"Yes. I told them I couldn't get any trace of the wallet here, and,
as you know, I have already notified the Chelton police. They have
been making a quiet search about town, but I fear it will be
hopeless."

"The bank people didn't say it had been turned in there, by any
chance, did they?"

"No such good fortune," and Ed laughed uneasily. "Well, I'm going
home now to get a list of the bonds and their numbers, as well as
the numbers of the big bills. The; police say they will want them
when they send out a general alarm."

"But I thought you said you didn't want it generally known."

"I don't, until I have made a thorough search at home. It is barely
possible that I took up the wrong wallet by mistake when I rushed
out this morning. I have two that look exactly alike. I may have
picked up the empty one, shoved it into my pocket, and lost that
one. The one containing the bonds and cash may still be at my house.
I am hurrying there to see. If I don't find it, the police are to
send out a general alarm."

"I hope you find it."

"So do I. It means a big loss to me--almost my entire fortune gone.
I don't know what I am going to do."

"Let's hope for the best," spoke Jack as cheerfully as possible, but
there was a dubious look on his face as he watched Ed turn in the