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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/28505-8.txt b/28505-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..948fedd --- /dev/null +++ b/28505-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9392 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Third Degree, by Charles Klein and +Arthur Hornblow, Illustrated by Clarence Rowe + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Third Degree + A Narrative of Metropolitan Life + + +Author: Charles Klein and Arthur Hornblow + + + +Release Date: April 5, 2009 [eBook #28505] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE THIRD DEGREE*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 28505-h.htm or 28505-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/0/28505/28505-h/28505-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/0/28505/28505-h.zip) + + + + + +THE THIRD DEGREE + +A Narrative of Metropolitan Life + +by + +CHARLES KLEIN and ARTHUR HORNBLOW + +Authors of the novel _The Lion and the Mouse_ + +Illustrations by Clarence Rowe + + + + + + + +Grosset & Dunlap Publishers :: New York + +Copyright, 1909, by +G. W. Dillingham Company + +_The Third Degree._ + + + + +[Illustration: "I ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICING THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE +PRISONER BEFORE HE COMES TO TRIAL."] + + + + +CONTENTS + +I + +II + +III + +IV + +V + +VI + +VII + +VIII + +IX + +X + +XI + +XII + +XIII + +XIV + +XV + +XVI + +XVII + +XVIII + +XIX + + + + +List of Illustrations + + +"I ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICING THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE PRISONER BEFORE +HE COMES TO TRIAL." + +"YOU DID IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU DID IT." + +"I CAN DO NOTHING FOR YOU," SAID THE JUDGE. + +"WHEN THIS MYSTERIOUS WITNESS DOES COME I SHALL PLACE HER UNDER ARREST." + + + + +The Third Degree + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +"I'm N. G.--that's a cinch! The sooner I chuck it the better!" + +Caught in the swirl of the busy city's midday rush, engulfed in +Broadway's swift moving flood of hustling humanity, jostled +unceremoniously by the careless, indifferent crowds, discouraged from +stemming further the tide of pushing, elbowing men and women who hurried +up and down the great thoroughfare, Howard Jeffries, tired and hungry +and thoroughly disgusted with himself, stood still at the corner of +Fulton street, cursing the luck which had brought him to his present +plight. + +It was the noon hour, the important time of day when nature loudly +claims her due, when business affairs, no matter how pressing, must be +temporarily interrupted so that the human machine may lay in a fresh +store of nervous energy. From under the portals of precipitous office +buildings, mammoth hives of human industry, which to right and left +soared dizzily from street to sky, swarmed thousands of employees of +both sexes--clerks, stenographers, shop-girls, messenger boys, all moved +by a common impulse to satisfy without further delay the animal cravings +of their physical natures. They strode along with quick, nervous step, +each chatting and laughing with his fellow, interested for the nonce in +the day's work, making plans for well-earned recreation when five +o'clock should come and the up-town stampede for Harlem and home begin. + +The young man sullenly watched the scene, envious of the energy and +activity of all about him. Each one in these hurrying throngs, he +thought bitterly to himself, was a valuable unit in the prosperity and +welfare of the big town. No matter how humble his or her position, each +played a part in the business life of the great city, each was an +unseen, unknown, yet indispensable cog in the whirling, complicated +mechanism of the vast world-metropolis. Intuitively he felt that he was +not one of them, that he had no right even to consider himself their +equal. He was utterly useless to anybody. He was without position or +money. He was destitute even of a shred of self-respect. Hadn't he +promised Annie not to touch liquor again before he found a job? Yet he +had already imbibed all the whiskey which the little money left in his +pocket would buy. + +Involuntarily, instinctively, he shrank back into the shadow of a +doorway to let the crowds pass. The pavements were now filled to +overflowing and each moment newcomers from the side streets came to +swell the human stream. He tried to avoid observation, fearing that some +one might recognize him, thinking all could read on his face that he was +a sot, a self-confessed failure, one of life's incompetents. In his +painful self-consciousness he believed himself the cynosure of every eye +and he winced as he thought he detected on certain faces side glances of +curiosity, commiseration and contempt. + +Nor was he altogether mistaken. More than one passer-by turned to look +in his direction, attracted by his peculiar appearance. His was a type +not seen every day in the commercial district--the post-graduate college +man out at elbows. He was smooth-faced and apparently about twenty-five +years of age. His complexion was fair and his face refined. It would +have been handsome but for a drooping, irresolute mouth, which denoted +more than average weakness of character. The face was thin, chalk-like +in its lack of color and deeply seamed with the tell-tale lines of +dissipation. Dark circles under his eyes and a peculiar watery look +suggested late hours and over-fondness for alcoholic refreshment. His +clothes had the cut of expensive tailors, but they were shabby and +needed pressing. His linen was soiled and his necktie disarranged. His +whole appearance was careless and suggested that recklessness of mind +which comes of general demoralization. + +Howard Jeffries knew that he was a failure, yet like most young men +mentally weak, he insisted that he could not be held altogether to +blame. Secretly, too, he despised these sober, industrious people who +seemed contented with the crumbs of comfort thrown to them. What, he +wondered idly, was their secret of getting on? How were they able to +lead such well regulated lives when he, starting out with far greater +advantages, had failed? Oh, he knew well where the trouble lay--in his +damnable weakness of character, his love for drink. That was responsible +for everything. But was it his fault if he were born weak? These people +who behaved themselves and got on, he sneered, were calm, commonplace +temperaments who found no difficulty in controlling their baser +instincts. They did right simply because they found it easier than to do +wrong. Their virtue was nothing to brag about. It was easy to be good +when not exposed to temptation. But for those born with the devil in +them it came hard. It was all a matter of heredity and influence. One's +vices as well as one's virtues are handed down to us ready made. He had +no doubt that in the Jeffries family somewhere in the unsavory past +there had been a weak, vicious ancestor from whom he had inherited all +the traits which barred his way to success. + +The crowds of hungry workers grew bigger every minute. Every one was +elbowing his way into neighboring restaurants, crowding the tables and +buffets, all eating voraciously as they talked and laughed. Howard was +rudely reminded by inward pangs that he, too, was famished. Not a thing +had passed his lips since he had left home in Harlem at eight o'clock +that morning and he had told Annie that he would be home for lunch. +There was no use staying downtown any longer. For three weary hours he +had trudged from office to office seeking employment, answering +advertisements, asking for work of any kind, ready to do no matter what, +but all to no purpose. Nobody wanted him at any price. What was the good +of a man being willing to work if there was no one to employ him? A nice +look-out certainly. Hardly a dollar left and no prospect of getting any +more. He hardly had the courage to return home and face Annie. With a +muttered exclamation of impatience he spat from his mouth the +half-consumed cigarette which was hanging from his lip, and crossing +Broadway, walked listlessly in the direction of Park Place. + +He had certainly made a mess of things, yet at one time, not so long +ago, what a brilliant future life seemed to have in store for him! No +boy had ever been given a better start. He remembered the day he left +home to go to Yale; he recalled his father's kind words of +encouragement, his mother's tears. Ah, if his mother had only lived! +Then, maybe, everything would have been different. But she died during +his freshman year, carried off suddenly by heart failure. His father +married again, a young woman twenty years his junior, and that had +started everything off wrong. The old home life had gone forever. He had +felt like an intruder the first time he went home and from that day his +father's roof had been distasteful to him. Yes, that was the beginning +of his hard luck. He could trace all his misfortunes back to that. He +couldn't stand for mother-in-law, a haughty, selfish, supercilious, +ambitious creature who had little sympathy for her predecessor's child, +and no scruple in showing it. + +Then, at college, he had met Robert Underwood, the popular upper-class +man, who had professed to take a great fancy to him. He, a timid young +freshman, was naturally flattered by the friendship of the dashing, +fascinating sophomore and thus commenced that unfortunate intimacy which +had brought about the climax to his troubles. The suave, amiable +Underwood, whom he soon discovered to be a gentlemanly scoundrel, +borrowed his money and introduced him into the "sporty" set, an +exclusive circle into which, thanks to his liberal allowance from home, +he was welcomed with open arms. With a youth of his proclivities and +inherent weakness the outcome was inevitable. At no time overfond of +study, he regarded residence in college as a most desirable emancipation +from the restraint of home life. The love of books he considered a pose +and he scoffed at the men who took their reading seriously. The +university attracted him mostly by its most undesirable features, its +sports, its secret societies, its petty cliques, and its rowdyism. The +broad spirit and the dignity of the _alma mater_ he ignored completely. +Directly he went to Yale he started in to enjoy himself and with the +sophisticated Underwood as guide, went to the devil faster than any man +before him in the entire history of the university. + +Reading, attendance at lectures, became only a convenient cloak to +conceal his turpitudes. Poker playing, automobile joy rides, hard +drinking became the daily curriculum. In town rows and orgies of every +description he was soon a recognized leader. Scandal followed scandal +until he was threatened with expulsion. Then his father heard of it and +there was a terrible scene. Jeffries, Sr., went immediately to New +Haven and there followed a stormy interview in which Howard promised to +reform, but once the parent's back was turned things went on pretty much +as before. There were fresh scandals, the smoke of which reached as far +as New York. This time Mr. Jeffries tried the plan of cutting down the +money supply and Howard found himself financially embarrassed. But this +had not quite the effect desired by the father, for, rendered desperate +by his inability to secure funds with which to carry on his sprees, the +young man started in to gamble heavily, giving notes for his losses and +pocketing the ready money when he won. + +Then came the supreme scandal which turned his father's heart to steel. +Jeffries, Sr., could forgive much in a young man. He had been young +himself once. None knew better than he how difficult it is when the +blood is rich and red to keep oneself in control. But there was one +offence which a man proud of his descent could not condone. He would +never forgive the staining of the family name by a degrading marriage. +The news came to the unhappy father like a thunder-clap. Howard, +probably in a drunken spree, had married secretly a waitress employed in +one of the "sporty" restaurants in New Haven, and to make the +mésalliance worse, the girl was not even of respectable parents. Her +father, Billy Delmore, the pool-room king, was a notorious gambler and +had died in convict stripes. Fine sensation that for the yellow press. +"Banker's Son Weds Convict's Daughter." So ran the "scare heads" in the +newspapers. That was the last straw for Mr. Jeffries, Sr. He sternly +told his son that he never wanted to look upon his face again. Howard +bowed his head to the decree and he had never seen his father since. + +All this the young man was reviewing in his mind when suddenly his +reflections were disturbed by a friendly hail. + +"Hello, Jeffries, old sport! Don't you know a fellow frat when you see +him?" + +He looked up. A young man of athletic build, with a pleasant, frank +face, was standing at the news stand under the Park Place elevated +station. Quickly Howard extended his hand. + +"Hello, Coxe!" he exclaimed. "What on earth are you doing in New York? +Whoever would have expected to meet you in this howling wilderness? +How's everything at Yale?" + +The athlete grinned. + +"Yale be hanged! I don't care a d----. You know I graduated last June. I'm +in business now--in a broker's office in Wall Street. Say, it's great! +We had a semi-panic last week. Prices went to the devil. Stocks broke +twenty points. You should have seen the excitement on the Exchange +floor. Our football rushes were nothing to it. I tell you, it's great. +It's got college beaten to a frazzle!" Quickly he added: "What are you +doing?" + +Howard averted his eyes and hung his head. + +"Nothing," he answered gloomily. + +Coxe had quickly taken note of his former classmate's shabby appearance. +He had also heard of his escapades. + +"Didn't you hear?" muttered Howard. "Row with governor, marriage and all +that sort of thing? + +"Of course," he went on, "father's damnably unjust, actuated by absurd +prejudice. Annie's a good girl and a good wife, no matter what her +father was. D----n it, this is a free country! A man can marry whom he +likes. All these ideas about family pride and family honor are +old-world notions, foreign to this soil. I'm not going to give up Annie +to please any one. I'm as fond of her now as ever. I haven't regretted a +moment that I married her. Of course, it has been hard. Father at once +shut down money supplies, making my further stay at Yale impossible, and +I was forced to come to New York to seek employment. We've managed to +fix up a small flat in Harlem and now, like Micawber, I'm waiting for +something to turn up." + +Coxe nodded sympathetically. + +"Come and have a drink," he said cheerily. + +Howard hesitated. Once more he remembered his promise to Annie, but as +long as he had broken it once he would get no credit for refusing now. +He was horribly thirsty and depressed. Another drink would cheer him up. +It seemed even wicked to decline when it wouldn't cost him anything. + +They entered a bar conveniently close at hand, and with a tremulous hand +Howard carried greedily to his lips the insidious liquor which had +undermined his health and stolen away his manhood. + +"Have another?" said Coxe with a smile as he saw the glass emptied at a +gulp. + +"I don't care if I do," replied Howard. Secretly ashamed of his +weakness, he shuffled uneasily on his feet. + +"Well, what are you going to do, old man?" demanded Coxe as he pushed +the whiskey bottle over. + +"I'm looking for a job," stammered Howard awkwardly. Hastily he went on: +"It isn't so easy. If it was only myself I wouldn't mind. I'd get along +somehow. But there's the little girl. She wants to go to work, and I +won't hear of it. I couldn't stand for that, you know." + +Coxe feared a "touch." Awkwardly he said: + +"I wish I could help you, old man. As it is, my own salary barely serves +to keep me in neckwear. Wall Street's great fun, but it doesn't pay +much; that is, not unless you play the game yourself." + +Howard smiled feebly as he replied: + +"Nonsense--I wouldn't accept help of that sort. I'm not reduced to +soliciting charity yet. I guess I'd prefer the river to that. But if you +hear of anything, keep me in mind." + +The athlete made no response. He was apparently lost in thought when +suddenly he blurted out: + +"Say, Jeffries, you haven't got any money, have you--say a couple of +thousand dollars?" + +Howard stared at the questioner as if he doubted his sanity. + +"Two thousand dollars!" he gasped. "Do you suppose that I'd be wearing +out shoe leather looking for a job, if I had two thousand dollars?" + +Coxe looked disappointed as he replied: + +"Oh, of course, I understand you haven't it on you, only I thought you +might be able to raise it." + +"Why do you ask?" inquired Howard, his curiosity aroused. + +Coxe looked around to see if any one was listening. Then in a whisper he +said: + +"It's a cinch. If you had $2,000, you and I could make a snug little +fortune. Don't you understand? In my office I get tips. I'm on the +inside. I know in advance what the big men are going to do. When they +start to move a certain stock up, I'm on the job. Understand? If you had +$2,000, I could raise as much, and we'd pool our capital, starting in +the business ourselves--on a small scale, of course. If we hit it right +we might make a nice income." + +Howard's mouth watered. Certainly that was the kind of life he liked +best. The