"I wish I had."
Great was Peggy's dismay when Lyman told her what he had learned. She had fully decided to beat Jack soundly, and now she was baffled of her revenge. The two confederates spent the rest of the day in wandering about the streets of Chicago in search of Jack and his friend, but their search was in vain.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
MRS. MANNING'S HOUSE IS SOLD.
It is now time to return to Pocasset and inquire how our old acquaintances are prospering.
It was still a matter of wonder what had become of Mark. Mrs. Manning gave no information, and no letters were received at the post-office which would throw light on the mystery. Mark, by arrangement, directed all his letters to Mr. Hardy, who inclosed and forwarded them to the Pocasset office. Tom Wyman, the postmaster's son, was puzzled to account for the letters received from New York by Mrs. Manning.
"They must be from Mark," said James Collins.
"They don't seem to be in Mark's hand-writing."
"He probably gets some one to direct them for him, so as to throw dust in our eyes."
This was the conclusion upon which the two boys finally settled.