, and the sergeant at once took an interest in
Dick's queer plight. He questioned the youth carefully, but, as we
know, Dick could tell little about himself. The sergeant went over the
books from the time Jimmy had found his partner in the box, but there
was no report of any missing boys answering the description of Dick,
though there were many youngsters missing.

"Didn't you say you had a hat with you in the box?" asked the sergeant.

"Yes, sir," replied Dick. "That is it," and he handed it over.

The officer looked at the band inside. This was a bit of detective
work that had not occurred to either Dick or Jimmy.

"Hum!" remarked the sergeant with a shake of his head. "All it says is
'Boston Store.' I thought it might give the name of the place where it
was bought."

"Perhaps it was purchased in Boston," suggested Dick, "though I don't
remember ever living near there."

"No," replied the officer, "nearly every city has either a 'New York'
or a 'Boston' or a 'Philadelphia' store, and they are scattered from
here to San Francisco. It's a queer custom. If that hat had the
maker's name in it it might be a clue. However, I'll telegraph to
Boston and make some inquiries."

"When will you have an answer?" asked Dick eagerly.

"Some time to-morrow, or maybe late to-night. Better call in
to-morrow."

"I will," promised Dick, and feeling for the first time since he found
himself in this queer plight that there was a ray of hope, he and Jimmy
went back to the lodging-house.

Dick did not sleep well that night, for he was thinking that perhaps
the next day would find his identity established and the mystery solved.

CHAPTER XV

PITCHING PENNIES

But Dick was doomed to disappointment. Early the next morning he and
Jimmy called at police headquarters.

"There's no news for you," said the sergeant. "I wired to Boston, but
the police there haven't any calls for any missing boys answering your
description. If you were a man now you might answer."

"Why, are there any men missing?" asked Dick, interested to know there
were other persons in a similar plight to his own.

"Yes, several. However, don't be discouraged. I'll keep on the
lookout, and if I hear anything I'll let you know. Better leave me
your address."

Dick gave it to the sergeant and then, rather discouraged, he left with
Jimmy to begin the day's work of selling papers.

"I guess nobody wants me back," said Dick a little sadly as