"Come along and keep quiet." As if the whole affair had been premeditated and prearranged a patrol wagon at that instant backed to the curb and in spite of Arthur Weldon's loud protests he was thrust inside with his assailant and at once driven away at a rapid gait.
At the same moment a brown limousine drew up quietly before the entrance.
Louise, appearing in the doorway in her opera cloak, stood hesitating on the steps, peering into the street for Arthur.

A man in livery approached her.
"This way, please, Miss Merrick," he said.

"Mr.Weldon begs you to be seated in the limousine.

He will join you in a moment." With this he led the way to the car and held the door open, while the girl, having no suspicion, entered and sank back wearily upon the seat.
Then the door abruptly slammed, and the man in livery leaped to the seat beside the chauffeur and with a jerk the car darted away.
So sudden and astounding was this _denouement_ that Louise did not even scream.

Indeed, for the moment her wits were dazed.
And now Charlie Mershone stepped from his hiding place and with a satirical smile entered the vestibule and looked at his watch.