'Lina had stated distinctly that ere coming to Kentucky, he was going to Terrace Hill, and Adah's last letter had said the same.

She would see him then, and if--if he were George--alas! for the unsuspecting girl who fluttered gayly in the midst of her bridal finery, and wished the time would come when she could "escape from that hole, and go back to dear, delightful Fifth Avenue Hotel." The time which hung so heavily upon her hands was flying rapidly, and at last only one week intervened ere the eventful day.

Hugh had gone down to Frankfort on some errand for 'Lina, and as he passed the penitentiary, he thought, as he always did now, of the convict Sullivan.
Was he there still, and if so, why could he not see him face to face, and question him of the past?
Three hours later and Hugh Worthington was confronting the famous negro stealer, who gave him back glance for glance, and stood as unflinchingly before him as if there were upon his conscience no Adah Hastings, who, by his connivance, had been so terribly wronged.

At the mention of her name, however, his bold assurance left him.

There was a quivering of the muscles about his mouth, and his whole manner was indicative of strong emotion as he asked if Hugh knew aught of her since that fatal night, and then listened while Hugh told what he knew and where she had gone.
"To Terrace Hill--into the Richards family; this was no chance arrangement ?" and the convict spoke huskily, asking next for the doctor; and still Hugh did not suspect the magnitude of the plot, and answered by telling how Dr.Richards was coming soon to make 'Lina his wife.
Hugh was not looking at his companion then, or he would have been appalled by the livid, fearful expression which for an instant flashed on his face.