Grand Deceptions. G. S. Willmott
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was stunned. He had just lost £5,000 in one fell swoop.
The game was over, and the players dispersed, leaving only John and Mathew.
‘I can’t believe the odds of a straight flush and a royal flush in one hand. It’s almost impossible,’ lamented John.
‘Maybe it is impossible without cheating.’
‘What do you mean, Mathew? Do you think he cheated?’
‘I’m pretty sure he did. I believe he had cards up his sleeve. I also think that Worthington fellow was part of the ploy.’
‘Why didn’t you say something at the time?’
‘If you make those types of accusations without solid proof you’re likely to get shot. Come with me, John. I’ve got an idea.’
The two men entered Mathew’s apartment and sat in the lounge room.
‘Can I get you a whisky, mate?’
‘Yes, please I think I need a double.’
Mathew poured two generous glasses and sat next to his good friend. ‘I think I know how you can get your money back.’
‘How? Steal it back?’
‘That’s right, we steal it back.’
John stared at him. ‘Are you serious? If we get caught we’ll both end up in gaol.’
‘If we’re smart we won’t.’
‘So, what are you proposing?’
‘Come with me. I’ve got some things to show you.’
Mathew entered his bedroom and gestured to the foot of the bed where there was a large captain’s trunk. He opened it and John couldn’t believe what was in it. There were several long wigs, women’s underwear and various items of outer clothing.
Mathew hastened to explain. ‘When I purchased the hotel, it was what they call WIWO which effectively means everything in the hotel at the date of settlement stays. This trunk was one of the things included.’
‘So, how does this help us get my money back without being caught by the police?’
‘If we’re about to become bushrangers we need to have a bloody good disguise, and if we dress up as women, they will never suspect us.’
‘So, you’re suggesting we dress up as girls and bail up the Cobb & Co coach that Harmsworth will be travelling on to Melbourne.’
‘Yes, that’s exactly what I’m proposing. Once we rob the coach, we change back, and no one will be the wiser.
‘So why would you put yourself at risk for me?’
‘Because I lack adventure in my life and I hate seeing you, my friend, being cheated out of your life’s savings.’
‘Thank you, Mathew, I appreciate it.’
‘Well, I don’t think we have much time to get organised. You need to find out what coach he will be on and his time and day of departure.’
John nodded. ‘I’m sure I can discover his travel details.’
‘I’ll sort out our disguises and have two of my best horses at the ready in the stable.’
John said farewell to his friend and headed back to his cottage in Bradshaw Street to reflect on the incredible events of the evening. If he and Mathew could steal back his money his life would get back to normal; or so he thought.
John knew a fellow who worked for Cobb & Co in Sturt Street, so he walked down to the staging post the next morning and approached his friend.
‘Hello Frank, are you keeping busy?’
‘Always busy John. People coming and going every day.’
‘That’s good, mate. I have a favour to ask of you.’
‘Oh yes, and what’s that?’
‘I am trying to contact a good friend of mine. He told me he intended to return to Melbourne, but I’m not sure if it was tonight or tomorrow.’
‘What’s his name?’
‘Charles Harmsworth.’
‘Hold on. I’ll look up the passenger list.’
Frank scanned the names on the passenger list. ‘Here we are, John, he’s booked to leave for Melbourne at 3 pm today.’
‘Thank you, Frank, much appreciated; I should be able to catch him before he leaves.’
‘My pleasure, and by the way, let’s have a game soon. I’d like the opportunity to win back some of the money you won from me last time we played.’
‘Yes, let’s organise something soon.’
John walked briskly to The Golden Nugget. ‘Mathew, may I have some of your time please?’
Mathew was at the front desk checking the hotel register.
‘Hello John, yes, certainly; come into my office.’
‘I’ve discovered that Harmsworth is due to depart Ballarat by Cobb & Co coach at 3 pm.’
‘Good work! We need to move quickly. Come up to my apartment. I have our disguises ready.’
The two novice bushrangers climbed the stairs to Mathew’s suite. The wigs and clothes were laid out on a Chesterfield lounge.
‘Try this wig, John. It needs to fit your head tightly. We don’t want it falling off while we are in the middle of our dastardly deed.’
John placed the long brown wig made from human hair on his head and shook it furiously; it stayed on.
‘You look rather pretty mate. Now, I’ve created a pair of breasts for each of us to wear.’
Mathew had two tin bowls which he had drilled holes on either side so that a thin rope could pass through and tied at the back. When a shirt was worn over them, they looked like a fine pair of breasts.
Mathew opened his safe and withdrew the wooden box with the two Hollis & Sheath pistols his father had given him. He ensured both were loaded and had sufficient ammunition for the mission.
The two men placed their disguises and weapons in a bag and headed for the stables where their steeds were waiting.
2 pm
Mathew and John had decided on a secluded part of the Melbourne Road about ten miles out of Ballarat. It was heavily wooded, which would allow them to remain out of sight until the last minute.
They arrived at the site at 4 pm estimating the coach would arrive at 5 pm. This gave them plenty of time to get into their disguises, including tin breasts and long wigs. They intended to wear hats and a bandanna as a mask. By the time they dressed, they did look like a couple of female bushrangers.
Mathew decided John had the more convincing female voice. Therefore, it would be John who would do the talking.
They sat on the old log they intended to block the coach with and waited nervously. They knew if things didn’t go to plan they could be arrested or worse still, shot and killed.
‘John, I think I can hear the coach. Quick, mount up and draw your pistol.’
‘This is it, Mathew, good luck mate.’
‘You too John.’
The Cobb & Co coach came into view and the two bushrangers rode into the middle of the road, pistols drawn.
‘Stop, nobody move, or you’ll be shot!’ yelled John.
The coach driver pulled his horses to an abrupt halt and put his hands in the air as did the co-driver.
‘Everybody