"If we are to tell you all, why do you refuse us your confidence?"
Sir Donald replies:
"When the existence of Alice Webster is clearly proven, and her strange disappearance accounted for, I will explain what you ask."
There is a long pause. The stranger looks into Sir Donald's face fixedly, then grasping his hand, says:
"I will trust you implicitly. We will now find my niece."
The two pass out, down the stairs, and upon the street. The stranger beckons to a cabman. In about half an hour they stop in front of an inn. Giving the driver instructions, the stranger leads the way to a door, which he unlocks. Both enter, and Sir Donald is left with assurance that the man soon will return.
In about fifteen minutes Alice Webster appears, followed by this male enigma. She looks scared and greatly confused.
Sir Donald advances, and with courtesy says:
"I am happy to see you, Alice!"
The girl stammers and sinks back on the sofa. She soon becomes calmer, and presents her uncle, Thomas Webster.