“I cannot tell you.”

“But this is absurd!” cried Louise.  “You cannot deceive me for long.  I know this is Diana Von Taer’s house, and I shall hold Diana Von Taer responsible for this enforced imprisonment.”

“That,” said Madame Cerise, coldly, “is a matter of indifference to me.  But ma’m’selle must understand one thing, she must not leave this house.”

“Oh, indeed!”

“At least, until the weather moderates,” added the woman, more mildly.

She picked up the tray, went to the door and passed out.  Louise heard the key click in the lock.

CHAPTER XVII

THE MYSTERY DEEPENS

Uncle John was both astounded and indignant that so bold and unlawful an act as the abduction of his own niece could have been perpetrated in the heart of New York and directly under the eyes of the police.  Urged by the Major, Mr. Merrick was at first inclined to allow Arthur Weldon to prosecute the affair and undertake the recovery of the girl, being assured this would easily be accomplished and conceding the fact that no one had a stronger interest in solving the mystery of Louise’s disappearance than young Weldon.  But when midday arrived and no trace of the young girl had yet been obtained the little millionaire assumed an important and decisive air and hurried down town to “take a hand in the game” himself.

After a long interview with the Chief of Detectives, Mr. Merrick said impressively: 

“Now, understand, sir; not a hint of this to the newspaper folks.  I won’t have any scandal attached to the poor child if I can help it.  Set your whole force to work—­at once!—­but impress them with the need of secrecy.  My offer is fair and square.  I’ll give a reward of ten thousand dollars if Miss Merrick is discovered within twenty-four hours; nine thousand if she’s found during the next twenty-four hours; and so on, deducting a thousand for each day of delay.  That’s for the officer who finds her.  For yourself, sir, I intend to express my gratitude as liberally as the service will allow me to.  Is this all clear and above-board?”

“It is perfectly clear, Mr. Merrick.”

“The child must be found—­and found blamed quick, too!  Great Caesar!  Can a simple affair like this baffle your splendid metropolitan force?”

“Not for long, Mr. Merrick, believe me.”

But this assurance proved optimistic.  Day by day crept by without a clew to the missing girl being discovered; without development of any sort.  The Inspector informed Mr. Merrick that “it began to look like a mystery.”

Arthur, even after several sleepless nights, still retained his courage.

“I’m on the right track, sir,” he told Uncle John.  “The delay is annoying, but not at all dangerous.  So long as Fogerty holds fast to Mershone Louise is safe, wherever she may be.”

“Mershone may have nothing to do with the case.”