feverish excitement of gambling, the close association with +rich men, the promise of a luxurious style of living--all this appealed +to him strongly. But what was the use? Where could he get $2,000? He +couldn't go to his father. He shook his head. + +"I'm afraid not, old sport," he said as they left the saloon and he held +out his hand to say good-by. "But I'll bear it in mind, and if things +improve, I'll look you up. So long!" + +Climbing wearily up the dirty stairs of the elevated railroad, he bought +a ticket with one of the few nickels remaining in his pocket, and taking +a seat in a northbound train started on his trip back to Harlem. + +The day was overcast, rain threatened. A pall of mingled smoke and mist +hung over the entire city. From the car window as the train wound its +serpentine course in and out the maze of grimy offices, shops and +tenements, everything appeared drab, dirty and squalid. New York was +seen at its ugliest. Ensconced in a cross-seat, his chin leaning heavily +on his hand, Howard gazed dejectedly out of the window. The depressing +outlook was in keeping with his own state of mind. + +How would the adventure end? Reconciliation with his father was out of +the question. Letters sent home remained without response. He wasn't +surprised. He knew his pater too well to expect that he would relent so +soon. Besides, if the old man were so infernally proud, he'd show him he +had some pride too. He'd drown himself before he'd go down on his knees, +whining to be forgiven. His father was dead wrong, anyway. His marriage +might have been foolish; Annie might be beneath him socially. She was +not educated and her father wasn't any better than he ought to be. She +did not talk correctly, her manners left much to be desired, at times he +was secretly ashamed of her. But her bringing up was her misfortune, not +her fault. The girl herself was straight as a die. She had a heart of +gold. She was far more intelligent, far more likely to make him a happy +home than some stuck-up, idle society girl who had no thought for +anything save money, dress and show. Perhaps if he had been less +honorable and not married her, his father would have thought more +highly of him. If he'd ruined the girl, no doubt he would have been +welcomed home with open arms. Pshaw! He might be a poor, weak fool, but, +thank God, they couldn't reproach him with that. Annie had been loyal to +him throughout. He'd stick to her through thick and thin. + +As the train swept round the curve at 53d Street and started on its +long, straight run up the West Side, his mind reverted to Robert +Underwood. He had seen his old associate only once since leaving +college. He ran across him one day on Fifth Avenue. Underwood was coming +out of a curio shop. He explained hurriedly that he had left Yale and +when asked about his future plans talked vaguely of going in for art. +His manner was frigid and nervous--the attitude of the man who fears he +may be approached for a small loan. He was evidently well aware of the +change in his old associate's fortunes and having squeezed all he could +out of him, had no further use for him. It was only when he had +disappeared that Howard suddenly remembered a loan of $250 which +Underwood had never repaid. Some time later Howard learned that he +occupied apartments at the exclusive and expensive Astruria where he +was living in great style. He went there determined to see him and +demand his money, but the card always came back "not at home." + +Underwood had always been a mystery to Howard. He knew him to be an +inveterate gambler and a man entirely without principle. No one knew who +his family were or where he came from. His source of income, too, was +always a puzzle. At college he was always hard up, borrowing right and +left and forgetting to pay, yet he always succeeded in living on the fat +of the land. His apartments in the Astruria cost a small fortune; he +dressed well, drove a smart turnout and entertained lavishly. He was not +identified with any particular business or profession. On leaving +college he became interested in art. He frequented the important art +sales and soon got his name in the newspapers as an authority on art +matters. His apartment was literally a museum of European and Oriental +art. On all sides were paintings by old masters, beautiful rugs, +priceless tapestries, rare ceramics, enamels, statuary, antique +furniture, bronzes, etc. He passed for a man of wealth, and mothers with +marriageable daughters, considering him an eligible young bachelor, +hastened to invite him to their homes, none of them conscious of the +danger of letting the wolf slip into the lambs' fold. + +What a strange power of fascination, mused Howard as the train jogged +along, men of Underwood's bold and reckless type wield, especially over +women. Their very daring and unscrupulousness seems to render them more +attractive. He himself at college had fallen entirely under the man's +spell. There was no doubt that he was responsible for all his troubles. +Underwood possessed the uncanny gift of being able to bend people to his +will. What a fool he had made of him at the university! He had been his +evil genius, there was no question of that. But for meeting Underwood he +might have applied himself to serious study, left the university with +honors and be now a respectable member of the community. He remembered +with a smile that it was through Underwood that he had met his wife. +Some of the fellows hinted that Underwood had known her more intimately +than he had pretended and had only passed her on to him because he was +tired of her. He had nailed that as a lie. Annie, he could swear, was as +good a girl as ever breathed. + +He couldn't explain Underwood's influence over him. He had done with him +what he chose. He wondered why he had been so weak, why he had not tried +to resist. The truth was Underwood exercised a strange, subtle power +over him. He had the power to make him do everything he wanted him to +do, no matter how foolish or unreasonable the request. Every one at +college used to talk about it. One night Underwood invited all his +classmates to his rooms and made him cut up all kinds of capers. He at +first refused, point blank--but Underwood got up and, standing directly +in front of him, gazed steadily into his eyes. Again he commanded him to +do these ridiculous, degrading things. Howard felt himself weakening. He +was suddenly seized with the feeling that he must obey. Amid roars of +laughter he recited the entire alphabet standing on one leg, he crowed +like a rooster, he hopped like a toad, and he crawled abjectly on his +belly like a snake. One of the fellows told him afterward that he had +been hypnotized. He had laughed at it then as a good joke, but now he +came to think of it, perhaps it was true. Possibly he was a subject. +Anyway he was glad to be rid of Underwood and his uncanny influence. + +The train stopped with a jerk at his station and Howard rode down in the +elevator to the street Crossing Eighth Avenue, he was going straight +home when suddenly he halted. The glitter and tempting array of bottles +in a corner saloon window tempted him. He suddenly felt that if there +was one thing he needed in the world above all others it was another +drink. True, he had had more than enough already. But that was Coxe's +fault. He had invited him and made him drink. There couldn't be any harm +in taking another. He might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. By +the time he emerged from the saloon his speech was thick and his step +uncertain. A few minutes later he was painfully climbing up the rickety +stairs of a cheap-looking flat house. As he reached the top floor a +cheerful voice called out: + +"Is that you, Howard, dear?" + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +A young woman hurried out of one of the apartments to greet Howard. She +was a vivacious brunette of medium height, intelligent looking, with +good features and fine teeth. It was not a doll face, but the face of a +woman who had experienced early the hard knocks of the world, yet in +whom adversity had not succeeded in wholly subduing a naturally buoyant, +amiable disposition. There was determination in the lines above her +mouth. It was a face full of character, the face of a woman who by sheer +dint of dogged perseverance might accomplish any task she cared to set +herself. A smile of welcome gleamed in her eyes as she inquired eagerly: + +"Well, dear, anything doing?" + +Howard shook his head for all response and a look of disappointment +crossed the young wife's face. + +"Say, that's tough, ain't it?" she exclaimed. "The janitor was here +again for the rent. He says they'll serve us with a dispossess. I told +him to chase himself, I was that mad." + +Annie's vocabulary was emphatic, rather than choice. Entirely without +education, she made no pretense at being what she was not and therein +perhaps lay her chief charm. As Howard stooped to kiss her, she said +reproachfully: + +"You've been drinking again, Howard. You promised me you wouldn't." + +The young man made no reply. With an impatient gesture he passed on into +the flat and flung himself down in a chair in the dining room. From the +adjoining kitchen came a welcome odor of cooking. + +"Dinner ready?" he demanded. "I'm devilish hungry." + +"Yes, dear, just a minute," replied his wife from the kitchen. "There's +some nice Irish stew, just what you like." + +The box-like hole where Howard sat awaiting his meal was the largest +room in a flat which boasted of "five and bath." There was a bedroom of +equally diminutive proportions and a parlor with wall paper so loud that +it talked. There was scarcely enough room to swing a cat around. The +thin walls were cracked, the rooms were carpetless. Yet it showed the +care of a good housekeeper. Floors and windows were clean, the cover on +the table spotless. The furnishings were as meagre as they were +ingenious. With their slender purse they had been able to purchase only +the bare necessities--a bed, a chair or two, a dining-room table, a few +kitchen utensils. When they wanted to sit in the parlor they had to +carry a chair from the dining room; when meal times came the chairs had +to travel back again. A soap box turned upside down and neatly covered +with chintz did duty as a dresser in the bedroom, and with a few +photographs and tacks they had managed to impart an ćsthetic appearance +to the parlor. This place cost the huge sum of $25 a month. It might +just as well have cost $100 for all Howard's ability to pay it. The past +month's rent was long overdue and the janitor looked more insolent every +day. But they did not care. They were young and life was still before +them. + +Presently Annie came in carrying a steaming dish of stew, which she laid +on the table. As she helped Howard to a plate full she said: "So you had +no luck again this morning?" + +Howard was too busy eating to answer. As he gulped down a huge piece of +bread, he growled: + +"Nothing, as usual--same old story, nothing doing." + +Annie sighed. She had been given this answer so often that it would have +surprised her to hear anything else. It meant that their hard +hand-to-mouth struggle must go on. She said nothing. What was the use? +It would never do to discourage Howard. She tried to make light of it. + +"Of course it isn't easy, I quite understand that. Never mind, dear. +Something will turn up soon. Where did you go? Whom did you see? Why +didn't you let drink alone when you promised me you would?" + +"That was Coxe's fault," blurted out Howard, always ready to blame +others for his own shortcomings. "You remember Coxe! He was at Yale when +I was. A big, fair fellow with blue eyes. He pulled stroke in the +'varsity boat race, you remember?" + +"I think I do," replied his wife, indifferently, as she helped him to +more stew. "What did he want? What's he doing in New York?" + +"He's got a fine place in a broker's office in Wall Street. I felt +ashamed to let him see me low down like this. He said that I could make +a good deal of money if only I had a little capital. He knows everything +going on in Wall Street. If I went in with him I'd be on Easy Street." + +"How much would it require?" + +"Two thousand dollars." + +The young wife gave a sigh as she answered: + +"I'm afraid that's a day dream. Only your father could give you such an +amount and you wouldn't go to him, would you?" + +"Not if we hadn't another crust in the house," snapped Howard savagely. +"You don't want me to, do you?" he asked looking up at her quickly. + +"No, dear," she answered calmly. "I have certainly no wish that you +should humble yourself. At the same time I am not selfish enough to want +to stand in the way of your future. Your father and stepmother hate me, +I know that. I am the cause of your separation from your folks. No doubt +your father would be very willing to help you if you would consent to +leave me." + +Howard laughed as he replied: + +"Well, if that's the price for the $2,000 I guess I'll go without it. I +wouldn't give you up for a million times $2,000!" + +Annie stretched her hand across the table. + +"Really," she said. + +"You know I wouldn't Annie," he said earnestly. "Not one second have I +ever regretted marrying you--that's honest to God!" + +A faint flush of pleasure lit up the young wife's face. For all her +assumed lightheartedness she was badly in need of this reassurance. If +she thought Howard nourished secret regrets it would break her heart. +She could stand anything, any hardship, but not that. She would leave +him at once. + +In a way she held herself responsible for his present predicament. She +had felt a deep sense of guilt ever since that afternoon in New Haven +when, listening to Howard's importunities and obeying an impulse she +was powerless to resist, she had flung aside her waitress's apron, +furtively left the restaurant and hurried with him to the minister who +declared them man and wife. + +Their marriage was a mistake, of course. Howard was in no position to +marry. They should have waited. They both realized their folly now. But +what was done could not be undone. She realized, too, that it was worse +for Howard than it was for her. It had ruined his prospects at the +outset of his career and threatened to be an irreparable blight on his +entire life. She realized that she was largely to blame. She had done +wrong to marry him and at times she reproached herself bitterly. There +were days when their union assumed in her eyes the enormity of a crime. +She should have seen what a social gulf lay between them. All these +taunts and insults from his family which she now endured she had +foolishly brought upon her own head. But she had not been able to resist +the temptation. Howard came into her life when the outlook was dreary +and hopeless. He had offered to her what seemed a haven against the +cruelty and selfishness of the world. Happiness for the first time in +her life seemed within reach and she had not the moral courage to say +"No." + +If Annie had no education she was not without brains. She had sense +enough to realize that her bringing up or the lack of it was an +unsurmountable barrier to her ever being admitted to the inner circle of +Howard's family. If her husband's father had not married again the +breach might have been crossed in time, but his new wife was a prominent +member of the smart set, a woman full of aristocratic notions who +recoiled with horror at having anything to do with a girl guilty of the +enormity of earning her own living. Individual merit, inherent nobility +of character, amiability of disposition, and a personal reputation +untouched by scandal--all this went for nothing--because unaccompanied +by wealth or social position. Annie had neither wealth or position. She +had not even education. They considered her common, impossible. They +were even ready to lend an ear to certain ugly stories regarding her +past, none of which were true. After their marriage, Mr. Jeffries, Sr., +and his wife absolutely refused to receive her or have any communication +with her whatsoever. As long, therefore, as Howard remained faithful to +her, the breach with his family could never be healed. + +"Have some more stew, dear," she said, extending her hand for her +husband's plate. + +Howard shook his head and threw down his knife and fork. + +"I've had enough," he said despondently. "I haven't much appetite." + +She looked at him with concern. + +"Poor boy, you're tired out!" + +As she noted how pale and dejected he appeared, her eyes filled with +sympathetic tears. She forgot the appalling number of cigarettes he +smoked a day, nor did she realize how abuse of alcohol had spoiled his +stomach for solid food. + +"I wish I knew where to go and get that $2,000," muttered Howard, his +mind still preoccupied with Coxe's proposition. Lighting another +cigarette, he leaned back in his chair and lapsed into silence. + +Annie sat and watched him, wishing she could suggest some way to solve +the problem that troubled him. She loved her husband with all her heart +and soul. His very weakness of character endeared him the more to her. +She was not blind to his faults, but she excused them. His vices, his +drinking, cigarette smoking and general shiftlessness were, she argued, +the result of bad associates. He was self-indulgent. He made good +resolutions and broke them. But he was not really vicious. He had a good +heart. With some one to watch him and keep him in the straight path, he +would still give a good account of himself