It was a doll.
Mr.Cromering, who saw the action and the article, flushed like a man who had seen something which should be kept secret, and turned to leave the room.

The others followed, and immediately afterwards they heard the door closed after them, and the key turned in the lock.
Superintendent Galloway, who had more of the inquiring turn of mind of the police official than the chief constable, asked the innkeeper several questions about his mother and her condition.

The innkeeper said her insanity was the outcome of an accident which had happened two years before.

She was sitting dozing by the kitchen fire when a large boiler of water overturned, scalding her terribly, and the shock and pain had sent her mad.

She had never left the bedroom since, and had gradually become reduced to a condition of imbecility, alternated by occasional outbursts of violence.
"Is she ever allowed out of the room ?" asked Superintendent Galloway quickly, as though a sudden thought had struck him.
"Never, sir; she never tries to get out of bed except when she's violent.