Part 42 (1/2)
”No, no, not yet,” she whispered.
But Alicia brushed her aside and, thrusting the letter into the hand of the astonished police captain, she said:
”Yes, now! Read that, captain!”
Captain Clinton slowly unfolded the letter. Alicia collapsed in a chair.
Annie stood by helpless, but trying to collect her wits. The judge watched the scene with amazement, not understanding. The captain read from the letter:
”'Dear Mrs. Jeffries” He stopped, and glancing at the signature, exclaimed, ”Robert Underwood!” Looking significantly at Annie, he exclaimed: ”'Dear Mrs. Jeffries!' Is that conclusive enough? What did I tell you?” Continuing to peruse the letter, he read on: ”'Shall be found dead to-morrow--suicide----'” He stopped short and frowned. ”What's this? Why, this is a barefaced forgery!”
Judge Brewster quickly s.n.a.t.c.hed the letter from his hand and, glancing over it quickly, said:
”Permit me. This belongs to my client.”
Captain Clinton's prognathous jaw snapped to with a click, and he squared his ma.s.sive shoulders, as he usually did when preparing for hostilities:
”Now, Mrs. Jeffries,” he said sharply, ”I'll trouble you to go with me to headquarters.”
Annie and Alicia both stood up. Judge Brewster quickly objected.
”Mrs. Jeffries will not go with you,” he said quietly. ”She has made no attempt to leave the State.”
”She's wanted at police headquarters,” said the captain doggedly.
”She'll be there to-morrow morning.”
”She'll be there to-night.”
He looked steadily at the judge, and the latter calmly returned his stare. There followed an awkward pause, and then the captain turned on his heel to depart.
”The moment she attempts to leave the house,” he growled, ”I shall arrest her. Good night, judge.”
”Good night, captain!” cried Annie mockingly.
”I'll see you later,” he muttered. ”Come on, Maloney.”
The door banged to. They were alone.
”What a sweet disposition!” laughed Annie.
Judge Brewster looked sternly at her. Holding up the letter, he said:
”What is the meaning of this? You are not the woman to whom this letter is addressed?”
”No,” stammered Annie, ”that is----”
The judge interrupted her. Sternly he asked:
”Is it your intention to go on the witness stand and commit perjury?”