Such a man as Barry Tuxford was quickly missed in the circles he frequented in Sydney, and twenty-four hours had not elapsed since his departure, when Jack¹ Redland was bombarded with questions as to his whereabouts. He found some difficulty in answering them, but parried thrusts in such a clever manner as would have aroused Barry's enthusiasm. It was with Joel Kenley he had most difficulty. Barry's instructions were clear: "Tell no one where I have gone." This, of course, included the trainer, although Barry had probably not meant such to be the case. At first Jack was inclined to tell him everything, but on second thoughts abandoned the idea.  
He explained, as well as he could, that Barry had been suddenly called away on business of importance and might not be back for some weeks, also that he had left him in sole charge of the horses.
 
"It seems strange," said Joel. "He might have told me he was leaving Sydney."
 
"He had no time," replied Jack, "or I am sure he would have done so. I quite understand your thinking it a strange proceeding², but I hope you have confidence enough in me to act as we may think best."
 
"Certainly I have," replied Joel. "I know more of you than Mr. Tuxford, but naturally my curiosity is roused, and I should like to know where he is; however, if you are not at liberty to tell me it makes little difference."
 
"Do me a favour," said Jack. "Ask no more questions about him, and whatever you think keep it to yourself."
 
This the trainer promised to do, and Jack said that in due time he should be placed in possession of all the facts concerning Barry's sudden disappearance³. They then discussed the coming racing⁴ season, and finally decided⁵ Jack should ride Lucky Boy in the Welter race at Rosehill.
 
This was to be run on the following Saturday, and some very fair horses were entered. The race was for amateur riders, approved by the Stewards⁶, and professionals were allowed to be put up with seven pounds extra.
 
Lucky Boy had done well during the short time he had been at Randwick, and Joel Kenley commenced to think he was a much better horse than he anticipated. The Rosehill Welter would give him a good line to go upon. He did not expect the horse would win, and candidly⁷ said so to Jack, but he expected him to make a creditable display.
 
"It will be a good mount for you at any rate," he said, "and you can keep your eyes open and see what the others are doing."
 
There was a big crowd at the popular suburban⁸ course, and when the Rosehill Handicap had been decided, the Welter was the next race on the card.
 
Considerable curiosity was aroused as to how the new arrival from Western Australia would shape, and also as lo how Jack Redland would handle him. He had decided to ride in Barry Tuxford's colours, cherry jacket, white sleeves, because he was anxious Sir Lester's jacket should be on a winner the first time they were out, and Lucky Boy did not hold a first class chance.
 
Where was Barry Tuxford, the owner of Lucky Boy? This was a question freely asked, but no answer was forthcoming. During his visit to Sydney, Barry had somewhat astonished the mining speculators by the cleverness of his transactions, and on more than one occasion it had been a question of the biter being bitten.
 
The popular opinion, amongst these men, was not very wide of the mark. They thought he had gone away to prospect⁹, or to examine some new land up country, but they did not know he had sailed for Fremantle.
 
Had there been the slightest inkling as to Barry's destination, and the reason for his journey, there would have been a ferment¹⁰ of excitement, and probably a rush by the next boat to follow on his trail.
 
Abe Moss¹¹ put the question straight to Jack.
 
"Where's Barry Tuxford?" he asked. "You may as well tell me, I am sure to find out in time."
 
"Then you can wait for that time," said Jack, "for you will gain no information from me."
 
"Precious clever you think yourselves, no doubt," growled¹² Abe. "Did he tell you before he left that I was to be 'in the know' when your horses were having a try?"
 
"Our horses always try, no matter what yours may do," replied Jack.
 
Abe Moss laughed as he said—
 
"Oh, yes, we all know that. You are perfect saints in Western Australia, too good for this earth. Has Lucky Boy a chance to-day?" he asked, as though he had a perfect right to put the question.
 
Jack was irritated at the tone, and the man's impudence¹³, or he would probably have given him a different reply. As it was he said—
 
"He has a very good chance."
 
"Worth backing?" asked Abe.
 
"Please yourself," said Jack, as he walked away, inwardly hoping Abe Moss would lose his money, or fail to back Lucky Boy if he won.
 
There were eight runners, and of this lot Random¹⁴ was a very hot favourite at evens, and as Smith had put up seven pounds extra to ride him the race was booked a good thing for him.
 
Random was a very useful horse, and more than once, when he had beaten Black Boy, Joel Kenley thought the latter could have won.
 
He took Jack aside before the saddling bell rang, and said—
 
"Watch Random closely, stick to him all the way. I do not think you can beat him, but I want to find out what Lucky Boy can do with him."
 
"Is there any other horse in the race to fear?" asked Jack.
 
"Only The Spot, and perhaps Tell Tale."
 
It was Jack's first appearance on an Australian course, and he was naturally anxious to create a favourable¹⁵ impression. Joel had told him that colonial riders had a very poor opinion of "new chums" in the saddle, and added—
 
"But I think you will cause them to change their opinion before the day is over."
 
Although Joel thought Lucky B............