For an instant the questioner seemed satisfied; then the peculiar inquiring look returned.
"Anything else, son?"
The lad hesitated longer than before. Beneath the coverings his body moved restlessly.
"Yes, sir, I want to know why nobody would come to help my mamma if she'd sent for them. She said they wouldn't."
The pipe left Rankin's mouth, his great jaws closing with an audible click.
"You wish to know—what did you say, Ben?"
The boy repeated the question.
For a minute, and then another, Rankin said nothing; then he knocked the ashes from the bowl of his brier and laid it upon the table.
"Never mind now why they wouldn't, son." He arose heavily and drew off his coat. "You'll find out for yourself quickly enough—too quickly, my boy. Now go to sleep."