Page:The New Arcadia (Tucker).djvu/103

Rh from Melbourne. The telephone shows a great gap in the fence—a fire perhaps—and some trees fallen."

"Do you mean to say you can telephone all about the place?"

"As readily as in a city. The top wire of all the fences outside, and of some cross ones, like this, are rendered continuous."

"But there must be many breaks."

"No; a slight connecting wire carries the current round the straining-post—such as that one there; do you see?"

In a few moments the head of the lake was reached. Handing the reins to his companion, Travers began inspecting the dam, while Gwyneth surveyed the scene and chatted with Willie. The lad, restrained hereto by Travers' presence, opened his heart as to the beauties of the place—the new life, and the telephone, that seemed to impress him much. There was only one trouble, he was no nearer finding his father.

"I wish I could go and look for him, miss."

"But you would not leave me and Mimosa Vale?"

"No; but I'd like some one belonging to me, in all the world."

"So I have caught you, have I?" said a voice from behind, as a man, with a gun across his shoulder, stood before them. Gwyneth started involuntarily.

"Oh, it's only Dick," said the girl, recognizing her quondam lover. "You quite startled me. What brings you here?"

"Rabbits!" was the laconic reply; "but I didn't expect to meet lovers."

"I do not know what you mean," replied the girl, reddening.