They shook it, they rapped, they called, all in vain.

Dead silence reigned.
"Force the door!" exclaimed Carl Walraven, hoarsely.
Strong men forced it.

There was a rush in, a recoil, a cry of consternation, for the apartment was empty; the bird had flown.
How the search began no one ever knew, but begin it did.

The house was hunted from top to bottom; still in vain.

Not a trace of the bride could be found.
The wedding party dispersed in wild confusion, but the search went on.
Through the night it lasted; but morning broke, and still no trace.