James, having been ushered into a cell, hurriedly called for pen and ink and paper. At half after ten that morning the following note reached me:
"Dear Chuck: Am in a devil of a scrape at the police-court. Tried to play a joke on the girls last night by dressing up in the groom's clothes. Got the wrong outfit, and was arrested. Bring thirty-five and a suit of clothes the quickest ever. And, for mercy's sake, say nothing to any one, least of all the folks. I have given the name of James Osborne. Now, hustle. Bob."
I hustled.
VIII
ANOTHER SALAD IDEA
When they found him missing, his bed untouched, his hat and coat on the rack, his inseparable walking-stick in the umbrella-stand, they were mightily worried. They questioned Jane, but she knew nothing. Jack went out to the stables; no news there. William, having driven the girls home himself, dared say nothing. Then Jack wisely telephoned for me, and I hurried over to the house.
"Maybe he hunted up some friends last night," I suggested.
"But here's his hat!" cried Nancy.
"Oh, he's all right; don't worry. I'll take a tour around the city.
I'll find him. He may be at one of the clubs."
Fortunately for Mr. James Osborne I returned home first, and there found his note awaiting me. I was at the court by noon, armed with thirty-five and a suit of clothes of my own. I found the clerk.