Between them, when they had brought Lydia round, Mrs. Borrn and Rod Bunker dragged the truth out of her. She was by no means contrite. She was sullen and resentful, especially against Rod Bunker, who had stepped in and unwittingly spoiled her little plans before she had time to get away. She had thought it probable that Egbert Rhea would not see Australia again; she had not thought it possible that he would marry Esther Borrn and be on his way home so soon.
The first version she had given of the marriage certificate was the true one. She was the wife--now the widow--of Ellis Rhea. Esther had been a friend to her, and, knowing her secret, had helped and shielded her. They were much together in Brisbane and elsewhere; but Esther had not been in the caves, and knew nothing of the boy being there.
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