Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/205

Rh They went into an anteroom and found Mr. Wilding. He had been in New York since early Thursday morning, but had been unable to locate the boys, since the finding of William in the snow had taken from the minds of the three chums all thoughts of sending the telegram to Darewell, telling Ned's father of their address.

"I knew there was something we should have attended to, but I couldn't think what it was," Bart exclaimed.

"Have you any news?" asked Mr. Wilding eagerly after explaining he had obtained the address of the chums from the police sergeant who offered to telephone to them.

"Just a little," replied Fenn and he told of the finding of Ned's valise. Then all went over the situation, but the prospect seemed no brighter than ever.

"I'll tell you what we ought to do," declared William.

"What?" asked Mr. Wilding anxiously.

"We ought to make a regular search of all the lodging houses and other places. I've slept in lots of 'em. That's where men and boys go when they have only a little money, and I guess your son hadn't much when he lost his valise."

"I believe you're right!" exclaimed Ned's