The night passed peacefully, and all were up bright and early in the morning.
“I am going to town immediately and see if I can learn anything,” said Shirley at the breakfast table.
“You’ll stay right here,” said Mr. Willing decidedly. “I’ll do the looking myself.”
“I’ll go too,” said Leonard.
“Then why can’t we go?” asked Mabel.
“Well,” said Mr. Willing, “I have no objection to your going with Leonard, because he can keep you out of mischief. I am going to start immediately. You can follow as soon you are ready. I’ll meet you at Wilson’s drug store at noon.”
He arose and ordered his horse saddled at once, and before half an hour had passed he was well started on his journey.
It was fully an hour later before the others were ready to start in the large touring car, and by that time Mr. Willing was already in town.
Just as the girls were stepping into the car the distant yard gate opened, and the figure of a little boy came into sight.
Mabel was the first to catch sight of him.