Ned had half a mind to invest another hundred dollars, but he thought he had better write to his father first. Then, with the precious certificate in his pocket, he started for his uncle’s house, planning to stop on the way and order his trunk sent up.
CHAPTER XV
IN TROUBLE
By inquiring from a policeman Ned found which elevated road to take in order to get to his uncle’s residence. As he found the station was close to the office of the oil company, he decided he would go direct to Mr. Kenfield’s home and arrange later to have his trunk sent up. He knew his uncle had a telephone, and thought the baggage could be sent for by an order over the wire. This would save him a long trip back to the station.
When Ned reached the address on West Forty-fourth street he was admitted by a maid, who asked him whom he wished to see.
“Is my uncle in?” asked Ned.
“Oh, so you’re the little lad from Darewell,” the girl exclaimed, with a smile, though Ned did not think he quite came under the category of “little.” The maid asked him to come in and, as soon as he entered the hall, he saw that the place was in confusion. Several trunks stood about, some half full, others empty, while on chairs and sofas in the reception hall and parlor were piles of clothing.
“Is anything the matter?” asked Ned.