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192 me," John added, but the chums were too anxious to keep on with their search to accept, and, bidding the "warbler" good-bye they kept on.

They got back to their rooms at noon, to find that William Perry was up and dressed, and impatient to go out.

"I want to begin to help you," he said. "Did you see the clerk when you came in?"

"No. Why?" asked Fenn.

"He's anxious to tell you something. Says they opened a valise a fellow left here and he thinks it might contain a clew that would help you."

"Maybe it's about Ned," suggested Bart. "Come on fellows."

"What did you say the name of your missing friend was?" the clerk asked them, as the three chums hurried down to his desk.

"Ned Wilding," answered Frank. "Why?"

"You remember me telling you about that fellow who slipped down the fire escape rope and lost his valise?" the clerk asked. The boys said they did. Well, we opened it to-day, and the collars are marked 'N. W.' I thought it might be a tip for you."

"Let's see the things in the satchel," suggested Fenn.