They took another look at the tower, though there was little they had not already seen, and then on Stumpy’s invitation to have some hot chocolate they strolled back to the “Emporium.” They found Jim still there, but he seemed to have fallen asleep.
“Put some chocolate near him, and see if he wakes up,” suggested Ned in a whisper.
The clerk, at the boys’ request, placed a glass of the steaming liquid close to Jim’s hand as it rested on the marble counter. Jim opened his eyes, looked at the beverage, glanced at the four chums waiting expectantly and then—closed his eyes again without reaching for the chocolate.
“He’s lost his chance,” Fenn said. “I’ll drink it myself.”
He did so, and, as the boys were leaving, Jim appeared to rouse from his slumber. He seemed to remember the chocolate, for he put out his hand as if to grasp it. His fingers closed on the empty air.
“Did I drink it?” he asked of the chums, who stood laughing at him.
“Must have,” replied Ned.
“I don’t remember,” Jim said, in puzzled tones. “But it’s all right. I’m sleepy to-day. Is the tower still—?” Then the exertion of talking seemed to be too much for him, and he closed his eyes again.
“Come on,” said Ned. “I’ve got to get home and make arrangements for my New York trip.”
“Oh, yes, and I must find out when I can go,” Bart added. “We can have jolly sport there, fellows.”