at Gerelda was not with Captain Frazier, and
that he, poor fellow, was entirely innocent of her whereabouts."

Hubert Varrick was greatly amazed at this intelligence; but before he
could make any remark Maillard went on quickly:

"We received a long letter from an old nurse who used to be in Gerelda's
family years ago. It was written at my cousin's dictation. She had been
very ill, the letter says; and in it she goes on to tell the wonderful
story of what caused her disappearance.

"She says that during your momentary absence for a glass of wine, she
was abducted by a daring robber, who wished to secure the diamonds she
wore, and hold her as well for a heavy ransom; that, all in an instant,
while she awaited your return, she was chloroformed, a black cloak
thrown over her, and the last thing she was conscious of was being borne
with lightning-like rapidity down a ladder, a strong pair of burly arms
encircling her.

"The night wind blowing on her face soon revived her; then she became
conscious that she was in a hack, and being rapidly driven along a
country road.

"'We are far enough away now,' she heard a voice say; and at that moment
the vehicle came to a sudden stop. She was lifted out, the stifling
folds of the cloak were withdrawn from about her, the jewels she wore
were torn from her ears and breast, and from the coils of her hair the
diamond arrows, which fastened her bridal-veil, and the next instant
her inhuman abductor, having secured the jewels, flung her into the
deep, dark, rushing river, then drove rapidly away, all heedless of her
wild cries for help.

"A Canadian fisherman, happening along in his boat just when she was
giving up the struggle for life rescued her. He took her to his humble
cot and to his aged mother, and under that roof she lay, racked with
brain-fever, for many weeks.

"With the return of consciousness, she realized all that had transpired.

"Fearing the shock to you both, she had these people take her to an old
nurse who happened to live in that vicinity, and this woman soon brought
her back to something like health and strength. Then Gerelda had the
woman write a long letter to me, telling me all, and bidding me break
the news gently to her mother and you. The letter ends by saying:

"'By the time it was received she would be at home, and bid me hasten to
you with the wonderful intelligence, and bid you come to her quickly,
for her heart was breaking for a sight of you--her b