
 place of their own. 
 
 "That is not a point for the Bank to substan- 
 tiate," he replied. 
 
 "But it is clear evidence of participation in 
 the fraud, and she should be included with the 
 others." persisted the accountant. 
 
 "I am inclined to side with Mr. Dallas; the 
 Bank has lost nothing, and we do not want to be 
 *mixed-up' in the affair. I think, therefore, for the 
 present we can afford to leave matters alone, at all 
 events until fresh developments call for further 
 consideration." 
 
 Having issued his dictum with a mind much
 
 HOW THE FRAUD WAS CARRIED OUT. 161 
 
 more at ease — inasmuch as it appeared probable he 
 would not be called upon to admit a shocking error 
 of judgment, but would be rather the envy of the 
 other managers in having come scathless through 
 an ordeal which had proved the weakness of all the 
 others — he rose from the chair, raised himself to 
 his full height, and urbanely walked out of the 
 room. 
 
 The accountant, whose pre-occupied expres- 
 sion of countenance denoted a different frame of 
 mind, also departed to his own room. 
 
 After his superiors hani left the office, Dallas 
 made no attempt to disguise his uneasiness. 
 
 "I must prevent his being subpoenaed as a wit- 
 ness," ruminated the sub-accountant, as the remem- 
 brance of the accountant's aspect fixed itself in his 
 mind.
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 "WELL NIGH BREAKING UNDER THE STRAIN." 
 
 "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof; but suf- 
 ficient unto a life-time is often the evil of a single day." 
 
 Day by day Dallas awaited with anxiety the 
 course of events. The sudden stoppage of opera- 
 tions upon nearly a score of accounts, all of which 
 had outstanding bills under discount, naturally 
 caused active inquiry to be made, and as the various 
 Banks proceeded to compare notes with each other, 
 they came to realize that the operations were wider 
 and wider in extent. 
 
 The discovery spread dismay among the Mana- 
 gers. 
 
 A conservative English Bank addressed a 
 strong letter to the Bank of Australia, commenting 
 upon the opinion given with regard to the maker of 
 the now famous promissory notes. 
 
 The irate Manager came with the letter to Dal- 
 las. 
 
 The sub-accountant, hoAvever, having induced 
 him to leave the letter with him for reply, returned 
 at his leisure an urbane answer. 
 
 But the matter ended not there. A representa- 
 tive of the Bank called the following day, and de- 
 sired an interview with the writer. A moment or 
 two of quiet scruntiny followed as the visitor en- 
 tered the sub-accountant's room. 
 
 Dallas gathered his visitor had determined to 
 thoroughly discuss the situation. 
 
 "Doubtless you have inferred," he began,
 
 WELL NIGH BREAKING. 163 
 
 "that I have called about this matter of Miss Dal- 
 rymple's dishonoured bill." 
 
 "I am glad you have done so," replied Dallas, 
 "it will enable us to come to a full understanding." 
 
 There followed another quiet survey. 
 
 "I might tell you that, before I came here, I 
 visited the other Banks, and ascertained the extent 
 of information each possessed, and I might also 
 add" — he said grimly — "that each one gives your 
 Bank a good share of the credit of leading them in- 
 to this mess." 
 
 "It is very kind of you all," answered Dallas, 
 "and as you have been good enough to take upon 
 yourself so large an amount of trouble, I hope you 
 will not be content to stay half-way, but carry the 
 matter through to its proper conclusion, and revisit 
 each Bank once more in turn, and demonstrate to 
 them that this Bank gave them precisely the infor- 
 mation they asked for, and that they, and they 
 only, are responsible for the consequences." 
 
 "I do not follow you," said the visitor curtly. 
 
 Dallas rang his bell. 
 
 "Request the ledger-keeper to bring the 'D' 
 ledger." 
 
 Ledger-keeper "D" appeared with the huge 
 volume. 
 
 "Grace Dalrymple's account?" 
 
 The book was opened at the proper folio. 
 
 "Return in a few minutes," said Dallas. 
 
 "This is the account," proceeded the sub-ac- 
 countant, inviting his visitor's attention thereto. 
 "You applied for information somewhere about this 
 date" — indicating a line page on the ledger — "and 
 were informed that the individual maintained a sat- 
 isfactory credit balance. "Was the information 
 misleading?" 
 
 "No," a.ssented the information-seeker. 
 
 "That transactions were considerable?" 
 
 "Yes."
 
 164 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "That she appeared to have a valuable connec- 
 tion, and that it was extending?" 
 
 "Perfectly correct." 
 
 ' ' That she had paid cash to the present date for 
 all purchases?" Here Dallas pointed to the cheque- 
 entries for large amounts, all apparently given for 
 the purchase of goods. 
 
 The visitor examined each entry criticall}'. It 
 interested him. 
 
 "I should like to examine these cheques in de- 
 tail, if you would not mind showing them to me." 
 
 "No, I fear that is even more than the Manager 
 would agree to, anxious though he maj' be to quite 
 clear himself in your eyes. But, however, the omis- 
 sion will not be serious, for should the matter come 
 before the Court, you can, of course, serve me with 
 a subpoena, with the usual instructions to produce 
 all books, papers, and vouchers in connection with 
 this account." 
 
 "Still, I should like to perfect my information 
 before proceeding to take any legal steps." 
 
 "Naturally," replied Dallas. "Perhaps I can 
 give you much of the information you may need, 
 but before we speak further I should like you to 
 confess that the Bank gave exactly the reply to the 
 enquiries which your own Bank Avould have given 
 had the situation been reversed." 
 
 There was a thoughtful pause. 
 
 "Yes," admitted the visitor, "there is no blanie 
 
 attachable to yourselves, but you ought to have 
 
 known more about your customer." 
 
 "That is a point that does not come into the dis- 
 cussion," Dallas decisively declared. 
 
 "You will understand. hoAvever," he continued, 
 "that we cannot undertake to explain to all the 
 Banks as I am now doing with yourself, hence my 
 having given utterance to the wish you would be 
 good enough to disabuse the other Banks of their 
 misconception of our action." 
 
 "I shall certainly do as you wish," he replied^
 
 WELL NIGH BREAKING. 165 
 
 and then remained for a minute or two in thought. 
 Presently he said, ''This is a really remarkable 
 case, and the inspection of that account shows our 
 suspicions to be wide of the mark, so far as your 
 Bank is concerned. I admit I do not understand 
 how the fraud has been so successfully carried 
 on. . ." 
 
 "Do you know," he went on to say, "that upon 
 being informed by the other Banks of the names 
 and addresses of the endorsers of Miss Dalrymple's 
 bills, it was found that they all centred in one spot — 
 Little Margaret Street. Hastening there, I came 
 to two adjoining business premises ; on the ground- 
 floor of one was Morier and Co.'s office, and of the 
 other that of John Nettles and Co. Passing up- 
 stairs I visited in each house seven rooms — the 
 doors of which were opened for me by the landlord, 
 upon whom I called, finding no response to my 
 knocks. Each door bore a plate inscribed with one 
 ©f the names entered in my endorsers' list, and with- 
 out doubt from the description of the parties given 
 to me, the whole sixteen accounts in all the different 
 Banks were carried on by one or the other of two 
 men. They had taken all the rooms of both houses, 
 so as to exclude strangers, and at the same time 
 to have a regular address for correspondence and 
 chance visitors." 
 
 "But how comes it that the Mercantile 
 Brokers have not found out the identity of the 
 men?" 
 
 "I fancy that if any called — for only jMorier 
 and Co. and Nettles and Co. seem to have adver- 
 tised — that these men responded, and stated the firm 
 inquired about was only a manufacturer's agent and 
 fulfilled orders." 
 
 "You mean that either Morier or Nettles 
 slipped into one of the rooms upstairs, to which an 
 enquirer was happening to make his way, and re- 
 sponded as though he were the party sought for, 
 telling the visitor he w^as only a manufacturer's
 
 166 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 agent, and prepared to book orders on account? Is 
 that so?" 
 
 "Something of that Idnd." 
 
 "And that the deception was similarlj^ carried 
 on with some fourteen or sixteen Bank Managers 
 and staffs? It is incredible!" 
 
 "The account with us was operated upon in the 
 name of Essington Carleton Dawes, who, however, 
 exactly tallies with the description given by the 
 Merchants' Bank of their customer Louis Morier." 
 
 "Did the maker of the bills have any other ac- 
 count ? ' ' 
 
 ' ' The woman ! I have no information on that 
 score, but then, we do not know yet how much more 
 will be revealed ; every day ever since the beginning 
 of the month has disclosed something afresh. I 
 tell you. Sir, it has become something serious, and 
 the Banks are sick with apprehension. The ac- 
 count you have showed me to-day is the most ex- 
 traordinary part of the whole affair. It is appar- 
 ently honest and straightforward." 
 
 "Perhaps, she is honest?" 
 
 "Ps-pshaw!" 
 
 "Did you find any evidence when you exam- 
 ined the offices of the conspirators?" 
 
 "No, none whatever; there were the usual office 
 fittings, with abiuidance of ordinary trade corres- 
 pondence of a genuine character, proving that the 
 two men had cleverly combined the real with the 
 imaginary." 
 
 "You found their letter-books?" exclaimed 
 Dallas in astonishment. 
 
 "No — their letter-books were missing." 
 
 "Did you find any letters or orders signed by 
 Grace Dalrymple?" 
 
 "Yes, very many, in the office of — let me think 
 — Morier and Co., I believe." 
 
 "What was the nature of the contents?" 
 
 "Simply orders for goods, with comments, de- 
 scription, and so forth, and advising enclosures of
 
 WELL NIGH BREAKING. 167 
 
 her cheques and sometimes bills iu payment of her 
 account, as though she were merely an ordinary 
 buyer." 
 
 "Perhaps it was so." 
 
 "Umph ! We Avill afford you proof on that score 
 — in good time. . . It is very satisfactory to find 
 your Bank to be working Avith us, since j'our evi- 
 dence Avill be indispensable. I will see you later on, 
 and consult with you. IMany thanks for your can- 
 dour and courtesy. Good morning." 
 
 "Good morning," responded Dallas, with all 
 the friendliness of his nature. 
 
 "Scarcely half an hour had passed when Dun- 
 stan, the accountant of the Austral Bank, banged 
 his way into Dallas's room. 
 
 "I say, Dallas, old man, w^hy are all these Banks 
 making enquiries about Dalrymple's bills? Fortu- 
 nately we have none due this month, but next month 
 there is one for £359. There was something wrong 
 about the last, you may remember it was not paid 
 until the next day. Is there anything amiss?" 
 
 "You have Morris and Conway's account?" 
 
 "Yes," said Dunstan. 
 
 "There are no such people." 
 
 "Oh yes, they have a largely operative account. 
 Doing a good business " 
 
 "Now?" 
 
 "Yes— why not?" 
 
 "Because the firm levanted a month ago." 
 
 "Levanted — No — the business is still going on.'^ 
 
 "When did they last pay-in?" 
 
 "Well, I have not looked at the account, so can- 
 not say. Oh! yes, I do. I remember — several cheques 
 paid in by them were yesterday, or the day before, 
 returned dishonoured." 
 
 "And you paid against those cheques before 
 they were collected?" 
 * "Possibly." 
 
 "Possibly!" said Dallas, "but you had better 
 make sure, for all the cheques of ]\Iorris and Con-
 
 168 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MHRCY. 
 
 way which j'oii have paid will become a dead loss 
 to your Bank." 
 
 "What the deuce do you mean?" 
 
 "I mean that the firm has levanted." 
 
 "Not at all. How can it be when they are still 
 operating upon their account?" 
 
 "My dear fellow, they have probably left a 
 series of 'cross-fire' cheques and deposits to keep 
 the account operative until they get a fair start.. I 
 suppose the deposits have been reaching you by 
 letter?" 
 
 "No, their clerk always pays in." 
 
 "Exactly so, the cheques and deposits have 
 Ifeen left with the clerk." 
 
 "I>it, good heavens, man, what do you know 
 about this?" 
 
 "Dallas's heart grew sick as he saw pass over 
 his friend's face the same wild look of fear and ap- 
 prehension which he had already noticed on others. 
 
 "You have seen the name of Morier and Co?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "And Nettles and Co.?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "And E. C. Dawes?" 
 
 "E. Carleton DaAves? Yes." 
 
 "Well those people, and a dozen other firms as 
 "well, are all one firm of two men, and they have been 
 discounting each other's bills with the different 
 Banks." 
 
 "Good Lord, Dallas, are you in earnest?" 
 
 "Yes. the ^Merchants' Bank and the London and 
 Colonial Bank, know of the whole matter ; call upon 
 them; I have just shown them D — Dalrymple's ac- 
 count — they are making inquiries. I cannot explain 
 
 again to you, old fellow. You can ask tbem ask 
 
 them." 
 
 Dunstan gazed blankly into the troubled face of 
 Dallas, and then slowly, without uttering a word, 
 passed out of the door — a blithe-hearted man utterly 
 changed in ten minutes of time.
 
 WELL NIGH BREAKING. 169 
 
 Dallas was well nigh breaking down imder the 
 strain. 
 
