Part 15 (2/2)
”And when we've done that, he'll bring thirty clerks forward to swear that no one entered Whitmore's room,” said the chief, a note of sarcasm in his voice. ”How are we going to obtain legal evidence, not deductions against him?”
”By first making sure which of the persons intimately connected with the case did NOT commit the murder, and accusing him or her of the crime.”
Manning eyed the lieutenant dubiously.
”In other words, you're going to prepare a lamb for slaughter in the hope that the wolf will come forward and confess?” drawled the chief.
”Yes,” acknowledged Britz.
”It's an established characteristic of wolves--saving the innocent lamb from slaughter, isn't it?” mocked Manning.
”This wolf may be a domesticated animal--or perhaps not a wolf at all.”
”Suppose you find that Beard is the murderer?” the chief shot at the detective.
”Then we'll release him and lock up someone that isn't.”
”That's a new way of capturing criminals--ascertaining who didn't commit the crime,” frowned Manning. ”Suppose you lock up an innocent party and the guilty one doesn't come forward to confess?”
”Then the others who have knowledge of the crime will squeal,” answered Britz. ”Persons of refinement may s.h.i.+eld a murderer through selfish motives. But they don't permit an innocent person, especially if he or she be one of themselves, to perish.”
”Well, have your own way,” growled Manning, his sullen demeanor only partly concealing the admiration and affection which he entertained for his lieutenant. ”What do you wish me to do?”
”Take charge of the case while I'm away.”
”Shall I take any decisive steps if the facts warrant?”
”Chief, no one has ever disputed that you know your business,” said Britz in frank sincerity. ”Our methods may differ, but in the end we usually reach the same goal. So go right ahead as though I were out of the case.”
Before leaving Manning's office, Britz sent for Greig and inquired whether it was Officer Muldoon who had taken Beard to the Tombs.
”Yes,” replied Greig. ”The Coroner turned the commitment papers over to him.”
”Did Beard make any statement on the way to jail?”
”Not to Muldoon. But he telephoned to a lawyer named Luckstone.”
”Very well. Now come with me.”
After leaving Manning's office, Britz and Greig proceeded to the Federal Building. The Criminal Branch of the United States Circuit Court was in session and they made their way to the clerk's desk immediately beneath the judge's platform. Producing a photograph from his pocket, Britz showed it to the clerk.
”Do you recognize it?” he inquired.
The clerk studied the picture a long while.
”The features are somewhat familiar, but I can't place them,” he finally said.
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