"Now, boys," said Mr. Pearson, as they passed over the gang-plank and set foot upon the wharf, "I shall take you both home with me. I have not yet had an opportunity of asking questions about how you came to find my dear child, and rescue her from her terrible captivity. There stands my carriage. Get in, both of you, and we will go to my home at once."
It was a strange sensation to Clip to find himself riding in a hansom carriage, the favored guest of the wealthy proprietor. He was not sure whether he were awake or dreaming.
They drove rapidly for perhaps a couple of miles, and then stopped in front of an elegant mansion in the upper part of Laclede Avenue. The two boys never expected to enter St. Louis in such grand style.
CHAPTER XXXVI. A THOUSAND DOLLARS REWARD.
A little awed by the splendid appointments of the merchant's house, Bob and Clip entered, following Mr. Pearson.
A stout, pleasant-looking woman of middle age—the housekeeper—appeared at the door of a side room. She darted forward, and clasped Maud in a fond embrace.
"My darling Maud, how glad I am to see you back!" she said. "I thought we had lost you."
"This is the young man who rescued Maud, Margaret," said Mr. Pearson, pointing to Bob.