Ed consulted some business friends, but they could give him little help. He was advised to hire private detectives, and said he would do so, in case the police of New City or Chelton could do nothing.
It was two days after the loss of the money and bonds that Cora, with her inseparable friends, the Robinson twins, and Walter, whom she had picked up on the road, were out for a ride. They took the turnpike, as it was the smoothest highway.
"We may meet Jack along here," said Cora as she turned out to avoid a large rock.
"Yes?"—asked Elizabeth, and she tried to keep down the eagerness in her voice.
"Yes; he's gone over to see about a concert his mandolin club is going to give, and he said he might bring a couple of the members back with him to stay a few days."
"College lads?" asked Bess with a laugh.
"Surely," replied Cora; "and charming ones, too, I gathered from
Jack's talk."
"Must be some of the Never Sleep members," spoke Walter.
"Never Sleep members?" repeated Elizabeth.
"Yes; I belong. We call ourselves that because we used to be up at all hours. Some of the boys play in Jack's mandolin club."