CHAPTER XVI.
_IT_ was past midday when Mr.Dinneford returned home after his fruitless search.

Edith, who had been waiting for hours in restless suspense, heard his step in the hall, and ran down to meet him.
"Did you see the baby ?"' she asked, trying to keep her agitation down.
Mr.Dinneford only shook his head, "Why, not, father ?" Her voice choked.
"It could not be found." "You saw Mr.Paulding ?" "Yes." "Didn't he find the baby ?" "Oh yes.

But when I went to Grubb's court this morning, it was not there, and no one could or would give any information about it.

As the missionary feared, those having possession of the baby had taken alarm and removed it to another place.

But I have seen the mayor and some of the police, and got them interested.