There were certain persistent ones who had gone as far as Beardsley's.

Some of these might have returned.

He would hasten down and see.

But it was only to find the office empty, and though the household presently awoke and the great front door was thrown open to all comers, no eager straggler came rushing in with the tidings he equally longed and dreaded to receive.
At half-past ten the representative of the county police called on Mr.
Ransom, but with small result.

Shortly after his departure, the mail came in and with it the New York papers.