“It will cost a good deal to advertise all over the United States,” replied Joe; “and for all I know he may be dead or out of the country.”
Joe remained in Millville two days and then took the train back to the East. Ned was the first to greet him on his return to Riverside.
“What luck?” he asked, anxiously.
“None whatever,” was the sober answer.
“Oh, Joe, that's too bad!”
“I am afraid I am stumped, Ned.”
They walked to the Talmadge mansion, and that evening talked the matter over with Ned's father.
“I will arrange to have an advertisement inserted in a leading paper of each of our big cities,” said Mr. Talmadge. “That will cost something, but not a fortune.”
“You must let me pay for it,” said our hero.
“No, Joe, you can put this down to Ned's credit—you two are such good chums,” and Mr. Talmadge smiled quietly.