Part 29 (2/2)
Entering the office of Chief Manning, he found the Chief still at his desk. A foot away sat another man, evidently pleading a favor. Britz was about to withdraw, but Manning called him back.
”This is Mr. Lester Ward!” said the Chief.
Britz showed not the least surprise. Nor was he astonished to find Ward at Headquarters. In fact, he had figured that the fugitive banker would return the moment he read the late afternoon papers, which contained an account of the happenings in the banking establishment. The detective argued also that Ward would present himself at Headquarters and demand permission to see his sister.
”So you came back!” Britz greeted him.
”I never ran away,” declared Ward. ”I had no reason to.”
”You were too busy to visit your office, I presume,” said Britz.
”It wasn't that. I simply hadn't the courage to face the crowd which I knew would gather. So I went over to Jersey City to wait until the storm had abated somewhat.”
”And before leaving, you had one of my men set upon and rendered helpless to follow?”
”I know nothing about that,” insisted Ward.
”No, of course not!” Britz retorted.
”Are you the officer in charge of this investigation?” suddenly asked Ward.
”I am.”
”Then perhaps you will tell me why you arrested my sister?” Ward spoke resentfully, turning an indignant countenance on the detective.
”I arrested her because the evidence warranted it,” Britz returned.
”It is preposterous!” exclaimed Ward. ”My sister a murderess! Why, you don't believe that yourself!”
”Then perhaps you will consent to explain the killing of Mr. Whitmore,”
Britz fired at him.
”I didn't come here to explain,” retorted Ward.
”Well, what did you come here for?”
”To demand the release of my sister.”
”Only a magistrate may release her,” Britz informed him. ”And no magistrate will do that in a murder case.”
”But you cannot deny me the right to see her,” said Ward.
”I can--most emphatically!” Britz corrected him.
”You mean that I am not permitted to speak with my sister?”
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