Volume I: Chapters XII - XIV Summary

XII - Still Missing

George is not at Robert's flat in London as Robert expected. Believing that only one other attraction could attract George, Robert immediately goes to visit George's son and father-in-law. George's father-in-law tells Robert that George did stop by the previous night to say goodbye to his sleeping son, because George intends to return to Australia, never to return to England. Robert is puzzled that George did not bother to tell him about his plans to leave England. Then Robert discovers the charred remains of a telegram that seems to confirm the old captain's words, and yet cause some vague suspicion.

XIII - Troubled Dreams

Acting on the information from the charred telegram, Robert checks out all ships having sailed for Australia and comes to the conclusion that George Talboys...