He immediately responded to this summons, and on going to the house where she was stopping, he found her in great distress, and weeping violently.
From her he then learned that Edwards had come to the house that morning in a state of intoxication, and had shamefully abused her.

That he had ordered her to return to her family, and declared that he would never live with her again.

Mr.Black had therefore brought his sister home with him, and threatened to inflict personal chastisement upon Edwards if he ever crossed his path again.
Finding that the story of the separation was a truthful one, at least so far as the relatives of Mrs.Edwards were concerned, Everman decided to obtain an interview, if possible, with the forsaken wife.

Inviting Mr.
Black to accompany him to the hotel, which was but a short distance from the shop, the locksmith took off his leather apron and paper cap, and the two strolled away together.
Over their cigars and a cooling draught of very good beer, the brother-in-law of the suspected criminal became quite friendly and communicative, relating many trifling particulars of Edwards' earlier life, which need not be repeated here.

Preferring his request, at length, Mr.Black cordially invited him to his residence, and giving him explicit directions, suggested that he should call that afternoon.