The two turned away, the servant to run downstairs into the basement, and the young man to push his way through the hall to a rear room on the first floor. All this time the guests were arriving in increasing numbers for the reception, but the bride and groom, however, had not yet taken their places in the great parlor, where Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn were already in place. Patsy, watching, saw the servant of Ellison come up the stairs from the basement, leading a man who was carrying his hat with him, and who wore a long cape overcoat. This man was ushered by the valet into a small room at the extreme end of the hall. Then the servant returned to the bridegroom. Together, the two entered this small room, as Patsy could very well see. Only a moment or two elapsed before the stranger, who had called on the bridegroom at such an inopportune time, came out of the room, accompanied by the valet, who led him downstairs into the basement again, and, of course, out of sight. Something occurring at the door attracted Patsy’s attention for a moment, so that he did not see Mr. Ellison emerge from that room. The house was gradually becoming filled, and the ways of the stairs and the hall much crowded. By and by Patsy became conscious that something extraordinary had occurred. In a few moments he saw Nick Carter hurriedly descend the stairs and push his way through the hall into the parlor. While wondering what had occurred, he saw Chick push his way through the hall toward him. Reaching him, Chick bent over and said: “The work has begun, Patsy. Get into that room, the third down on the right.” “They haven’t nipped some of those jewels, have they?” asked Patsy, eagerly. “Oh, no,” said Chick, moving off, “it’s worse than that.” Patsy threaded his way through the throng, and entered the room spoken of by Chick. There he found the bride in hysterics, being cared for by her bridesmaids and an elderly woman, whom he recognized to be Mrs. Sanborn. Nick was already there in close conversation with Mr. Sanborn, and, a moment later, Chick entered. Patsy looked around for some explanation of the singular scene, but could find none. Presently Nick beckoned him, and, as he approached, said: “Perhaps Patsy can tell us something. Mr. Sanborn, this is one of my valued aids, Patsy Murphy.” Mr. Sanborn, extending his hand, took that of Patsy’s, and the young detective felt that it was trembling with agitation. “Patsy,” said Nick, “the bridegroom has mysteriously disappeared. The house has been searched and he cannot be found. Did you see him pass out of the door you were guarding?” “No,” replied Patsy, “he did not pass out of that door.” “Nor did he go out through the door that Chick was guarding,” said Nick. “Say,” said Patsy, “who made the search of the house?” “Some of Mr. Sanborn’s people,” replied Nick, “and a nephew of Mr. Sanborn.” “Say, chief,” said Patsy, “I saw something. Where is Mr. Ellison’s valet?” “What was it you saw?” asked Nick.