CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
POLICEMAN JULIUS.
Wildtree Towers had been thrown into a state of unmistakable panic when, at the usual hour of retiring for the night, Percy had not put in an appearance.

His absence at dinner-time agitated no one but his mother; and the search instituted at her bidding began languidly, and with the usual assurance of a speedy discovery.

But as hour passed hour and no tidings came, things began to look serious, and even Walker pulled a long face.
Midnight came, and still no tidings.

Appleby came up to the house for a lantern, but had nothing to report beyond the fact that the search so far had been unsuccessful.

The minutes dragged on for the unhappy watchers.