was to stay until the property was sold for the benefit of those who claimed damages from Mr. Arden. But the sale could not take place for some time, as there were law technicalities to be observed. 

 The servants left, bidding good-bye to the lads. And there were tears in the eyes of good Mrs. Brun, as well as in the eyes of Ned and Frank, as she said farewell. 

 Their best possessions, which could not legally be included in the seizure, the boys stored with friends in town. Then they selected the most useful of their clothes, and packed them in valises for the trip to New York. 

 “We’ve got enough to live on for a few weeks, while looking for work,” said Frank, as he looked at the roll of bills which meant so much to them now. 35 

35

 “That is if we don’t try to live very high,” agreed Ned, with a smile. “No expensive hotels or taxicab rides for us.” 

 “Not much!” 

 So one warm June morning Frank and Ned set out for the station of the Long Island Railroad, and took a train for the metropolis. 

 “Some change in our prospects from what we looked forward to a couple of weeks ago,” remarked Ned, as he settled in his seat. 

 “That’s right. I’m going to miss that motor boat a whole lot; aren’t you?” Frank asked. 

 “Don’t speak of it,” and Ned’s voice was a trifle husky. “Remember how we were out in that storm?” 

 “I should say so! That’s the day uncle got the bad news.” 

 “Yes. And that’s the day we saw the battleship plowing along the big waves, and had an idea we might get on one. Well, I guess that idea has gone overboard and is in Davy Jones’ locker by this time.” 

 “Oh, I don’t know,” said Frank, with a somewhat mysterious air. 

 “What do you mean?” asked Ned, quickly, as the train gathered speed. 

 “Tell you later,” his brother responded. “I’ve got an idea in my head, that isn’t altogether worked out.” 36 

36

 Prev. P 24/123 next