He prided himself on being an expert detective, and for many days he had
been investigating the murder at Ridgewood, with a view to winning the
five thousand reward offered by the county sheriff.
The wound given Ransom Vane by the tramp proved but a trivial affair, and
immediately on his recovery from the nervous shock into which it had
thrown him, the young man came to Grandon and communicated his suspicions
to the police.
"I do deny it," uttered Mrs. Bordine at length. "I never saw that dagger
until last evening."
"Indeed!"
"Hasn't it been in your son's possession for a long time?"
"It was never in his possession."
"But we find it in his room--"
"I know, and I put it there last night during his absence. He has never
seen the weapon."
"Preposterous."
"Yes, thin!"
Mrs. Bordine became exceedingly angry at these incredulous remarks. She
at once told how the dagger came into her possession.
Her story was greeted with contemptuous laughter.
The suspicions of the officers now became convictions.
"I am sorry for you, Mrs. Bordine," said Sergeant Railing.
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