At this stage the detective, who had retained his grip of Dick's wrist, whispered: 'You can go now, but you must take a message from me to Harry Hardy.

Go straight to his house and say, 'Downy says 'Ready.'' Can I trust you ?' Dick nodded.
You're a plucky lad,' said Downy, 'and I'll take your word.

Off you go, but make no noise.' Dick crept quietly along the grass till he was well beyond hearing, and then ran down by Wilson's ploughed land and out into the open country.

He understood that the career of Joe Rogers as a gold-stealer was drawing to a close, and the knowledge brought him a certain sense of relief in spite of the fact that he quite realised Shine's danger, and was more than ever devoted to the searcher's daughter, more than ever pleased with the idea of her hearing some day how faithful and bold he had been, how true a knight to his liege lady.
He burst into the room where Mrs.Hardy and Harry and Mrs.Haddon were seated, hatless and breathless, and filled his friends with alarm.
'Please, Harry, Downy says 'Ready!'' blurted Dick.
Harry sprang to his feet and made for the door.
'That mens he's discovered something important, mother.' he said as he passed out.
Dick followed, leaving the women astonished and curious, slipped away around the fence enclosing Harry's home, and made off towards the other end of the township.

His intention was to warn Ephraim Shine of the danger that threatened.