"Well, not so very much. He seemed anxious to see you, though."
"Where is he?" asked Mr. Martin. "I'll be glad to see him. Where is he now?"
"That's what I don't know. I had to leave the office a minute, and when I came back he was gone."
"Gone?"
"Yes, he wasn't here at all. And, what is more, something went with him."
"What do you mean?" asked Mr. Martin.
"I mean the lame boy took with him a pocketbook and some money when he went out," answered the clerk.
CHAPTER IX
THROUGH THE ICE
Mr. Martin said nothing for a few seconds after hearing what his clerk told him. Ted and Jan looked at each other. They did not know what to say.