midday
Louise heard the key click in the lock . Uncle John was both astounded and indignant that so bold and unlawful an act as the abduction of his own niece could have been perpetrated in the heart of New York and directly under the eyes of the police . Urged by the Major , Mr. Merrick was at first inclined to allow Arthur Weldon to prosecute the affair and undertake the recovery of the girl , being assured this would easily be accomplished and conceding the fact that no one had a stronger interest in solving the mystery of Louise 's disappearance than young Weldon . But when midday arrived and no trace of the young girl had yet been obtained the little millionaire assumed an important and decisive air and hurried down town to `` take a hand in the game '' himself . After a long interview with the Chief of Detectives , Mr. Merrick said impressively : `` Now , understand , sir ; not a hint of this to the newspaper folks . I wo n't have any scandal attached to the poor child if I can help it . Set your whole force to work -- at once !