 What had hai)pened was simply this. One, or 
 perhaps two, principals who remained in London, 
 bought and sent to Sydney consignments of goods 
 for sale by the two principals in this city. Drafts 
 were drawn against these goods, negotiated in Lon- 
 fldn, and duly accepted and paid in Sydney. Other 
 drafts were also sent without documents attached, 
 but similarly accepted, paid, and the money remitted 
 to London, for as such were not negotiated by the 
 London Banks, but sent to Australia for collection, 
 the inference would be that consignors forwarded 
 invoices and bills of lading direct to consignees, or 
 perhaps papers in closed envelopes, were attached 
 to drafts, to be delivered up on acceptance. 
 
 Thus the transactions appeared to be genuine 
 trade dealings, bespeaking a good connection with 
 English houses. On arrival, these goods became sold 
 to well-known houses for cash, which enabled the 
 Bank accounts to present the appearance of legiti- 
 mate trading — although probably sold at cost in 
 order to effect a quick sale. The fraud was carried 
 out by these two principals adopting other names, 
 and each name or firm, as it were, having a separate 
 office (all in the same buildings), and a separate 
 Bank account. 
 
 Instead of the London drafts being, therefore, 
 all drawn upon Morier, or upon Nettles, some were 
 addressed to their respective other names under 
 which they traded. These fictitious firms and con- 
 signees in turn gave cheques and bills to each other — 
 sandwiched-in between regular transactions for 
 goods. Thus, it came about that in course of time 
 the two conspirators managed to get bills (drawn by 
 themselves under other names) discounted at the 
 different Banks, and the proceeds placed to their 
 current accounts, so providing funds to meet the 
 London drafts. 
 
 We have seen also how Morier himself passed on
 
 170 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 to Miss Dalrymple for sale, goods consigned to him 
 or purchased by him, and for these he took from her 
 the bills in question — some £6,000 — in settlement of 
 outstanding balances of account. 
 
 The inference being that while Miss Dalrymple 
 signed all her bills in favour of "Morier et Cie," the 
 name was either left blank, or covered over with a 
 strip of paper, afterwards removed, — and one of the 
 firm's other names substituted, the probability all the 
 time being, that Miss Dalrymple had no knowledge 
 of any other firms or names in connection with the 
 principals save those of "Morier et Cie" and "John 
 Nettles and Co." 
 
 These bills being thus made out in favour of six- 
 teen different firms, were correspondingly endorsed 
 and handed in for discount to the respective Banks, 
 where either IMorier or Nettles kept their other ac- 
 counts under fictitious names. 
 
 We have seen already how good reports were 
 obtained from Miss Dalrymple 's bankers, and it can 
 be assumed that as the two conspirators opened sat- 
 isfactory working accounts in each Bank — punctu- 
 ally met all trade engagements, and showed increas- 
 ing transactions, that similar good reports would be 
 given by each Bank in turn, on the strength of which 
 two or three bills in each name, including Miss Dal- 
 rymple 's. would become discounted against each of 
 the sixteen accounts. 
 
 The difficulty presenting itself to each of these 
 conspirators would be for each one to preserve eight 
 different personalities with eight different Banks, all 
 at the same time, but evidently by ensuring the 
 secrecy of their clerk, who probably did most of 
 their banking work, and by withdrawing themselves 
 as much as possible from contact with the public, 
 leaving to Miss Dalrymple the responsibility of plac- 
 ing the shipments at low cost, their identity had never 
 become known. It is also conceivable that as ex- 
 pensive goods — one line after another — were sold by 
 ]\Iiss Dalrymple for cash, that instead of paying the
 
 WELL NIGH BREAKING. 171 
 
 amounts direct to "Morier et Cie,' iu the ordinary 
 manner by cheque, she shouki at their request cable 
 direct to Lintett and Co., London. 
 
 As, however, many of her sales would need to 
 be on three or four months' terms, herself would 
 take from her customers promissory notes, which she 
 would either discount with her own Bank, or endorse 
 over to "Morier et Cie." 
 
 As, therefore, the cash she would take would 
 not represent the full value of the goods from Morier 
 and Co., it would be perfectly regular on her part to 
 give this firm bills or promissory notes for the bal- 
 ances owing on settlement — bills that would eventu- 
 ally be met by the liquidation of the bills she herself 
 received from customers. 
 
 Such appeared to Dallas to have been the plan 
 of operations carried out by these two men, the dis- 
 coveries of the official from the London and Colonial 
 Bank having made it clear how the fraud had been 
 extended. Until then, Dallas had believed that only 
 Miss Dalrymple's bills were concerned, but now he 
 saw that the proceeds from the discounting of the 
 conspirators' own promissory notes had been used to 
 meet tlie drafts drawn against consignments from 
 London, while proceeds from sale of the goods in 
 question were remitted through INIiss Dalrymple's 
 account direct to the confederate in London.
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 LEAVING THE SCENE OF THE TRAGEDY. 
 
 "In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark 
 night." 
 
 Dallas's nerves were now subjected to a state 
 of high tension. 
 
 He lived in a constant fear of what an hour 
 might bring forth. 
 
 The following morning, as he returned to his 
 office, after the customary consultation with the 
 ledger-keepers, he perceived another official from 
 the Traders' IBank awaiting him. Almost wearily 
 he sank into his chair. 
 
 "Yes?" he asked interrogatively; he knew the 
 clerk's business. 
 
 ' ' We have a bill drawn by Grace Dalryraple up- 
 on you; it was not honoured on presentation, and I 
 have called to ascertain if you can kindly give me 
 some information " 
 
 ''Yes," said Dallas, ''every information — the 
 whole matter has been entrusted into the hands of 
 the London and Colonial Bank and the Merchants' 
 Bank. They will be glad to know of your claim." 
 
 "Oh! thank you — then, I shall call upon 
 them?" 
 
 "If you please," responded Dallas, and his visi- 
 tor vanished. 
 
 A few minutes later, another gentleman entered 
 the office. An eye-glass appeared to be his distinc- 
 tive characteristic. He seated himself with careful 
 deliberation. 
 
 'Haw! I ought to introduce myself to you. I 
 am i\Ir. Lloyd-Colquhoun, of the British Bank. Our
 
 LEAVING THE SCENE. 173 
 
 accountant suggested to me I might call on you, and 
 k) request — er — some — er — information as to one 
 Grace Dalrymple, whose bill " 
 
 "I understand," said Dallas shortly, "will you 
 kindly return to your accountant, with my compli- 
 ments, and inform him that the Bank has already 
 anticipated his request, and has supplied full infor- 
 mation to the London and Colonial Bank." 
 
 "Er — quite so, but our Bank would like to 
 know " 
 
 "Precisel.y what has been intimated to the Lon- 
 don and Colonial Bank." 
 
 "Er — thank you. Good morning." 
 
 "Good morning," replied Dallas, 
 
 Mr. Lloyd-Colquhoun had hardly departed ere 
 another inquirer appeared. 
 
 "Good morning, Mr. Dallas, can you tell me 
 something " 
 
 A gesture stopped him, for the sub-accountant 
 knew what was coming, and all these references to 
 Grace struck home like so many poignard stabs. 
 
 "Will you sit down for a moment, Mr. Hey- 
 ward?" 
 
 Then he explained in a few words the steps that 
 were being taken, and referred him ateo to the 
 Lendon and Colonial Bank. 
 
 But the matter was not thus ended. Among 
 the Managers of the other Banks intense feeling had 
 been aroused, and frequent interviews resulted. 
 The persistency of the inquiries, and the discussion 
 of all the several incidents, made it quite evident 
 that there had been formed a concerted movement, 
 with the determination of bringing to justice at any 
 cost the perpetrators of the fraud. 
 
 Still no word from Miss Dalrj-mple. If he 
 could but warn her of the impending danger! 
 
 It was a terrible thing to him to hear her name 
 bandied about as a synonym for infamous dealing, 
 herself regarded as a clever, unprincipled adven-
 
 174 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 tnress, and all the time to be powerless to defend 
 her reputation, and prove her innocence. 
 
 Thus the month flew on, the strain upon his 
 nerves growing daily fiercer in almost a sustained 
 agony of dread and suspense. 
 
 Yet no action during all these weeks seemed 
 to have been initiated. 
 
 Had the Banks really perceived him to have 
 been sheltering Miss Dalrymple? 
 
 The fourth of the following month arrived, and 
 as upon the previous occasion, Dallas had attended 
 €arly at the Bank. It still wanted some minutes to 
 nine o'clock, and the earlier clerks were noisily pro- 
 ciiriug their books for the day's work. 
 
 Dallas, seated in his office in a state of uneasy 
 distress, awaited the development of the final act of 
 the system of fraud. 
 
 A quarter past nine o'clock. 
 
 The Manager, too perturbed to wait until Dal- 
 las should visit him, now entered the office. 
 
 "Has anything further been reported?" 
 
 "We shall hear directly; the exchanges from 
 the other Banks are hardly distributed." 
 
 He called a passing clerk. 
 
 "Tell ledger-keeper 'D' to bring me all Grace 
 Dalrymple's bills." 
 
 "Yes, Sir," said the clerk, as he closed the door 
 behind him. 
 
 The Manager and sub-accountant remained 
 standing in the room. They were waiting in si- 
 lence. 
 
 Presently the inner door was quickly opened. 
 They kncAv that the bolt had fallen. The ledger- 
 keeper held an array of bills in his hands. A glance 
 showed them to be Grace's. 
 
 "Enter full particulars on a sheet of paper." 
 
 The Manager sank into a seat with a despairing 
 gesture. 
 
 A sickness of heart seized upon Dallas. He had
 
 LEAVING THE SCENE. 175 
 
 to bear in silence the opprobrium he felt to be 
 showered upon the woman he loved. 
 
 Nearly ten minutes they waited without either 
 attempting to utter a word. 
 
 Then the ledger-keeper reappeared, and placed 
 the bills with the long list before the sub-accoun- 
 tant. 
 
 ''Three thousand two hundred pounds!" he 
 read aloud, setting the pile before the Manager. 
 
 "Sh! Sli!" ejaculated the latter through closed 
 teeth. Rising from his chair, he thrust his fingers 
 straight into his waistcoat pockets, and kicked his 
 feet. 
 
 "These make six thousand pounds — obtained 
 on one name alone. — How much has been defrauded 
 altogether?" 
 
 "As well as I can gather," summed up Dallas, 
 with forced calmness, "there must be a loss of some 
 thirty thousand pounds." 
 
 "Thirty thousand pounds! Good God, man, 
 what do you mean?" 
 
 The Manager, aghast, seemed to have lost his 
 balance. 
 
 "We have cabled to London about half that 
 sum," resumed the sub-accountant in a hard voice. 
 
 "No wonder, then, no wonder the Banks charge 
 the blame upon us." 
 
 He rose again from his chair, and paced before 
 the table. 
 
 "Something must be done," he muttered, 
 "must be done, Dallas," he said, with sharp de- 
 cision, "we can't stand this." 
 
 The reply was some little time in coming. 
 
 "I fear that to attempt any remedy will be for 
 us to admit the n'ustness of the blame. I\Ioreover, 
 the other Banks have more reason for action than 
 we could claim, and are quite capable of taking, un- 
 aided, the necessary steps to bring the fugitives to 
 bay." 
 
 The accountant suddenly entered. He had as-
 
 176 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 certained the state of affairs from the ledger-keeper. 
 
 "We should have taken decisive steps a month 
 ago," he jerked out, — his face flushing with rage. 
 
 There was hurried movement heard in the of- 
 fice, as the clerks gathered in their eager inquiring 
 after this &'esh instance of successful swindling. 
 
 The messenger appeared at the door. 
 
 "The Chairman of the Board, and the Manager 
 of the London and Colonial Bank, wish to see the 
 Manager." 
 
 With slow step the Manager departed towards 
 his own room. 
 
 The accountant picked up the bills from tfie 
 table, betook himself from the room, and banged the 
 door. ^ 
 
 Dallas was helpless. 
 
 The day passed amid extreme excitement, tell- 
 kig yet the more upon the nerves, because sup- 
 pressed. The night came, but with it — no sleep. 
 
 For many a night afterwards, oppressed with 
 a sense of impotence, unable to grasp or control the 
 fateful march of events, Dallas became a stranger 
 to rest. 
 
 There came upon him also the ever-gnawing 
 anxiety as to Grace. 
 
 The man at length, no longer able to bear up, 
 approached the Manager, seeking leave of absence. 
 He felt he might, later on, need all his strength. 
 
 "Certainly," said the Manager, in reply to his 
 request, "the need is self-evident, but I must see, 
 first of all, who there may be to take your post. 
 Will to-morrow be soon enough for you to be re- 
 lieved?" 
 
 "I should like to sail by this afterneon's 
 steamer to Tasmania," replied Dallas. 
 
 "Then I shall arrange by some means or other 
 to relieve you of duty." 
 
 Thanking the Manager, Dallas returned to his 
 office, directing the messenger, as he passed, to refer 
 all customers either to the Manager or the Aceoiin-
 
 LEAVING THE SCENE. 177 
 
 tant. Then, locking himself in, he proceeded to 
 examine all papers dealing with uncompleted mat- 
 ters, and to add the necessary memoranda to his 
 information book and diary, such as would serve to 
 guide his successor. 
 
