That was all, and the night passed with the searchers awaking everyone they knew in turn, but to obtain not the slightest information; and daybreak found the father looking older and greyer by ten years as he stood in his office facing the Resident, the doctor, and Mrs Bolter, and asking what they should do next. "We must have a thorough daylight search," said Mr Harley. "Then the boatmen must all be examined. It hardly appears probable, but Hilton and Chumbley may have proposed a water trip. It seems to us now, cool and thoughtful, a mad proposal, but still it is possible." "Yes, and Helen would not go without my brother to take care of her," said Mrs Bolter, triumphantly, for she had been longing for some explanation of her brother's absence, and this was the first that offered. "Oh, no, Mary," said the doctor, crushing her hopes as he shook his head. "No, Mrs Bolter," said the Resident, slowly; and he seemed to be speaking and thinking deeply the while. "I am sure Miss Perowne could not be guilty of so imprudent an act." "No," said her father, speaking now more boldly and without reserve. "You are right, Harley. Helen loves admiration, but she would not have compromised herself in such a way, neither would Mr Rosebury have given such an act his countenance." The Resident raised his head as if to speak, and then remained silent. "What are you thinking, Harley," said the doctor. "Yes, pray speak out," cried Mrs Bolter. "I am sure we are all only too anxious to find some comfort." "I was thinking of what could have happened to them, for depend upon it they are all together." "Yes," said Mr Perowne; "but you were thinking more than that." "I must think," said the Resident. "I cannot say anything definite now." "Then I know what it is," cried Mrs Bolter. "Will you kindly speak out, madam?" said the old merchant, harshly. "I should be sorry to accuse falsely," said Mrs Bolter, excitedly; "but I was warned of this, and I can't help thinking that someone else is at the bottom of this night's work." "And who's that?" said the doctor, quickly. Mrs Bolter was silent. "Rajah Murad, you mean," said the doctor, quickly; "and he has been waiting his time." "And now strikes at us like a serpent in the dark!" cried Mr Perowne, angrily. "It is the Malay character all over. Heaven help me! My poor girl!" VOLUME TWO, CHAPTER FOUR. MRS BARLOW. Mr Perowne's house was literally besieged the next morning, for the news of the disappearance ran through the little community like wildfire. British and native communities were equally excited; and after snatching an hour's rest at the imperative command of his wife, the doctor was hastily swallowing some breakfast previous to going back to Mr Perowne's, but could hardly get on for interruptions.