“I’m used to that too,” William replied.
“Would you mind if we loaned you money enough to get a coat?” asked Bart.
William thought for a moment.
“I’m ever so much obliged to you,” he said. “You’ve done more for me now than I can ever repay.”
“Then a little more won’t hurt,” said Fenn with a laugh.
The overcoat was purchased, and the four boys went to police headquarters.
“Gentleman waiting to see you,” the sergeant said. “Seems terribly upset about something.”
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.