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196 father. "It is a good suggestion. I will hire some private detectives to help in the search."

"And I'll do all I can," said William, whose story had been told to Mr. Wilding.

"My poor boy," Ned's father murmured. "I wonder where he can be."

"Don't you fret!" exclaimed William. "We'll find him for you," and he spoke so hopefully that Mr. Wilding smiled for the first time since he had left home.

It was arranged that he would stay at a hotel near police headquarters while the four boys would remain at the Imperial as there was a bare chance Ned would return.

"Now here's where I get busy," declared William, as they left the police station.