“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 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.