He searched the apartment, but in vain; the portmanteau had disappeared.
He rushed from the room, and to the hall below; the first person he met was Pepita. He inquired of her, if she had met any one carrying a portmanteau.
"A little leather box, massa?"
"Yes, yes."
"Tristan jes carry one out of de house den, massa; Pepita see him," answered the mulattress.
"Which way did he go?" exclaimed Paul, breathless with agitation.
"Out o' door, Massa Paul; to de wood-house, Pepita tink."
Paul waited to hear no more, but rushed to the back premises, amongst which the wood-house was situated.
The wood-house was a rudely constructed building, in which timber was kept for the stoves. As Paul approached the door, he perceived wreaths of pale blue smoke issuing from the crevices in the wood work.
This smoke indicated the burning of timber in the hut. Paul tried to open the door, but it was bolted on the inside. He flung himself with all his force against it, but it resisted his efforts.