to the world. She was +confident of that. She recognized many excellent qualities in him. They +only wanted fostering and bringing out. That was why she married him. +She was a few years his senior; she felt that she was the stronger +mentally. She considered it was her duty to devote her life to him, to +protect him from himself and make a man of him. + +It was not her fault, she mused, if she were not a lady. Literally +brought up in the gutter, what advantages had she had? Her mother died +in childbirth and her father, a professional gambler, abandoned the +little girl to the tender mercies of an indifferent neighbor. When she +was about eight years old her father was arrested. He refused to pay +police blackmail, was indicted, railroaded to prison and died soon after +in convict stripes. There was no provision for Annie's maintenance, so +at the age of nine she found herself toiling in a factory, a helpless +victim of the brutalizing system of child slavery which in spite of +prohibiting laws still disgraces the United States. Ever since that time +she had earned her own living. The road had often been hard, there were +times when she thought she would have to give up the fight, other girls +she had met had hinted at an easier way of earning one's living, but she +had kept her courage, refused to listen to evil counsel and always +managed to keep her name unsullied. She left the factory to work behind +the counter in a New York dry goods store. Then about a year ago she +drifted to New Haven and took the position of waitress at the restaurant +which the college boys patronized. + +Robert Underwood was among the students who came almost every day. He +made love to her from the start, and one day attempted liberties which +she was prompt to resent in a way he did not relish. After that he let +her alone. She never liked the man. She knew him to be unprincipled as +well as vicious. One night he brought Howard Jeffries to the restaurant. +They seemed the closest of cronies and she was sorry to see what bad +influence the elder sophomore had over the young freshman, to whom she +was at once attracted. Every time they came she watched them and she +noticed how under his mentor Howard became more hardened. He drank more +and more and became a reckless gambler. Underwood seemed to exercise a +baneful spell over him. She saw that he would soon be ruined with such a +man as Underwood for a constant companion. Her interest in the young +student grew. They became acquainted and Howard, not realizing that she +was older than he, was immediately captivated by her vivacious charm and +her common-sense views. They saw each other more frequently and their +friendship grew until one day Howard asked her to marry him. + +While she sometimes blamed herself for having listened too willingly to +Howard's pleadings, she did not altogether regret the step she had +taken. It was most unfortunate that there must be this rupture with his +family, yet something within told her that she was doing God's +work--saving a man's soul. Without her, Howard would have gone swiftly +to ruin, there was little doubt of that. His affection for her had +partly, if not wholly, redeemed him and was keeping him straight. He had +been good to her ever since their marriage and done everything to make +her comfortable. Once he took a position as guard on the elevated road, +but caught cold and was forced to give it up. She wanted to go to work +again, but he angrily refused. That alone showed that he was not +entirely devoid of character. He was unfortunate at present and they +were poor, but by dint of perseverance he would win out and make a +position for himself without his father's help. These were their darkest +days, but light was ahead. As long as they loved each other and had +their health what more was necessary? + +"Say, Annie, I have an idea," suddenly blurted out Howard. + +"What is it, dear?" she asked, her reveries thus abruptly interrupted. + +"I mean regarding that $2,000. You know all about that $250 which I once +lent Underwood. I never got it back, although I've been after him many +times for it. He's a slippery customer. But under the circumstances I +think it's worth another determined effort. He seems to be better fixed +now than he ever was. He's living at the Astruria, making a social +splurge and all that sort of thing. He must have money. I'll try to +borrow the $2,000 from him." + +"He certainly appears to be prosperous," replied Annie. "I see his name +in the newspapers all the time. There is hardly an affair at which he is +not present." + +"Yes," growled Howard; "I don't see how he does it. He travels on his +cheek, principally, I guess. His name was among those present at my +stepmother's musicale the other night." Bitterly he added: "That's how +the world goes. There is no place for me under my father's roof, but +that blackguard is welcomed with open arms!" + +"I thought your father was such a proud man," interrupted Annie. "How +does he come to associate with people like Underwood?" + +"Oh, pater's an old dolt!" exclaimed Howard impatiently. "There's no +fool like an old fool. Of course, he's sensible enough in business +matters. He wouldn't be where he is to-day if he weren't. But when it +comes to the woman question he's as blind as a bat. What right had a +man of his age to go and marry a woman twenty years his junior? Of +course she only married him for his money. Everybody knows that except +he. People laugh at him behind his back. Instead of enjoying a quiet, +peaceful home in the declining years of his life, he is compelled to +keep open house and entertain people who are personally obnoxious to +him, simply because that sort of life pleases his young wife." + +"Who was she, anyway, before their marriage?" interrupted Annie. + +"Oh, a nobody," he replied. "She was very attractive looking, dressed +well and was clever enough to get introductions to good people. She +managed to make herself popular in the smart set and she needed money to +carry out her social ambitions. Dad--wealthy widower--came along and she +caught him in her net, that's all!" + +Annie listened with interest. She was human enough to feel a certain +sense of satisfaction on hearing that this woman who treated her with +such contempt was herself something of an intriguer. + +"How did your stepmother come to know Robert Underwood?" she asked. "He +was never in society." + +"No," replied Howard with a grin. "It was my stepmother who gave him the +entrée. You know she was once engaged to him, but broke it off so she +could marry Dad. He felt very sore over it at the time, but after her +marriage he was seemingly as friendly with her as ever--to serve his own +ends, of course. It is simply wonderful what influence he has with her. +He exercises over her the same fascination that he did over me at +college. He has sort of hypnotized her. I don't think it's a case of +love or anything like that, but he simply holds her under his thumb and +gets her to do anything he wants. She invites him to her house, +introduces him right and left, got people to take him up. Everybody +laughs about it in society. Underwood is known as Mrs. Howard Jeffries' +pet. Such a thing soon gets talked about. That is the secret of his +successful career in New York. As far as I know, she's as much +infatuated with him as ever." + +A look of surprise came into Annie's face. To this young woman, whose +one idea of matrimony was steadfast loyalty to the man whose life she +shared and whose name she bore, there was something repellent and +nauseating in a woman permitting herself to be talked about in that way. + +"Doesn't your father object?" she asked. + +"Pshaw!" laughed Howard. "He doesn't see what's going on under his very +nose. He's too proud a man, too sure of his own good judgment, to +believe for a moment that the woman to whom he gave his name would be +guilty of the slightest indiscretion of that kind." + +Annie was silent for a minute. Then she said: + +"What makes you think that Underwood would let you have the money?" + +"Because I think he's got it. I obliged him once in the same way myself. +I would explain to him what I want it for. He will see at once that it +is a good thing. I'll offer him a good rate of interest, and he might be +very glad to let me have it. Anyhow, there's no harm trying." + +Annie said nothing. She did not entirely approve this idea of her +husband trying to borrow money of a man in whom his stepmother was so +much interested. On the other hand starvation stared them in the face. +If Howard could get hold of this $2,000 and start in the brokerage +business it might be the beginning of a new life for them. + +"Well, do as you like, dear," she said. "When will you go to him?" + +"The best time to catch him would be in the evening," replied Howard. + +"Well, then, go to-night," she suggested. + +Howard shook his head. + +"No, not to-night. I don't think I should find him in. He's out every +night somewhere. To-night there's another big reception at my father's +house. He'll probably be there. I think I'll wait till to-morrow night. +I'm nearly sure to catch him at home then." + +Annie rose and began to remove the dishes from the table. Howard +nonchalantly lighted another cigarette and, leaving the table, took up +the evening newspaper. Sitting down comfortably in a rocker by the +window, he blew a cloud of blue smoke up in the air and said: + +"Yes, that's it--I'll go to-morrow night to the Astruria and strike Bob +Underwood for that $2,000." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +The handsome town house of Howard Jeffries, the well-known banker, on +Riverside Drive, was one of the most striking among the many imposing +millionaire homes that line the city's splendid water front. Houses +there were in the immediate proximity which were more showy and had cost +more money, but none as completely satisfying from the art lover's +standpoint. It was the home of a man who studied and loved the beautiful +for its own sake and not because he wanted to astonish people with what +miracles his money could work. Occupying a large plot on slightly +elevated ground, the house commanded a fine view of the broad Hudson. +Directly opposite, across the river, busy with steam and sailing craft, +smiled the green slopes of New Jersey; in the purplish north frowned the +jagged cliffs of the precipitous Palisades. + +The elder Jeffries, aristocratic descendant of an old Knickerbocker +family, was proud of his home and had spent large sums of money in +beautifying it. Built in colonial style of pure white marble with long +French windows and lofty columns supporting a flat, rounded roof, +surrounded by broad lawns, wide-spreading shade trees and splashing +fountains, it was a conspicuous landmark for miles. The interior was +full of architectural beauty. The stately entrance hall, hung with +ancestral portraits, was of noble proportions and a superb staircase, +decorated with statuary led off to tastefully decorated reception rooms +above. To-night the house was brilliantly illuminated and there was +considerable activity at the front entrance, where a footman in smart +livery stood opening the doors of the carriages as they drove up in +quick succession. + +Mrs. Jeffries' musicales were always largely attended because she knew +the secret of making them interesting. Her husband's wealth and her fine +house enabled her to entertain on a liberal scale, and she was a tactful +and diplomatic hostess as well. She not only cultivated the right kind +of people who were congenial to each other, but she always managed to +have some guest of special distinction whom every one was eager to meet. +Her own wide acquaintance among the prominent operatic artists and her +husband's influential position in the world of finance made this policy +an easy way of furthering her social ambitions. She would always invite +some one whom she could present as the lion of the evening. One week it +would be a tenor from the opera house, another time a famous violinist. +In this way she managed to create a little artistic salon on the lines +of the famous political salons in which the brilliant women of the +eighteenth century moulded public opinion in France. + +Alicia knew she was clever and as she stood admiring herself in front of +a full length mirror while awaiting the arrival of her guests she +congratulated herself that she had made a success of her life. She had +won those things which most women hold dear--wealth and social position. +She had married a man she did not love, it was true, but other women had +done that before her. If she had not brought her husband love she at +least was not a wife he need be ashamed of. In her Paquin gown of gold +cloth with sweeping train and a jeweled tiara in her hair, she +considered herself handsome enough to grace any man's home. It was +indeed a beauty which she saw in the mirror--the face of a woman not +yet thirty with the features regular and refined. The eyes were large +and dark and the mouth and nose delicately moulded. The face seemed +academically perfect, all but the expression. She had a cold, +calculating look, and a cynic might have charged her with being +heartless, of stopping at nothing to gain her own ends. + +To-night Alicia had every reason to feel jubilant. She had secured a +social lion that all New York would talk about--no less a person than +Dr. Bernstein, the celebrated psychologist, the originator of the theory +of scientific psychology. Everything seemed to go the way she wished; +her musicales were the talk of the town; her husband had just presented +her with the jeweled tiara which now graced her head; there seemed to be +nothing in the world that she could not enjoy. + +Yet she was not happy, and as she gazed at the face reflected before her +in the glass she wondered if the world guessed how unhappy she was. She +knew that by her own indiscretion she was in danger of losing all she +had won, her position in society, her place in the affections of her +husband, everything. + +When she married Mr. Jeffries it was with deliberate calculation. She +did not love him, but, being ambitious, she did not hesitate to deceive +him. He was rich, he could give her that prominent position in society +for which she yearned. The fact that she was already engaged to a man +for whom she did care did not deter her for a moment from her set +purpose. She had met Robert Underwood years before. He was then a +college boy, tall, handsome, clever. She fell in love with him and they +became engaged. As she grew more sophisticated she saw the folly of +their youthful infatuation. Underwood was without fortune, his future +uncertain. What position could she possibly have as his wife? While in +this uncertain state of mind she met Mr. Jeffries, then a widower, at a +reception. The banker was attracted to her and being a business man he +did things quickly. He proposed and was accepted, all in the brief time +of--five minutes. Robert Underwood and the romance of her girlhood were +sacrificed without question when it came to reaching a prompt decision. +She wrote Underwood a brief letter of farewell, telling him that the +action she had taken was really for the best interests of them both. +Underwood made no reply and for months did not attempt to go near her. +Then he met her in public. There was a reconciliation. He exerted the +old spell--on the married woman. Cold and indifferent to her husband, +Alicia found it amusing to have her old lover paying her court and the +danger of discovery only gave the intrigue additional zest and charm. +She did not lead Underwood to believe that he could induce her to forget +her duty to Mr. Jeffries, but she was foolish enough to encourage a +dangerous intimacy. She thought she was strong enough to be able to call +a halt whenever she would be so disposed, but as is often the case she +overestimated her powers. The intimacy grew. Underwood became bolder, +claiming and obtaining special privileges. He soon realized that he had +the upper hand and he traded on it. Under her patronage he was invited +everywhere. He practically lived on her friends. He borrowed their money +and cheated them at cards. His real character was soon known to all, but +no one dared expose him for fear of offending the influential Mrs. +Jeffries. Realizing this, Underwood continued his depredations until he +became a sort of social highwayman. He had no legitimate source of +income, but he took a suite of apartments at the expensive Astruria and +on credit furnished them so gorgeously that they became the talk of the +town. The magazines and newspapers devoted columns to the magnificence +of their furnishings and the art treasures they contained. Art dealers +all over the country offered him liberal commissions if he would dispose +of expensive _objets d'art_ to his friends. He entered in business +relation with several firms and soon his rooms became a veritable bazaar +for art curios of all kinds. Mrs. Jeffries' friends paid exorbitant +prices for some of the stuff and Underwood pocketed the money, +forgetting to account to the owners for the sums they brought. The +dealers demanded restitution or a settlement and Underwood, dreading +exposure, had to hustle around to raise enough money to make up the +deficiency in order to avoid prosecution. In this way he lived from day +to day borrowing from Peter to settle with Paul, and on one or two +occasions he had not been ashamed to borrow from Mrs. Jeffries herself. + +Alicia lent the money more because she feared ridicule