hink it could pay a newspaper to put one man
exclusively on a case like this."

"The editors think it does. In the first place it makes some news
every day, and the papers have to have news. Then if I should happen
to find Mr. Potter, it would be a big advertisement for the
_Leader_, and that is what all the New York papers are looking for.
The better advertised they are the better prices they can charge for
the advertisements printed in them, for it's from the advertisements
that a newspaper makes its money. Besides, I've promised to find
your father for you and I'm going to do it!" Larry looked very
determined.

"My! I never supposed newspaper work was so complicated," said
Grace, with a little sigh. "Now let's go to the detectives. I'm
almost afraid. It sounds so awful to say 'detective.'"

Larry found the man he knew in the office of the agency, and the
latter introduced him to the chief. The reporter explained the
reason for the visit, and Grace added a plea that they do all in
their power to locate Mr. Potter.

"I thought you'd come here sooner or later," said the chief with a
smile. "Most folks do when they find the regular police don't give
enough attention to the cases. It's not the fault of the police,
though. They have so much to do they can't give much time to a
single case. But of course we can. Now then, tell me all about it."

Which Grace, aided by Larry, proceeded to do. The chief listened
intently, and asked several questions. He took the two letters which
Grace had from her father and looked carefully at them.

"Do you think you'll be able to do anything?" asked the girl
anxiously. The strain was beginning to tell heavily on her.

"Of course we will!" exclaimed the chief, heartily. "We'll find your
father for you, you can depend on it!"

Larry did not want to tell her that the chief was thus optimistic
in regard to every case he undertook. It was a habit of his, not a
bad one, perhaps, and it did little harm, for nearly all of his
clients wanted cheering up.

"What do you think about this, young man?" asked the chief, turning
suddenly to Larry.

"In regard to what, Mr. Grover?"

"Where do you think Mr. Potter is? I understand you've been working
on this case. In fact, I have all your stories clipped from the
_Leader_."

Larry had not forgotten about Retto, and he determined to pay the
fellow another visit.

With him, to think was to act. He soon found himself going up the
stairs of t