ng at the envelope Ed held. "Who did you say told
you about this?" he asked of Ed.

"A waiter."

"Just come along with me, and we will see the waiters and kitchen men
before we disturb the guests," said the manager.

They passed through the halls, where knots of the guests were strolling
about passing the time between the dances--all apparently happy and
contented. But Jack and Ed! What would be the outcome of their
anxiety?

"This way," said the hotel proprietor. "Let me see, you are----" he
paused suggestively.

"My name is Foster, and this is Mr. Kimball," said Ed.

In the kitchen they found everything in confusion. The chef had lined
up every man in the department, and he was questioning them.

"What's this?" asked Mr. Blake, the proprietor.

"Some one has been in here, or some one here has made away with a lot
of the silver and with money from the men's pockets," replied the chef
indignantly. "We have got to find out who is the culprit. I won't
stand for that sort of thing."

"Certainly not," Mr. Blake assured him, "but perhaps we can help you.
Mr. Foster, will you kindly pick out the man who told you about that
message?"

The men stood up. Ed scrutinized each carefully.

"None of these," he said finally.

"Are you sure every one is here, Max?" asked Mr. Blake.

"Every one, sir; even the last man I hired, who has never had an apron
on yet."

"Could it be any one from the outside?" faltered Jack.

"No one could get in here and manage to make his way through----"

"Excuse me, sir," said a very blond young waiter, "but I think a
stranger has been in here. My locker was broken open and my apron--one
of the best--is gone."

"Is that so?" spoke Mr. Blake sharply. "Then we have no time to spare.
The young lady----"

"Oh, don't say it," cried Jack. "Cora kidnapped!"

"Jack, old boy, be brave," whispered Ed, patting him on the shoulder.
"Wherever Cora is, the gods are with her!"

"We must first institute a thorough search," declared Mr. Blake. "You
men form an outside posse. Be quick. Search every inch of the
grounds. Max, no more kitchen duty to-night. Here, Ben, you ring the
hall bell. That will bring the porters together. Then, Dave"--to a
handsome young Englishman--"I put you in charge. That young lady must
be found tonight."

Ed and Jack exchanged glances. Would she really be found? Oh, how
terrible it all seemed!

"I must speak with Mr. Rand," said Jack. "Ed, you tel