Somehow the very confidence shown in Hugh’s words seemed to pass along to the almost distracted lady.  Her eyes lighted up with renewed courage, and she even smiled, though wanly, it must be confessed.  But then Hugh was pretty much of a magician in regard to arousing a feeling of hope in the most depressed mind.

“You are a thousand times welcome to the car,” she hurriedly assured him; “and anything else you might want.  It is dreadfully unfortunate Mr. Kinkaid is away on one of his usual business trips to the west, or he would insist on coming with you.  But I feel certain, Hugh, you will manage things splendidly, and a mother’s prayers will go after you, that you may not only find my boy, but that he may not have been seriously injured.”

“Then we’ll not linger any longer, ma’am,” said Hugh, eager to be on the move.

Horatio wrapped himself up warmly, and the two of them shot out of the door.

“Now, what first, Hugh?”

Hugh seemed to have mapped out a plan of campaign in his mind, for he answered without hesitation.

“We must pick up several of the fellows—–­Thad for one, then Owen Dugdale would be another good hand at hunting for a lost party; and, well, Julius Hobson for the third.  That will make five in all,—–­enough to search the quarry road from end to end.  Besides, we ought to carry several lanterns, because, while there is a moon, I reckon we’ll find it far from light along that overgrown trail.”

“You just think of everything, Hugh,” remarked Horatio, wonderingly.

“Let’s get the car, first of all,” Hugh continued shrewdly, “because it can save us many steps in picking up the other fellows.”

By this time they were at the Kinkaid home Horatio was well acquainted with the premises, as he had played with K.K. since they were small boys together.  Hugh had been told where the key of the garage was hidden, and quickly discovered it hanging on a concealed nail.

“Wait till I throw the switch, and light up,” said Horatio, for they had electricity at the Kinkaid place, and, of course, a bulb lighted in the garage was considered much safer than a lantern.

As soon as the illumination came both boys set about examining the big touring car that occupied the garage.

“Bully!” ejaculated Horatio, after making the rounds with suspended breath; “all the tires are as hard as anything.  How about the supply of gas, Hugh?” for his companion had occupied himself with making an examination of the tank.

“Plenty to carry us up and back twice over!” cried the delighted Hugh.  “This is what I call great luck.  I was afraid there would be a tire that needed changing; or else no gasolene at all.”

K.K. didn’t realize how kind he was to himself when he fitted up the old car so handsomely, for some purpose.”

“Oh!” chuckled Horatio, “mebbe I know why.  You see, there’s going to be another barn dance next Tuesday night up at Bailey’s, and I think K.K. asked a girl to go with him and Peggy Noland and Owen Dugdale.  Yes, he even told me there was still room for two more, if I could coax somebody to keep me company.”