Promptly at nine the sound of wheels was heard, ceasing in front of the engineer's cottage.
Kissing his mother good-by August hastened forth. A hack stood near the sidewalk, the door standing open.
It was dark within, but the young man noted the outlines of a man upon the forward seat.
August stepped inside and closed the door. Then the hack rattled away. For some moments silence reigned. August wondered who his fellow-passenger was. Perhaps the one who had sent him the note requesting his presence at the side of the dying detective.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE DAGGER!
Mrs. Bordine sat listening to the rattle of departing wheels, and wondered if she would be able to sit up until the return of her son.
She little imagined how long he was to remain away.
Half an hour after her son's departure the good widow was startled at hearing a sound at the front window.
Slowly the sash was being raised!