handkerchief. It was touching and I saw that Kennedy was deeply
moved, although at once to his practical mind the thought must
have occurred that nothing was to be gained by further questions
of Mrs. Blackwell.

"Believe me, Mrs. Blackwell," he said in a low tone, taking her
hand, "I will do all that is in my power to find her."

"Thank you," murmured the mother, overcome.

A moment later, however, she had recovered her composure to some
degree and rose to go. There was a flattering look of relief on
her face which in itself must have been ample reward to Craig, a
retainer worth more to him in a case like this than money.

"I'm going back to my office," remarked Carton. "If I learn
anything, I shall let you know."

The District Attorney went out with Mrs. Blackwell. Busy as he
was, he had time to turn aside to help this bereaved woman, and I
admired him for it.

"Do you think it is one of those cases like some that Carton has
uncovered on the East Side and among girls newly arrived in the
city?" I asked Craig when the door was shut.

"Can't say," he returned, in an abstracted study.

"It's awful if it is," I pursued. "And if it is, I suppose all
that will result from it will be a momentary thrill of the