only by the
solitary echoes of the wilderness.

Again he returned to the house, traversed the rooms, there also calling
on the name of Melissa: his voice reverberated from the walls, dying
away in solemn murmurs in the distant empty apartments. Thus did he
continue his anxious scrutiny, alternately in the house and the
enclosure, until day--but no traces could be discovered, nothing seen or
heard of Melissa. What had become of her he could not form the most
distant conjecture. Nothing was removed from the house; the beds, the
chairs, the table, all the furniture remained in the same condition as
when he was there the night before;--the candle, as had been agreed
upon, was at the window, and another was burning on the table:--it was
therefore evident that she could not have been long gone when he
arrived. By what means she had thus suddenly disappeared, was a most
deep and inscrutable mystery.

When the sun had arisen, he once more repeated his inquisitive search,
but with the same effect. He then, in extreme vexation and
disappointment, flung himself into the sedan, and drove from the
mansion. Frequently did he look back at the building, anxiously did he
scrutinize every surrounding and receding object. A thrill of pensive
recollection vibrated through his frame as he passed the gate, and the
keen agonizing pangs of blasted hope, pierced his heart, as his carriage
rolled over the bridge.

Once more he cast a "longing, lingering look" upon the premises behind,
sacred only for the treasure they lately possessed; then sunk backward
in his seat, and was dragged slowly away.

* * * * *

Alonzo had understood from Melissa, that John's hut was situated about
one mile north from the mansion where she had been confined. When he
came out near the road, he left his horse and carriage, after securing
them, and went in search of it.--He soon discovered it, and knew it from
the description given thereof by Melissa.--He went up and knocked at the
door, which was opened by John, whom Alonzo also knew, from the portrait
Melissa had drawn of him.

John started in amazement. "Understanding, said Alonzo, that you have
the charge of the old mansion in yonder field, I have come to know if
you can inform me what has become of the young lady who has been
confined there."

"Confined! answered John, I did not know she was confined."

Recollecting himself, "I mean the young lady who has lately resided
the