 Finally, for the Manager's knowledge, he wrote 
 out a synopsis of Miss Dalrymple's transactions and 
 dealings with the Bank, such as might be publicly 
 known, tracing the line of policy he had observed 
 towards the other Banks, and explaining the posi- 
 tion he had taken up. 
 
 He treated the matter purely from the stand- 
 point of a Bank dealing with its customer, making 
 no allusion to his insight into Miss Dalrymple's 
 business connections, with which he had become 
 privately acquainted. Dallas's point was to simply 
 allow the books, and the Bank records, to speak 
 for themselves. 
 
 Shortly before luncli he entered the Manager's 
 room, and handed him this document, together with 
 his diary and information-book. 
 
 "I do not think," he said, "that I need say 
 much in explanation, for I have noted down every 
 matter that has come before me, and should any- 
 thing further occur in reference to Miss Dalrymple's 
 ease, in which I may be of service, I shall be glad 
 if 3"ou will cable to my address. It is entered in 
 the diary under this date — Hadley's Hotel, Hobart — 
 and if I should change my quarters, I will send 
 advice. 
 
 "Yes," responded the Manager, "I confess I 
 wish to leave Miss Dalrymple's affair entirely to 
 yourself. You have acted well throughout in what 
 has proved a very delicate business, although — well, 
 never mind — go and make the best of your furlough, 
 and I hope to see you quite yourself again. . . . 
 Will you come ancl lunch with me at the Club?" 
 
 "No — I thank you, for at present I have made 
 no preparations for departure, and there are a few 
 matters to be attended to."
 
 178 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Well, good-bye. I wish you a pleasant 
 voyage," and, with a cordial shake of the hand, he 
 took up his hat, and passed out of the room. 
 
 Dallas returned to his own office for his private 
 papers, which he had set apart, and then taking his 
 leave of the accountant, he also left the Bank, glanc- 
 ing backward with a sense of inexpressible relief. 
 
 To his mind the Bank appeared to be the scene 
 of a tragedy. 
 
 Yet an unfulfilled tragedy in which the inevi- 
 table ending still hid itself in the unforseen of the 
 future.
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 OFF DUTY. 
 
 "Why thereto I'e comes no answer to my prayer? 
 It may be silence is the voice of God." 
 
 —P. J. Bailey. 
 
 On a quiet still afternoon in the early spring, 
 Dallas, having- completed his arrangements, drove 
 in a hansom cab to the steamer's wharf. 
 
 A few minutes sufficed to transfer his luggage 
 to his cabin, and then he strolled on deck in order 
 to interest himself in the busy scene which always 
 attends a steamer's departure. Cargo was passing 
 on board up till the very last moment, yet, as four 
 o'clock approached, all was in readiness for hauling 
 ashore the gangways. As Dallas leaned upon the 
 railing of the bridge, leisurely smoking, he became 
 a disinterested spectator of the numerous leave- 
 takings. 
 
 Presently the bell rang out its warning, "All 
 ashore." 
 
 "Planl in the gangway." 
 
 The passengers stood grouped upon the decks, 
 looking down upon the friends gathered on the 
 wharf, and sending their last messages and good- 
 bves. 
 
 "Cast off for'ard." 
 
 The haAvser splashed into the water as it was 
 hauled aboard, the engine-room tele/graph rang 
 above the din of escaping steam and the shouting; 
 the screw gave a few turns astern, in order to swing 
 out the vessel's head from the pier, then "slow 
 ahead," while the stern hawsers Avere flung off the
 
 180 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 piles, and the "Tambo" started upon her voyage, 
 curving with a slow grand sweep out into the har- 
 bour, clear of the shipping. 
 
 There was something majestic in the easy move- 
 ment of the handsome steamer, as she thus swept 
 out into the fairway, and passed down the harbour 
 through the masses of shipping stretched along the 
 shores, and past the long succession of coves and 
 bays, where vessels of all descriptions were lying at 
 anchor. 
 
 The white puff at the head of the bay told of 
 the shunting railway engines, already delivering 
 the early "arrivals" of the wool clip. Beyond, 
 crowning the hill in the distance, appeared the 
 stately University; on the left, Dallas's gaze rested 
 upon the classic pile of the Anglican Cathedral, in 
 studied contrast with the adjacent Town Hall, so 
 magnificent in its proportions, its massive hall, its 
 unrivalled organ. 
 
 Along the ridge the eye continued its glance 
 until it met the solitary Observatory, with its ivy- 
 covered walls and tower, keeping guard over the 
 stretching city and the winding waters. 
 
 All around were closely massed the ware- 
 houses, structures, and dwellings of a growing busy 
 city, throbbing with the life of half-a-million souls. 
 
 A very grand scene it appeared to Dallas as he 
 made a quiet survey from the steamer's bridge, and 
 seemingl.y presenting a new aspect, when rounding 
 Miller's Point, he looked upon North Sydney rest- 
 ing, as it were, in the full light of the afternoon 
 sun. 
 
 Round swept the steamer, sounding her whistle 
 as a warning to small craft, although it was still 
 too early in the season for the usual cloud of white- 
 sailed yachts, which in the afternoon lend happy 
 animation to the harbour. 
 
 Past the Circular Quay where Sydney was born, 
 and now the centre of its trade, with the Custom 
 House, and the wool-stores, while behind appeared
 
 OFF DUTY. 181 
 
 the impressive facades of the noble piles of Govern- 
 ment buildings. 
 
 Then, Farm Cove, with its group of ironclads 
 and cruisers, and behind. Government House in the 
 midst of its Park. Spreading beyond, the Botanic 
 Gardens and the Domain found their gladdening 
 break into the dense masses of the city, which, as 
 Woolloomooloo appeared in sight, seemed to have 
 become yet more dense. And thus onward to the 
 ocean, ridge and valley, cove and promontory, on 
 either hand carried the view over villas and man- 
 sions, gardens and primitive forest scrub, until the 
 eastern shore, with its garden-studded harbour- 
 slopes, but precipitate ocean-face, shuts out the long 
 swell of the Pacific Ocean. 
 
 Threading past the ships and islands, the 
 "Tambo," giving Bradley's Head a wide course, 
 passed down the lower harbour, past the Light-ship, 
 and through the sentinel "Heads," and out to sea. 
 
 As the evening closed in, the land disappeared 
 from view, and still night settled down upon the 
 grave, quiet ocean. 
 
 There was a brilliant scene at night as dinner 
 was served in the well-lighted saloon. The eager 
 vivacity of holiday-makers, most of whom were mak- 
 ing the round trip by way of Tasmania to Mel- 
 bourne, lent a gladsomeness to the assemblage that 
 proved a grateful change to Dallas's spirit. 
 
 Delightfully refreshing, too, was to return to 
 the promenade deck, when, revelling in the beauty 
 of the night upon the sea, Dallas paced up and 
 doAvn the long deck. There v.^as a swish and sough 
 pleasant to the ear, as the steamer drove her way 
 through the yielding v»-aters, and the dark glint that 
 flashed up from the depths appealed to the fascin- 
 ated senses. 
 
 Then, drowsiness begotten of the fresh sea air 
 pressed upon his eyelids. He retired to his cabin, 
 and for the first time for many weeks he slept 
 soundlv.
 
 182 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Like a new man he arose in the morning, sought 
 out the bathroom, and half an hour later was watch- 
 ing the sea-gulls flitting from crest to crest on the 
 ocean waves. 
 
 The men he met on board were come from all 
 parts of the Colonies — aye, the world — and each 
 seemed filled with the vigour which is both the 
 cause and effect of successful work. Dallas had 
 passed into a different atmosphere, and the sense of 
 dread uncertainty became a far-removed feeling. 
 
 Only a man direct from hard intense work can 
 appreciate the charm of indolence, the delight of 
 lounging about a steamer's deck, of idly listening 
 and idly watching. Two days and three nights 
 Dallas thus spent, and early on the third morning, 
 he came on deck to behold the loveliness of Tas- 
 mania, as the "Tambo" approached the entrance of 
 the Estuary, and continued her way up the wide 
 sheet of water, with the snow-capped hills on either 
 side, until sweeping round, she nestled into the bay 
 which indents the City of Hobart. 
 
 The bright sunshine caused the city to appear 
 even more beautiful than usual, although the trees 
 as yet showed none of that rich foliage which later 
 on enrobes all the hillsides, and strives to half em- 
 bower the very city. 
 
 Dallas felt almost reluctant to break off the 
 friendships which even in the last two days he had 
 formed with many on board, for nearly all remained 
 with the steamer. It was still too cold for visitors 
 from Australia to make their sojourn in Tasmania, 
 and even those who landed appeared to be solely 
 on business bent. 
 
 Dallas stayed a few days at the hotel, but as 
 soon as the novelty of the town had passed away, 
 he longed to go into the country. From this step, 
 however, he refrained, fearing at any moment to re- 
 ceive a cable from Sydney, which Avould necessitate 
 his in.stant departure. But he had grown so weary 
 of city life, and of city aspects, that, at length, he
 
 OFF DUTY. 183 
 
 took steamer, and passed up the river to New Nor- 
 folk, taking up his quarters in the quiet hostelry 
 which overlooks the Derwent. 
 
 The slow, old-fashioned ways of the house, the 
 budding cherry trees and currant bushes, the apple 
 orchards on the flat, and the stretching hop-fields 
 beyond the river drew to his mind the recollection 
 of another country in the Old World. 
 
 What absorbing interest there seemed to be now 
 in that Old World for him! 
 
 Day after day passed by. He walked, rode, 
 drove, fished, almost exulting in the country-life. 
 But no letter — no cable came. 
 
 Newspapers reached him, but disclosed nothing 
 on the subject which so intimately concerned him. 
 
 The rest and change, however, restored to him 
 his even mind, the daily exercise in bracing air gave 
 him a feeling of health and vigour that brought back 
 to him the remembrance of school days, while the 
 curious stone bridges, and walls, together with 
 hedges and farm houses enclosed within their court- 
 yards and their walls, were of the very type of Eng- 
 land itself. He seemed to have left Australia be- 
 hind, with all its dread reminiscences of the last few 
 months. 
 
 Thus three weeks were spent, and, as the end of 
 his leave drew near, Dallas almost reluctantly 
 packed up, in order to return to Hobart for the 
 night, prior to taking the early train for Launces- 
 ton. 
 
 The leisurely train, after traversing the charm- 
 ing outskirts of the city, crossed the river, and then 
 entered upon its devious course northward, through 
 the centre of the island, passing here and there the 
 lovely bits of scenery, for which Tasmania has won 
 so good a name for itself, and at other times reveal- 
 ing the rugged hills in all their bareness — country, 
 however, whence Australia draws many of its 
 choicest sheep. 
 
 Dallas with keen interest studied the land, and
 
 184 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 speculated upon its possibilities, while, like every 
 other Australian visitor, he marvelled at the State 
 not having kept pace with its Australasian sisters. 
 In the afternoon, the train approached Launceston, 
 and Dallas became charmed with the picturesque- 
 ness of land and city. 
 
 After the manner of a man upon a holiday, he 
 strolled around the town, and drove about the en- 
 virons. 
 
 In the morning he embarked once more on a 
 steamer, and for some two hours steamed down the 
 Tamar River, as it cut its way by farm and meadow, 
 and through the bush-clad hills to the distant sea. 
 
 The usual uneventful trip succeeded as the ves- 
 sel headed north for Victoria. Through the after- 
 noon and night she continued on her way, until, en- 
 tering Hobson's Bay, she crossed that wide sheet 
 of water, and some three hours later, as the sun 
 was rising, she steered between the retaining walls 
 of the Yarra River, and at length drew up at the 
 wharf at Melbourne. 
 
 Driving to an hotel, Dallas first breakfasted, 
 and having got rid of all evidences of his voyage, 
 proceeded to call at the IMelbourne Office of his 
 Bank. 
 
 Having entered into conversation with the 
 Manager, the subject soon reverted to the famous 
 Dalrymple fraud. 
 
 Dallas inquired if any further circumstance 
 threw light upon the matter. 
 
 "Not much has happened. Our Manager at 
 Sydney had occasion to come to Melbourne this 
 week, and related all the particulars. He gives you 
 the credit, Dallas, of having protected the Bank." 
 
 "There would have been some credit deserved 
 if I had manngcd to save the other Banks, but they 
 charge the l)]ame upon us." 
 
 "So I hear, but I think our contention is clear." 
 
 "Did you learn what steps had been taken to- 
 wards tracing the defaulters?"
 
 OFF DUTY. 185 
 
 "Only that the Banks are now satisfied that 
 the arch-conspirator is identified under the name 
 of 'i\Iorier and Co.' and that he was ably seconded 
 by another rascal, both of whom safely reached San 
 Francisco, and there disappeared." 
 
 "And our customer — Miss Dalrymple?" in- 
 quired Dallas. 
 
 "She has been traced to Italy. She left the 
 P. and 0. liner at Suez — took train to Alexandria, 
 and thence crossed to Italy, Avhere she became lost 
 to view. But she was evidently seeking to elude 
 pursuit, and bj" her action confirmed the impre.ssion 
 that she was part of the gang — not a foil, as I be- 
 lieve was your suggestion?" 
 
