There was a momentary pause, and then the machine slowly rolled upon a wooden platform.

A bell clanged, there was a whistle and the sound of revolving water-wheels.

Louise decided they must be upon a ferry-boat, and became alarmed for the first time.
The man in livery now opened the door, as if to reassure her.
"Where are we?
Where is Mr.Weldon ?" enquired the girl, almost hysterically.
"He is on the boat, miss, and will be with you shortly now," replied the man, very respectfully.

"Mr.Weldon is very sorry to have annoyed you, Miss Merrick, but says he will soon explain everything, so that you will understand why he left you." With this he quietly closed the door again, although Louise was eager to ask a dozen more questions.

Prominent was the query why they should be on a ferry-boat instead of going directly home.