than from any +real desire to oblige Underwood. She had long since become disgusted +with him. The man's real character was now plainly revealed to her. He +was an adventurer, little better than a common crook. She congratulated +herself on her narrow escape. Suppose she had married him--the horror of +it! Yet the next instant she was filled with consternation. She had +allowed him to become so intimate that it was difficult to break off +with him all at once. She realized that with a man of that character the +inevitable must come. There would be a disgraceful scandal. She would be +mixed up in it, her husband's eyes would be opened to her folly, it +might ruin her entire life. She must end it now--once for all. She had +already given him to understand that their intimacy must cease. Now he +must stop his visits to her house and desist from trapping her friends +into his many schemes. She had written him that morning forbidding him +to come to the house this evening. She was done with him forever. + +These thoughts were responsible for the frown on the beautiful Mrs. +Jeffries' bejeweled brow that particular Saturday evening. Alicia gave a +sigh and was drawing on her long kid gloves before the glass, when +suddenly a maid entered and tendered her mistress a note. Alicia knew +the handwriting only too well. She tore the letter open and read: + + DEAR MRS. JEFFRIES: I received your letter telling me that my + presence at your house to-night would be distasteful to you. As you + can imagine, it was a great shock. Don't you understand the harm + this will do me? Everybody will notice my absence. They will jump + to the conclusion that there has been a rupture, and my credit will + suffer immediately with your friends. I cannot afford to let this + happen now. My affairs are in such condition that it will be fatal + to me. I need your support and friendship more than ever. I have + noticed for some time that your manner to me has changed. Perhaps + you have believed some of the stories my enemies have circulated + about me. For the sake of our old friendship, Alicia, don't desert + me now. Remember what I once was to you and let me come to your + reception to-night. There's a reason why I must be seen in your + house. + + Yours devotedly, + ROBERT UNDERWOOD. + +Alicia's face flushed with anger. Turning to the maid, she said: +"There's no answer." + +The girl was about to close the door when her mistress suddenly recalled +her. + +"Wait a minute," she said; "I'll write a line." + +Taking from her dainty escritoire a sheet of perfumed notepaper, she +wrote hurriedly as follows: + + "If you dare to come near my house to-night, I will have you put + out by the servants." + +Quickly folding the note, she crushed it into an envelope, sealed it, +handed it to the girl, and said: + +"Give that to the messenger." + +The servant disappeared and Alicia resumed her work of drawing on her +gloves in front of her mirror. How dare he write her such a letter? Was +her house to be made the headquarters for his swindling schemes? Did he +want to cheat more of her friends? The more she thought of all he had +done, the angrier she became. Her eyes flashed and her bosom heaved with +indignation. She wondered what her husband, the soul of honor, would say +if he suspected that she had permitted a man of Underwood's character to +use his home for his dishonest practices. She was glad she had ended it +now, before it was too late. There might have been a scandal, and that +she must avoid at any cost. Mr. Jeffries, she felt certain, would not +tolerate a scandal of any kind. + +All at once she felt something brush her cheek. She turned quickly. It +was her husband, who had entered the room quietly. + +"Oh, Howard," she exclaimed peevishly; "how you frightened me! You +shouldn't startle me like that." + +A tall, distinguished-looking man with white mustache and pointed beard +stood admiring her in silence. His erect figure, admirably set off in a +well-cut dress coat suggested the soldier. + +"What are doing alone here, dear?" he said. "I hear carriages outside. +Our guests are arriving." + +"Just thinking, that's all," she replied evasively. + +He noticed her preoccupied look and, with some concern, he demanded: + +"There's nothing to worry you, is there?" + +"Oh, no--nothing like that," she said hastily. + +He looked at her closely and she averted her eyes. Mr. Jeffries often +wondered if he had made a mistake. He felt that this woman to whom he +had given his name did not love him, but his vanity as much as his pride +prevented him from acknowledging it, even to himself. After all, what +did he care? She was a companion, she graced his home and looked after +his creature comforts. Perhaps no reasonable man should expect anything +more. Carelessly, he asked: + +"Whom do you expect to-night?" + +"Oh, the usual crowd," replied Alicia languidly. "Dr. Bernstein is +coming--you know he's quite the rage just now. He has to do with +psychology and all that sort of thing." + +"So, he's your lion to-night, is he?" smiled the banker. Then he went +on: + +"By the bye, I met Brewster at the club to-night. He promised to drop +in." + +Now it was Alicia's turn to smile. It was not everybody who could boast +of having such a distinguished lawyer as Judge Brewster on their calling +lists. To-night would certainly be a success--two lions instead of one. +For the moment she forgot her worry. + +"I am delighted that the judge is coming," she exclaimed, her face +beaming. "Every one is talking about him since his brilliant speech for +the defense in that murder case." + +The banker noted his wife's beautiful hair and the white transparency of +her skin. His gaze lingered on the graceful lines of her neck and bosom, +glittering with precious stones. An exquisite aroma exuding from her +person reached where he stood. His eyes grew more ardent and, passing +his arm affectionately around her slender waist, he asked: + +"How does my little girl like her tiara?" + +"It's very nice. Don't you see I'm wearing it to-night?" she replied +almost impatiently and drawing herself away. + +Before Mr. Jeffries had time to reply there was a commotion at the other +end of the reception room, where rich tapestries screened off the main +entrance hall. The butler drew the curtains aside. + +"Mr. and Mrs. Cortwright," he announced loudly. + +Alicia went forward, followed by her husband, to greet her guests. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +The richly decorated reception rooms, brilliantly illuminated with soft +incandescent lights artistically arranged behind banks of flowers, were +filled with people. In the air was the familiar buzz always present in a +room where each person is trying to speak at the same time. On all sides +one heard fragments of inept conversation. + +"So good of you to come! How well you're looking, my dear." + +"My husband? Oh, he's at the club, playing poker, as usual. He hates +music." + +"I've such a terrible cold!" + +"Trouble with servants? I should say so. I bounced my cook this +morning." + +"Aren't these affairs awefully tiresome?" + +"I was so glad to come. I always enjoy your musicales." + +"Dr. Bernstein coming? How perfectly delightful. I'll ask him for his +autograph." + +"What's psychology?" + +"Something to do with religion, I think." + +"Haven't we been having dreadful weather?" + +"I saw you at the opera." + +"Doesn't she look sweet?" + +"Oh, I think it's just lovely." + +People now arrived in quick succession and, forming little groups, the +room soon presented an animated scene. The women in their smart gowns +and the men in their black coats made a pleasing picture. + +"My dear Mrs. Jeffries, how do you do this evening?" exclaimed a rich, +deep voice. + +The hostess turned to greet an elderly and distinguished-looking man who +had just entered. Directly he came in voices were hushed, and on every +side one heard the whisper: + +"There's Judge Brewster, the famous lawyer." + +There was a general craning of necks to catch a glimpse of the eminent +jurist whose brilliant address to the jury in a recent _cause célčbre_ +had saved an innocent man from the electric chair. + +Richard Brewster was a fine example of the old school statesman-lawyer +of the Henry Clay type. He belonged to that small class of public men +who are independent of all coteries, whose only ambition is to serve +their country well, who know no other duty than that dictated by their +oath and conscience. A brilliant and forceful orator, there was no +office in the gift of the nation that might not have been his for the +asking, but he had no taste for politics. After serving with honor for +some years on the bench he retired into private practice, and thereafter +his name became one to conjure with in the law courts. By sheer power of +his matchless oratory and unanswerable logic he won case after case for +his clients and it is a tribute to his name to record the plain fact +that in all his career he never championed a cause of which he need be +ashamed. Powerful financial interests had attempted to secure his +services by offers of princely retainers, but without success. He fought +the trusts bitterly every time he found them oppressing the people. He +preferred to remain comparatively poor rather than enrich himself at the +price of prostituting his profession. + +Alicia advanced with extended hand. + +"This is indeed kind, Judge," she exclaimed with a gracious smile. "I +hardly dared hope that my poor musicale would be so honored." + +The old lawyer smiled good-humoredly as he replied gallantly: + +"I don't know much about music, m'm; I came to see you." Looking around +he added: "You've got a nice place here." + +He spoke in his characteristic manner--short, nervous, explosive +sentences, which had often terrified his opponents in court. + +"Lawyers are such flatterers," laughed Alicia as she nervously fanned +herself, and looked around to see if her guests were watching. + +"Lawyers only flatter when they want to," interrupted grimly Mr. +Jeffries, who had just joined the group. + +Alicia turned to greet a new arrival and the lawyer continued chatting +with his host. + +"I suppose you'll take a rest now, after your splendid victory," said +the banker. + +Judge Brewster shook his head dubiously. + +"No, sir, we lawyers never rest. We can't. No sooner is one case +disposed of than another crops up to claim our attention. The trouble +with this country is that we have too much law. If I were to be guilty +of an epigram I would say that the country has so much law that it is +practically lawless." + +"So you're preparing another case, eh?" said Mr. Jeffries, interested. +"What is it--a secret?" + +"Oh, no!" answered the lawyer, "the newspapers will be full of it in a +day or two. We are going to bring suit against the city. It's really a +test case that should interest every citizen; a protest against the +high-handed actions of the police." + +The banker elevated his eyebrows. + +"Indeed," he exclaimed. "What have the police been doing now?" + +The lawyer looked at his client in surprise. + +"Why, my dear sir, you must have seen by the papers what's been going on +in our city of late. The papers have been full of it. Police brutality, +illegal arrests, assaults in station houses, star-chamber methods that +would disgrace the middle ages. A state of affairs exists to-day in the +city of New York which is inconceivable. Here we are living in a +civilized country, every man's liberty is guaranteed by the +Constitution, yet citizens, as they walk our streets, are in greater +peril than the inhabitants of terror-stricken Russia. Take a police +official of Captain Clinton's type. His only notion of the law is brute +force and the night stick. A bully by nature, a man of the coarsest +instincts and enormous physical strength, he loves to play the tyrant. +In his precinct he poses as a kind of czar and fondly imagines he has +the power to administer the law itself. By his brow-beating tactics, +intolerable under Anglo-Saxon government, he is turning our police force +into a gang of ruffians who have the city terror-stricken. In order to +further his political ambitions he stops at nothing. He lets the guilty +escape when influence he can't resist is brought to bear, but in order +to keep up his record with the department he makes arrests without the +slightest justification. To secure convictions he manufactures, with the +aid of his detectives, all kinds of perjured evidence. To paraphrase a +well-known saying, his motto is: 'Convict--honestly, if you can--but +convict.'" + +"It is outrageous," said Mr. Jeffries. "No one can approve such methods. +Of course, in dealing with the criminal population of a great city, they +cannot wear kid gloves, but Captain Clinton certainly goes too far. What +is the specific complaint on which the suit is based?" + +"Captain Clinton," replied the judge, "made the mistake of persecuting a +young woman who happened to be the daughter of a wealthy client of mine. +One of his detectives arrested her on a charge of shoplifting. The girl, +mind you, is of excellent family and irreproachable character. My client +and his lawyer tried to show Captain Clinton that he had made a serious +blunder, but he brazened it out, claiming on the stand that the girl was +an old offender. Of course, he was forced at last to admit his mistake +and the girl went free, but think of the humiliation and mental anguish +she underwent! It was simply a repetition of his old tactics. A +conviction, no matter at what cost." + +"What do you hope to bring about by this suit?" + +"Arouse public indignation, and if possible get Captain Clinton +dismissed from the force. His record is none too savory. Charges of +graft have been made against him time and time again, but so far nothing +has been proved. To-day he is a man of wealth on a comparatively small +salary. Do you suppose his money could have come to him honestly?" + +In another corner of the salon stood Dr. Bernstein, the celebrated +psychologist, the centre of an excited crowd of enthusiastic admirers. + +Alicia approached a group of chattering women. Each was more elaborately +dressed than her neighbor, and loaded down with rare gems. They at once +stopped talking as their hostess came up. + +"It was so good of you to come!" said Alicia effusively to a fat woman +with impossible blond hair and a rouged face. "I want to introduce Dr. +Bernstein to you." + +"Oh, I shall be delighted," smiled the blonde. Gushingly she added: "How +perfectly exquisite you look to-night, my dear." + +"Do you think so?" said Alicia, pleased at the clumsy flattery. + +"Your dress is stunning and your tiara simply gorgeous," raved another. + +"Your musicales are always so delightful," exclaimed a third. + +At that moment Mr. Jeffries caught his wife by the arm and drew her +attention to some newcomers. With a laugh she left the group and +hurried toward the door. Directly she was out of earshot, the three +women began whispering: + +"Isn't she terribly overdressed?" exclaimed the blonde. "The cheek of +such a _parvenue_ to wear that tiara." + +"Her face is all made up, too," said another. + +"These affairs of hers are awfully stupid, don't you think so?" piped +the third. + +"Yes, they bore everybody to death," said the blonde. "She's ambitious +and likes to think she is a social leader. I only come here because it +amuses me to see what a fool she makes of herself. Fancy a woman of her +age marrying a man old enough to be her father. By the bye, I don't see +her _beau_ here to-night." + +"You mean that scamp, Robert Underwood?" + +"Isn't it perfectly scandalous, the way he dances after her? I'm +surprised Mr. Jeffries allows him to come to the house." + +"Maybe there's been a row. Perhaps that explains why he's not here +to-night. It's the first time I've known him absent from one of her +musicales." + +"He's conspicuous by his absence. Do you know what I heard the other +day? I was told that Underwood had again been caught cheating at cards +and summarily expelled from the club--kicked out, so to speak." + +"I'm not at all surprised. I always had my doubts about him. He induced +a friend of mine to buy a picture, and got a tremendous price for it on +the false representation that it was a genuine Corot. My friend found +out afterward that he had been duped. Proceedings were threatened, but +Underwood managed to hush the affair by returning part of the money." + +In another part of the room a couple were discussing Mr. Jeffries as he +stood talking with Judge Brewster. + +"Did you notice how Mr. Jeffries has aged recently? He no longer seems +the same man." + +"No wonder, after all the trouble he's had. Of course you know what a +disappointment his son turned out?" + +"A scamp, I understand. Married a chorus girl and all that sort of +thing." + +"Not exactly, but almost as bad. The girl was a waitress or something +like that in a restaurant. She's very common; her father died in +prison. You can imagine the blow to old Jeffries. He turned the boy +adrift and left him to shift for himself." + +Alicia approached her husband, who was still talking with Judge +Brewster. She was leaning on the arm of a tall, handsome man with a dark +Van Dyke beard. + +"Who are you discussing with such interest?" she demanded, as she came +up with her escort. + +"We were talking of Captain Clinton and his detestable police methods," +said the banker. + +"Judge," said Alicia, turning to the lawyer, "allow me to introduce Dr. +Bernstein. Doctor, this is Judge Brewster." + +The stranger bowed