 "She was a foil," quoth Dallas decisively. 
 
 "She is a very handsome woman, I hear?" 
 
 "Yes," again quoth Dallas laconically. This 
 discredit cast upon Grace Dalrymple galled him. 
 
 "However," continued the Manager, "I under- 
 stand the London and Colonial Bank, with the sup- 
 port of all the others who are interested, are ac- 
 tively investigating the affair. They have detec- 
 tives upon the trail, and do not intend to desist un- 
 til they have captured the criminals." 
 
 "Ah! I thought such would be their purpose." 
 
 "Yes, they lost no time — despatched men at 
 once in pursuit, and cable after them such addi- 
 tional information as they may obtain from time to 
 time, but it is observed they do not take ourselves 
 into their confidence." 
 
 "It is just as well," replied Dallas, "at all 
 events until we know how the scheme has been con- 
 ceived and directed." 
 
 "Is there much more to learn?" 
 
 "I think so," answered Dallas. 
 
 "Then, doubtless, if this be also the opinion of 
 the defrauded Banks, they naturally distrust us, be- 
 lieving our immunity from loss to be the considera- 
 tion for our silence."
 
 186 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Certainly not," said Dallas, "for I took care 
 to show them our books." 
 
 The Manager's eyebrows uplifted. 
 
 "Then, it is a remarkable case," he said. 
 
 "Yes," agreed Dallas, "it is remarkable." 
 
 The conversation turning to other topics, Dal- 
 las mentioned his purpose of returning to Sj^dney 
 by the steamer next da.y. 
 
 "Will you lunch with me to-day, and we will 
 further chat about this interesting case?" 
 
 Dallas having accepted the Manager's invita- 
 tion, left the room, intending to spend a few hours 
 in the customary "sight-seeing." 
 
 Returning to the Bank shortly before one 
 o'clock, Dallas was unexpectedly greeted by the 
 Manager : 
 
 "It seems our relieving Llanager had arranged 
 to go to Benalla, to take charge while Elster, our 
 Manager there, sought leave for the purpose of tak- 
 ing to himself a wife, and now " 
 
 "Have second thoughts proved better?" queried 
 Dallas, filling in the pause. 
 
 "No," resumed the IManager, reading from a 
 telegram which he had taken out from his papers, 
 "but our accountant at Maryborough wires that 
 Atchison has met with an accident, and therefore 
 the relieving Manager must go to Maryborough in- 
 stead of to Benalla." 
 
 "And allow Elster 's marriage to await a more 
 convenient season?" 
 
 "I fear so, for you see, the busy season is now 
 upon us, and we cannot spare anyone. I cannot 
 understand why these youngsters do not choose the 
 off-season for this sort of thing — since, after all, 
 there is nothing in it." 
 
 "That depends upon the lady — at least, so T 
 should consider," put in Dallas, thinking, perhaps, 
 of Grace. 
 
 "Well, yes, ah yes, perhaps so. But then 
 
 they all seem much alike; at every Branch I visit,
 
 OFF DUTY. 187 
 
 the ]\Ianager's Avife has the same grievance, details 
 the same want, and gets the same answer." 
 
 Dallas laughed quietly, for the Manager's 
 words touched upon one of the minor phases of 
 banking, which hitherto had not claimed his atten- 
 tion. 
 
 "Still," resumed the Manager, "one does not 
 like to disappoint a young lady, and somehow, an 
 affair of this sort seems to mean a great deal to her 
 sex, and I have therefore mentioned the matter to 
 you, in case you may feel disposed to take Elster's 
 place — in the office, I mean." 
 
 "I shall be glad to do so, provided the Sydney 
 office gives consent, for I suppose they can do with- 
 out me for another week." 
 
 "A week! Well, but Elster wants four weeks." 
 
 Dallas reflected. He did not care to imprison 
 himself in Benalla, when at any moment, Grace 
 might need his assistance elsewhere. 
 
 But he said — "I will leave you to arrange the 
 matter with Sydney, but Elster ought to understand 
 that if any development of the 'fraud case' should 
 occur, he must return at once, so that I may proceed 
 forthwith to Sydnej^" 
 
 "Quite so," agreed the Manager, "I will wire 
 to Sydney," and taking a telegram form he wrote 
 out the message. 
 
 "Copy this," he said to the clerk who answered 
 
 his bell, "and despatch it at once." "Now," he 
 
 said to Dallas, "we Avill go to lunch." 
 
 Shortly after two o'clock they returned, and 
 found already a reply from Sydney permitting the 
 request of the Melbourne Manager to retain Dallas 
 for four weeks. 
 
 "If you will make it convenient to call at four 
 o'clock," said the IManager to Dallas, "I will have 
 your letter of instructions ready. The train leaves 
 at half-past five." 
 
 "I shall be here," replied Dallas promptly.
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 EXCITEMENT AGAIN. 
 
 "If we can still love those who have made us suffer, 
 we love them all the more." 
 
 Welcome — "Se non sei Cellini sei Benvenuto." 
 
 — Italian saying. 
 
 The same evening Dallas arrived at Benalla — a 
 town situated on the main line of railway connect- 
 ing Sydney with Melbourne. The following morn- 
 ing, having checked over the cash and securities, 
 and made out a statement of all the balances, he 
 assumed charge and released I\Ir. Elster, who there- 
 upon took train to INIelbourne, en route to Ballarat, 
 where his fiancee resided. 
 
 The month passed uneventfully for Dallas. No 
 news had come to hand throwing any fresh light 
 upon the frauds ; no letter had come from Grace Dal- 
 rymple. Dallas might have felt almost reconciled 
 to the persistent silence had he not heard the dis- 
 turbing intelligence that detectives had been em- 
 ployed to follow the fugitives until their arrest 
 should have been effected. He knew, therefore, it 
 would be only a question of time, and that as soon 
 as a capture should be made, the information would 
 be cabled out. 
 
 In the present state of affairs residence in Syd- 
 ney would prove irksome, and, moreover, ho feared 
 that being subject to an incessant sense of disquiet, 
 he would be liable to break down under both the 
 hard work and the anxiety. It decided him, there- 
 fore, to ask for a post somewhere in the country 
 districts of New South Wales.
 
 EXCITEMENT AGAIX. 189 
 
 His request drew forth a very appreciative let- 
 ter from the Manager at Sydney, who, while regret- 
 ting that Dallas should have found himself unequal 
 to resuming his old post, nevertheless would consult 
 his wishes as soon as a vacancy in a country branch 
 should occur. 
 
 Very fortunately for him this event happened 
 within a few days, and a telegram sent through the 
 Melbourne office instructed Dallas to proceed to 
 Quaudong, in New South Wales, as soon as Mr. 
 Elster could return to Benalla. 
 
 As this circumstance only deprived the newly- 
 married Manager of one day's leave — the month 
 having all but expired — he responded to Dallas's 
 telegram without demur, and thus enabled the lat- 
 ter to take the next train for the north. 
 
 The following day, Dallas reached his destina- 
 tion (which was a pleasant town situated on the 
 railway line and distant less than eight hours from 
 Sydney by train), and went into permanent quar- 
 ters as the Manager of the Quandong Branch. 
 
 During the months that followed, more than one 
 incident of an exciting nature claimed the exercise 
 of the new Manager's energy and resource. 
 
 It seemed fated that his life should not be un- 
 eventful. 
 
 But these matters must here be passed over, 
 for have they not been elsewhere spoken of? 
 
 The last days of spring were at hand. Bounti- 
 ful Nature had fulfilled her annual mission, and all 
 the country shone gloriously with the grass and crops 
 of growing wealth. 
 
 What mattered the loss and depreciation at- 
 tending upon a few acres of city property down 
 by the sea, when the whole expanse of a mighty 
 country, unconscious of havoc elsewhere, was form- 
 ing, growing, and producing with the slow, delib- 
 erate ease of Nature, the real staples of wealth des- 
 tined to revivify the scared cities?
 
 190 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 All around was the busy movement of pros- 
 perous toil. 
 
 The cities, with their high-strung nervous life 
 passing through crisis after crisis, yet appeared to 
 the broad view of the country, but depots whence 
 supplies could be draAvn, and which in turn under- 
 took to market the country-grown produce. The 
 country lived its own imperturbable life unaffected 
 by what v\-as passing in the M'orld. 
 
 Here, only as the seasons came, did human life 
 march in unison with them. 
 
 The gathering-in of the harvest sown by oneself 
 upon one's own land, — the rearing and the care of 
 .stock, — the effort of daily life in the contest with 
 Nature. — the energy, self reliance and resource 
 which win the slow but sure success — these, it is, 
 Avhich beget the strong minds, and create the human 
 heart in every man. 
 
 The four Banks Avhich controlled the fortunes 
 of Quandong and the surrounding district, seemed 
 absurdly insignificant with the paltry staff of two, 
 three, or four clerks, a few trays of coin, and some 
 bundles of notes, Avherewith to provide the swarming 
 country-side Avith the sinews of toil. 
 
 And yet their advances and deposits amounted 
 to hundreds of thousands of pounds. 
 
 Only the three — and four — thousand-pounds- 
 edifices lent distinction to the business of banking. 
 
 But the four officials of the Bank of Australia 
 worked with little reek of the eight-hours' adage, 
 and the transactions that daily passed through the 
 office would have gladdened the spirits of many an 
 Old-World l)anker. Items that em])raeed the value 
 of entire clips of wool — and changed, at one stroke, 
 hank accounts previously thousands of pounds in 
 debt into being thousands of pounds in credit — were 
 negotiated week by week. 
 
 And otlier Branches dealt wilh grain crops, 
 with cattlo-ronrir<is ;ntr) sales, with the produce of 
 scores of dairies, of oi-ciiards. of sugar plantations,
 
 EXCITEMENT AGAIN. 191 
 
 the output of gold mines, the accessories of the coal- 
 fields, the smelting and export of silver, copper, 
 tin.— 
 
 The Banks fostered and developed each and 
 every industry of advancing Australasia. 
 
 Hence are thy riches, Australia. Seek not sub- 
 sistence for thy sons and daughters in the rank fac- 
 tory life of other countries, while yet shall remain 
 to thee the untilled soil. 
 
 "Is it always as busy as to-day?" asked Dallas 
 one Monday evening soon after he took charge. 
 
 "No, 'tis getting worse," laconically chimed 
 in the pert tongue of the junior clerk. 
 
 And as the spring progressed, and shearing be- 
 came general throughout the district, and the 
 shearers' and rouseabouts' cheques passing into cir- 
 culation, enabled storekeepers to double their tak- 
 ings and multiply their deposits, Dallas began to 
 entertain the same opinion. 
 
 And now in the height of the wool season, when 
 all day long the loaded wool waggons came into 
 town from every direction, all trending toAvards the 
 railway station, it can be understood how the busy 
 air of prosperity pervaded the transactions of the 
 town. Dallas might have been found in the office at 
 an early hour, while late into the night the lights 
 shone through the interstices of the Venetian 
 blinds. 
 
 It was a time when a Bank official is called upon 
 to stick to his post, and considerations as to self are 
 left for future entertainment. 
 
 The Post Office clock struck nine. 
 
 Dallas had partaken of an early breakfast, and 
 had now been working steadily for nearly two 
 hours. 
 
 Surrendering himself to a few minutes' respite, 
 he drew his chair to the open window and sought 
 from his pipe to derive some diversion of thought. 
 As he composedlj' blew forth the gentle cloud, he 
 found himself wondering whether the work and re-
 
 192 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 sponsibility attending upon the charge of a branch 
 in the country were really less onerous than the pres- 
 sure experienced in the city. 
 
 He watched the junior clerk coming across the 
 road, as he approached from the Post Office with 
 the morning's mail crammed into his hands. 
 
 He banged the side-gate, passed up the walk, 
 and entered the Bank by the private door. Dallas 
 listened mechanically to his footsteps, as he burst 
 through door after door with all the abandon of 
 lusty young life, and finally tumultuously entered 
 the Manager's room. 
 
 "Good morning, ISlr. Dallas." 
 
 He deposited the pile of letters on the table and 
 went out. 
 
 The other two officials had arrived, and there 
 followed the heavy swinging open of the strong-room 
 door, and the reckless thud of books as they were 
 brought out in "armfuls" and "whacked" down on 
 the desks. 
 
 Then followed the rapid turning-over of the 
 folios of the ledgers as the accountant checked over 
 the work of the previous day, and the voices monot- 
 onously called out names and amounts, with utter 
 lack of interest in the significance of the entries. 
 
 Then came the rapid thud — thud — as the junior 
 clerk jammed the "paid-stamp" upon the vouchers, 
 destroying their future negotiability. 
 
 The routine of office work was in full swing, 
 tKrough which evevy clerk must steadily forge his 
 way until, by the slow process of selection, the fa- 
 voured "tenth" be singled out for the controlling 
 post of manager, when "brain" and "direction" re- 
 place the mechanical work of the clerk. 
 
 Dallas having reseated himself at the table, took 
 up the bone paper-knife, and commenced to open 
 the correspondence. 
 
