Part 33 (1/2)

This story was never contradicted, but, like many other tales of adventure, it is untrue

At last she found herself safe in the wider expanse of water below the Gorge, an object of interest and ad men who frequent that part of the Grey Of them Kathleen took little notice She scrambled back to the sculler's seat, and after a short pull found herself beside the boat shed

To his pipe on the landing stage when Kathleen drifted out froh hand, he stood watching her in amazement

”It's Miss O'Connor,” he h alone She's the last wo!”

”You never can tell what a wo a back seat in the kitchen before long,” answered the other

”But Miss O'Connor's not that sort,” said Tomkins ”What I can't make out is this: I let that boat to Gerard What's becoreeted her with applause, seasoned with advice

”You've done so, miss, that no other woain Next ti down, the one after the other”

”I have no intention of trying the Gorge again,” answered Kathleen

”Thank God, I am safe!”

As she was about to leave the shed, to make her amazement more complete, Gerard rode up on her horse and reined in His clothes were daarded that ”You have won your wager, Miss O'Connor!” he cried; ”but you ith your life in your hands”

Kathleen was too much astounded by his audacity to reply He dis her rein for one shortht me a lesson, and, by Jove! you are a well-plucked one”

She did not pause to answer hilas a cut with the whip, rode away at a smart canter to ”Layton”

CHAPTER XIX

”THE FREELANCE”

Denis Quirk was a ard of public opinion; if those fehoive hiht praise or condemn him at will

Had it not been that the future of ”The Mercury” was imperilled by his presence, and that Dr Marsh was interested in the success of the paper, he would have reht on until the tide had turned or want of funds compelled him to close down As it was, he sold his share to his father for no inally invested in the paper, and went to Melbourne to start a weekly , he was able to ensure success by his own ability and, perhaps to a still greater degree, by the assistance of Jackson and O'Connor, ere at that tiiving him support, Jackson stepped into Desmond O'Connor's room to debate Denis Quirk's credentials with his junior

”See here, Desether on ”The Golden Eagle” at Fenton before he went to Aht down to to-day, but his ability is an unknown quantity to me”

Desmond O'Connor heard this remark with considerable interest

”Do you also know Gerard?” he asked

”Never heard the name”