More than twenty of our friends, in concert with the police, are at work in all conceivable ways to get trace of him, but from the moment he left Mr.Birtwell's he dropped out of sight as completely as if the sea had gone over him.

Up to this time not the smallest clue to this dreadful mystery has been found.

But come, doctor.

Every moment is precious." Doctor Hillhouse drew out his watch.

It was now nearly half-past ten o'clock.