Probably what happened to a lot- men like Trench, supposed to build an organization, just leaving the loose ends hanging. "Police Your Planet" by Lester del Rey

" Do you know, there is a lantern hanging just inside the cabin door. "Kildares of Storm" by Eleanor Mercein Kelly

Marcella pressed the wife's cold hand, and went out hanging her head. "Marcella" by Mrs. Humphry Ward