“Not much danger of that,” replied Mr. Newton. “If they wanted to smuggle him away, all the watching you could do would not stop it. The best way is to let them think they’re safe, and that we know nothing about them. They probably will do nothing for a few more days.” So the same night that Jimmy, in Noddy’s room, cried himself to sleep, Larry went to bed in his own home, his head full of thoughts of the rescue he hoped would soon be accomplished. The next morning Peter went out early, and got several papers. He and Noddy carefully scanned the personal columns, and among the first items that met their eyes was the advertisement Larry and Mr. Newton had inserted. “Here it is!” cried Noddy. “He’s come to terms at last. I’m glad of it, for I want to see the kid taken home. Now, Peter, you hurry off, and tell as many members of our society as you can find to come here at once, and we’ll decide on a plan of action.” Making a hasty breakfast Peter left the Rising Sun room, and soon had delivered Noddy’s message to several members of the gang. They were surprised at the news, but agreed to come to headquarters and talk the matter over, also to decide what would be best to do. While Jimmy was kept in one of the rear rooms, amused over the big Chinese drum which Noddy had borrowed for him from the little Oriental theater nearby, the members of the organization held a consultation. “I say, let him come here,” suggested Perkins. “We can do the thing here better than anywhere else. Let him bring his mother’s consent in writing, to his signing the deed, and let her send a note agreeing that she will sign it later on. Then let Larry come here alone. Send him a note stating that he will be watched from the time he leaves his house until he gets here. If he stops to speak to anyone, or if he brings anyone with him, the fact will be immediately telephoned to us, and the whole thing will be off.” “Meaning what?” asked Noddy. “Meaning that we’ll hide the kid where he’ll never be found.” “No, you don’t!” exclaimed Noddy. “That’s all right, Noddy,” spoke Randall, in soothing tones. “There’ll be no doubt but that Larry will agree to the terms. If he doesn’t we’ll not hurt the kid. I’m just as fond of him as you are. Don’t make trouble now.” “Well, I’ll agree, as long as nothing bad happens to the little fellow,” stipulated the blue-handed man. So it was arranged, and a note, making all the conditions specified, was sent to Larry. CHAPTER XXXVI THE RAID The note was delivered by mail to Larry the following day. It named Friday, two days hence, as the time, and one o’clock in the afternoon, as the hour. “Well, that’s the best time to have it happen,” remarked Mr. Newton, when shown the missive. “But there are some things that are going to make it hard.” “What makes you say the hour is a good one?” asked Larry.