But what did he mean by stating that he was on board that boat with the absurd name, when both William and Captain Cod stated that he was not there.

Then, too, how could it be possible for those three persons, each of whom was anxious to find one of the others, to be in a small place, such as this Mandrake must be, for several days without running across each other?
Such stupidity was incredible, and could only be accounted for by the fact that all three were of the masculine sex.

Well, she would soon set things to rights, and the fond mother smiled to herself to think that it was left for her, who had remained quietly at home, to discover the missing boy after all.
She had but a few minutes in which to catch the return mail; but when it left, it bore three notes in her handwriting.

The one directed to Mr.Winn Caspar, Mandrake, Iowa, read as follows: "MY DARLING BOY,--How could you leave us as you did?
And why don't you come home?
Don't lose a minute in hunting up your Uncle Billy, who is now in Mandrake.

He will supply you with money, and tell you what to do.
"Ever lovingly, but in great haste, "YOUR OWN MOTHER." To the Captain of the _Whatnot_ Mrs.Caspar wrote: "Sir,--In the absence of my husband, I took the liberty of opening your note to him of the 1st inst.