lodging house. Mr. Wilding pressed forward, close behind the detective. Through the office window he caught sight of a boy scrubbing the floor. There was something dejected in the lad's appearance. Mr. Wilding looked a second time. Then he called out:
"Ned! My boy!"
"Father!" cried Ned, and an instant later he was locked in Mr. Wilding's embrace, while the tears, which he did not try to conceal, streamed down his face.
"Hurrah!" fairly yelled William. "We've found him!" and he began dancing around the room.
At the sound of William's cry Ned looked up and saw his chums.
"Why—why—where did you all come from?" he asked.
"We came after you," replied Bart, "and a fine chase you led us. Where in the world have you been, Ned? "
"Here! What's all this row about in my place?" asked Cassidy, hurrying up from the rear of the resort. "You people have no right in here."
"Easy, Cassidy," advised the detective. "What about that boy?" and he pointed to Ned.
