But when they were about starting for Chicago, Mrs. Brent felt herself becoming unaccountably depressed.

“Jonas,” she said, “I am sorry we are going to Chicago.”

“Why, ma?  We’ll have a splendid time.”

“I feel as if some misfortune were impending over us,” said his mother, and she shivered apprehensively.

But it was too late to recede.  Besides, Jonas wished to go, and she had no good reason to allege for breaking the arrangement.

CHAPTER XL.

A scene not on the bills.

Phil was in Chicago, but that was only the first step toward finding those of whom he was in search.  Had he been sure that they were in the city, it would have simplified matters, but the fact that Mrs. Brent directed her letters to be sent to that city proved nothing.  It did not make it certain that she lived in the town.

“We are only at the beginning of our perplexities, Philip,” said Mr. Carter.  “Your friends may be near us, or they may be a hundred miles away.”

“That is true, sir.”

“One method of finding them is barred, that of advertising, since they undoubtedly do not care to be found, and an advertisement would only place them on their guard.”

“What would you advise, sir?”

“We might employ a detective to watch the post-office, but here again there might be disappointment.  Mrs. Brent might employ a third person to call for her letters.  However, I have faith to believe that sooner or later we shall find her.  Time and patience accomplishes much.”

“Were you ever a detective, sir?” asked Phil, smiling.

“No, Philip, but I have had occasion to employ them.  Now how would you like to go to the theater this evening?”

“Very much, sir.”

“There is a good play running at McVicker’s Theatre.  We will go there.”

“Anywhere will suit me, Mr. Carter.”

“Young people are easily satisfied,” he said.  “When they get older they get more fastidious.  However, there is generally something attractive at McVicker’s.”

It so happened that Philip and his employer took a late dinner, and did not reach the theater till ten minutes after the hour.  They had seats in the seventh row of orchestra chairs, a very eligible portion of the house.

The curtain had risen, and Philip’s attention was given to the stage till the end of the first act.  Then he began to look around him.

Suddenly he started and half rose from his seat.

“What is the matter, Philip?” asked Mr. Carter.

“There, sir! look there!” said the boy, in excitement, pointing to two persons in the fourth row in front.

“Do you recognize acquaintances, Philip?”

“It is my step-mother and Jonas,” answered Philip eagerly.

“It is, indeed, wonderful!” said Mr. Carter, sharing the boy’s excitement.  “You are confident, are you?”