 Placing the ordinary "remittance letters" in a 
 pile by themselves, to be dealt with in the outer of- 
 fice in ordinary course, he retained the special let-
 
 EXCITEMENT AGAIN. 193 
 
 ters that needed to be answered by himself. He had 
 thus nearly finished his perusal, when, taking up the 
 next of the few remaining letters, his heart sud- 
 denly seemed to stop beating, as his eye fell upon 
 the superscription. 
 
 It was in the handwriting of Grace Dalrymple. 
 A second glance showed the letter to have been post- 
 ed in Sydney. 
 
 Instead of opening the envelope, he left his 
 chair, and returned to the seat near the window. 
 
 The man was unnerved. His hands trembled 
 as he passed them over his face and head. He gazed 
 out in stricken agony. 
 
 "My God! Arrested!" 
 
 His hands fell helplessly beside his chair; his 
 head drooped. 
 
 With an effort he aroused himself, sat upright, 
 and with stern will strove to control his feelings. 
 Presently he rose up, and returned, slowly and pain- 
 fully to the table, his white set face every few mo- 
 ments appearing to quiver. 
 
 In the silence of the past few months, his pas- 
 sion had struck deep roots into his strong nature. 
 Every fibre of his being had become bound up in 
 this Avoman. 
 
 He stood still, looking down upon the envelope. 
 The long-expected had come at last, but not as he 
 had looked for. 
 
 He sank into his chair, and with a hand which 
 still slightly trembled, he opened the envelope. 
 
 "Dear Keith," the letter ran, "I am here at 
 the 'Carlton' once more. Can you manage to come? 
 There is much to tell you which I cannot commit to 
 paper. Yours faithfully and truly — Grace." 
 
 Bewildered, Dallas laid down the letter. "Can 
 he come!" 
 
 He arose, as though he would set out straight- 
 way. The next moment, however, consciousness of 
 duty returned to him. 
 
 But he could not stay in the office ; he must get
 
 194 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 himself out, in the open air, — and let his over- 
 strained nerves find relaxation in bodily motion. 
 His brain would whirl itself off its balance, were 
 he to attempt to sit still. 
 
 Thrusting the letter into his breast-pocket, and 
 taking up his hat, he walked out briskly, turned 
 round the next corner, crossed the "Reserve," 
 passed along the quiet streets on the outskirts of the 
 town, and began to ascend the long incline which 
 led over the saddle of Quandong Hill. 
 
 Yet all the time while he recklessly plunged 
 along, he absolutely thought of nothing. He dimly 
 realized only that Grace Dalrymple was back again 
 in Sydney. 
 
 Having reached the top of the ascent, he sud- 
 denly wheeled around and stood looking over the 
 town, which lay spread out on the level country, 
 with its thin straight railway track, — like a ruled 
 line — bisecting the map. 
 
 JMechanically his eyes followed the line across 
 the plain as it passed amid gardens, paddocks, and 
 farms into the distant view, still continuing on — on 
 — to Sydnej^ Some short puffs of white smoke ap- 
 peared near the station. 
 
 It was but an engine shunting some goods' 
 trucks, but a lively sense of expectation and desire 
 awoke within him. His glance swept over the 
 town, every building he knew, and conspicuous 
 above all Avas the handsome structure of the Bank 
 of Australia. 
 
 "The deuce!" he exclaimed, "I have not un- 
 locked the teller's safe." 
 
 He looked at his watch — ten minutes to ten 
 o'clock. 
 
 He bounded down the hill, restored to himself, 
 in that his mind once more had a practical definite 
 object in view. He soon traversed the mile and a 
 half, arriving at the Bank about a quarter past ten 
 o'clock. 
 
 Already were several people waiting in the of-
 
 EXCITEMENT AGAIN. 195 
 
 fice, whom the accoimtant was endeavouring to keep 
 in good humour until the ]\Ianager should return. 
 
 " I am very sorry to have kept you waiting, but 
 I went out forgetting I had not unlocked the safe." 
 
 For nearly two hours, customers occupied Dal- 
 las's attention, to the exclusion of all other thoughts, 
 and routine work kept him still busy till lunch 
 time. 
 
 Then, accompanied by the ledger-keeper, he en- 
 tered the dining-room of ''Quandong Hotel," to be 
 followed by the accountant and junior upon his re- 
 turning to the Bank a half hour later on. 
 
 While the ledger-keeper remained in the Bank, 
 in order to attend to any casual customer who might 
 come in. Dallas retired to his private sitting-room, 
 and, lighting his pipe, calmly proceeded to re-peruse 
 the letter from Grace. 
 
 "Ever^^thing must be right," he soliloquised, 
 or the wording would hardly be so matter-of- 
 course." 
 
 "Humph! how can I get away? It would be 
 useless telegraphing for leave; it might be a week 
 or two before some one should arrive to take my 
 place." 
 
 A week or two ! 
 
 Esconced in his big chair, he smoked silently, 
 as though contemplating the reality of the contin- 
 gency of waiting a week or two. 
 
 "If I take the night train, I cannot return un- 
 til to-morrow night. . ." 
 
 "Away for the whole day. . . . Something 
 bound to go wrong." 
 
 A further smoke in silence seemed to convince 
 him there was no alternative. 
 
 Re-entering the ]\Ianager's room, he took a tele- 
 gram form, and addressed it to Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 It was terse, it said — 
 
 "To-morrow, nine o'clock" 
 
 Then, crossing the road, he handed it in at the 
 counter of the telegraph office.
 
 19 C WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Before the accountant left in the afternoon, Dal- 
 las called to him, and upon his entering the room, 
 informed him he should be absent on the morrow, 
 and handed him a list of instructions with regard to 
 certain accounts and other matters. 
 
 "You can direct either of the others to occupy 
 my bedroom to-night and to-morrow night." 
 
 The accountant had his own room on the 
 premises. 
 
 "I think that is taking every precaution," Dal- 
 las said to himself, and later on, entrusted his keys 
 to the safe-keeping of one of the other Banks. 
 
 Throughout the afternoon he worked, and after 
 tea, returning to his room, continued on, hour after 
 hour, until the time of the arrival of the train drew 
 near. 
 
 Taking a travelling bag with a change of linen 
 and so forth, he walked to the station. 
 
 The train was punctual, and Dallas, having se- 
 cured a sleeping-berth, turned in at once for a 
 night's rest. 
 
 With the customary uneventfulness of a railway 
 journey, the train sped on its way, until Dallas com- 
 placently noted in the early morning that they were 
 passing through the populous and pleasant suburbs 
 of Homebush and Strathfield and Burwood, prior to 
 reaching Sydney. Realizing that in another quarter 
 of an hour the train would reach Redfern Railwaj 
 Station, Dallas passed along to the lavatory for his 
 morning's ablutions, then, having repacked his 
 travelling-bag, he awaited arrival in Sydney. 
 
 The platform was all astir with people on the 
 look out for friends, but Dallas was not sorry to 
 pass through their midst without recognising a single 
 face. Proceeding to the Grand Hotel he refreshed 
 himself with a bath and change of linen before sit- 
 ting down to breakfast. 
 
 Possessing himself of a quiet corner, he became 
 absorbed in the morning paper. A great content
 
 EXCITEMENT AGAIN. 197 
 
 had filled him since he knew he was coming to Syd- 
 ney to see Grace Dalrymple. 
 
 But his calmness forsook him, on finding him- 
 self once more traversing the familiar city in the 
 direction of the well-known Carlton Hotel. 
 
 Could he but know the import of this meeting! 
 One's future is not a trifle that can be lightly dealt 
 with. 
 
 Until yesterday he had settled down to gra'v;e 
 patient work, prepared to see the years come in and 
 go out, until the Arbiter of Fate made plain the fu- 
 ture course of events. 
 
 But in one instant of time, the hour-glass, — as 
 it were — had been turned. 
 
 Whither now, was she being led ? 
 
 With almost a flutter of glad expectancy, he 
 ascended the staircase of the Carlton Hotel, and, 
 passing across the carpeted corridor, he opened the 
 drawing-room door.
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 AT 27 RUE DE LA REINE. 
 
 "The strongest passion that I have is honour; 
 I would I had none; it is in my way." 
 
 —P. J. Bailey. 
 
 Alone in the room was Grace Dalrymple. 
 
 She arose as Dallas entered. 
 
 Involuntarily he paused, endeavouring to con- 
 ceal an emotion which he was no longer capable of 
 repressing. 
 
 Not a word of greeting had passed their lips, 
 but as Dallas drew near, he could not but perceive 
 the glad light of love and welcome that shone in her 
 eyes, while a bright flush of pleasure lent a still 
 greater beauty to her countenance. 
 
 Suddenly the thought smote him. . . Would 
 he now have to choose betv\"een his love and his pro- 
 fession? Must he abandon his career — all that had 
 made life honourable, in order to give way to his 
 love, — ^his passion, and surrender the endeavour of 
 his work, and his man's ambition? 
 
 Erect and handsome appeared her tall form as 
 she stood in the light that streamed through the win- 
 dow. 
 
 She held out her hand to him. 
 
 "Keith!" 
 
 The Avarm, firm clasp sent the bounding current 
 surging through all his being in an ecstasy of de- 
 licious feeling. 
 
 He loved this woman, her magnetic presence, 
 and the glory of her beauty.
 
 AT 27 RUE DE LA REINE. 19» 
 
 "Come," she said, "I have a story to tell you, 
 and we will be disturbed if we remain in this room." 
 
 Dallas followed as she led the way to a private 
 sitting-room, 
 
 "You have aged," she said, regarding him, "but 
 never mind; let me have your judgment on the last 
 chapter of a crime and then !" 
 
 Dallas took the chair she indicated. The light 
 from the window played upon her face as she sat 
 still for a few moments, dallying with a diamond- 
 hoop-ring that flashed upon her finger. 
 
 Motionless, Dallas remained seated, beholding 
 her. 
 
 Presently she began, 
 
 "Doubtless you were more than surprised at not 
 hearing from me. It was well. The less you might 
 have to speak of — perhaps, the better." She pushed 
 back her chair at an angle, so as to bring the light 
 behind her, and place her face in the shade. 
 
 Then she resumed, 
 
 "It is a long story, and I do not wish to traverse 
 again all that you have gathered and inferred; you 
 will learn as I proceed how far your conclusions may 
 have been just, therefore, I will relate the subse- 
 quent events in few words. The strain of telling 
 will make it necessary to be short." 
 
 She again paused, as though deciding upon the 
 method of her story. 
 
 "Leaving Australia, I travelled direct to 
 Europe, and disembarking at Port Said, and tran- 
 shipping for Italy, proceeded thence overland to 
 London with the mail-express. Having received the 
 advices awaiting me. I returned to Paris, and saw — 
 well, we will still call him Lintott — but that is not 
 his name. He had received the whole of the money 
 — rather more than twenty-six thousand pounds." 
 
 Dallas moved uneasily in his seat — the words, 
 although seriously and earnestly uttered, galled him ; 
 they touched upon a tenderness. His companion 
 perceived the effect, but made no comment.
 
 200 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Lintott satisfied me it was all safely lodged in 
 four Banks — all agencies of London firms. As a 
 matter of precaution, I insisted upon the sum in one 
 of the Banks being transferred into our joint names. 
 For a special reason, I allowed the other moneys to 
 remain in the Banks in his own name, pending the 
 arrival of the other two men by way of America." 
 
 Dallas's face clouded, and again he moved rest- 
 lessly, while his hands clenched, but he made no in- 
 terruption. 
 
 "Knowing they could not arrive for some six or 
 seven weeks, I spent the interval amongst some 
 friends in Austria." 
 
 "Afterwards returning to Paris, I ascertained 
 from a letter left for me that Morier had cabled 
 from America fixing date of meeting on 25th of the 
 following month, at 27 Rue de la Reine, in the city of 
 Lyons." 
 
 "Another six weeks of waiting!" 
 
 "For certain reasons I did not wish to trench 
 upon my private resources, as possible eventualities 
 might require the command of a given sum of money. 
 Communicating, therefore, with a firm at Grenoble 
 with whom I have had connections, I succeeded in 
 resuming business to an extent sufficient to provide 
 myself with occupation, and, more important still, 
 to enable my movements and transactions to escape 
 police espionage. In due course, therefore, I con- 
 trived that my journeyings should bring me to Ly- 
 ons on the 24th of that month." 
 
 "During the evening I discovered the presence of 
 Lintott, and we had a short conversation. Morier, 
 he informed me, Avould arrive the following morn- 
 ing. He had landed from America a few days pre- 
 viously and had remained during the interval at 
 Bordeaux." 
 
 "Lintott then notified me that a meeting would 
 be held at 8 o'clock the following evening at 27 Rue 
 de la Reine. For a special reason, however, I caused
 
 AT 27 RUE DE LA REINE. 201 
 
 ♦ 
 the hour to be altered to two o'clock in the after- 
 noon." 
 
