"Where did you find him?"
"Down on the Coast. I don't know what wouldn't've happened to him if you hadn't sent me after him. He was up an alley—had been stuck up by a couple of strong-arms. I seen 'em making their get-away just as I come in sight."
She uttered a cry of despair: "Robbed—you mean?"
"Yes, ma'm. He ain't got as much's a nickel on him."
Overwhelmed, Joan sank into a chair. The boy avoided her desolate eyes; he was a little afraid she might want part of the five dollars back.
"Hadn't I better send the hotel doctor up, ma'm?"
"Perhaps," she muttered dully.
"Yes, ma'm. And here's the check for your suit-case. Nothing else? Good night, ma'm."
The door closed.
Of a sudden, Joan jumped up and ran to the bed in the alcove.