"It makes no difference," was the reply of the daughter, in clear, ringing tones. "I come here because I choose to come. Knowing you as I do, father, I have long since ceased to love you. Can you then expect me to obey?"
"I'll find means to force obedience if you don't give it willingly. What do you want?"
"To know what you have done with Frank Mansfield."
"Impertinent jade! Why do you come to inquire of the movements of that young rascal from me? I have told you already that I know nothing of him at all. His companions, the bank robbers, could tell you, perhaps. Hunt them out and ask them."
"I am convinced from the remark you let fall in my presence last night that you know more of Frank than you choose to tell. He left me to come to you for the purpose of asking your consent to our marriage, and has not been seen since. What have you done with him, I ask again?"
"Oh, yes, he has. You forgot the trifling fact that your beloved was caught in the act of robbing the Webster Bank."
"I don't believe it—I will never believe it. I demand to know what you have done with Frank. I know only too well that it is for your interest to put him out of the way."
"You are a silly fool!" the voice of the father was heard to angrily exclaim. "Go back to your dolls and your playthings. If I catch you here again I will lock you up on bread and water for a month."
To this speech there was no reply, but at the same instant the door of the office opened.
The disguised listener drew hurriedly back.