But the boy was gone.
August went slowly back into the house.
"Another letter?" questioned Mrs. Bordine.
"It seems so."
He opened it slowly.
"MR. BORDINE,—It is important that you come at once if you would see Silas Keene alive. He has met with a terrible and unexpected accident, and has something of importance to communicate before he dies. He has importuned me all day to send for you. I have been unable until now, but I sincerely hope this may reach you before the poor man is no more. A hack will be at you door at precisely nine o'clock to take you to Keene's side. If you disappoint him it will certainly hasten his death. Confidently expecting you, I remain 'HENRY JONES.'"
After reading this to himself, the young engineer read it aloud to his mother.
"So the poor gentleman has met with an accident," murmured the kind old lady. "How sad. If we had only known this at the outset we might have had him brought here."
"Certainly we might."
Bordine came to his feet and began pacing the floor.