low, as he replied courteously: + +"The fame of Judge Brewster has spread to every State in the Union." + +A faint smile spread over the face of the famous lawyer as he extended +his hand: + +"I've often heard of you, too, doctor. I've been reading with great +interest your book, 'Experimental Psychology.' Do you know," he went on +earnestly, "there's a lot in that. We have still much to learn in that +direction." + +"I think," said Dr. Bernstein quietly, "that we're only on the threshold +of wonderful discoveries." + +Pleased to find that her two distinguished guests were congenial, Alicia +left them to themselves and joined her other guests. + +"Yes," said the lawyer musingly, "man has studied for centuries the +mechanism of the body, but he has neglected entirely the mechanism of +the mind." + +Dr. Bernstein smiled approvingly. + +"We are just waking up," he replied quickly. "People are beginning to +look upon psychology seriously. Up to comparatively recently the layman +has regarded psychology as the domain of the philosopher and the +dreamer. It did not seem possible that it could ever be applied to our +practical everyday life, but of late we have made remarkable strides. +Although it is a comparatively new science, you will probably be +astonished to learn that there are to-day in the United States fifty +psychological laboratories. That is to say, workshops fully +equipped with every device known for the probing of the human brain. +In my laboratory in California alone I have as many as twenty rooms +hung with electric wires and equipped with all the necessary +instruments--chronoscopes, kymographs, tachistoscopes, and ergographs, +instruments which enable us to measure and record the human brain as +accurately as the Bertillon system." + +"Really, you astonish me!" exclaimed the judge. "This is most +interesting. Think of laboratories solely devoted to delving into +mysteries of the human brain! It is wonderful!" + +He was silent for a moment, then he said: + +"It is quite plain, I think, that psychology can prove most useful in +medicine. It is, I take it, the very foundation of mental healing, but +what else would it do for humanity? For instance, can it help me, the +lawyer?" + +Dr. Bernstein smiled. + +"You gentlemen of the law have always scoffed at the very suggestion of +bringing psychology to your aid, but just think, sir, how enormously it +might aid you in cross-examining a witness. You can tell with almost +scientific accuracy if the witness is telling lies or the truth, and the +same would be clear to the judge and the jury. Just think how your +powers would be increased if by your skill in psychological observation +you could convince the jury that your client, who was about to be +convicted on circumstantial evidence alone, was really innocent of the +crime of which he was charged. Why, sir, the road which psychology opens +up to the lawyer is well-nigh boundless. Don't you use the Bertillon +system to measure the body? Don't you rely on thumb prints to identify +the hand? How do you know that we psychologists are not able to-day to +test the individual differences of men?" + +"In a word," laughed the judge, "you mean that any one trained to read +my mind can tell just what's passing in my brain?" + +"Precisely," replied the doctor with a smile; "the psychologist can tell +with almost mathematical accuracy just how your mental mechanism is +working. I admit it sounds uncanny, but it can be proved. In fact, it +has been proved, time and time again." + +Alicia came up and took the doctor's arm. + +"Oh, Dr. Bernstein," she protested, "I can't allow the judge to +monopolize you in this way. Come with me. I want to introduce you to a +most charming woman who is dying to meet you. She is perfectly crazy on +psychology." + +"Don't introduce me to her," laughed the judge. "I see enough crazy +people in the law courts." + +Dr. Bernstein smiled and followed his hostess. Judge Brewster turned to +chat with the banker. From the distant music room came the sound of a +piano and a beautiful soprano voice. The rooms were now crowded and +newcomers were arriving each minute. Servants passed in and out serving +iced delicacies and champagne. + +Suddenly the butler entered the salon and, quietly approaching Alicia, +handed her a letter. In a low tone, he said: + +"This letter has just come, m'm. The messenger said it was very +important and I should deliver it at once." + +Alicia turned pale. She instantly recognized the handwriting. It was +from Robert Underwood. Was not her last message enough? How dare he +address her again and at such a time? Retiring to an inner room, she +tore open the envelope and read as follows: + + DEAR MRS. JEFFRIES: This is the last time I shall ever bore you + with my letters. You have forbidden me to see you again. + Practically you have sentenced me to a living death, but as I + prefer death shall not be partial, but full and complete oblivion, + I take this means of letting you know that unless you revoke your + cruel sentence of banishment, I shall make an end of it all. I + shall be found dead, Monday morning, and you will know who is + responsible. Yours devotedly, + + ROBERT UNDERWOOD. + +An angry exclamation escaped Alicia's lips, and crushing the note up in +her hand, she bit her lips till the blood came. It was just as she +feared. The man was desperate. He was not to be got rid of so easily. +How dare he--how dare he? The coward--to think that she could be +frightened by such a threat. What did she care if he killed himself? It +would be good riddance. Yet suppose he was in earnest, suppose he did +carry out his threat? There would be a terrible scandal, an +investigation, people would talk, her name would be mentioned. +No--no--that must be prevented at all costs. + +Distracted, not knowing what course to pursue, she paced the floor of +the room. Through the closed door she could hear the music and the +chatter of her guests. She must go to see Underwood at once, that was +certain, and her visit must be a secret one. There was already enough +talk. If her enemies could hear of her visiting him alone in his +apartment that would be the end. + +"Yes--I must see him at once. To-morrow is Sunday. He's sure to be home +in the evening. He mentions Monday morning. There will still be time. +I'll go and see him to-morrow." + +"Alicia! Alicia!" + +The door opened and Mr. Jeffries put his head in. + +"What are you doing here, my dear?" he asked. "I was looking everywhere +for you. Judge Brewster wishes to say good night." + +"I was fixing my hair, that's all," replied Alicia with perfect +composure. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +Among the many huge caravansaries that of recent years have sprung up in +New York to provide luxurious quarters regardless of cost for those who +can afford to pay for the best, none could rival the Astruria in size +and magnificence. Occupying an entire block in the very heart of the +residential district, it took precedence over all the other apartment +hotels of the metropolis as the biggest and most splendidly appointed +hostelry of its kind in the world. It was, indeed, a small city in +itself. It was not necessary for its fortunate tenants to leave it +unless they were so minded. Everything for their comfort and pleasure +was to be had without taking the trouble to go out of doors. On the +ground floor were shops of all kinds, which catered only to the +Astruria's patrons. There were also on the premises a bank, a broker's +office, a hairdresser, and a postal-telegraph office. A special feature +was the garden court, containing over 30,000 square feet of open space, +and tastefully laid out with plants and flowers. Here fountains +splashed and an orchestra played while the patrons lounged on +comfortable rattan chairs or gossiped with their friends. Up on the +sixteenth floor was the cool roof garden, an exquisite bower of palms +and roses artificially painted by a famous French artist, with its +recherché restaurant, its picturesque _tziganes_, and its superb view of +all Manhattan Island. + +The Astruria was the last word in expensive apartment hotel building. +Architects declared that it was as far as modern lavishness and +extravagance could go. Its interior arrangements were in keeping with +its external splendor. Its apartments were of noble dimensions, richly +decorated, and equipped with every device, new and old, that modern +science and builders' ingenuity could suggest. That the rents were on a +scale with the grandeur of the establishment goes without saying. Only +long purses could stand the strain. It was a favorite headquarters for +Westerners who had "struck it rich," wealthy bachelors, and successful +actors and opera singers who loved the limelight on and off the stage. + +Sunday evening was usually exceedingly quiet at the Astruria. Most of +the tenants were out of town over the week-end, and as the restaurant +and roof garden were only slimly patronized, the elevators ran less +frequently, making less chatter and bustle in corridors and stairways. +Stillness reigned everywhere as if the sobering influence of the Sabbath +had invaded even this exclusive domain of the unholy rich. The uniformed +attendants, having nothing to do, yawned lazily in the deserted halls. +Some even indulged in surreptitious naps in corners, confident that they +would not be disturbed. Callers were so rare that when some one did +enter from the street, he was looked upon with suspicion. + +It was shortly after seven o'clock the day following Mrs. Jeffries' +reception when a man came in by the main entrance from Broadway, and +approaching one of the hall boys, inquired for Mr. Robert Underwood. + +The boy gave his interlocutor an impudent stare. There was something +about the caller's dress and manner which told him instinctively that he +was not dealing with a visitor whom he must treat respectfully. No one +divines a man's or woman's social status quicker or more unerringly than +a servant. The attendant saw at once that the man did not belong to the +class which paid social visits to tenants in the Astruria. He was rather +seedy-looking, his collar was not immaculate, his boots were thick and +clumsy, his clothes cheap and ill-fitting. + +"Is Mr. Underwood in?" he demanded. + +"Not home," replied the attendant insolently, after a pause. Like most +hall boys, he took a savage pleasure in saying that the tenants were +out. + +The caller looked annoyed. + +"He must be in," he said with a frown. "I have an appointment with him." + +This was not strictly true, but the bluff had the desired effect. + +"Got an appointment! Why didn't you say so at once?" + +Reaching lazily over the telephone switchboard, and without rising from +his seat, he asked surlily: + +"What's the name?" + +"Mr. Bennington." + +The boy took the transmitter and spoke into it: + +"A party called to see Mr. Underwood." + +There was a brief pause, as if the person upstairs was in doubt whether +to admit that he was home or not. Then came the answer. The boy looked +up. + +"He says you should go up. Apartment 165. Take the elevator." + + * * * * * + +In his luxuriously appointed rooms on the fourteenth floor, Robert +Underwood sat before the fire puffing nervously at a strong cigar. All +around him was a litter of _objets d'art_, such as would have filled the +heart of any connoisseur with joy. Oil paintings in heavy gilt frames, +of every period and school, Rembrandts, Cuyps, Ruysdaels, Reynoldses, +Corots, Henners, some on easels, some resting on the floor; handsome +French bronzes, dainty china on Japanese teakwood tables, antique +furniture, gold-embroidered clerical vestments, hand-painted screens, +costly Oriental rugs, rare ceramics--all were confusedly jumbled +together. On a grand piano in a corner of the room stood two tall +cloisonné vases of almost inestimable value. On a desk close by were +piled miniatures and rare ivories. The walls were covered with +tapestries, armor, and trophies of arms. More like a museum than a +sitting room, it was the home of a man who made a business of art or +made of art a business. + +Underwood stared moodily at the glowing logs in the open chimneyplace. +His face was pale and determined. After coming in from the restaurant he +had changed his tuxedo for the more comfortable house coat. Nothing +called him away that particular Sunday evening, and no one was likely to +disturb him. Ferris, his man-servant, had taken his usual Sunday off and +would not return until midnight. The apartment was still as the grave. +It was so high above the street that not a sound reached up from the +noisy Broadway below. Underwood liked the quiet so that he could think, +and he was thinking hard. On the flat desk at his elbow stood a dainty +_demi-tasse_ of black coffee--untasted. There were glasses and decanters +of whiskey and cordial, but the stimulants did not tempt him. + +He wondered if Alicia would ignore his letter or if she would come to +him. Surely she could not be so heartless as to throw him over at such a +moment. Crushed in his left hand was a copy of the _New York Herald_ +containing an elaborate account of the brilliant reception and musicale +given the previous evening at her home. With an exclamation of +impatience he rose from his seat, threw the paper from him, and began to +pace the floor. + +Was this the end of everything? Had he reached the end of his rope? He +must pay the reckoning, if not to-day, to-morrow. As his eyes wandered +around the room and he took mental inventory of each costly object, he +experienced a sudden shock as he recalled the things that were missing. +How could he explain their absence? The art dealers were already +suspicious. They were not to be put off any longer with excuses. Any +moment they might insist either on the immediate return of their +property or on payment in full. He was in the position to do neither. +The articles had been sold and the money lost gambling. Curse the luck! +Everything had gone against him of late. The dealers would begin +criminal proceedings, disgrace and prison stripes would follow. There +was no way out of it. He had no one to whom he could turn in this +crisis. + +And now even Alicia had deserted him. This was the last straw. While he +was still able to boast of the friendship and patronage of the +aristocratic Mrs. Howard Jeffries he could still hold his head high in +the world. No one would dare question his integrity, but now she had +abandoned him to his fate, people would begin to talk. There was no use +keeping up a hopeless fight--suicide was the only way out! + +He stopped in front of a mirror, startled at what he saw there. It was +the face of a man not yet thirty, but apparently much older. The +features were drawn and haggard, and his dark hair was plentifully +streaked with gray. He looked like a man who had lived two lives in one. +To-night his face frightened him. His eyes had a fixed stare like those +of a man he had once seen in a madhouse. He wondered if men looked like +that when they were about to be executed. Was not his own hour close at +hand? He wondered why the clock was so noisy; it seemed to him that the +ticks were louder than usual. He started suddenly and looked around +fearfully. He thought he had heard a sound outside. He shuddered as he +glanced toward the little drawer on the right-hand side of his desk, in +which he knew there was a loaded revolver. + +If Alicia would only relent escape might yet be possible. If he did not +hear from her it must be for to-night. One slight little pressure on the +trigger and all would be over. + +Suddenly the bell of the telephone connecting the apartment with the +main hall downstairs rang violently. Interrupted thus abruptly in the +midst of his reflections, Underwood jumped forward, startled. His nerves +were so unstrung that he was ever apprehensive of danger. With a +tremulous hand, he took hold of the receiver and placed it to his ear. +As he listened, his already pallid face turned whiter and the lines +about his mouth tightened. He hesitated a moment before replying. Then, +with an effort, he said: + +"Send him up." + +Dropping the receiver, he began to walk nervously up and down the room. +The crisis had come sooner than he expected--exposure was at hand. This +man Bennington was the manager of the firm of dealers whose goods he +disposed of. He could not make restitution. Prosecution was inevitable. +Disgrace and prison would follow. He could not stand it; he would rather +kill himself. Trouble was very close at hand, that was certain. How +could he get out of it? Pacing the floor, he bit his lips till the blood +came. + +There was a sharp ring at the front door. Underwood opened it. As he +recognized his visitor on the threshold, he exclaimed: + +"Why, Bennington, this is a surprise!" + +The manager entered awkwardly. He had the constrained air of a man who +has come on an unpleasant errand, but wants to be as amiable as the +circumstances will permit. + +"You didn't expect me, did you?" he began. + +Shutting the front door, Underwood led the way back into the sitting +room, and making an effort to control his nerves, said: + +"Sit down, won't you?" + +But Mr. Bennington merely bowed stiffly. It was evident that he did not +wish his call to be mistaken for a social visit. + +"I haven't time, thank you. To be frank, my mission is rather a delicate +one, Mr. Underwood." + +Underwood laughed nervously. Affecting to misinterpret the other's +meaning, he said: + +"Yes, you're right. The art and antique business is a delicate business. +God