A step in the hall attracted them. It was Ed.
"Jack and I are going to town," he said, his face flushed with excitement. "The detectives claim to have a clew."
"Oh, good! I knew Dr. Robbins would bring luck," declared Belle, actually springing up from the couch. "I am going out in the air. I feel as if Cora were here already!"
"Easy, Belle," cautioned the doctor. "We must insist upon discipline for your mind and body. You must not waste energy. It is well to be hopeful, but bad to get excited."
"But I can't help it."
"Now, girls, we will let you know at once over the 'phone if we have any news," promised Ed, making his adieux. "We really are hopeful."
Hope, as contagious as fear, had sprung into the heart of each of them.
Yes, there must soon be news of Cora!
CHAPTER XXIV
THE COLLAPSE
"We are to go out to-day!" Helka's face was beaming when she gave this news to Cora. The latter had longed so for the sunshine since shut up in the big upper room.