"Is it all over?" asked Hillard gravely.
"All over!" monotonously.
"Come over to the café, then. I've something important to tell you."
"Found them?" with rousing interest.
"I shall tell you only when we get out of this place. Come."
Merrihew followed him into the cloak-room; and as they came out into the night, Hillard put out a friendly hand.
"I am sorry, boy; I wanted you to win something. Cheer up; we'll shake the dust of this place in the morning."
Merrihew took off his hat and tossed it into the air hilariously. As it came down he tried to catch it on the toe of his pump, but active as he was he missed, and it rolled along the pavement. He recovered it quickly.
"Oh, for a vacant lot and a good old whooper-up! Feel!" he said, touching his side pockets. Hillard felt. "Feel again!" commanded Merrihew, touching his trousers pockets. Hillard, with increasing wonder, felt again.
"What is it?" he asked.