It was presently opened, and a woman's head and shoulders thrust out into the hall.
"Is that you, Jerry?"
"Yes, missus, it's me."
The door was softly opened wide and closed again, the boy slipping into the room.
"Them fellers meets down-stairs again to-night, missus. They means business this time, and no mistake."
"Is he there?" asked the woman.
"You bet! Didn't I jest see him go in! I've been a-layin' for him, a-followin' of him since five o'clock. Cutts the detective is with him, too."
"You are a good boy, Jerry," said the woman, tears springing to her eyes. "God will reward you for what you've done for me."
"Do you think so, missus? 'Twan't much, after all. When I seed you a-tryin' to jump inter the river I stopped you. When you told me yer troubles, an' how that old mean snide, Callister, had robbed your husband and killed him, an' how he had treated you an' was a-tryin' to treat yer boy, why I jest took a-holt an' helped yer, an' the rest has come about of itself."
For reply, the woman stroked the boy's tumbled hair, and then, as if moved by some sudden impulse, stooped and kissed him.