"I wish you would ask him to step here."
Matthew went out, but in a little while came back with word that the landlord was not to be found.
"You are sure the boys are not here?" said the man, with a doubting, dissatisfied manner.
"See for yourself, Mr. Harrison!"
"Perhaps they are in the parlor?"
"Step in, sir," coolly returned Matthew. The man went through the door into the sitting-room, but came back immediately.
"Not there?" said Matthew. The man shook his head. "I don't think you will find them about here," added the bar-keeper.
Mr. Harrison—this was the name by which Matthew had addressed him—stood musing and irresolute for some minutes. He could not be mistaken about the entrance of his sons, and yet they were not there. His manner was much perplexed. At length he took a seat, in a far corner of the bar-room, somewhat beyond the line of observation, evidently with the pur-
