"Where has Vic gone, I wonder ?" That young man, however, was having his own trials.

In his search for Maitland he ran across McNish, whom he recognised as Annette's partner in the first dance.
"Hello!" he cried.

"Do you know where Captain Maitland is, by any chance ?" "No, how should I know," replied McNish, in a voice fiercely guttural.
"Oh!" said Vic, somewhat abashed.

"I saw you dance with Annette--with Miss Perrotte--and I thought perhaps you might know where the Captain was." McNish stood glowering at him for a moment or two, then burst forth: "They are awa'-- he's ta'en her awa'." "Away," said Vic.

"Where ?" "To hell for all I ken or care." Then with a single stride McNish was close at his side, gripping his arm with fingers that seemed to reach the bone.
"Ye're a friend o' his.