"I didn't see it, papa: I was out riding at the time."
"But you have heard about it from those who did see it?"
"Yes, sir," the lad answered reluctantly; "but—please, papa, don't ask me what they said."
"Was Lulu at home at the time?"
"Yes, sir."
"Would she be able to tell me all about it, do you think?"
"I haven't seen her, papa, since I came in," Max answered evasively.
The captain sighed. His suspicions had deepened to almost certainty.
"Where is she?" he asked, releasing Max from his embrace, and turning to leave the room.
"I do not know, papa," answered Max.