Arrived there at last, we took lodgings at a hotel, where I wrote a brief note to my father's partner, in whose hands all the business had been, of course, during our absence, stating a few facts as to our long absence and asking him to attend upon us immediately.

After dispatching this note, I waited in almost breathless expectation, looking every moment to see Mr.Paralette enter.

But hour after hour passed, and no one came.

Then I sent notes to two or three of my father's friends, whom I recollected, but met with no response during the day.

All this strange indifference was incomprehensible to me.