knows it's a precarious one!" Reaching for the decanter, he added: +"Have a drink." + +But Mr. Bennington refused to unbend. The proffer of refreshment did +not tempt him to swerve from the object of his mission. While Underwood +was talking, trying to gain time, his eyes were taking in the contents +of the apartment. + +"Come, take a drink," urged Underwood again. + +"No, thanks," replied Mr. Bennington curtly. + +Suddenly he turned square around. + +"Let's get down to business, Mr. Underwood," he exclaimed. "My firm +insists on the immediate return of their property." Pointing around the +room, he added: "Everything, do you understand?" + +Underwood was standing in the shadow of the lamp so his visitor did not +notice that he had grown suddenly very white, and that his mouth +twitched painfully. + +"Why, what's the trouble?" he stammered. "Haven't you done a lot of +business through me? Haven't I got prices for your people that they +would never have gotten?" + +"Yes--we know all that," replied Mr. Bennington impatiently. "To be +frank, Mr. Underwood, we've received information that you've sold many +of the valuable articles entrusted to you for which you've made no +accounting at all." + +"That's not true," exclaimed Underwood hotly. "I have accounted for +almost everything. The rest of the things are here. Of course, there may +be a few things----" + +Taking a box of cigars from the desk, he offered it to his visitor. + +"No, thanks," replied Bennington coldly, pushing back the proffered box. + +Underwood was fast losing his self-control. Throwing away his cigar with +an angry exclamation, he began to walk up and down. + +"I can account for everything if you give me time. You must give me +time. I'm hard pressed by my creditors. My expenses are enormous and +collections exceedingly difficult. I have a large amount of money +outstanding. After our pleasant business relations it seems absurd and +most unfair that your firm should take this stand with me." He halted +suddenly and faced Bennington. "Of course, I'm much obliged to you, +personally, for this friendly tip." + +Bennington shrugged his shoulders. + +"The warning may give you time either to raise the money or to get the +things back." + +Underwood's dark eyes flashed with suppressed wrath, as he retorted: + +"Of course, I can get them all back in time. Damn it, you fellows don't +know what it costs to run this kind of business successfully! One has to +spend a small fortune to keep up appearances. These society people won't +buy if they think you really need the money. I've had to give expensive +dinners and spend money like water even to get them to come here and +look at the things. You must give me time to make a settlement. I need +at least a month." + +Bennington shook his head. There was a hard, uncompromising look in his +face as he replied caustically: + +"They're coming for the things to-morrow. I thought it fair to let you +know. I can do no more." + +Underwood stopped short. + +"To-morrow," he echoed faintly. + +"Yes," said Bennington grimly. "You might as well understand the +situation thoroughly. The game's up. The firm has been watching you for +some time. When you tried to sell these things to old Defries for +one-quarter their real value he instantly recognized where they came +from. He telephoned straight to our place. You've been shadowed by +detectives ever since. There's a man outside watching this place now." + +"My God!" exclaimed Underwood. "Why are they hounding me like this?" + +Approaching Bennington quickly, he grasped his hand. + +"Bennington," he said earnestly, "you and I've always been on the +square. Can't you tell them it's all right? Can't you get them to give +me time?" + +Before the manager could reply the telephone bell rang sharply. +Underwood started. An expression of fear came over his face. Perhaps the +firm had already sworn out a warrant for his arrest. He picked up the +receiver to answer the call. + +"What name is that?" he demanded over the telephone. The name was +repeated and with a gesture of relief he exclaimed: + +"Howard Jeffries!--what on earth does he want? I can't see him. Tell +him I'm----" + +Bennington took his hat and turned to go: + +"Well, I must be off." + +"Don't go," exclaimed Underwood, as he hung up the receiver +mechanically. "It's only that infernal ass Howard Jeffries!" + +"I must," said the manager. As he went toward the door he made a close +scrutiny of the walls as if searching for something that was not there. +Stopping short, he said: + +"I don't see the Velasquez." + +"No--no," stammered Underwood nervously. "It's out--out on probation. +Oh, it's all right. I can account for everything." + +Mr. Bennington continued his inspection. + +"I don't see the Gobelin tapestry," he said laconically. + +"Oh, that's all right, too, if they'll only give me time," he cried +desperately. "Good God, you don't know what it means to me, Bennington! +The position I've made for myself will be swept away and----" + +Mr. Bennington remained distant and unsympathetic and Underwood threw +himself into a chair with a gesture of disgust. + +"Sometimes I think I don't care what happens," he exclaimed. "Things +haven't been going my way lately. I don't care a hang whether school +keeps or not. If they drive me to the wall I'll do something desperate. +I'll----" + +A ring at the front door bell interrupted him. + +"Who can that be?" he exclaimed startled. He looked closely at his +companion, as if trying to read in his face if he were deceiving him. + +"Probably your friend of the telephone," suggested Bennington. + +Underwood opened the door and Howard entered jauntily. + +"Hello, fellers, how goes it?" was his jocular greeting. + +He was plainly under the influence of liquor. When he left home that +evening he had sworn to Annie that he would not touch a drop, but by the +time he reached the Astruria his courage failed him. He rather feared +Underwood, and he felt the need of a stimulant to brace him up for the +"strike" he was about to make. The back door of a saloon was +conveniently open and while he was refreshing himself two other men he +knew dropped in. Before he knew it, half a dozen drinks had been +absorbed, and he had spent the whole of $5 which his wife had intrusted +to him out of her carefully hoarded savings. When he sobered up he would +realize that he had acted like a coward and a cur, but just now he was +feeling rather jolly. Addressing Underwood with impudent familiarity, he +went on: + +"The d----d boy didn't seem to know if you were in or not, so I came up +anyhow." Glancing at Bennington, he added: "Sorry, if I'm butting in." + +Underwood was not in the humor to be very gracious. Long ago young +Howard Jeffries had outgrown his usefulness as far as he was concerned. +He was at a loss to guess why he had come to see him uninvited, on this +particular Sunday night, too. It was with studied coldness, therefore, +that he said: + +"Sit down--I'm glad to see you." + +"You don't look it," grinned Howard, as he advanced further into the +room with shambling, uncertain steps. + +Concealing his ill humor and promising himself to get rid of his +unwelcome visitor at the first opportunity, Underwood introduced the two +men. + +"Mr. Bennington--Mr. Howard Jeffries, Jr." + +Mr. Bennington had heard of the elder Jeffries' trouble with his +scapegrace son, and he eyed, with some interest, this young man who had +made such a fiasco of his career. + +"Oh, I know Bennington," exclaimed Howard jovially. "I bought an +elephant's tusk at his place in the days when I was somebody." With mock +sadness he added, "I'm nobody now--couldn't even buy a collar button." + +"Won't you sit down and stay awhile?" said Underwood sarcastically. + +"If you don't mind, I'll have a drink first," replied Howard, making his +way to the desk and taking up the whiskey decanter. + +Underwood did not conceal his annoyance, but his angry glances were +entirely lost on his new visitor, who was rapidly getting into a maudlin +condition. Addressing Bennington with familiarity, Howard went on: + +"Say, do you remember that wonderful set of ivory chessmen my old man +bought?" + +Bennington smiled and nodded. + +"Yes, sir; I do, indeed. Ah, your father is a fine art critic!" + +Howard burst into boisterous laughter. + +"Art critic!" he exclaimed. "I should say he was. He's a born critic. He +can criticise any old thing--every old thing. I don't care what it is, +he can criticise it. 'When in doubt--criticise,' is nailed on father's +escutcheon." Bowing with mock courtesy to each he raised the glass to +his lips and said: "Here's how!" + +Bennington laughed good humoredly, and turned to go. + +"Well, good night, Mr. Jeffries. Good night, Mr. Underwood." + +Underwood followed the manager to the door. + +"Good night!" he said gloomily. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +The door slammed, and Underwood returned to the sitting room. Taking no +notice of Howard, he walked over to the desk, slowly selected a cigar +and lighted it. Howard looked up at him foolishly, not knowing what to +say. His frequent libations had so befuddled him that he had almost +forgotten the object of his visit. + +"Excuse my butting in, old chap," he stammered, "but----" + +Underwood made no answer. Howard stared at him in comic surprise. He was +not so drunk as not to be able to notice that something was wrong. + +"Say, old fellow," he gurgled; "you're a regular Jim Dumps. Why so +chopfallen, so----? My! what a long face! Is that the way you greet a +classmate, a fellow frat? Wait till you hear my hard-luck story. That'll +cheer you up. Who was it said: 'There's nothing cheers us up so much as +other people's money?" Reaching for the whiskey bottle, he went on, +"First, I'll pour out another drink. You see, I need courage, old man. +I've got a favor to ask. I want some money. I not only want it--I need +it." + +Underwood laughed, a hollow, mocking laugh of derision. His old +classmate had certainly chosen a good time to come and ask him for +money. Howard mistook the cynical gayety for good humor. + +"I said I'd cheer you up," he went on. "I don't want to remind you of +that little matter of two hundred and fifty bucks which you borrowed +from me two years ago. I suppose you've forgotten it, but----" + +A look of annoyance came over Underwood's face. + +"Well, what of it?" he snapped. + +Howard took another drink before he continued. + +"I wouldn't remind you of the loan, old chap; but I'm up against it. +When the family kicked me out for marrying the finest girl that ever +lived, my father cut me off with a piking allowance which I told him to +put in the church plate. I told him I preferred independence. Well," he +went on with serio-comic gravity, "I got my independence, but I'm--I'm +dead broke. You might as well understand the situation plainly. I can't +find any business that I'm fitted for, and Annie threatens to go back to +work. Now, you know I can't stand for anything like that. I'm too much +of a man to be supported by any woman." + +He looked toward Underwood in a stupid kind of way, as if looking for +some sign of approval, but he was disappointed. Underwood's face was a +study of supreme indifference. He did not even appear to be listening. +Somewhat disconcerted, Howard again raised the glass to his lips, and +thus refreshed, went on: + +"Then I thought of you, old chap. You've made a rousing success of +it--got a big name as art collector--made lots of money and all +that----" + +Underwood impatiently interrupted him. + +"It's impossible, Jeffries. Things are a little hard with me, too, just +now. You'll have to wait for that $250." + +Howard grinned. + +"'Taint the $250, old man, I didn't want that. I want a couple of +thousand." + +Underwood could not help laughing. + +"A couple of thousand? Why not make it a million?" + +Howard's demand struck him as being so humorous that he sat down +convulsed with laughter. + +Looking at him stupidly, Howard helped himself to another drink. + +"It seems I'm a hit," he said with a grin. + +Underwood by this time had recovered his composure. + +"So you've done nothing since you left college?" he said. + +"No," answered Howard. "I don't seem to get down to anything. My ideas +won't stay in one place. I got a job as time-keeper, but I didn't keep +it down a week. I kept the time all right, but it wasn't the right +time," Again raising his glass to his lips, he added: "They're so +beastly particular." + +"You keep pretty good time with that," laughed Underwood, pointing to +the whiskey. + +Howard grinned in drunken fashion. + +"It's the one thing I do punctually," he hiccoughed. "I can row, swim, +play tennis, football, golf and polo as well as anybody, but I'll be +damned if I can do anything quite as well as I can do this." + +"What do you want $2,000 for?" demanded Underwood. + +"I've got an opportunity to go into business. I want $2,000 and I want +it deuced quick." + +Underwood shrugged his shoulders. + +"Why don't you go home and ask your father?" he demanded. + +His visitor seemed offended at the suggestion. + +"What!" he exclaimed, with comic surprise, "after being turned out like +a dog with a young wife on my hands! Not much--no. I've injured their +pride. You know father married a second time, loaded me down with a +stepmother. She's all right, but she's so confoundedly aristocratic. You +know her. Say, didn't you and she--wasn't there some sort of an +engagement once? Seems to me I----" + +Underwood rose to his feet and abruptly turned his back. + +"I'd rather you wouldn't get personal," he said curtly. Sitting down at +a desk, he began to rummage with some papers and, turning impatiently to +Howard, he said: + +"Say, old man, I'm very busy now. You'll have to excuse me." + +If Howard had been sober, he would have understood that this was a +pretty strong hint for him to be gone, but in his besotted condition, he +did not propose to be disposed of so easily. Turning to Underwood, he +burst out with an air of offended dignity: + +"Underwood, you wouldn't go back on me now. I'm an outcast, a pariah, a +derelict on the ocean of life, as one of my highly respectable uncles +wrote me. His grandfather was an iron puddler." With a drunken laugh he +went on: "Doesn't it make you sick? I'm no good because I married the +girl. If I had ruined her life I'd still be a decent member of society." + +He helped himself to another drink, his hand shaking so that he could +hardly hold the decanter. He was fast approaching the state of complete +intoxication. Underwood made an attempt to interfere. Why should he care +if the young fool made a sot of himself? The sooner he drank himself +insensible the quicker he would get rid of him. + +"No, Howard," he said; "you'd never make a decent member of society." + +"P'r'aps not," hiccoughed Howard. + +"How does Annie take her social ostracism?" inquired Underwood. + +"Like a brick. She's a thoroughbred, all right. She's all to the good." + +"All the same I'm sorry I ever introduced you to her," replied +Underwood. "I never thought you'd make such a fool of yourself as to +marry----" + +Howard shook his head in a maudlin manner, as he replied: + +"I don't know whether I made a fool of myself or not, but she's all +right. She's got in her the makings of a great woman--very crude, but +still the makings. The only thing I object to is, she insists on going +back to work, just as if I'd permit such a thing. Do you know what I +said on our wedding day? 'Mrs. Howard Jeffries, you are entering one of +the oldest families in America. Nature has fitted you for social +leadership. You'll be a petted, pampered member of that select few +called the "400,"' and now, damn it all, how can I ask her to go back +to work? But if you'll let me have that $2,000----" + +By this time Howard was beginning to get drowsy. Lying back on the sofa, +he proceeded to make himself comfortable. + +"Two thousand dollars!" laughed Underwood. "Why, man, I'm in debt up to +my eyes." + +As far as his condition enabled him, Howard gave a start of surprise. + +"Hard up!" he exclaimed. Pointing around the room, he said: "What's all +this--a bluff?" + +Underwood nodded. + +"A bluff, that's it. Not a picture, not a vase, not a stick belongs to +me. You'll have to go to your father." + +"Never," said Howard despondently. The suggestion was evidently too much +for him, because he stretched out his hand for his whiskey glass. +"Father's done with me," he said dolefully. + +"He'll relent," suggested Underwood. + +Howard shook his head drowsily. Touching his brow, he said: + +"Too much brains, too much up here." Placing his hand on his heart, he +went on: "Too little down here. Once he gets an idea, he never lets it +go, he holds on. Obstinate. One idea--stick to it. Gee, but I've made a +mess of things, haven't I?" + +Underwood looked at him with contempt. + +"You've made a mess of your life," he said bitterly, "yet you've had +some measure of happiness. You, at least, married the woman you love. +Drunken beast as you are, I envy you. The woman I wanted married some +one else, damn her!" + +Howard was so drowsy from the effects of the whiskey that he was almost +asleep. As he lay back on the sofa, he gurgled: + +"Say, old man; I didn't come here to listen to hard-luck stories. I came +to tell one." + +In maudlin fashion he began to sing, _Oh, listen to my tale of woe_, +while Underwood sat glaring at him, wondering how he could put him out. + +As he reached the last verse his head began to nod. The words came +thickly from his lips and he sank sleepily back among the soft divan +pillows. + +Just at that moment the telephone bell rang. Underwood quickly picked up +the receiver. + +"Who's that?" he asked. As he heard the answer his face lit up and he +replied eagerly: "Mrs. Jeffries--yes. I'll come down. No, tell her to +come up." + +Hanging up the receiver, he hastily went over to the divan and shook +Howard. + +"Howard, wake up! confound you! You've got to get out--there's somebody +coming." + +He shook him roughly, but his old classmate made no attempt to move. + +"Quick, do you hear!" exclaimed Underwood impatiently. "Wake up--some +one's coming." + +Howard sleepily half opened his eyes. He had forgotten entirely where he +was and believed he was on the train, for he answered: + +"Sure, I'm sleepy. Say--porter, make up my bed." + +His patience exhausted, Underwood was about to pull him from the sofa by +force, when there was a ring at the front door. + +Bending quickly over his companion, Underwood saw that he was fast +asleep. There was no time to awaken him and get him out of the way, so, +quickly, he took a big screen and arranged it around the divan so that +Howard could not be seen. Then he hurried to the front door and opened +it. + +Alicia entered. