But the noted Irish Nationalist had no thought of escaping. At that very moment he was sound asleep in bed. It was characteristic of the strong will-power of the man. The drift of the testimony for a week had indicated to him, as to everybody else that heard or read it, that the Coroner's jury would name him either as a principal or as accessory to the crime. The paper that he had in his hand as he drove home that evening, chronicled the fact that the jury had retired, and was deliberating upon its verdict. And yet, well aware, as he must have been, that this verdict would be of terrible personal import—he had retired at nine o'clock and was as sound asleep as a worn out child.
"Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Sullivan," shouted Brown.
"What is it?" came a voice from the bed room, "I'm here."
"Some one wants to see you," returned Brown.
By this time Palmer had reached the top of the stairs and was outside the bed room. Sullivan opened the door and recognized his visitor. Not a muscle of his face moved.
"All right," he said, nonchalantly, "I'm coming."
To dress himself, as neat as wax—just as he always looked—was but the work of a few minutes. Then the door was opened again, and his form was seen in the dimly lighted hallway. Preceded by Palmer, who had been joined by Broderick, he went down-stairs into the dimly lighted hallway.
"Good evening, Palmer," he said, pleasantly.
The detective returned the greeting. "I have a mittimus for your arrest, Mr. Sullivan."
"Very well," was the response. He led the way into the parlor, and Palmer commenced to read the document. Sullivan stood up near the mantelpiece, leaning his elbow slightly upon the marble slab, and listened attentively. Not for an instant did he betray the slightest emotion. A contemptuous sneer settled on his lips. His head was slightly thrown back as if in defiance of the officers. His hand toyed for an instant with fringed plush that covered the rocking chair close by on his left. He never once took his eyes off Palmer as he read the mittimus. This was in the following form: