The dark labyrinth of crime was closing upon his steps, and he knew not the end which lay before him. But Augustus Horton was ignorant of the darker crimes which had left their foul stain upon the lawyer's life. He knew him to be an unscrupulous rogue, and associated with him because he was useful. The first step taken by the two men was to communicate with the police, informing them of the abduction of Cora, and offering a large reward for the apprehension of the fugitives. This done, Silas Craig told his employer of the advertisement which had been inserted in that day's paper, the advertisement which cleared the character of Paul Lisimon, and described the whole affair of the robbery as a practical joke. His rage and mortification knew no bounds. He declared that he had been fooled, duped, played with, by Silas Craig; and demanded what right the lawyer had to serve him in this manner. "Scoundrel!" he said; "you have been bribed by Camillia Moraquitos; that Spanish woman has paid you to betray me." "You have no need to call hard names, Mr. Horton," answered Silas; "I have been paid by no one. It was necessary to my own welfare to do this; and I have done it. Think yourself lucky that I did not betray you, and let the worthy citizens of New Orleans know your share in the transaction." Augustus Horton's cheeks and brow flushed purple with suppressed rage. He felt that he was in the attorney's power; and that a word from Silas might blast his name forever. "Come," he said; "the business is done, it seems; it is therefore too late to talk of it. My first task must be to find this Octoroon and her lover." "True. Every moment is of value to us if we are not to let them escape." "Escape!" cried Augustus, furiously; "I would sooner perish in the attempt to overtake them." "Come, then! the St. Louis packet starts in ten minutes from this time. They may take that opportunity of leaving the city." The two men hurried to the quay; but they were too late; the steamer had started half an hour earlier than the time mentioned by Silas Craig. They made inquiries of the clerks about the pier, but no one seemed able to give them any information. As they were leaving the quay, Silas Craig uttered an exclamation of astonishment on recognizing the lanky figure of William Bowen, who was advancing toward them at a leisurely pace. The overseer wore a broad-brimmed straw hat, and the light linen coat and trousers customary throughout Louisiana. "You here, William?" exclaimed Silas, with surprise; "I thought you were at Iberville, where I left you in charge of my plantation." Bowen laughed, and glanced with rather a peculiar expression at the attorney. "I know you did," he said; "but you see I've left those parts. I guess I wrote you a letter, Mr. Craig, a week or two ago." "You did." "In which I asked you the loan of a thousand dollars?" "Why, yes." "And I guess you refused 'em?" The attorney bit his lip, and glanced from Augustus to Bowen.