"Thank you," replied Dave, "and for all your great kindness about
that letter."

He and Hiram went out to the street. There were three or four
taxicabs lined up at the curb, their drivers napping in the seats.
Dave approached one of them.

"Do you know where Fernwood is?" he inquired of the chauffeur.

"You mean Col. Lyon's place?"

"Yes."

"Was there only last night. I took the Colonel home."

"Then he's there," spoke Dave to Hiram. "All right, take us to
Fernwood."

"You won't find anybody stirring at this hour of the morning,"
suggested the chauffeur.

"Then we'll Wait till the Colonel gets up," said Dave.

In less than half an hour the auto came to a halt before one of a
score or more of fine houses lining the most exclusive section of
the country boulevard.

Dave got out of the machine and Hiram followed him. They passed
through the gates of a large garden. In its center was a mansion