But then Hugh was pretty much of a magician in regard to arousing a feeling of hope in the most depressed mind.
"You are a thousand times welcome to the car," she hurriedly assured him; "and anything else you might want.

It is dreadfully unfortunate Mr.Kinkaid is away on one of his usual business trips to the west, or he would insist on coming with you.

But I feel certain, Hugh, you will manage things splendidly, and a mother's prayers will go after you, that you may not only find my boy, but that he may not have been seriously injured." "Then we'll not linger any longer, ma'am," said Hugh, eager to be on the move.
Horatio wrapped himself up warmly, and the two of them shot out of the door.
"Now, what first, Hugh ?" Hugh seemed to have mapped out a plan of campaign in his mind, for he answered without hesitation.
"We must pick up several of the fellows---Thad for one, then Owen Dugdale would be another good hand at hunting for a lost party; and, well, Julius Hobson for the third.

That will make five in all,---enough to search the quarry road from end to end.

Besides, we ought to carry several lanterns, because, while there is a moon, I reckon we'll find it far from light along that overgrown trail." "You just think of everything, Hugh," remarked Horatio, wonderingly.
"Let's get the car, first of all," Hugh continued shrewdly, "because it can save us many steps in picking up the other fellows." By this time they were at the Kinkaid home Horatio was well acquainted with the premises, as he had played with K.K.since they were small boys together.