“He is the only witness, you say, officer?” inquired the chief.  “Are you sure?”

“Yes, sorr!”

“We’ll have to hold him, then.  It’s a great pity.  I don’t suppose he could get a ten-dollar bail.”  The superintendent shook his gray head thoughtfully.  His subordinates did the same, with an exaggerated air of distress.

“Where am I?  Oh!” What horror in that exhalation, as Isaac realized the place he was in!  He staggered to his feet.

“Give me my bag, quick!” he exclaimed.  “I will go.”

“I’m afraid you can’t go yet.”  The superintendent spoke as if he hated to do his duty.

“Not go?  Why not?  You have no right to hold an innocent man!”

“In cases of assault and murder, the witnesses must be held until they can furnish bail.  That is the law.”  The white-haired man hurried his explanation, as if he were ashamed of it.

“I will come back.”

The officer shook his head.

“I give you my word I will.”  Isaac clasped the rail pleadingly.

“I’ll have to lock you up to-night; the judge will settle the amount of your bail to-morrow.”

“Lock me up?  I tell you I have no friends here!  How can I get bail?  Where will you put me?”

“Show him his cell,” replied the chief to his sergeant.

“Come along,” said the policeman kindly.  “All witnesses are treated that way.  We’ll give you the most comfortable quarters we’ve got.”

He took Isaac by the arm after the professional manner.  The young man flung off the touch.  For an instant his eyes swept the station menacingly.  What if he should exert his strength!  There were two—­three—­four officers in the room.  He might even overpower these, and dash for liberty.  He saw the livid reflection of electric lights through the windows.  Unconsciously he contracted his sinews, and tightened his muscles until they were rigid.  Then the hopelessness of his position burst upon him like a red strontian fire.  He felt blasted by his disgrace.

“What are you doing to me?” he cried out.  “Put me in prison?  My God!  This will kill my mother!”

The next morning at ten o’clock Tom Muldoon was released on ten thousand dollars bail.  The surety was promptly furnished by the alderman of the—­th Ward.  Muldoon was to present himself before the grand jury, which met the first Monday in each month.  As this was the beginning of the month, his appearance could not be required for three weeks at least, and by mutual agreement of the district attorney and the counsel for the defendant, action might be put off for one or even for two months more, pending the recovery or eventual death of the assaulted.  This would give the saloon-keeper plenty of time for the two ribs that Isaac Masters had crushed, to mend!