"I'm ever so much obliged to you," he said. "You've done more for me now than I can ever repay." "Then a little more won't hurt," said Fenn with a laugh. The overcoat was purchased, and the four boys went to police headquarters. "Gentleman waiting to see you," the sergeant said. "Seems terribly upset about something." They went into an anteroom and found Mr. Wilding. He had been in New York since early Thursday morning, but had been unable to locate the boys, since the finding of William in the snow had taken from the minds of the three chums all thoughts of sending the telegram to Darewell, telling Ned's father of their address. "I knew there was something we should have attended to, but I couldn't think what it was," Bart exclaimed. "Have you any news?" asked Mr. Wilding eagerly after explaining he had obtained the address of the chums from the police sergeant who offered to telephone to them. "Just a little," replied Fenn and he told of the finding of Ned's valise. Then all went over the situation, but the prospect seemed no brighter than ever. "I'll tell you what we ought to do," declared William. "What?" asked Mr. Wilding anxiously. "We ought to make a regular search of all the lodging houses and other places. I've slept in lots of 'em. That's where men and boys go when they have only a little money, and I guess your son hadn't much when he lost his valise." "I believe you're right!" exclaimed Ned's father. "It is a good suggestion. I will hire some private detectives to help in the search." "And I'll do all I can," said William, whose story had been told to Mr. Wilding. "My poor boy," Ned's father murmured. "I wonder where he can be." "Don't you fret!" exclaimed William. "We'll find him for you," and he spoke so hopefully that Mr. Wilding smiled for the first time since he had left home. It was arranged that he would stay at a hotel near police headquarters while the four boys would remain at the Imperial as there was a bare chance Ned would return. "Now here's where I get busy," declared William, as they left the police station. CHAPTER XXVI CASSIDY CATCHES NED A systematic search of the lodging houses was begun that afternoon. But it was harder and more baffling work than any one had imagined. John Newton gave them unexpected aid. As he had much time to himself he offered to go with them to the different lodging houses in the evenings, and give his whistling imitations of birds. "What good will that do?" asked Bart. "Does he think Ned will hear him and come from hiding?" "Not that," explained Fenn, to whom John had told his scheme. "But when he's whistling there's sure to be a crowd around him, and, if Ned is in the place, he'll join the others and we may see him. I think it's a good plan."