There was then a slight pause—a knock from without—a broad glare of light, and Jacob Gray’s pursuers were in the room.
The mother rose from her chair, and cried,—
“What do you mean?—What is the meaning of all this?”
“We are pursuing a man, who is hiding in one of these houses,” replied a stern voice. “I am an officer. There has been murder done, my good woman.”
“Murder!”
“Yes. A man has been savagely murdered at the bottom of the steps, and he who committed the deed is somewhere about here. Have you heard any alarm?”
“I have heard many voices.”
“I mean have you heard any one on the stairs, or has any one been here?”
“I was singing to my child. Pray do not speak so loud, or you will awaken it.”
“Search the room,” cried the man.