"Oh, yes! Excuse me, sir! I didn't recognize you. I remember now! You were here at the house party given for Miss Nestor. Of course! I didn't know you—in—er——"
"These clothes!" finished Tom, with a laugh. "I don't blame you." He and Ned still wore the old garments that had been given in exchange for their own more fashionable attire. Doubtless some of the bandits retained the new suits.
"Yes, of course, Mr. Swift," murmured the man. "Will you come in? It's a little bit early, but——"
"Is Miss Nestor up yet?" asked Tom, and a moment later he realized what a foolish question it was. It was barely six o'clock, and of course none of the household would be up.
"No, sir," the man replied. "Miss Nestor isn't here now."
"She isn't? Where is she?" demanded Tom, a strange feeling around his heart.
"She and Miss Winthrop and several other guests went on a houseboat trip with Mr. Barton down the river two days ago."
"With Mr. Barton?" Tom fairly shouted.
"Yes, sir. He has a large houseboat. It was quite a party. But they are expected back to-day."
"What time?"