The family looked at one another, consternation depicted in their faces. Sydney tried to comfort them by explaining that doubtless Harrington was inclined to be very literal under the circumstances and that Rex was not with him because he had just started for home. But Mrs. Pell was not content to rest under this uncertainty. Another message was sent to New Haven reading thus: “Did Reginald Pell start away from Philadelphia with you?” The response to this was one word, “Yes.” The Pells were now really alarmed. It was decided that Sydney should start the first thing: Saturday morning for New Haven, but Friday night he was seized with another of his bad turns, which had been growing more and more frequent of late. Roy offered to go in his place, and Mrs. Pell consented to the substitution. So Roy set out and reached New Haven in the course of the afternoon. He would have enjoyed the trip if his mind had not been so worried about Rex. He found Harrington’s room with little trouble. He heard the notes of the banjo issuing from inside. He had to knock hard before he could make himself heard. There were three fellows there, two of them in the luxuriously cushioned window seat. Roy was a little dazzled by the unexpected splendor of the room. He knew Harrington, of course, the fellow in the blue striped blazer. He went up to the collegian at once. “I guess you know me,” he said. “I’m Roy Pell, Rex’s brother. I came up to find out what you could tell me about him.” The three fellows exchanged glances. “Why, isn’t he home?” answered Harrington. “No. When did he leave New Haven?” “He hasn’t been to New Haven,” replied Harrington slowly. “Not been here!” exclaimed Roy. “Where did you leave him, then?” “In New York.” “When?” “Wednesday night” “Was he going home?” “I don’t know,” and Harrington looked confused as he made this unsatisfactory answer. CHAPTER XXIII A TELEGRAM Roy saw at a glance that something was being concealed from him. “How is it you don’t know where Rex went when he left you?” he inquired. “Well, I didn’t see which way he went when he left the hotel,” answered Harrington. “I supposed though, he went home, and am surprised to hear he isn’t there. Atkins, here, may be able to tell you more than I can. Mr. Atkins, this is Roy Pell, Reggie’s brother.” The pleasantest faced fellow in the room came forward and put out his hand. “I’m glad to meet you, Pell,” he said, “and wish I could give you some definite information about your brother. I thought with Harri here that he was certainly at home.” He glanced over at the other two, who were softly strumming their banjoes in the window seat. “Come across the hall into my room,” he added. “Good day, Mr. Harrington,” called out Roy, and followed Atkins. He could see that Harrington was relieved to have him go.