The two had taken the same train east on the "Frisco."
They found also that her companion of that night at the park, James
Whitley, had hurriedly left Boyd City on the morning train, over the
"Frisco," to Jonesville, and had not returned, nor could his whereabouts
be discovered. It was given out in public, among the society items of
the Whistler, that he had been called suddenly to the bedside of a
sick friend; but Dick and the detective knew better.
Gradually the interest on the part of the citizens subsided, and the
detective returned to Chicago to other mysteries, demanding his
attention. Adam Goodrich refused to talk of the matter, and gave no
sign of his sorrow, save an added sternness in his manner. But the
mother's health was broken; while Frank, declaring that he could not
stand the disgrace, went for a long visit to a friend in a neighboring
city. Finally Dick himself was forced to give up the search; but though
baffled for a time, he declared to Udell and his pastor, that he would
yet bring Amy home as he had promised her father. And while he went
about his work as usual, it was with a heavy heart, and a look on his
face that caused his friends who knew him best to pity.
CHAPTER XVIII
The summer passed and again the catalpa trees shed their broad leaves,
while the prairie grass took on the reddish brown of early fall. Jim
Whitley suddenly returned to Boyd City and Dick met him in the
post-office. "Not a word passed between them, but an hour later a note
was put into Jim's hand by a ragged boot-black.
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