"Because I want to set Kaituna's mind at rest. The poor girl is worrying herself about the affair; and if I can find out and punish the assassin of her father, it will give her great relief." There was again a short silence, and then Archie went on speaking: "You see now, my dear lad, why I wish you to help me in this. I cannot do both things myself at the same time; for if I go to Melbourne, the murderer of Sir Rupert may escape; and if I stay and hunt for him, the mine may turn out a success, and no one will be there to look after Kaituna's interests." "Does Kaituna know all your ideas," asked Toby, thoughtfully. "Yes; and approves of them. So does Mrs. Belswin. You see, as she has been such a good friend to Kaituna, I had to tell her everything." "Of course; quite right," responded Toby, heartily. "Well, old fellow, I'll tell you what. Some time ago _The Weekly Scorpion_ spoke to me about taking a trip out to Australia, and writing up the colonies; so if I accept that, I'll combine pleasure and business." "That would be capital," said Archie, with a sigh of relief; "for to tell you the truth, Toby, I was rather anxious about the money for you to go with. Kaituna has none. I can't ask Mrs. Belswin; so I would have had to find it myself." "Archibald Maxwell," said Clendon, wrathfully, "do you mean to say that you thought I would have been such a mean wretch as to let you find all the expenses of my voyage?" "Well, I couldn't ask you to give your time and money also." "Oh, couldn't you? Don't be an ass, old chap. Had I gone without the _Scorpion_ chips, I would have halved the ex's; but this newspaper business cuts the Gordion knot. All I have got to do is to accept their offer, and I shall get all my expenses paid, and a jolly good price for my articles into the bargain, which cash can go to hurry up my marriage." "Well; will you go?" "As far as I can see at present, yes," replied Toby, quickly; "but I must speak to Tommy and the pater." "They may object," said Maxwell, dolefully. "Oh, no, they won't," retorted Clendon, gaily. "Bless you, a trip to Australia is nothing nowadays. I could do it on my head. And I will too, considering it's at the Antipodes." Archie rose to his feet with a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad there is a chance of your doing what I ask you," he said gratefully. "It all depends upon the home authorities," replied Clendon, judiciously; "but I think you can set your mind at rest, old fellow. I'll go home to-morrow, and wire you result of inquiries. I think you can pretty well rely on everything being fixed up beautifully." "You're a good fellow, Toby." "I am! I am! My friends don't know half my virtues. But about this detective business of yours, Archie, I'm afraid you won't find out anything." "I'll try, at all events. 'Nothing is done without trying.'" "Oh, if you're going in for copy-book maxims, I've nothing more to say." CHAPTER XXII. MRS. BELSWIN CONSIDERS WAYS AND MEANS.