The door to her son's room stood ajar, and mechanically Mrs. Bordine entered here with the delicate dagger in her hand.
The plush-lined dressing-case in front of the mirror stood open, and into this the widow laid the glittering toy.
Shutting down the cover she left the room, and resumed her seat in the big arm-chair.
As may be supposed, no sleep visited the old lady that night. She was too deeply worried on account of the strange happenings of the night. Nothing occurred to mar the quiet of the night, and when at length day dawned the widow breathed easier as she went about her work.
The hour was late ere she placed breakfast on the table. She had waited for the return of August, but waited in vain.
"He will not come. I must eat alone."
She was yet at her breakfast when a furious ring at the door-bell startled her.
When she hastened to answer the summons, she was met in the hall by two men, both wearing the uniform of city police.
"Mercy on us! what do you want here?" cried the widow in startled tones.
"We are here on important business," said the fore most officer. "We come to see your son."