Part 41 (2/2)

”Beg pardon, m'm; I wanted to tell the judge I was going.”

The servant entered.

”Tell Judge Brewster that Captain Clinton is going,” said Annie.

Alicia, meantime, was once more on the verge of collapse. The long threatened _expose_ was now at hand. In another moment the judge and perhaps her husband would come in, and Annie would hand them the letter which exculpated her husband. There was a moment of terrible suspense.

Annie stood aloof, her eyes fixed on the floor. Suddenly, without uttering a word, she drew Underwood's letter from her bosom, and quickly approaching Alicia, placed it unnoticed in her hand. The banker's wife flushed and then turned pale. She understood. Annie would spare her. Her lips parted to protest. Even she was taken back by such an exhibition of unselfishness as this. She began to stammer thanks.

”No, no,” whispered Annie quickly, ”don't thank me; keep it.”

Captain Clinton turned round with a jeer. Insolently, he said to Annie:

”You might as well own up--you've played a trick on us all.”

”No, Captain Clinton,” she replied with quiet dignity; ”I told you the simple truth. Naturally you don't believe it.”

”The simple truth may do for Judge Brewster,” grinned the policeman, ”but it won't do for me. I never expected this mysterious witness, who was going to prove that Underwood committed suicide, to make an appearance, did I, Maloney. Why not? Because, begging your pardon for doubting your word, there's no such person.”

”Begging your pardon for disputing your word, captain,” she retorted, mimicking him, ”there _is_ such a person.”

”Then where is she?” he demanded angrily. Annie made no answer, but looked for advice to Judge Brewster, who at that instant entered the room. The captain glared at her viciously, and unable to longer contain his wrath, he bellowed:

”I'll tell you where she is! She's right here in this room!” Pointing his finger at Annie in theatrical fas.h.i.+on, he went on furiously: ”Annie Jeffries, you're the woman who visited Underwood the night of his death!

I don't hesitate to say so. I've said so all along, haven't I, Maloney?”

”Yes, you told the newspapers so,” retorted Annie dryly.

Taking no notice of her remark, the captain bl.u.s.tered:

”I've got your record, young woman! I know all about you and your folks.

You knew the two men when they were at college. You knew Underwood before you made the acquaintance of young Jeffries. It was Underwood who introduced you to your husband. It was Underwood who aroused your husband's jealousy. You went to his rooms that night. Your husband followed you there, and the shooting took place!” Turning to Judge Brewster, he added, with a sarcastic grin: ”False confession, eh?

Hypnotism, eh? I guess it's international and const.i.tutional law for yours after this.”

”You don't say so?” exclaimed Annie, irritated at the man's intolerable insolence.

Judge Brewster held up a restraining hand.

”Please say nothing,” he said with dignity.

”No, I guess I'll let him talk. Go on, captain,” she said with a smile, as if thoroughly enjoying the situation.

Alicia came forward, her face pale, but on it a look of determination, as if she had quite made up her mind as to what course to pursue. In her hand was Underwood's letter. Addressing Annie, she said with emotion:

”The truth must come out sooner or later.”

Seeing what she was about to do, Annie quickly put out her hand to stop her. She expected the banker's wife to do her duty, she had insisted that she must, but now she was ready to do it, she realized what it was costing her. Her position, her future happiness were at stake. It was too great a sacrifice. Perhaps there was some other way.

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