 Evidently the narration was painful to Miss 
 Dalrymple, for she paused and betrayed consider- 
 able agitation. Dallas, in his anxiety to hear the 
 whole truth, and know the worst, could scarcely con- 
 trol his impatience. It was to him a state of equally 
 painful suspense, but he put no question, and in a 
 few moments Miss Dalrymple continued — 
 
 "During the following morning I completed 
 such business as I had reserved for myself in Lyons, 
 and about mid-day I breakfasted — as we call it — at 
 the Restaurant de Laval, in the Rue de la Reine, 
 nearly opposite No. 27. The restaurant is on the first 
 floor, with oriel windows looking out upon the street. 
 There were but few people present as I entered the 
 Salon, for it was then late, so that I was enabled to 
 choose a seat near a window commanding a full view 
 of all that was passing." 
 
 **I remained at the wiadow, after finishing 
 lunch, until I saw Lintott appear, shortly before two 
 o'clock. Discharging my bill, I descended to the 
 street, and entered No. 27 directly behind Lintott. 
 We ascended the stairs together, a fatiguing opera- 
 tion — for the room was on the sixth floor — the top- 
 most storey, and constituted Morier's permanent resi- 
 dence. His business centred in Lyons, the visit to 
 Australia having merely formed an interlude, and 
 doubtless he was now returning to resume his former 
 occupation. You will, of course, gather that the 
 name of Morier, like that of Lintott and the others, 
 was assumed for the occasion, , . .No, Grace Dal- 
 rymple is my true name," she added, perceiving the 
 question framing itself in Dallas's mind. The words 
 conveyed a nameless relief to his heart, and seemed 
 to betoken honesty on her part, at all events. 
 
 "But you knew their names to be assumed?" he 
 questioned. 
 
 "We will come to that part of the story in due 
 course," she answered.
 
 202 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 "Ah!" 
 
 "The tone irritated Grace Dalrymple, and with 
 a slight haughtiness in her manner she added: 
 
 "Although 'Grace Dalrymple' is my true name, 
 it is, I may tell you, not the designation under which 
 I have been known in my business relations in 
 France." 
 
 This admission proved too much for Dallas's 
 self-control. The nervous tension of his mind had 
 been growing more and more acute during the last 
 half-hour, as Grace Dalrymple had proceeded to de- 
 liberately unfold her intimate connection with the 
 doings of this band of swindlers, and now her con- 
 fession smote upon his sense of honourableness. 
 Smarting under the sudden shock, he sprang up and 
 paced across the room in the impatient manner of 
 one Avho Avould like to kick the thing away from him. 
 His movements recalled to her mind that other scene 
 when they had last been together, and her resent- 
 ment passed away. 
 
 He suddenly stopped opposite to her, and was 
 about to speak. 
 
 "No," he said, "go on, I am listening," and sat 
 down again in his chair. 
 
 The pathetic ring of resignation in his voice af- 
 fected Grace, and for a minute or two there was 
 silence. 
 
 But, nerving herself, she resumed her narrative 
 as though there had been no interruption. 
 
 "Entering the room, we found Morier alone. 
 He greeted me with an eagerness which only the 
 presence of Lintott prevented from being effusive." 
 
 "After a few words of general conversation, 
 Lintott asked Morier if he had been enabled to ad- 
 vise Nettles (I give the name you know) of the 
 change in the hour of meeting." 
 
 "I detected an almost imperceptible shrinking 
 of the fellow as the question was put, for Lintott 
 has a sharp, penetrating trick in his manner of 
 speaking."
 
 AT 27 RUE DE LA REINE. 203 
 
 " 'No,' answered Morier, *I have not, because 
 he cannot come. The poor fellow died from fever 
 in America.' " 
 
 '< 'Why did you not let us know at the time?' in- 
 terrogated Lintott." 
 
 "But Morier only shrugged his shoulders." 
 
 Miss Dalrymple paused awhile in her narration, 
 perceiving the distressed expression of Dallas's face. 
 
 The woman he loved, to have been associated 
 with these men! 
 
 But he did not speak, so she went on : 
 
 "Morier moved across the room and took up 
 his travelling-bag. Searching in the pocket he drew 
 forth an envelope, whence he took out some papers 
 and laid them on the table for our perusal. They 
 were certified copies of a medical certificate and of 
 a registration of burial. There was also a news- 
 paper, with an announcement of death. I examined 
 the papers after Lintott had carelessly flung them 
 down, but, of course, was unable to question their 
 genuineness. Knowing, however, the character of 
 Morier, and remembering his shrinking when the 
 subject was first mentioned, I felt instantaneously 
 that — Morier had killed him " 
 
 Dallas violently started, and drops of sweat stood 
 out upon his forehead. A quiver passed over his 
 companion, as, leaning forward, she spoke with in- 
 tensity, recalling a dreadful scene. 
 
 " 'Where is his will?' I asked," Miss Dalrymple 
 continued. 
 
 "Morier turned pale as he sharply regarded me. 
 He knew a woman's instinct had divined his purpose 
 in getting rid of a confederate." 
 
 " Lintott 's attention was now alert, and his eyes 
 were rivetted upon Morier 's face." 
 
 "But the man was equal to the occasion, and 
 underwent the scrutiny without discomposure." 
 
 " 'It is true,' he said, 'that poor Nettles made a 
 will. I attended him throughout his illness, until, 
 feeling he could not recover, and that his end v\'as
 
 204 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 near, he expressed his wish to benefit myself as much 
 as lay in his poAver, and so made a will in my favour, 
 especially bequeathing to me his share in our little 
 enterprise. You will observe from the date that he 
 only lived about a week longer.' " 
 
 "I perceived a gleam in Lintott's eye." 
 " 'He could hardly do less,' I hastened to as- 
 sert, 'and it is only what one should fairly expect to 
 happen.' " 
 
 "Whatever Lintott may have thought, he how- 
 ever, withheld all remark." 
 
 "Presently he said, 'Let us to business.' " 
 "But Morier had glanced towards me with a 
 look of thanks, mingled with something of more 
 serious meaning."
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 TO THE DEATH. 
 
 "Raise no money by vile means." 
 
 Shakespeare. — "Julias Caesar." 
 
 Dallas rose from his chair, and advanced to the 
 •vrindow, which he flung wide open; the atmosphere 
 seemed to be stifling him. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple waited until he returned. 
 
 "As Lintott spoke, he placed a chair for me at 
 the table. The other two, having also drawn close, 
 Lintott produced a full statement of accounts. He 
 had a record of everything. I checked off with my 
 note book a list of remittances, and then took a note 
 of all the expenses. The amounts cabled to London 
 through myself constituted most of the — the — ac- 
 quirements — in Australia, the stock purchased in 
 Europe having been met by London drafts, drawn 
 against the goods, and which were all met in Sj^dney, 
 while many drafts had been drawn which were not 
 represented by goods. It was apparently hoped 
 that the losses to the Sydney Banks having been dis- 
 tributed so that not more than two or three thousand 
 pounds would fall upon each Bank, that the sums 
 would respectively be thought too small to warrant 
 the Banks individually taking action for their re- 
 covery. ' ' 
 
 "As, therefore, Lintott went through the list 
 with Morier, and then produced his bankers' re- 
 ceipts, showing more than twenty-six thousand 
 pounds lying at their disposition, he gave vent to a 
 grim satisfaction."
 
 206 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 " 'Very creditable for six months' operations,' 
 he said." 
 
 " 'I feel bound to admit,' added Morier, 'that 
 the whole credit, so far as ultimate success is con- 
 cerned, is largely due to IMiss Dalrymple,' and they 
 both thanked me." 
 
 Dallas twisetd himself around and stared at her 
 incredulously. 
 
 But ^liss Dalrymple, taking no heed of his re- 
 gard, continued, — 
 
 "The accounts having been passed as correct, 
 and all the necessary comments made, Lintott next 
 proposed that now thej^ should make a division." 
 
 "From his manner I guessed, at once, that he 
 did not intend to admit Morier 's claim to a 'fourth' 
 under Nettles' Avill, in addition to his own fourth- 
 share." 
 
 Dallas thrust out his legs, and hammered his 
 heels upon the carpet Avith a gesture indicative of 
 unutterable disgust. 
 
 But j\Iiss Dalrymple went on, without noticing 
 him — "Perceiving, therefore, the inevitable w^rang- 
 ling w^hich Avould result, and the, perhaps, serious 
 consequences of a dispute into which I should doubt- 
 less be draAvn, I thought it best to speak straightway 
 my own opinion." 
 
 "I said, 'I consider myself only entitled to one- 
 fourth, say, six thousand five hundred pounds, and 
 to three hundred pounds, the balance of the five 
 hundred pounds which were assured to me before ac- 
 cepting this Australian engagement. Therefore, if 
 you both agree, I will take this sum, and leave you 
 to settle between yourselves whatever other details 
 may remain imdeeided!" 
 
 "Thereupon I looked steadily at each in turn, 
 and knew that each one comprehended me." 
 
 "Six thousand pounds, you may understand, 
 was the amount in the Paris Bank in the Rue de 
 Provence, standing in the names of Lintott and my- 
 self."
 
 TO THE DEATH. 207 
 
 "Without a word, Lintott made out an order 
 for that sum, and signed it. Taking up the sand- 
 box from the table he sprinkled a light shower over 
 the wet ink, and handed to me the cheque with a bow, 
 indicating with his finger that I should also sign be- 
 neath his name. Then he gave me another cheque 
 for eight hundred pounds, signed by himself only. I 
 observed this smaller cheque to be drawn on a Bank 
 in Lyons." 
 
 "I perused the cheques with attention and care, 
 seeking, moreover, for time to think, for, evidently, 
 Lintott had caused the money to be transferred to 
 Lyons in order that it might be more easily manipu- 
 lated. He had not informed me of his action, and 
 the bankers' receipts which he produced were those 
 from Paris." 
 
 " 'It was a thoughtful act,' I remarked to him, 
 'to transfer the money from Paris, but I suppose you 
 did not place the whole sum in one Bank.' " 
 
 " 'No,' he replied, 'I merely asked each of the 
 Paris bankers to transfer the moneys to his agent at 
 Lyons.' " 
 
 " 'And those agents are?' I queried." 
 
 " 'The particulars as to names and amounts are 
 entered here,' he replied, handing me a slip of pa- 
 per." 
 
 "Hereupon, Morier referred to the eApcnses of 
 Nettles and himself through America, and produced 
 a long array of figures, especially emphasising the 
 costs of Nettles' illness. It was evident, at the out- 
 set, that such expenditure should be chargeable only 
 against his individual share. Lintott, however, was 
 prepared to concede liberally to Morier, a sure sign 
 to my mind that he had some secret intention." 
 
 "It was not, of course, for me to interfere." 
 
 "Everything w^as, therefore, finally agreed to, 
 and it remained only to make the distribution." 
 
 "Lintott made out the various cheques which 
 would refund to each the expenses alloAved for,
 
 208 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 some of which he handed to Morier and the others 
 he retained himself." 
 
 " 'This is the balance which remains for division,' 
 he said, as finishing up his figures on a sheet of pa- 
 per he handed it across to Morier, saying that he 
 would be pleased if he would check the calcula- 
 tions." 
 
 "There followed some five minutes of absolute 
 stllness, as i\Iorier deliberately checked over all the 
 calculations." 
 
 " 'It is quite satisfactory,' he then remarked, 
 'and Miss Dalrymple having accepted her share of 
 the distribution, this remaining sum will only be di- 
 vided into three.' " 
 
 " 'Into two,' urbanely corrected Lintott; 'I have 
 shared with yourself all the expenses to which you 
 were subjected on account of the unfortunate ill- 
 ness of poor Nettles.' " 
 
 "These expenses were incurred in the common 
 enterprise.' " 
 
 " 'Quite so,' assented Lintott, 'and therefore 
 Nettles did not possess any right of giving away that 
 which could only be acquired by favour.' " 
 
 "But Morier considered that a man was at per- 
 fect liberty to consult his own wishes, and bequeath 
 to whom he would his reversionary interests." 
 
 " 'Granted,' said Lintott, 'but that is a ques- 
 tion for the consideration of lawyers, not of men 
 of enterprise like ourselves, where risks are in- 
 curred, and as in this case, in which the responsi- 
 bilities of Nettles are passed on, equally, to our- 
 selves. Moreover,' he added with a shrug, 'lawyers 
 would not pass over a dead man's share until they 
 had independently investigated into the cause of 
 death, and so forth.' " 
 
 "I had been closely watching both men, and no- 
 ticed at these M-^ords the deadly gleam which strove 
 to hide itself under the drooping eyelids of the 
 Frenchman."
 
 TO THE DEATH. 209 
 
 "The moment had arrived for which I had been 
 waiting." 
 
 " 'Gentlemen,' I said, *I perceive there is a 
 question to be argued which is too difficult for me to 
 comprehend, or to allow me to act the part of um- 
 pire. I should, also, be sorry to take the part of 
 either, at present' — laying stress on the present. — 'It 
 seems to me to be a matter in which each has a just 
 contention, and judgment consequently becomes a 
 matter of opinion. In such circumstances, therefore, 
 it may be left for the stronger will to assert itself. 
 And now, if you will permit me, I shall retire, and 
 afterwards you can let me know the result.' " 
 
 "Taking up my purse, into which I had folded 
 unperceived the cheques and the slip of paper con- 
 taining the list of the sums of money, and the names 
 of the Banks, I rose up from the table." 
 
