“That’s so. I nearly forgot,” the clerk added. “You are to go to police headquarters. A message came over the telephone a little while ago.”
“Perhaps they’ve found Ned!” exclaimed Bart for they had left the telephone number of their hotel with the sergeant at headquarters and the official had promised he would telephone if he had any news.
“Hurry up!” cried Fenn. “Perhaps Ned is there waiting for us.”
“I only hope he is,” Frank remarked, and the boys noticed he appeared gloomy and sad.
“Wonder what ails Frank?” asked Bart of Fenn, as they went to their rooms to get their coats and hats.
“A fit of the same old mysteriousness,” replied Stumpy. “Don’t notice him and it will pass over.”
“Let me go to headquarters with you,” begged William. “I want to help.”
“Are you strong enough to go out?” asked Bart. “It’s quite cold.”
“Oh I’m used to that,” and the boy laughed.
“But you—er—you have no overcoat,” said Fenn, wishing when it was too late he had not mentioned it.