ed. That same evening of the
night when they disappeared I heard Paul tell his father of the proposed
boat-ride, but that Oswald and the two girls were going. They agreed
that Paul should trail them and learn what he could. Paul told his
father what he had heard in the park. Both seemed much enraged, but
Pierre Lanier cautioned Paul to be patient and not lose his temper.

"'Whatever happens, he must not marry her!' said Paul.

"'That's right, my boy; but remember the lake, and keep cool. Make no
rash breaks next time.'

"I was present at this conversation, but appeared not to notice their
subdued talk. My curiosity was aroused by their suggestive remarks. I
left about dusk. Soon after, Paul came out. I kept out of his sight, but
watched him closely. He stopped beyond where the boats were. I watched
at a suitable distance. Soon Oswald and Alice came down to the stream,
and procuring a boat, rowed up the river. Paul followed them. Very
curious to know the result, I yet feared for my own safety. If he
intended any violence, I would be safer elsewhere. It would be dangerous
for him to learn that I knew of his crime. He would find an effective
way of silencing a witness. Besides, I might be suspected.

"These thoughts determined me to return. My curiosity was sufficiently
aroused for me to shadow the neighborhood of Paul's room. My own room
was in another block, but where I could see Paul if he came back the
most direct route from the river. Part of the time I sat by the darkened
window, looking out in the direction of the stream; at other times I
strolled up and down the street. Then I would stand in the dark hallway.

"About three hours after his disappearance up the shore of the river I
heard hurried steps, and slipped out into the hallway at entrance of the
stairs and watched. Paul walked rapidly by, and I followed at safe
distance. He soon entered his room. I returned and retired, but felt
that some fearful crime had been committed.

"Next morning I bought daily papers, to learn if anything had happened
to Oswald or Alice. Feeling uneasy, I haunted the neighborhood of
Alice's home, but saw no signs. In the afternoon I visited the point
where the boat had been taken. The keeper remarked:

"'What could have happened to that good-lookin' jay and bloomin'
sweetheart of his'n? I doesn't care how much they spoons, but I wants my
boat.'

"Much excited, I was walking around, wondering what had happened, when
you two we