 "Glancing towards Lintott, who was seated be- 
 fore me, I divined the fixed expression of face to be 
 sufficient indication of the result, without the accom- 
 panying look with which he favoured me." 
 
 "With his native politeness, Morier hastened to 
 open the door for me." 
 
 "I caught a glance of his eye, as I passed out; 
 immediately afterwards as the door closed, and was 
 locked behind me, I halted in the passage in a state 
 of trepidation." 
 
 " 'He means to kill,' I said to myself." 
 
 Enthralled by the note of tragedy running 
 through her story like an undercurrent, the disgust 
 which Dallas had hitherto felt, gave way to intense 
 interest. He leaned forward, following every word 
 of the narrative, which was told with a simple di- 
 rectness, and yet so graphically put before him, that 
 he seemed to feel himself one of the party. Per- 
 haps, the feeling was partly due to his sj^mpathy 
 with Grace, and insensibly he was becoming a sharer 
 of her view. He had now no word to say, but simply 
 awaited for her to go on. She looked into his face,
 
 210 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 and observing the eagerness of his attention, at once 
 coiuiniied, — 
 
 ' ' Without again pausing, I hastened down stairs, 
 and onward through the crowded thoroughfares to 
 the Banque de Lyon in the Rue de I'linperatrice." 
 
 "It was getting late in the afternoon, and I had 
 not much time before bank-closing time. Still, it 
 occurred to me, that I may have been watched by 
 someone, possibly conscience had made a coward of 
 me. However, I halted at a shop window, and took 
 occasion to narrowly examine everyone within view. 
 There is a great stir of business in the main thor- 
 oughfares of Lyons; they resemble the George and 
 King streets of your own city, and in a passing 
 crowd, it is not easy to distinguish upon what busi- 
 ness passers-by may be intent. Therefore, I hailed 
 a passing cab — a fiacre — and drove to the Rue 
 Vaubecour. Stopping before a milliner's establish- 
 ment, I dismissed the vehicle, and satisfied myself 
 that I w^as the subject of no one's attention. On 
 some pretext or other, I entered the shop, and after- 
 wards walking to the Cours Napoleon, just round 
 the corner, took another cab direct to the Rue de 
 rimperatrice. Passing up into the Banque de Lyon, 
 I mad« my way to the 'guichet,' and presented my 
 cheque for twenty thousand francs." 
 
 "Then followed the long formalities usual in a 
 French Bank, l)ut which appear so absurd to those 
 accustomed to English systems of business." 
 
 "In the ordinary course, upon presenting my- 
 self at a second 'guichet,' I should have been paid 
 in a nondescript collection of notes." 
 
 "But I wanted gold, and this request brought 
 me into the presence of a very different sort of offi- 
 cial to those who attend to the general banking re- 
 quirements of the public." 
 
 "However, I obtained my gold, and although I 
 should have liked to have secured it more quietly, 
 still such was necessary, for at any moment I might 
 leave Lyons for the frontier."
 
 TO THE DEATH. 211 
 
 "Rouleaux after rouleaux were placed upon the 
 table — twenty in all." 
 
 " 'But I cannot carry all this weight,' I ex- 
 plained." 
 
 " 'Pardon, Madame,' replied the official, with- 
 out relaxing the parchment-like expression of face. 
 In a few minutes an individual — half clerk, half por- 
 ter, — brought in a leathern bag. The rouleaux were 
 packed in this, and then we found the whole could 
 be enclosed in my reticule. With his assistance, 
 also, I had my reticule carried down into the street, 
 and placed in a fiacre." 
 
 " 'Will Madame be pleased to indicate to what 
 address one may direct the coachman?' " 
 
 " 'La gare de Perrache, if you please.' " 
 
 "Rattling along the stony street, I came once 
 more to the Cours Napoleon, and the carriage drove 
 up to the entrance of the station." 
 
 "Placing my reticule as gently as possible on 
 the steps, I drew forth my purse and paid the cab- 
 man. Then, as he drove away, I essaj^ed, as it were, 
 to recall him, but not succeeding, I called another 
 carriage." 
 
 " 'Drive me back to the hotel,' I said." 
 
 " 'To which hotel?' he asked." 
 
 " 'Hotel du Sud.' " 
 
 "Fortunately, my room was upon the first floor, 
 "but it w^as a difficult matter to carry upstairs my bag 
 of gold, without drawing attention to the heavy 
 weight I carried. Then, emptying out the rolls of 
 gold, I took a moderate sum — some four or five 
 thousand francs — an amount for such as I had often 
 occasion to buy drafts — and leaving the hotel, pro- 
 ceeded to a banker in the Rue Imperiale, from whom I 
 purchased a draft on London ; then, returning to the 
 hotel, I counted out another sum, and so, from dif- 
 ferent agents, I acquired some four or five drafts in 
 place of the gold." 
 
 "Feeling I had accomplished all my purpose, I 
 should have now desired to leave Lyons by the even-
 
 212 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 ing train, but was held there by a kind of fascina- 
 tion." 
 
 "It had been more by instinct than by acting 
 upon any settled plan, which had induced me to ob- 
 tain gold for Lintott's cheque; possibly the intention 
 of quitting France, immediately, led me to think 
 gold would be the least traceable and the least hin- 
 dering form of conveying the money out of the 
 country, but, of course, reflection suggested its con- 
 version into drafts, and having gold, such drafts 
 could be bought without the source of the money be- 
 ing betraj^ed." 
 
 "An innate fear prompted me, throughout, to 
 permit no visible evidence to remain of my connec- 
 tion with these two men. No one acquainted with 
 the methods of French law, and of French police, 
 cares to be subjected to the examination of the ' Juge 
 d 'Instruction,' who represents the one, or to the cal- 
 lous treatment which is characteristic of the other." 
 
 "As the afternoon passed, I grew uneasy. No 
 one had called at the Hotel du Sud for me. Lintott, 
 at all events, knew of my address. ' ' 
 
 "It was improbable, but that those two men had 
 come to some arrangement before now " 
 
 "Even had they quarrelled " 
 
 "If ]\Iorier had carried out the threat of his 
 eyes " 
 
 "But one man does not kill another so easilj^ 
 when that other, moreover, is stronger and on his 
 guard. ' ' 
 
 "But, despite my anxiety, I could not bring my- 
 self to even pass down the Rue de la Reine." 
 
 "Yet that street possessed for me a nameless 
 fascination." 
 
 "The dinner hour arrived. I attended the table 
 d'hote, and dined as well as I could. One did not 
 know what developments the next few hours might 
 have in preparation." 
 
 "All the evening I waited restlessly." 
 
 "Towards ten o'clock I could no longer endure
 
 TO THE DEATH. 213 
 
 inaction. Sallying forth, I entered a carriage and 
 directed the coachman to drive to the Place Louis 
 Grand. We passed down the Rue de Bourbon, then 
 continued beyond to the Rue de I'lmperatrice, back 
 by the Rue Imperiale to the Rue de la Charite, and 
 then yielding to an impvdse I could not control, I 
 ordered the coachman to turn into the Rue de la 
 Reine. With quickened emotion, I perceived the 
 carriage to be drawing near No. 27." 
 
 "The house, except for the hatter's shop below 
 • — which was still open — appeared all in darkness — 
 silent and gloomy." 
 
 "The window of Morier's room looked upon the 
 street — there was no light visible." 
 
 "With a mind strangely at ease, I drove back to 
 the Hotel du Sud, glad to escape from the lighted 
 streets, tlie noise, the clatter, the excitement of Lyons 
 at night, — the very companionship which just pre- 
 viously I had sought." 
 
 "Having passed a disturbed night, I was early 
 astir, partook of the usual light breakfast, and then 
 waited aimlessly, for I knew not what." 
 
 "But I felt quite sure that something had hap- 
 pened — a dread fear — such as I would not permit 
 my mind to let take shape." 
 
 "Ten o'clock had struck — I was in the sitting- 
 room — almost alone." 
 
 "A waiter entered, and passing near, informed 
 me excitedly of a tragedy w^hich had happened." 
 
 "I divined instantly what terrible thing he had 
 to tell me." 
 
 " 'Two men,' he said 'had been found dead in a 
 room at No. 27 Rue de la Reine ; the door had been 
 locked. It appeared to have been a duel to the 
 death.' " 
 
 "He told me what few details he knew. There 
 had been a desperate fight, but the rooms on the 
 same floor had not been occupied yesterday, and the 
 room beneath had also been empty, consequently no 
 one had been alarmed."
 
 214 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY, 
 
 " 'Both men were stabbed — stabbed each other 
 to death. . . But the police had everything.' " 
 
 "As soon as the waiter left the room, I re- 
 treated to my chamber. Ever since yesterday' my 
 portmanteau had been ready packed for instant de- 
 parture, and now I only waited for the hour of de- 
 parture of the train for Geneva." 
 
 "I pra.y you will not ask me to recall the feel- 
 ings which assailed nue during a long hour of wait- 
 ing." 
 
 "I dared not visit the railway station until the 
 last minute necessary to secure my ticket." 
 
 "I felt that everyone knew of the crime, and 
 that every departure would be specially 'vise' by the 
 police."
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. ■ 
 
 THE JUDGMENT. 
 
 "Divine Supremacy of Conscience." 
 
 — Dean Stanley. 
 
 Dallas's excitement seemed to grow more and 
 more intense as Miss Dalrymple dramatically pic- 
 tured her experiences in Lyons. He felt in full 
 sympathy with her emotions, and participated in 
 her consciousness of the peril of the situation. 
 
 He no longer judged her actions; he had be- 
 come her colleague. 
 
 Truly she had told her story with marvellous 
 effect. At length she resumed, — 
 
 "It was a delightful morning — a sunny, fair, 
 warm-tinted day in autumn. The vines upon all the 
 hillsides were taking on their russet and purple 
 tints; the stretches of woods had assumed a mass of 
 deep, rich colour, the bright streams flowing from the 
 hill country sparkled and flashed in the sunlight, as 
 we sped eastward towards the mountains ; the fi^elds 
 were bare after harvest, and cattle browsed on the 
 grass." 
 
 "The frontier was soon reached, and having en- 
 tered Switzerland, there succeeded one of the most 
 charming of railway journeys along the banks of the 
 Rhone, between the lofty mountains of the Jura and 
 of Savoy." 
 
 "But what would you?" 
 
 "Ever present with me was the terrible remem- 
 brance of yesterday. How could one tear from the 
 mind the awful ending of those two men — the retri- 
 butive consummation of criminal careers."
 
 216 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 Dallas started as her deep, intense tones drove 
 strange conviction into his heart. 
 
 "The3% I believe, never intended to wrong me; 
 but Avho knows how the result might have involved 
 me in a manner such as would never have happened 
 had they lived. Now, there were no longer even 
 witnesses to testify, if need be, as to the part I had 
 taken." 
 
 "And those men in whose confidence I had been, 
 were dead — stabbed one another." 
 
 ''Think you, that railway journey soothed a 
 mind like mine? I would have fled from it all, but 
 how slow the train seemed to travel." 
 
 "And all the way, thoughts, thoughts, my 
 thoughts were upon me." 
 
 "At length, we steamed slowly into the station 
 at Geneva — slowly, slowly, for a mile or more, as 
 though a catastrophe were feared. — Aye, a catas- 
 trophe!" 
 
 "To me it was torture." 
 
 "Disembarking at the railway station, I passed 
 along the platform, and directed the porter to leave 
 my portmanteau at the consigne. Finding I had 
 several hours to wait, I deposited also my wraps, 
 and then, passing through the inevitable espionage 
 at the exit, I continued through the city down to the 
 lake shore. 
 
 "Following the lovely walk along the south- 
 eastern bank which looks out upon the water — the 
 delicate transparent blue of Geneva — now calm, 
 majestic and serene in its stillness, I sought in the 
 beauty of the scene — a beauty which penetrates 
 through all one's being — I sought to forget every- 
 thing but the present moment. 
 
 "Several hours I spent in Geneva — the vast 
 silent tranquil mountains which looked down upon 
 me, breathed something of their spirit into my heart. 
 Possibly, it is owing to this charm that so many dis- 
 turbed minds seek refuge upon its shores. "With a 
 lighter heart I returned to the city, and as the even-
 
 THE JUDGMENT. 217 
 
 ing was beginning to draw near, I betook myself to 
 the Restaurant des Strangers, where one may enjoy 
 at once, excellent cuisine, an admirable view com- 
 manding the swift waters of the Rhone as they issue 
 from the Lake, and, in the distance beyond, IMont 
 Blanc itself, and at certain hours delightful music 
 from the band in the kiosk of the lakelet. 
 
 "I had often been to Geneva, and an hour or 
 two thus spent formed one of the pleasures I always 
 permitted myself. The change of scene, and the re- 
 turn of former reminiscences were tending to sub- 
 due the sharpness of recent events which still so 
 persistently haunted the memory. 
 
 "At length the evening mail train bore me on- 
 ward through the gathering shades of the long 
 twilight, as we sped through the heart of Switzer- 
 land, past Berne, past Basle, thence into Germany, 
 adown the course of the Rhine, intending to pass 
 through Cologne to Rotterdam, where I should be 
 able to catch the evening steamer to Harwich, and 
 arrive in London on the following morning. 
 
