"Walk in," said Mr. Watson, opening the door.
"Walk in!" repeated Augustus, in stern tones.
Dock followed the merchant into the dining-room, closely attended by his guard.
"Vincent!" exclaimed Mr. Watson, when he turned to see who his midnight visitor was.
"Yes, sir," replied the steward. "You will pardon me for bringing him here, sir; but I did not know what else to do with him."
"Vincent, where is my daughter?" demanded the merchant, earnestly.
"She is on her way to Australia," replied Dock, who was now beginning to recover his self-possession, and to measure the consequences of his misfortune.
"I beg to suggest, Mr. Watson, that his reply is a wretched falsehood," interposed the steward. "I heard him tell Mr. Fairfield that his vessel wasn't a great ways from New York."
"In the latitude of New York, I meant merely. Mr. Watson, this man is making a mess of it for you. I made my demand of you by letter. Give me the money, and your daughter shall be restored. If you don't, you will never see her again, whatever may happen to me," said Dock.
"Not a dollar! Not a penny!" replied Mr. Watson, with emphasis.