I saw there something which they had overlooked, or, if they had seen
it, could convey nothing to them.
Among those grey ashes lay a black horn overcoat button!
This I snatched up and transferred to my pocket.
Had that bottle of acid been purposely smashed in order to dispel any
unpleasant odour arising from the furnace?
I longed to throw myself upon my knees and examine those ashes, but,
alas! I dare not.
So I was compelled to follow my companions, rigid and speechless.