nearly ten o'clock
On his way home he stopped to tell Mrs. Sterling what he had heard . He found her very anxious , and just about to go out and make inquiries concerning her boy . The information that Paul brought relieved her mind somewhat , and thanking him for it , she turned back into the house with a sigh , and gave little Helen her supper , at the same time setting aside a liberal portion for Derrick when he should come . Until nearly ten o'clock she waited , frequently going to the door to look and listen ; then she could bear the suspense no longer . Throwing a shawl over her head , and bidding Helen remain where she was for a few minutes , the anxious mother started to go to the house of the mine boss to gain certain information of her boy . As she opened her own front door , something that she saw caused her to utter a cry and stand trembling on the threshold . What Mrs. Sterling saw was her own son Derrick , who was just about to enter the house .