Chapter II

The Search Begun

"Impossible!" said the Professor. "Impossible, Warren! It surprises
me that you should harbor such wild and impracticable ideas."

"It makes sound sense, dad," said Warren sadly. "Europe has been full
of beggars from the beginning of time. And soon, after the war is
over, there will be thousands of sightseers flooding the continent.
What could be more practical from the standpoint of such people as the
ones described by Ivan than to secure two beautiful little children
like our Elinor and the strange child that wandered to our doors? They
would indeed mean 'drink and money and fire.'" He stopped and for a
moment looked reproachfully at his father. "Oh, father, father," he
cried, "see what your dreadful forgetfulness has done! How will you
ever forgive yourself when you think of the misery and suffering you
have brought on your darling! I can scarcely forgive you."

Professor Morris sat with bowed head.

"My son," he said brokenly, "I can not forgive myself. I do not know
what to do. I confess I did indeed leave the children. I thought of
my book. I thought they were safe - and my book - Warren, surely you
do not blame me for getting my book?" He spoke tenderly, even
lovingly, and clasped the bulky parcel to his breast.

"No, I do not blame you for anything, father, knowing you as well as I
do. It is a terrible thing, but we will find her, our precious
darling, if we spend our lives hunting." He turned to his sister and