 "I had fallen asleep, for the train had stopped 
 at few stations, and I was very tired. Moreover, 
 after passing through the 'Customs' at Basle, all 
 the travellers in the carriage, anticipating unin- 
 terrupted repose, had settled themselves to sleep. 
 
 "In an hour or two, however, the train stopped 
 at Strasbourg, and there ensued the usual commo- 
 tion attendant upon arrival at an important city. 
 Passengers were leaving the carriages, and others 
 were taking their places. 
 
 "In a sudden flash it occurred to me that it 
 was necessary to visit Paris in order to obtain cash 
 for the cheque for six thousand pounds. 
 
 "The dreadful circumstances of the previous 
 morning had rendered me anxious only to quit 
 France, fearing something might be found among 
 the papers of Lintott which might cause the authori- 
 ties to desire to detain me, pending an investigation. 
 I had become utterly forgetful of the importance of
 
 218 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 reaching the Bank in Paris before news of Lintott's 
 death should precede me. 
 
 "But further avoidance was out of the question. 
 Starting up, I collected my luggage, and directed 
 the porter to take my portmanteau to the train for 
 Paris. 
 
 " 'At what hour does it star: '." 
 
 " 'At two o'clock.' 
 
 "I found I should reach Paris at three o'clock 
 in the afternoon. 
 
 "I awaited the train, mj' composure of mind — 
 whatever I had succeeded in regaining — ^having now 
 altogether left me. 
 
 "Throughout the long hours I counted restless- 
 ly the stations as the train flew past. After passing 
 the frontier at Airecourt, the train stopped but sel- 
 dom. Once, I remember, at Nancy, where a man 
 who, after examining each carriage, at length en- 
 tered my compartment; and again, at Chalons, when 
 two Englishmen took places which had been vacated 
 just opposite me. 
 
 "A sen-^c of imminent danger had taken posses- 
 sion of me, and excitement prevented me feeling the 
 effects of weariness. I strove to interest myself in 
 all that passed — in the casual conversations of the 
 others in the carriage — in the passing scenes viewed 
 from the windoAV — in desultory reading from a 
 novel, which was powerless to hold my attention. 
 
 "Presently it became evident that one of the 
 apparent Englishmen was an Australian. It can be 
 understood my attention became absorbed, for mat- 
 ters he spoke about were only too familiar to me. 
 
 "Fortunately, he was a resident of Melbourne, 
 or else, possilily. he might have recognised me. My 
 luggage, however, conspicuously bore the address, 
 ']\Iadame Dalmy' — the name under which I was 
 known among business people, to whom I found the 
 name of 'Dalrymple' to be difficult of utterance and 
 of remembrance, and hence my object in making the
 
 THE JUDGMENT. 219 
 
 contraction — and 'Madame,' of course, since one 
 does not find old maids in France. 
 
 "I knew by instinct that the subject of the 
 frauds on the Banks would be referred to. and I 
 steeled myself as I waited the inevitable. I strove 
 to appear immersed in my book." 
 
 "In due time the allusion came. The Australian 
 proceeded to recount the extraordinary deception 
 practised upon the whole of the Sydney Banks. 
 
 " 'The managers,' he concluded, 'are mad with 
 indignation at having been so deliberately befooled, 
 and have determined to bring the parties to justice. 
 In fact, I know the London and Colonial Bank have 
 detectives seeking now throughout Europe for the 
 woman, and mean to spare no effort to capture her. 
 They hope, if successful, to recover also part of the 
 gpoil, so the prize is worth a little energy. But she 
 was smart, was she not?' 
 
 "Those were his very words — they burned them- 
 selves into my brain, and I had to sit there — still — 
 and listen to it all. 
 
 "I felt the toils were closing around me, and 
 that in Paris would be the headquarters of such 
 search. 
 
 "It needed all my nerve to continue that jour- 
 ney to the city. The death of Lintott and jMorier 
 would instantly draw attention — the police would, 
 without doubt, learn I had been in Lyons — they 
 would trace me to Geneva — through Switzerland and 
 Germany. Ah! was it possible my sudden change at 
 Strasbourg may have passed unnoticed, and. know- 
 ing my ticket to have been taken for Rotterdam, 
 they may have continued the search thither? 
 
 "Even while my mind, thus at high tension 
 strove to become coherent and collected in its 
 thoughts and purposes of future action, the ap- 
 proaches to Paris, one by one, became evident. We 
 had crossed and re-crossed the IMarne. where, beyond 
 the river, stretched the orchards of Lagny. 
 
 "The forts around Paris appeared — through the
 
 220 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 woods and past the outlying villages we sped our 
 way. The city itself came in sight. Nearer, nearer 
 we drew — the walls were passed — then the mass of 
 goods' sheds; under the Boulevard de la Chapelle, 
 through the dense mass of houses into the Gare de 
 I'Est. 
 
 ''Issuing forth, my portmanteau was placed in 
 a cab, and I was just about to give the direction to 
 my rooms in the Rue de la Faj^ette, within a few 
 minutes' drive of the Gare de I'Est, when it occurred 
 to me that possibly my identity with Madame 
 Dalmy may have been established. I drove, there- 
 fore, to the Hotel Richelieu, in the Rue de Mauveuge. 
 "Leaving my luggage in the bureau, I passed out 
 of the hotel, and, taking the first cab which appeared, 
 I hastened to the Banque de Commerce, in the Rue 
 de Provence. Dismissing the cab, I entered the 
 Bank with all the coolness and deliberation which 
 I could command, and presented my cheque for 
 payment. 
 
 " 'Notes in large amounts would be conven- 
 ient.' 
 
 "Some delay occurred. Picture my anxiety. 
 Possibly it was due to the cheque being large. Yet 
 I had purposely signed my name in the cashier's 
 presence beneath that of Lintott's, in order to dis- 
 arm any suspicion or remove any hesitation. 
 
 "I refrained from asking for gold, fearing the 
 formalities which might ensue. But the cheque was 
 paid. 
 
 "As I was folding up the notes, I asked, as 
 though the matter had just occurred to me, 'Might I 
 have one note paid in gold?' 
 
 " 'Yes, but certainl.y,' and I handed him notes 
 for ten thousand francs. 
 
 " 'English sovereigns?' I hazarded. 
 
 " 'Yes, if I Avould favour them by consenting to 
 wait a few moments.' 
 
 "At length, with a heavier hand-bag, I descend- 
 ed to the street, and making my way along the Rue
 
 THE JUDGMENT. 221 
 
 Drouot to the Rue Vivienne, I succeeded in ex- 
 changiug my roll of notes into Bank of England 
 notes, drafts, and circular notes, all payable in Lon- 
 don. Not wishing, however, to excite any atten- 
 tion, the exchanges were all made in small amounts, 
 necessitating mj^ visiting, perhaps, a score of money- 
 changers' offices. This method was better than that 
 of purchasing drafts on London, besides it having be- 
 come too late in the afternoon. There were rea- 
 sons, moreover, for avoiding the Banks, although, 
 doubtless, I might easily have procured all I needed 
 from certain unpretentious establishments which 
 would be unknown to an Australian detective, inas- 
 much as Parisian Banks are not 'en evidence' like, 
 for instance, your Bank of Australia. 
 
 "Finally, I drove again to the Hotel de Riche- 
 lieu and dined. Then, in the evening, a cab deposit- 
 ed myself and baggage at the Gare du Nord. I 
 caught the Brussels train, continued right through 
 to Rotterdam, whence, crossing to England by the 
 steamer to Harwich, I arrived safely in London." 
 
 "With your share of the plunder," quoth Dal- 
 las, contemptuously^ 
 
 Miss Dalrymple flushed hotly, drew up her 
 head, and was about to reply in similar tones. She 
 checked herself, however, and pointing to the chair, 
 calmly bade him re-seat himself. 
 
 For Dallas, unable longer to control his feelings, 
 had started up impatiently. Absorbingly, he had 
 listened to her narrative — following each word 
 with a sympathy she felt, although it was unex- 
 pressed. But her cool recital of the manner in which 
 she had obtained her money — the money of which 
 his friends had been defrauded — had produced a 
 sudden revulsion of feeling. It seemed to reveal to 
 him the callous heart of an adventuress, and all his 
 instincts recoiled from her. 
 
 It was now evident that she was exercising great 
 self-restraint. His words had pierced to her heart.
 
 222 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 She paused for some moments as though to 
 collect herself, and then resumed her story. 
 
 "There were a few final preparations to make, 
 final communications to be sent to the firm at 
 Orenoble, and time-tables to consult. Afterwards, 
 about four o'clock in the afternoon, I called to see 
 the London manager of the London and Colonial 
 Bank." 
 
 Again Dallas started from his chair. He could 
 not comprehend this woman with her cool nerve, 
 daring and sagacity. 
 
 She simply motioned him to sit down. 
 
 "He was a strong, keen-looking man, with an 
 open face — a man one can trust. I said I wished to 
 speak of a matter which would occupy half-an-hour, 
 and desired there might be no interruption. I told 
 him my information would be of service to the Bank, 
 but that it would be given in confidence, and must 
 be made use of without in any respect implicating 
 myself. 
 
 "He hesitated, and regarded me steadil.v for 
 fcomo moments. 
 
 "Then, suddenly, he remarked, 'You are Miss 
 Dalrymple from Australia?' 
 
 " 'Yes,' I admitted. 
 
 " 'Proceed,' he said, '3'ou may rely upon me 
 absolutel.y. ' 
 
 "I related to him the history of the fraud, and 
 ended by handing him the slip of paper I had ob- 
 tained from Lintott and which gave the names of 
 the Banks where M^as placed the money — some twen- 
 ty thousand pounds — but I had cut off the top entry 
 from the list which referred to the sum of six thou- 
 sand pounds, then in my possession." 
 
 "Ah! could you not also have made restitution 
 of that money?" exclaimed Dallas somewhat bit- 
 terly. 
 
 "That concerned myself, the rest did not," 
 curtly replied Miss Dalrymple. 
 
 Presently she continued —
 
 THE JUDGMENT. 223 
 
 "After I had recounted the deaths of Lintott 
 and IMorier, and explained that in a short while 
 the police Avould doubtless trace the existence of the 
 money, and, perhaps, render its recovery difficult, 
 the manager at once comprehended the necessary 
 steps to take to secure possession of the money. He 
 stated that possibly he could succeed on his own in- 
 itiative claiming on behalf of the Bank, as he held 
 the evidence required to substantiate the claim. 
 
 ''Then having further obtained from me all the 
 information he considered would be needed, he as- 
 sured me I might rest satisfied that I should not be 
 connected with the affair, but at the same time he 
 tegged me to remain in communication with the 
 Bank until the end might be secured. 
 
 "Within a fortnight he advised me that he had 
 successfully submitted his proofs of ownership of 
 those twenty thousand pounds, and in due course he 
 would receive all the money on behalf of the de- 
 frauded Banks. 
 
 "He was good enough to express his thanks very 
 warmly, and desired he might speak of the matter 
 to the other Banks. 
 
 "This was precisely as I desired, and then I re- 
 minded him of one other matter. I had heard that 
 at the instance of his Bank, a detective — " 
 
 " 'He has already returned to Australia,' he 
 said, interrupting me quickly; 'his mission is 
 ended.' " 
 
 "I learnt two days ago that a cable had arrived 
 speaking of the recovery of the money." 
 
 Having said this. Miss Dalrymple leant back, 
 and regarded Dallas. 
 
 His hands twitched, his expression was disturb- 
 ed. Admiration, delight, pride, strove for expres- 
 sion, but held back for a nameless sentiment. He 
 was not satisfied. 
 
 "The six thousand pounds!" eventually he 
 ejaculated. 
 
 Miss Dalrymple had read every phrase of feel-
 
 224 WITH THE BANKS AT HER MERCY. 
 
 ing which had passed through his mind. She was 
 simply waiting for his last thought to assert itself. 
 
 Smiling, she looked towards him, and replied, 
 
 "I reached here two days ago by the San Fran- 
 cisco route, and see — " 
 
 She held towards him a bundle of papers. 
 
 He took them. 
 
 "Your promissory notes!" he exclaimed. 
 
 He looked through the series, and paused 
 thoughtfully. 
 
 "You have paid off each of the Banks?" he 
 said. 
 
 "Yes, restored to them the amount of which they 
 were defrauded through my acts, and out of my own 
 funds I have made up their loss of interest to date." 
 
 Dallas laid the bills on a side table, and walked 
 abruptly to the window. 
 
 Her eyes followed him with a wistful expres- 
 sion. She had grown to know and understand him 
 so well. 
 
 "I had to right the wrong after my own me- 
 thods," she explained; "and, Keith, you would never 
 again have seen or heard of me had I not suc- 
 ceeded." 
 
 He moved impatiently, like as one who feels that 
 himself is to be blamed — not the other. 
 
 He came back to her — sat down beside her — and 
 placed his hand upon hers. 
 
 "Grace, mv darling . . . will j^ou try to forgive 
 me?" 
 
 He spoke very simply, and quite humbly. 
 
 EVERMORE. 
 "All tilings and thoughts, both new and old, are writ 
 Upon the unchanging human heart and soul." 
 
 — Lew's Morris. 
 
 THE END.
 
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