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +For a few moments Underwood was too much overcome by emotion to speak. +Alicia brushed by in haughty silence, not deigning to look at him. All +he heard was the soft rustle of her clinging silk gown as it swept along +the floor. She was incensed with him, of course, but she had come. That +was all he asked. She had come in time to save him. He would talk to her +and explain everything and she would understand. She would help him in +this crisis as she had in the past. Their long friendship, all these +years of intimacy, could not end like this. There was still hope for +him. The situation was not as desperate as he feared. He might yet avert +the shameful end of the suicide. Advancing toward her, he said in a +hoarse whisper: + +"Oh, this is good of you, you've come--this is the answer to my +letter." + +Alicia ignored his extended hand and took a seat. Then, turning on him, +she exclaimed indignantly: + +"The answer should be a horsewhip. How dare you send me such a message?" +Drawing from her bag the letter received from him that evening, she +demanded: + +"What do you expect to gain by this threat?" + +"Don't be angry, Alicia." + +Underwood spoke soothingly, trying to conciliate her. Well he knew the +seductive power of his voice. Often he had used it and not in vain, but +to-night it fell on cold, indifferent ears. + +"Don't call me by that name," she snapped. + +Underwood made no answer. He turned slightly paler and, folding his +arms, just looked at her, in silence. There was an awkward pause. + +At last she said: + +"I hope you understand that everything's over between us. Our +acquaintance is at an end." + +"My feelings toward you can never change," replied Underwood earnestly. +"I love you--I shall always love you." + +Alicia gave a little shrug of her shoulders, expressive of utter +indifference. + +"Love!" she exclaimed mockingly. "You love no one but yourself." + +Underwood advanced nearer to her and there was a tremor in his voice as +he said: + +"You have no right to say that. You remember what we once were. Whose +fault is it that I am where I am to-day? When you broke our engagement +and married old Jeffries to gratify your social ambition, you ruined my +life. You didn't destroy my love--you couldn't kill that. You may forbid +me everything--to see you--to speak to you--even to think of you, but I +can never forget that you are the only woman I ever cared for. If you +had married me, I might have been a different man. And now, just when I +want you most, you deny me even your friendship. What have I done to +deserve such treatment? Is it fair? Is it just?" + +Alicia had listened with growing impatience. It was only with difficulty +that she contained herself. Now she interrupted him hotly: + +"I broke my engagement with you because I found that you were deceiving +me--just as you deceived others." + +"It's a lie!" broke in Underwood. "I may have trifled with others, but I +never deceived you." + +Alicia rose and, crossing the room, carelessly inspected one of the +pictures on the wall, a study of the nude by Bouguereau. + +"We need not go into that," she said haughtily. "That is all over now. I +came to ask you what this letter--this threat----means. What do you +expect to gain by taking your life unless I continue to be your friend? +How can I be a friend to a man like you? You know what your friendship +for a woman means. It means that you would drag her down to your own +level and disgrace her as well as yourself. Thank God, my eyes are now +opened to your true character. No self-respecting woman could afford to +allow her name to be associated with yours. You are as incapable of +disinterested friendship as you are of common honesty." Coldly she +added: "I hope you quite understand that henceforth my house is closed +to you. If we happen to meet in public, it must be as strangers." + +Underwood did not speak. Words seemed to fail him. His face was set and +white. A nervous twitching about the mouth showed the terrible mental +strain which the man was under. In the excitement he had forgotten about +Howard's presence on the divan behind the screen. A listener might have +detected the heavy breathing of the sleeper, but even Alicia herself was +too preoccupied to notice it. Underwood extended his arms pleadingly: + +"Alicia--for the sake of Auld Lang Syne!" + +"Auld Lang Syne," she retorted. "I want to forget the past. The old +memories are distasteful. My only object in coming here to-night was to +make the situation plain to you and to ask you to promise me not +to--carry out your threat to kill yourself. Why should you kill +yourself? Only cowards do that. Because you are in trouble? That is the +coward's way out. Leave New York. Go where you are not known. You are +still young. Begin life over again, somewhere else." Advancing toward +him, she went on: "If you will do this I will help you. I never want to +see you again, but I'll try not to think of you unkindly. But you must +promise me solemnly not to make any attempt against your life." + +"I promise nothing," muttered Underwood doggedly. + +"But you must," she insisted. "It would be a terrible crime, not only +against yourself, but against others. You must give me your word." + +Underwood shook his head. + +"I promise nothing." + +"But you must," persisted Alicia. "I won't stir from here until I have +your promise." + +He looked at her curiously. + +"If my life has no interest for you, why should you care?" he asked. + +There was a note of scorn in his voice which aroused his visitor's +wrath. Crumpling up his letter in her hand, she confronted him angrily. + +"Shall I tell you why I care?" she cried. "Because you accuse me in this +letter of being the cause of your death--I, who have been your friend in +spite of your dishonesty. Oh! it's despicable, contemptible! Above all, +it's a lie----" + +Underwood shrugged his shoulders. Cynically he replied: + +"So it wasn't so much concern for me as for yourself that brought you +here." + +Alicia's eyes flashed as she answered: + +"Yes, I wished to spare myself this indignity--the shame of being +associated in any way with a suicide. I was afraid you meant what you +said." + +"Afraid," interrupted Underwood bitterly, "that some of the scandal +might reach as far as the aristocratic Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Sr.!" + +Her face flushed with anger, Alicia paced up and down the room. The +man's taunts stung her to the quick. In a way, she felt that he was +right. She ought to have guessed his character long ago and had nothing +to do with him. He seemed desperate enough to do anything, yet she +doubted if he had the courage to kill himself. She thought she would try +more conciliatory methods, so, stopping short, she said more gently: + +"You know how my husband has suffered through the wretched marriage of +his only son. You know how deeply we both feel this disgrace, and yet +you would add----" + +Underwood laughed mockingly. + +"Why should I consider your husband's feelings?" he cried. "He didn't +consider mine when he married you." Suddenly bending forward, every +nerve tense, he continued hoarsely: "Alicia, I tell you I'm desperate. +I'm hemmed in on all sides by creditors. You know what your +friendship--your patronage means? If you drop me now, your friends will +follow--they're a lot of sheep led by you--and when my creditors hear of +me they'll be down on me like a flock of wolves. I'm not able to make a +settlement. Prison stares me in the face." + +Glancing around at the handsome furnishings, Alicia replied carelessly: + +"I'm not responsible for your wrongdoing. I want to protect my friends. +If they are a lot of sheep as you say, that is precisely why I should +warn them. They have implicit confidence in me. You have borrowed their +money, cheated them at cards, stolen from them. Your acquaintance with +me has given them the opportunity. But now I've found you out. I refuse +any longer to sacrifice my friends, my self-respect, my sense of +decency." Angrily she continued: "You thought you could bluff me. You've +adopted this coward's way of forcing me to receive you against my will. +Well, you've failed. I will not sanction your robbing my friends. I will +not allow you to sell them any more of your high-priced rubbish, or +permit you to cheat them at cards." + +Underwood listened in silence. He stood motionless, watching her flushed +face as she heaped reproaches on him. She was practically pronouncing +his death sentence, yet he could not help thinking how pretty she +looked. When she had finished he said nothing, but, going to his desk, +he opened a small drawer and took out a revolver. + +Alicia recoiled, frightened. + +"What are you going to do?" she cried. + +Underwood smiled bitterly. + +"Oh, don't be afraid. I wouldn't do it while you are here. In spite of +all you've said to me, I still think too much of you for that." +Replacing the pistol in the drawer, he added: "Alicia, if you desert me +now, you'll be sorry to the day of your death." + +His visitor looked at him in silence. Then, contemptuously, she said: + +"I don't believe you intend to carry out your threat. I should have +known from the first that your object was to frighten me. The pistol +display was highly theatrical, but it was only a bluff. You've no more +idea of taking your life than I have of taking mine. I was foolish to +come here. I might have spared myself the humiliation of this +clandestine interview. Good night!" + +She went toward the door. Underwood made no attempt to follow her. In a +hard, strange voice, which he scarcely recognized as his own, he merely +said: + +"Is that all you have to say?" + +"Yes," replied Alicia, as she turned at the door. "Let it be thoroughly +understood that your presence at my house is not desired. If you force +yourself upon me in any way, you must take the consequences." + +Underwood bowed, and was silent. She did not see the deathly pallor of +his face. Opening the door of the apartment which led to the hall, she +again turned. + +"Tell me, before I go--you didn't mean what you said in your letter, did +you?" + +"I'll tell you nothing," replied Underwood doggedly. + +She tossed her head scornfully. + +"I don't believe that a man who is coward enough to write a letter like +this has the courage to carry out his threat." Stuffing the letter back +into her bag, she added: "I should have thrown it in the waste-paper +basket, but on second thoughts, I think I'll keep it. Good night." + +"Good night," echoed Underwood mechanically. + +He watched her go down the long hallway and disappear in the elevator. +Then, shutting the door, he came slowly back into the room and sat down +at his desk. For ten minutes he sat there motionless, his head bent +forward, every limb relaxed. There was deep silence, broken only by +Howard's regular breathing and the loud ticking of the clock. + +"It's all up," he muttered to himself. "It's no use battling against the +tide. The strongest swimmer must go under some time. I've played my last +card and I've lost. Death is better than going to jail. What good is +life anyway without money? Just a moment's nerve and it will all be +over." + +Opening the drawer in the desk, he took out the revolver again. He +turned it over in his hand and regarded fearfully the polished surface +of the instrument that bridged life and death. He had completely +forgotten Howard's presence in the room. On the threshold of a terrible +deed, his thoughts were leagues away. Like a man who is drowning, and +close to death, he saw with surprising distinctness a kaleidoscopic view +of his past life. He saw himself an innocent, impulsive school boy, the +pride of a devoted mother, the happy home where he spent his childhood. +Then came the association with bad companions, the first step in +wrongdoing, stealing out of a comrade's pocket in school, the death of +his mother, leaving home--with downward progress until he gradually +drifted into his present dishonest way of living. What was the good of +regrets? He could not recall his mother to life. He could never +rehabilitate himself among decent men and women. The world had suddenly +become too small for him. He must go, and quickly. + +Fingering the pistol nervously, he sat before the mirror and placed it +against his temple. The cold steel gave him a sudden shock. He wondered +if it would hurt, and if there would be instant oblivion. The glare of +the electric light in the room disconcerted him. It occurred to him that +it would be easier in the dark. Reaching out his arm, he turned the +electric button, and the room was immediately plunged into darkness, +except for the moonlight which entered through the windows, imparting a +ghostly aspect to the scene. On the other side of the room, behind the +screen, a red glow from the open fire fell on the sleeping form of +Howard Jeffries. + +Slowly, deliberately, Underwood raised the pistol to his temple and +fired. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +"Hello! What's that?" + +Startled out of his Gargantuan slumber by the revolver's loud report, +Howard sat up with a jump and rubbed his eyes. On the other side of the +screen, concealed from his observation, there was a heavy crash of a +body falling with a chair--then all was quiet. + +Scared, not knowing where he was, Howard jumped to his feet. For a +moment he stood still, trying to collect his senses. It was too dark to +discern anything plainly, but he could dimly make out outlines of +ćsthetic furniture and bibelots. Ah, he remembered now! He was in +Underwood's apartment. + +Rubbing his eyes, he tried to recall how he came there, and slowly his +befuddled brain began to work. He remembered that he needed $2,000, and +that he had called on Robert Underwood to try and borrow the money. Yes, +he recalled that perfectly well. Then he and Underwood got drinking and +talking, and he had fallen asleep. He thought he had heard a woman's +voice--a voice he knew. Perhaps that was only a dream. He must have been +asleep some time, because the lights were out and, seemingly, everybody +had gone to bed. He wondered what the noise which startled him could +have been. Suddenly he heard a groan. He listened intently, but all was +still. The silence was uncanny. + +Now thoroughly frightened, Howard cautiously groped his way about, +trying to find the electric button. He had no idea what time it was. It +must be very late. What an ass he was to drink so much! He wondered what +Annie would say when he didn't return. He was a hound to let her sit up +and worry like that. Well, this would be a lesson to him--it was the +last time he'd ever touch a drop. Of course, he had promised her the +same thing a hundred times before, but this time he meant it. His +drinking was always getting him into some fool scrape or other. + +He was gradually working his way along the room, when suddenly he +stumbled over something on the floor. It was a man lying prostrate. +Stooping, he recognized the figure. + +"Why--it's Underwood!" he exclaimed. + +At first he believed his classmate was asleep, yet considered it strange +that he should have selected so uncomfortable a place. Then it occurred +to him that he might be ill. Shaking him by the shoulder, he cried: + +"Hey, Underwood, what's the matter?" + +No response came from the prostrate figure. Howard stooped lower, to see +better, and accidentally touching Underwood's face, found it clammy and +wet. He held his hand up in the moonlight and saw that it was covered +with blood. Horror-stricken, he cried: + +"My God! He's bleeding--he's hurt!" + +What had happened? An accident--or worse? Quickly he felt the man's +pulse. It had ceased to beat. Underwood was dead. + +For a moment Howard was too much overcome by his discovery to know what +to think or do. What dreadful tragedy could have happened? Carefully +groping along the mantelpiece, he at last found the electric button and +turned on the light. There, stretched out on the floor, lay Underwood, +with a bullet hole in his left temple, from which blood had flowed +freely down on his full-dress shirt. It was a ghastly sight. The man's +white, set face, covered with a crimson stream, made a repulsive +spectacle. On the floor near the body was a highly polished revolver, +still smoking. + +Howard's first supposition