Mary Louise and her Danny came immediately to Ursula as soon as the news of Philip was telephoned to them by Irene. They, too, insisted upon taking the Elletts home with them, but Ursula still was determined upon staying in her own home. Elizabeth Wright appeared on the wings of the wind and eager to do anything possible for the girl whom she had learned to love and respect.
“And dear Philip,” she cried, with tears running down her cheeks, “you know how much I loved him, Ursula. I didn’t mean to say loved him—I mean love him. We are going to have him back with us in no time.”
Captain Charlie Lonsdale telephoned from police headquarters that no stone was being left unturned in the search for the child and Bob Dulaney came twice within an hour to find out if any news had been received by Ursula and to assure her that he was getting busy.
The day passed, as days do, whether they be gay or sad. At dusk a boy brought two telegrams for Ursula, one from Josie and one from Teddy Trask.
Josie’s was merely a ten-word message of hope and cheer with directions as to how to reach her in case of news of the missing child. Teddy did not confine himself to the usual ten words, but spread himself as though he were writing a night letter. In it he assured Ursula of his lasting regard and informed her that he was doing what he could to assist Josie.
Ursula’s heart was a little lighter after reading the telegrams. She felt that Josie was sure to do the wise and prudent thing, and the fact that her dear friends, the Trasks, were once more in touch with her, made her feel that her trouble was at least shared.
Bob Dulaney came in again to tell her he had just had a talk over the long distance ’phone with Josie, who had called him up asking for news, and had told him she was hard at work on the case and had got the police force of Louisville interested also.
“Josie is a regular peach when it comes to finding kids and she will land little Philip in no time,” declared Bob. “That girl has a born instinct for going right. She’d sure make a good gum-shoe reporter. Did you ever hear how she and I nabbed the thief who was going off with Mary Louise’s wedding presents?”
Ursula had heard it but she pretended she hadn’t and Bob had the extreme pleasure of recounting the whole adventure in his best newspaper style.
“Now don’t forget, Miss Ellett, that if you receive any communication of any sort you will inform me or Chief Lonsdale.”