"Certainly not!" said Professor Morris, frowning. "They must have gone
out and wandered off while I was after my book, although I distinctly
told Elinor not to stir from her seat. I have always endeavored to
teach my children absolute obedience. I am surprised at Elinor. She
understood. She is six years of age, and she said, "Yes, father."
This is a terrible thing; but they will be found. I will report at
once to the military authorities. I am convinced that they are safe.
Someone will take them in just as we took in the strange child whom we
found at the door. That child, as you know, is a noble, yet she was
lost. These are war times. People are glad to return lost children.
They do not want them. Now if I had forgotten my book, it might have
been burned; three years of effort in this city wasted and lost
forever! I will hide the manuscript in the underground room you told
of, Ivan, then we will go to the proper authorities, and get the
children."

"Bah!" said the soldier with the broken shoulder suddenly. "Go where
thou wilt these days there is no authority save the authority of brute
might. Will that help thee?"

"We must find them," said the Professor brokenly. The seriousness of
the affair was beginning to dawn on him. "It will certainly be
simple. We will advertise."

The girl at his side smiled. "Advertise?" she said. "Why, father,
there are no papers left to advertise in."

"Ivan," said the tall boy at the window, "did you hear what the three
people at the door were talking about? What did they say? The people