After the lapse of six months Grant expressed a desire to go home to pass a day or two.  His mother’s birthday was close at hand, and he had bought for her a present which he knew would be acceptable.  Permission was readily accorded, and Grant passed four happy days at home.  His parents were pleased that he was so highly regarded by his employer, and had come to think that Grant’s choice had been a wise one.

When Grant returned he went at once to the office.  He found it a scene of excitement.

“What has happened?” he asked, eagerly.

“Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his father is almost beside himself with grief!” was the startling reply.

CHAPTER XXV.

ANXIOUS INQUIRIES

After a while Grant learned the particulars about Herbert’s disappearance.  He had gone out to play in the street about three o’clock in the afternoon.  Generally he waited for Grant to return-home, but during his absence he had found other companions.  When his father returned home, he inquired of the housekeeper:  “Where is Herbert?”

“He went out to play,” said Mrs. Estabrook, indifferently.

“In the street?”

“I believe so.”

“He ought to be in by this time.”

“Probably he went to walk with some of his companions.  As he had no watch, he might not know that it is so late.”

This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds.

“Yes,” he said; “Herbert seems lost without Grant.  He will be glad to see him back.”

To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply.  She had learned, to her cost, that it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was not disposed to praise him.  She seldom mentioned him at all.

The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned.  His father began to feel anxious.

“It is strange that Herbert remains so long away,” he said.

“I shouldn’t wonder if he had gone to Central Park on some excursion,” returned the housekeeper calmly.

“You think there is nothing wrong?” asked the broker, anxiously.

“How could there be here, sir?” answered Mrs. Estabrook, with unruffled demeanor.

This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who ordered dinner delayed half an hour.

When, however, an hour—­two hours—­passed, and the little boy still remained absent, the father’s anxiety became insupportable.  He merely tasted a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible to eat more.  The housekeeper, on the contrary, seemed quite unconcerned, and showed her usual appetite.

“I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker.  “I will take my hat and go out to see if I can gain any information.  Should Herbert return while I am away, give him his supper, and, if he is tired, let him go to bed, just finding out why he was out so late.”

“Very well, sir.”