An Outback Marriage

"Are you only just up?" asked Charlie, as they contemplated each

other.

Carew had resumed his mantle of stolidity, but he coloured a little

at the question. "I've been out for a bit of a walk round town,"

he said. "Fact is," he added in a sudden burst of confidence, "I've

been all over town lookin' for that place where we were last night.

Couldn't find anything like it at all."

Charlie laughed at his earnestness. "Oh, bother the place," he said.

"If you had found it, there wouldn't have been any of them there.

Now, about ourselves--we can't show out like this. We'd better

be off to-day, and no one need know anything about it. Besides,

I half-killed a waiter this morning. I thought he was some chap

stealing my money, when he only wanted to take my clothes away to

brush 'em. Sooner we're out of town the better. I'll wire to the

old man that I've taken you with me."

So saying, they settled down to breakfast, and by tacit agreement

avoided the club for the rest of the day.

Before leaving, Charlie had to call and interview Pinnock, and left

Carew waiting outside while he went in. He didn't want to parade

their injuries, and knew that Carew's eye would excite remark; but

by keeping his upper lip well drawn over his teeth, he hoped his

own trouble would escape notice.

"Seems a harmless sort of chap, that new chum," said Pinnock.

"He'll do all right," said Charlie casually. "I've met his sort

before. He's not such a fool as he lets on to be. Shouldn't wonder

if he killed somebody before he gets back here, anyhow."

"How did you get on at the dancing saloon?" asked Pinnock.

"Oh, slow enough. Nothing worth seeing. Good-bye."

They sneaked on board the steamer without meeting the Bo'sun

or anybody, and before evening were well on their way to No Man's

Land.