e greatest importance," I answered; "but one other
thing first. Call up your housekeeper, and tell her you have reason to
believe that one of the maids is not in the house. Warn her not to
mention you in the matter, but to discharge the girl before breakfast.
By the time you've done that I'll have changed my things and be ready to
tell you everything."

"I'll go and rouse her at once; I'm all impatience to know what you have
discovered."

He left me and passed through the green baize door to the servants'
wing; while I went to my bedroom and changed my things. This done, I
passed into the study, where I found a meal awaiting me. To this I did
ample justice, for my long walk and the excitement of the evening had
given me an unusual appetite.

Just as I was cutting myself a third slice of beef Mr. Wetherell
returned, and informed me that the housekeeper was on the alert, and
would receive the girl on her reappearance.

"Now tell me of your doings," said the old gentleman.

I thereupon narrated all that had occurred, and when I had finished, he
said:--

"Do you believe then that my poor girl has been carried off by Nikola to
this island called Pipa Lannu?"

"I do."

"Well, then, what are we to do to rescue her? Shall, I ask the
Government to send a gunboat down?"

"If you think it best; but, for my own part, I must own I should act
independently of them. You don't want to make a big sensation, I
presume; and remember, to arrest Nikola would be to open the whole
affair."

"Then what do you propose?"

"I propose," I answered, "that we charter a small schooner, fit her out,
select half a dozen trustworthy and silent men, and then take our
departure for Pipa Lannu. I am well acquainted with the island, and,
what's more, I hold a master's certificate. We would sail in after dark,
arm all our party thoroughly, and go ashore. I expect they will be
keeping your daughter a prisoner in a hut. If that is so, we will
surround it and rescue her without any trouble, and, what is better
still, without any public scandal. What do you think?"

"I quite agree with what you say. I think it's an excellent idea; and,
while you've been speaking, I too have been thinking of something.
There's my old friend McMurtough, who has a nice steam yacht. I'm sure
he'd be willing to let us have the use of her."

"Where does he live?--far from here?"

"His office would be best; we'll go over and see him directly after
breakfast if you l