Page:Ned Wilding's Disappearance.djvu/50

40 "My father knows a number of business men and he might get Jane a place in a store."

"Oh, if he only would!" exclaimed the girl. "I do so want to help mother. I must take Willie's place—until he comes back," she added a little sadly.

"My poor boy," Mrs. Perry exclaimed with a sigh. "I wonder if he will have as nice a Thanksgiving dinner as we will, thanks to the generosity of you boys."

"We'll hope so," said Fenn. "So you haven't any idea where he is? "

"Not the least. He used to say he wanted to see New York, as I suppose all boys do. But I hardly believe he is there. I wish I knew where he was. He should come home, pride or not, no matter if he hasn't a cent."

"New York," murmured Ned. "I expect to go there soon. I might see Willie."

"Oh! If you only could!" exclaimed Jane. "Tell him to come home at once. You can easily recognize him. He has a little red scar on his right cheek. He fell and cut himself on a stone when he was a baby."

"New York is a big place," said Mrs. Perry. "You are not very likely to see my boy. But if you should—tell him his mother prays for