It was at this period that Slivers asserted himself--coming forward,
he hinted in an ambiguous sort of way that Villiers had met with
foul play, and that some people had their reasons for wishing to get
rid of him. This was clearly an insinuation against Madame Midas,
but everyone refused to believe such an impossible story, so Slivers
determined to make good his words, and went in search of evidence.
The Wopples Family having left Ballarat, Slivers was unable to see
Mr Theodore Wopples, who had been in Villiers' company on the night
of his disappearance.
Mr Barty Jarper, however, had not yet departed, so Slivers waylaid
him, and asked him in a casual way to drop into his office and have
a drink, with a view of finding out from him all the events of that
night.
Barty was on his way to a lawn tennis party, and was arrayed in a
flannel suit of many colours, with his small, white face nearly
hidden under a large straw hat. Being of a social turn of mind, he
did not refuse Slivers' invitation, but walked into the dusty office
and assisted himself liberally to the whisky.
'Here's fun, old cock!' he said, in a free and easy manner, raising
his glass to his lips; 'may your shadow never be less.'
Slivers hoped devoutly that his shadow never would be less, as that
would involve the loss of several other limbs, which he could ill
spare; so he honoured Mr Jarper's toast with a rasping little laugh,
and prepared to talk.
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