No, there was no possibility of his backing out of the affair now and washing his hands of it. He must go through with it.
Nevertheless, he would postpone the moment for action as long as he was able.
Therefore, instead of donning his official garb, he went down stairs to hunt up his badge and handcuffs. These he kept in the drawer of the tall secretary in the sitting-room and although he had not seen them for months, he felt certain they would still be there.
In order to make no noise and arouse May Ellen's phenomenal curiosity, he took off his shoes.
To his consternation, the drawer was empty!
And not only was it empty but it had been left open as if a marauder possessed of sticky hands had hastily abandoned it.
Elisha paused, confounded. Who could have taken these symbols of the law? Who would wish to take them? Certainly not May Ellen.
Even if her inquiring mind had prompted her to ransack his property, she was far too honest a person to make off with it. Furthermore, what use could a peaceable woman have for a sheriff's badge and a pair of handcuffs?
Unwilling to believe the articles were gone, Elisha peered feverishly into every corner the piece of furniture contained. He even hauled out the books and ran his hand along the grimy shelves behind them. But beyond a thick coating of dust, nothing rewarded his search.