“Have you seen his mother?”

“No—not yet. She always rebuffs me. If she were more like our other women it would be easier. I wanted to talk with you first, and see if we couldn't think of some way to find him.”

“But we have no clue. She might be able to give us a hint. Even to learn something about his loafing places would be a start—something to work from.”

“I suppose—if she would tell. She is proud, you know. But we must do something. I can't leave that boy wandering around the city like this. The first thing we will hear of him in jail, and after that———” She ended with a shake of the head.

At a thought that entered his mind Halloran smiled slightly. “Have you talked with Jimmie?” he asked. .

“Jimmie McGinnis?” She had to smile, too.

“He might tell something. One always knows what the other is up to. I can't think of any other way.”

She looked earnestly at him as she asked:

“Will you try it—if I bring him here?”

He nodded, and soon she returned with him.