CHAPTER II.
ON THE TRAIL.
As soon as Wetherell was able to speak again he said as feebly as an old man of ninety, "Take me home, Mr. Hatteras, take me home, and let us think out together there what is best to be done to rescue my poor child."
The Governor rose to his feet and gave him his arm.
"I think you're right, Mr. Wetherell," he said. "It is of course just probable that you will find your daughter at her home when you arrive. God grant she may be! But in case she is not I will communicate all I know to the Police Commissioner on his arrival, and send him and his officers on to you. We must lose no time if we wish to stop these scoundrels." Then turning to me, he continued: "Mr. Hatteras, it is by your promptness that we are able to take such early steps. I shall depend upon your further assistance in this matter."
"You may do so with perfect confidence, my lord," I answered. "If you knew all you would understand that I am more anxious perhaps than even you are to discover the whereabouts of the young lady and my unfortunate friend."
If his Excellency thought anything he did not give utterance to it, and Mr. Wetherell's carriage being at the door we went out to it without another word. As
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