oesn't know me--that is, he doesn't know I am
alive."

"This is extraordinary, young man!" exclaimed the officer of the police,
for such the man was. "I think you had better explain."

"I am in a great hurry, sir," pleaded Dave.

"He wants to catch his father before the expedition leaves Christiania,"
put in Roger.

"Before it leaves?"

"Yes."

The police official drew up his shoulders and made a wry face.

"Has it left already?" questioned Dave, eagerly.

"To be sure--four days ago," was the answer, which filled Dave's heart
with fresh dismay.

CHAPTER XIX

OFF TO THE NORTHWARD

Dave and Roger were told to follow the police officer, and did so, to a
large stone building, located on one of the principal streets of the
Norwegian capital. As they walked along many gazed at the American boys
with interest.

Conducted into a plainly furnished office, the boys were told to sit
down. Then they were asked if they had any objection to their baggage
being examined.

"Not the slightest," answered Dave, and Roger said the same.

"At the same time I wish you to understand one thing," went on Dave's
chum. "I am the son of a United States senator, and if I have to suffer
any indignity at your hands you'll hear from it later, through the
proper authorities."

"A United States senator's son!" murmured the police official. "Ah!" He
took a long breath. "I shall not detain you a second longer than is
necessary, sir," he went on, more civilly.

After that Dave and Roger were asked a great number of additional
questions, and Dave had virtually to tell his story from beginning to
end. Several officials listened with interest, but whether they believed
him or not the boy could not tell.

"I am afraid you will have hard work finding your parent," said the
police officer, at the conclusion of the interview.

"He must have left some directions behind--for forwarding mail, and the
like."

"Possibly, but I doubt it. The expedition was bound up into the
mountains,--so it was said. The means of communication are very poor at
this time of year."

The baggage was gone over with care, and the examination was evidently a
disappointment to those who made it. A long talk in Norwegian followed
between several police officials, and then Dave and Roger were told that
they could go.

"Would you mind telling me what it is all about?" questioned Dave, when
he was ready to leave.

"You will have to excuse me, but I am not