“The very place to which he would have gone!” cried Atkins. “Where is it?” “I don’t know,” confessed Rufus. “You see my father never talked of his affairs to me. In fact, I never lived with him. I was always at school, and we were more like strangers, or master and serf, than like father and son. His property may be in Wales, and it may be elsewhere. I believe there are mountains near it or around it, but I am not sure. Indeed, my lord, almost any one who ever knew my father can tell you more about his affairs than I can.” Rufus spoke with a plain sincerity that convinced his hearers of his truthfulness. “We have had our journey to Scotland for nothing,” said Atkins. Ryan looked crestfallen. “We will detain you no longer, Rufus,” said Lord Towyn, a shadow darkening his fair and noble face. “Make our excuses to your bride for taking you from her so soon after your marriage, and accept our best wishes for your future prosperity and happiness. And now good-morning.” With an exchange of courtesies and friendly greetings the party broke up, Rufus Black returning to his young wife and her wondering friends, to make all necessary apologies for his absence from them, and Lord Towyn and his companions making their way into the street. “What are we to do now?” demanded the young earl, as they paused at the open door of the cab. Sir Harold looked at his daughter’s lover with haggard eyes. “I am worn out with excitement and fatigue,” said the baronet, in a low, weary voice. “I will go back to the hotel and lie down. I must not become worn out. Heaven knows I shall need all my strength.” “And you, Atkins?” said Lord Towyn. “I shall try to catch a nap also,” said the solicitor gloomily. “I’m tired too. I can’t stand it to go banging back to Kent by the first south-bound train.” “And you, Ryan?” asked the earl. “I don’t know,” said the detective. “I want to think over what has happened, and see if I can get any new ideas.” He raised his hat, and walked away. “I’ll take a stroll about the town, Sir Harold,” said the earl. “I feel strangely restless, and not at all sleepy. I slept very well last night on the train--as well as I have slept since Neva disappeared. I’ll meet you and Atkins in our sitting-room at the Railway Hotel by four o’clock.” Sir Harold and Atkins entered the cab, and were driven to their hotel. The young earl watched the cab until it disappeared from sight, and then he walked down the street, idly taking his way toward the river. The wind blew strong and fiercely--a very winter wind, as cold and keen as if it blew directly from the North pole, and having suggestions of icebergs in it. The young earl shivered, and drew up his coat collar. “Pretty weather for this season,” he muttered. “The gale of night before last has not quite blown itself out, and is giving us a few parting puffs.”