“Probably secret service men,” interrupted Frank. “But go on, I beg your pardon, Mrs. Brun.” 

 “They took him away,” said the housekeeper. “That’s all there was to it. They said there was a train they could get from New York to-night, and they hurried off. Your uncle only had time to pack a suit case of clothes, and they took him away. And what’s to become of all of us, or who’s to look after things, I don’t know!” she sobbed. 

 “Well, there’s no use worrying,” said Frank. “I’ll go to see Mr. Thursby. He’s a lawyer, and Uncle Phil has consulted him on some matters. He can tell us what to do. If worst comes to worst we’ll let this house, get rent for it, and shift for ourselves. You can easily get a place,” he said to the housekeeper, “and so can the other servants, probably.” 

 “Oh, yes. It isn’t about that I’m worrying,” she announced, drying her eyes; “it’s you poor boys! What will you do without a home?” 

 “Without a home?” exclaimed Ned. “Why, won’t we have this place?” 

 “Oh, no, Ned, dear!” cried Mrs. Brun, who was very like a mother to the boys. “Your uncle said this house was attached also, and that 28 you couldn’t stay here. I don’t know what you are going to do. You can’t rent it and use the money, either.” 

28

 “Well, we’ll just have to shift for ourselves, that’s all,” said Frank, with assumed cheerfulness. “It might be worse! We’ll make out somehow, eh, Ned?” 

 “Oh, I guess. But say, this is sudden, all right!” 

 “Sudden isn’t any name for it,” commented Frank. “I wonder what we had really better do? I’ll have a talk with the lawyer.” 

 “Do you imagine we can stay here to-night?” asked Ned. 

 “I don’t see why not,” his brother answered. “At least I don’t see any one around to put us out.” 

 “It won’t be as sudden as that,” Mrs. Brun informed them. “Your uncle said it would be a week before you would have to leave here, and perhaps not then, if he could get matters straightened out.” 

 “Well, then let’s have supper,” proposed Ned. “The secret service men didn’t take away all the victuals, did they?” 

 “Oh, no; there’s plenty to eat,” 

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