CHAPTER XVI
ADRIFT IN NEW YORK
Puzzled, worried and not a little frightened at what the outcome of his investment might be, Ned boarded an elevated train for his aunt’s home. He was sure the inspector had referred to him, and, though he knew he had done nothing wrong, yet he admitted he was ignorant of the laws regarding stocks and bonds, and might have, unknowingly, acted illegally.
He had read of cases where the stockholders in a fraudulent concern were liable for the corporation’s debts, and, in fancy, he saw a suit started against himself. As he was a minor he thought his father would have to stand the damage. Poor Ned was in a highly nervous state when he went up the steps of his aunt’s home.
He began to imagine there might be a policeman waiting for him in the hall. He looked around as he reached the front door, expecting to see a blue-coated officer close at his heels. That there was a general alarm sent out for him he felt positive.
Something in Mary’s manner, as she opened the door in response to his ring, told him there was trouble in the house. The girl’s eyes showed she had been crying.
“Oh, Master Ned!” she exclaimed as he entered. “Isn’t it awful! To think of the trouble!”
“Why, how did you hear?” asked the boy, wondering if in the parlor there was an officer to arrest him.