Quite unstrung, Rose left the building without attempting to see Mrs.
Bordine that night.
CHAPTER XXV.
A STARTLING WARNING.
The remainder of that night and for several days thereafter the city was wild with excitement over the story of the sudden disappearance of the man for whom five thousand dollars reward was offered.
The policeman was not mortally hurt, but the wound he had received was destined to lay him up for a long time.
A thorough search of the city failed to discover the assassin. His bold return had evidently been to see his betrothed, and it was surmised by many that Rose Alstine could tell, if she would, the exact whereabouts of the murderer.
Ransom Vane went to see her on the subject, but gained no satisfaction. Rose solemnly assured him that she had no more knowledge of her lover's whereabouts than he.
"I do not care to talk on a subject so painful," concluded the girl.
"However painful, you may be compelled to talk," retorted the young man in a tone of exceeding vexation. "I cannot consider it just for a woman to screen her lover, when he has several murdered victims to answer for."
"Your insinuations are wholly unjust, Mr. Vane."