"He is not at home."
"Permit us to judge of that."
Pushing her aside, the two men went through the different rooms of the little cottage, rummaging through everything, much to the dismay and indignation of Mrs. Bordine.
They were dissatisfied with their search, and looked their anger as they had confronted the widow after it was all over.
"Where is your son, Mrs. Bordine?"
"I—I'm sure I can't tell you."
"But you must tell."
"How can I tell when I don't know?"
"A likely story," sneered the officer.
"It is the truth, sir."