."

"There's nothing like trying," answered Jack, courageously. "I'm not
going to give up yet awhile."

He sat down and wrote the following note, home:--

"DEAR PARENTS:

"I arrived in Philadelphia safe, and am stopping at Uncle Abel's. He
received me very kindly. I have got track of Ida, though I have
not found her yet. I have learned as much as this, that this Mrs.
Hardwick--who is a double distilled she-rascal--probably has Ida in her
clutches, and has sent her on two occasions to my uncle's. I am spending
most of my time in the streets, keeping a good lookout for her. If I
do meet her, see if I don't get Ida away from her. But it may take some
time. Don't get discouraged, therefore, but wait patiently. Whenever
anything new turns up you will receive a line from your dutiful son

"JACK."

In reply to this letter, or rather note, Jack received an intimation
that he was not to cease his efforts as long as a chance remained to
find Ida.

The very day after the reception of this letter, as Jack was sauntering
along the street, he suddenly perceived in front of him a form which at
once reminded him of Mrs. Hardwick. Full of hope that this might be
so, he bounded forward, and rapidly passed the suspected person, turned
suddenly round, and confronted Ida's nurse.

The recognition was mutual. Peg was taken aback by this unexpected
encounter.

"Her first impulse was to make off, but the young man's resolute
expression warned her that this would prove in vain.

"Mrs. Hardwick!" said Jack.

"You are right," said she, nodding, "and you, if I am not mistaken, are
John Crump, the son of my worthy friends in New York."

"Well," ejaculated Jack, internally, "if that doesn't beat all for
coolness."

"My name is Jack," he said, aloud.

"Indeed! I thought it might be a nickname."

"You can't guess what I came here for," said Jack, with an attempt at
sarcasm, which utterly failed of its effect.

"To see your sister Ida, I presume," said Peg, coolly.

"Yes," said Jack, amazed at the woman's composure.

"I thought some of you would be coming on," said Peg, whose prolific
genius had already mapped out her course.

"You did?"

"Yes, it was only natural. But what did your father and mother say to
the letter I wrote them?"

"The letter you wrote them!"

"The letter in which I wrote that Ida's mother had been so pleased with
the appearance and manners of her child, that she could not resolve to
part with her, and