Guy Boothby

“ Three years after the exodus just narrated, being desirous of extending his political information, Gwynne-Harden set out for Australia with a sheaf of introductions in his despatch-box. Downing Street busied herself on his behalf, and, in consequence, Her Majesty's representatives were politely instructed to yield him all the assistance in their power. It is well to be a Somebody in the land, and, as any Globe Trotter will inform you, a Vice-Regal introduction is a lever by no means to be despised. ”

“ First and foremost it must be understood that when men and women cross the Borderland of Discretion into that Never-never Country, where wedding-rings are forgotten and family correspondence abruptly ceases, they do so, believing it to be unlikely that they will ever meet anyone out of the old life again. ”

“ Therefore, he said he would take Gwynne-Harden under his protection, and enact Gamaliel in his own way.
To this end he lured his victim into a lengthy driving tour through the squatting districts, in order that he might see the backbone of the country for himself and form his own conclusions. The idea was ingenious in the main, but because he had left all consideration of the past out of his calculations, it failed entirely in its purpose. Even Colonial Secretaries are powerless against Fate. ”