At this moment they met Albert Frost.
"Do you know that boy?" asked Mark. "Perhaps he has seen Philip."
"I say, Albert," said Oscar, "have you seen anything of Philip Lillis?"
"Why do you ask? Don't he live at your house?"
"Yes, but he's taken French leave."
Something in Albert's face led Mark to suspect that he knew more of Philip than he cared to tell, also that he was a friend of the young boy.
"I have come from New York to take Philip with me," he said significantly. "A friend of his father is going to adopt him."
"Is this sure?" asked Albert.
"Yes; I am very anxious to find the boy."
"Come here," said Albert. "Perhaps I can put you on his track. No, not you!" This last was addressed to Oscar.