In this he failed also, and had just begun his homeward journey when he was met by the party which Soa despatched, and heard the terrible tidings of the abduction of his daughter by Pereira.

It was nightfall when the messengers arrived, and too dark to travel.
For a while Mr.Rodd sat brooding over the news of this crushing disaster, perhaps the most fearful that could come to a father's ears; then he did what he was but too prone to do--flew for refuge to the bottle.
When he had drunk enough to destroy his judgment, he rose, and insisted upon continuing their march through the inky darkness of the night.

In vain did his men remonstrate, saying that the road was rocky and full of danger.

He would take no denial; indeed, he vowed that if they refused to come he would shoot them.

So they started, Mr.Rodd leading the way, while his people stumbled after him through trees and over rocks as best they might.
The march was not a long one, however, for presently the men heard an oath and a crash, and their master vanished; nor could they find him till the dawn came to give them light.