was that burglars had entered the place and +that Underwood had been killed while defending his property. He +remembered now that in his drunken sleep he had heard voices in angry +altercation. Yet why hadn't he called for assistance? Perhaps he had and +he hadn't heard him. + +He looked at the clock, and was surprised to find it was not yet +midnight. He believed it was at least five o'clock in the morning. It +was evident that Underwood had never gone to bed. The shooting had +occurred either while the angry dispute was going on or after the +unknown visitor had departed. The barrel of the revolver was still warm, +showing that it could only have been discharged a few moments before. +Suddenly it flashed upon him that Underwood might have committed +suicide. + +But it was useless to stand there theorizing. Something must be done. +He must alarm the hotel people or call the police. He felt himself turn +hot and cold by turn as he realized the serious predicament in which he +himself was placed. If he aroused the hotel people they would find him +here alone with a dead man. Suspicion would at once be directed at him, +and it might be very difficult for him to establish his innocence. Who +would believe that he could have fallen asleep in a bed while a man +killed himself in the same room? It sounded preposterous. The wisest +course for him would be to get away before anybody came. + +Quickly he picked up his hat and made for the door. Just as he was about +to lay his hand on the handle there was the click of a latchkey. Thus +headed off, and not knowing what to do, he halted in painful suspense. +The door opened and a man entered. + +He looked as surprised to see Howard as the latter was to see him. He +was clean-shaven and neatly dressed, yet did not look the gentleman. His +appearance was rather that of a servant. All these details flashed +before Howard's mind before he blurted out: + +"Who the devil are you?" + +The man looked astounded at the question and eyed his interlocutor +closely, as if in doubt as to his identity. In a cockney accent he said +loftily: + +"I am Ferris, Mr. Underwood's man, sir." Suspiciously, he added: "Are +you a friend of Mr. Underwood's, sir?" + +He might well ask the question, for Howard's disheveled appearance and +ghastly face, still distorted by terror, was anything but reassuring. +Taken by surprise, Howard did not know what to say, and like most people +questioned at a disadvantage, he answered foolishly: + +"Matter? No. What makes you think anything is the matter?" + +Brushing past the man, he added: "It's late. I'm going." + +"Stop a minute!" cried the man-servant. There was something in Howard's +manner that he did not like. Passing quickly into the sitting room, he +called out: "Stop a minute!" But Howard did not stop. Terror gave him +wings and, without waiting for the elevator, he was already half way +down the first staircase when he heard shouts behind him. + +"Murder! Stop thief! Stop that man! Stop that man!" + +There was a rush of feet and hum of voices, which made Howard run all +the faster. He leaped down four steps at a time in his anxiety to get +away. But it was no easy matter descending so many flights of stairs. It +took him several minutes to reach the main floor. + +By this time the whole hotel was aroused. Telephone calls had quickly +warned the attendants, who had promptly sent for the police. By the time +Howard reached the main entrance he was intercepted by a mob too +numerous to resist. + +Things certainly looked black for him. As he sat, white and trembling, +under guard in a corner of the entrance hall, waiting for the arrival of +the police, the valet breathlessly gave the sensational particulars to +the rapidly growing crowd of curious onlookers. He had taken his usual +Sunday out and on returning home at midnight, as was his custom, he had +let himself in with his latchkey. To his astonishment he had found this +man, the prisoner, about to leave the premises. His manner and remarks +were so peculiar that they at once aroused his suspicion. He hurried +into the apartment and found his master lying dead on the floor in a +pool of blood. In his hurry the assassin had dropped his revolver, which +was lying near the corpse. As far as he could see, nothing had been +taken from the apartment. Evidently the man was disturbed at his work +and, when suddenly surprised, had made the bluff that he was calling on +Mr. Underwood. They had got the right man, that was certain. He was +caught red-handed, and in proof of what he said, the valet pointed to +Howard's right hand, which was still covered with blood. + +"How terrible!" exclaimed a woman bystander, averting her face. "So +young, too!" + +"It's all a mistake, I tell you. It's all a mistake," cried Howard, +almost panic-stricken. "I'm a friend of Mr. Underwood's." + +"Nice friend!" sneered an onlooker. + +"Tell that to the police," laughed another. + +"Or to the marines!" cried a third. + +"It's the chair for his'n!" opined a fourth. + +By this time the main entrance hall was crowded with people, tenants and +passers-by attracted by the unwonted commotion. A scandal in high life +is always caviare to the sensation seeker. Everybody excitedly inquired +of his neighbor: + +"What is it? What's the matter?" + +Presently the rattle of wheels was heard and a heavy vehicle, driven +furiously, drew up at the sidewalk with a jerk. It was the police patrol +wagon, and in it were the captain of the precinct and a half dozen +policemen and detectives. The crowd pushed forward to get a better view +of the burly representatives of the law as, full of authority, they +elbowed their way unceremoniously through the throng. Pointing to the +leader, a big man in plain clothes, with a square, determined jaw and a +bulldog face, they whispered one to another: + +"That's Captain Clinton, chief of the precinct. He's a terror. It'll go +hard with any prisoner he gets in his clutches!" + +Followed by his uniformed myrmidons, the police official pushed his way +to the corner where sat Howard, dazed and trembling, and still guarded +by the valet and elevator boys. + +"What's the matter here?" demanded the captain gruffly, and looking +from Ferris to the white-faced Howard. The valet eagerly told his story: + +"I came home at midnight, sir, and found my master, Mr. Robert +Underwood, lying dead in the apartment, shot through the head." Pointing +to Howard, he added: "This man was in the apartment trying to get away. +You see his hand is still covered with blood." + +Captain Clinton chuckled, and expanding his mighty chest to its fullest, +licked his chops with satisfaction. This was the opportunity he had been +looking for--a sensational murder in a big apartment hotel, right in the +very heart of his precinct! Nothing could be more to his liking. It was +a rich man's murder, the best kind to attract attention to himself. The +sensational newspapers would be full of the case. They would print +columns of stuff every day, together with his portrait. That was just +the kind of publicity he needed now that he was wire-pulling for an +inspectorship. They had caught the man "with the goods"--that was very +clear. He promised himself to attend to the rest. Conviction was what he +was after. He'd see that no tricky lawyer got the best of him. +Concealing, as well as he could, his satisfaction, he drew himself up +and, with blustering show of authority, immediately took command of the +situation. Turning to a police sergeant at his side, he said: + +"Maloney, this fellow may have had an accomplice. Take four officers and +watch every exit from the hotel. Arrest anybody attempting to leave the +building. Put two officers to watch the fire escapes. Send one man on +the roof. Go!" + +"Yes, sir," replied the sergeant, as he turned away to execute the +orders. + +Captain Clinton gave two strides forward, and catching Howard by the +collar, jerked him to his feet. + +"Now, young feller, you come with me! We'll go upstairs and have a look +at the dead man." + +Howard was at no time an athlete, and now, contrasted with the burly +policeman, a colossus in strength, he seemed like a puny boy. His +cringing, frightened attitude, as he looked up in the captain's bulldog +face, was pathetic. The crowd of bystanders could hardly contain their +eagerness to take in every detail of the dramatic situation. The +prisoner was sober by this time, and thoroughly alarmed. + +"What do you want me for?" he cried. "I haven't done anything. The man's +dead, but I didn't kill him." + +"Shut your mouth!" growled the captain. + +Dragging Howard after him, he made his way to the elevator. Throwing his +prisoner into the cage, he turned to give orders to his subordinate. + +"Maloney, you come up with me and bring Officer Delaney." Addressing the +other men, he said: "You other fellers look after things down here. +Don't let any of these people come upstairs," Then, turning to the +elevator boy, he gave the command: "Up with her." + +The elevator, with its passengers, shot upward, stopped with a jerk at +the fourteenth floor, and the captain, once more laying a brutal hand on +Howard, pushed him out into the corridor. + +If it could be said of Captain Clinton that he had any system at all, it +was to be as brutal as possible with everybody unlucky enough to fall +into his hands. Instead of regarding his prisoners as innocent until +found guilty, as they are justly entitled to be regarded under the law, +he took the direct opposite stand. He considered all his prisoners as +guilty as hell until they had succeeded in proving themselves innocent. +Even then he had his doubts. When a jury brought in a verdict of +acquittal, he shook his head and growled. He had the greatest contempt +for a jury that would acquit and the warmest regard for a jury which +convicted. He bullied and maltreated his prisoners because he firmly +believed in undermining their moral and physical resistance. When by +depriving them of sleep and food, by choking them, clubbing them and +frightening them he had reduced them to a state of nervous terror, to +the border of physical collapse, he knew by experience that they would +no longer be in condition to withstand his merciless cross-examinations. +Demoralized, unstrung, they would blurt out the truth and so convict +themselves. The ends of justice would thus be served. + +Captain Clinton prided himself on the thorough manner in which he +conducted these examinations of persons under arrest. It was a laborious +ordeal, but always successful. He owed his present position on the force +to the skill with which he brow-beat his prisoners into "confessions." +With his "third degree" seances he arrived at results better and more +quickly than in any other way. All his convictions had been secured by +them. The press and meddling busy-bodies called his system barbarous, a +revival of the old-time torture chamber. What did he care what the +people said as long as he convicted his man? Wasn't that what he was +paid for? He was there to find the murderer, and he was going to do it. + +He pushed his way into the apartment, followed closely by Maloney and +the other policemen, who dragged along the unhappy Howard. The dead man +still lay where he had fallen. Captain Clinton stooped down, but made no +attempt to touch the corpse, merely satisfying himself that Underwood +was dead. Then, after a casual survey of the room, he said to his +sergeant: + +"We won't touch a thing, Maloney, till the coroner arrives. He'll be +here any minute, and he'll give the order for the undertaker. You can +call up headquarters so the newspaper boys get the story." + +While the sergeant went to the telephone to carry out these orders, +Captain Clinton turned to look at Howard, who had collapsed, white and +trembling, into a chair. + +"What do you want with me?" cried Howard appealingly. "I assure you I've +had nothing to do with this. My wife's expecting me home. Can't I go?" + +"Shut up!" thundered the captain. + +His arms folded, his eyes sternly fixed upon him, Captain Clinton stood +confronting the unfortunate youth, staring at him without saying a word. +The persistence of his stare made Howard squirm. It was decidedly +unpleasant. He did not mind the detention so much as this man's +overbearing, bullying manner. He knew he was innocent, therefore he had +nothing to fear. But why was this police captain staring at him so? +Whichever way he sat, whichever way his eyes turned, he saw this +bulldog-faced policeman staring silently at him. Unknown to him, Captain +Clinton had already begun the dreaded police ordeal known as the "third +degree." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +Fifteen minutes passed without a word being spoken. There was deep +silence in the room. It was so quiet that one could have heard a pin +drop. Had a disinterested spectator been there to witness it, he would +have been at once impressed by the dramatic tableau presented--the dead +man on the floor, his white shirt front spattered with blood, the +cringing, frightened boy crouching in the chair, the towering figure of +the police captain sitting sternly eyeing his hapless prisoner, and at +the far end of the room Detective Sergeant Maloney busy sending hurried +messages through the telephone. + +"What did you do it for?" thundered the captain suddenly. + +Howard's tongue clove to his palate. He could scarcely articulate. He +was innocent, of course, but there was something in this man's manner +which made him fear that he might, after all, have had something to do +with the tragedy. Yet he was positive that he was asleep on the bed all +the time. The question is, Would anybody believe him? He shook his head +pathetically. + +"I didn't do it. Really, I didn't." + +"Shut your mouth! You're lying, and you know you're lying. Wait till the +coroner comes. We'll fix you." + +Again there was silence, and now began a long, tedious wait, both men +retaining the same positions, the captain watching his prisoner as a cat +watches a mouse. + +Howard's mental anguish was almost unendurable. He thought of his poor +wife who must be waiting up for him all this time, wondering what had +become of him. She would imagine the worst, and there was no telling +what she might do. If only he could get word to her. Perhaps she would +be able to explain things. Then he thought of his father. They had +quarreled, it was true, but after all it was his own flesh and blood. At +such a critical situation as this, one forgets. His father could hardly +refuse to come to his assistance. He must get a lawyer, too, to protect +his interests. This police captain had no right to detain him like +this. He must get word to Annie without delay. Summoning up all his +courage, he said boldly: + +"You are detaining me here without warrant in law. I know my rights. I +am the son of one of the most influential men in the city." + +"What's your name?" growled the captain. + +"Howard Jeffries." + +"Son of Howard Jeffries, the banker?" + +Howard nodded. + +"Yes." + +The captain turned to his sergeant. + +"Maloney, this feller says he's the son of Howard Jeffries, the banker." + +Maloney leaned over and whispered something in the captain's ear. The +captain smiled grimly. + +"So, you're a bad character, eh? Father turned you out of doors, eh? +Where's that girl you ran away with?" Sharply he added: "You see I know +your record." + +"I've done nothing I'm ashamed of," replied Howard calmly. "I married +the girl. She's waiting my return now. Won't you please let me send her +a message?" + +The captain eyed Howard suspiciously for a moment, then he turned to his +sergeant: + +"Maloney, telephone this man's wife. What's the number?" + +"Eighty-six Morningside." + +Maloney again got busy with the telephone and the wearying wait began +once more. The clock soon struck two. For a whole hour he had been +subjected to this gruelling process, and still the lynx-eyed captain sat +there watching his quarry. + +If Captain Clinton had begun to have any doubts when Howard told him who +his father was, Maloney's information immediately put him at his ease. +It was all clear to him now. The youth had never been any good. His own +father had kicked him out. He was in desperate financial straits. He had +come to this man's rooms to make a demand for money. Underwood had +refused and there was a quarrel, and he shot him. There was probably a +dispute over the woman. Ah, yes, he remembered now. This girl he married +was formerly a sweetheart of Underwood's. Jealousy was behind it as +well. Besides, wasn't he caught red-handed, with blood on his hands, +trying to escape from the apartment? Oh, they had him dead to rights, +all right. Any magistrate would hold him on such evidence. + +"It's the Tombs for him, all right, all right," muttered the captain to +himself; "and maybe promotion for me." + +Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. The coroner entered, +followed by the undertaker. The two men advanced quickly into the room, +and took a look at the body. After making a hasty examination, the +coroner turned to Captain Clinton. + +"Well, Captain, I guess he's dead, all right." + +"Yes, and we've got our man, too." + +The coroner turned to look at the prisoner. + +"Caught him red-handed, eh? Who is he?" + +Howard was about to blurt out a reply, when the captain thundered: + +"Silence!" + +To the coroner, the captain explained: + +"He's the scapegrace son of Howard Jeffries, the banker. No good--bad +egg. His father turned him out of doors. There is no question about his +guilt. Look at his hands. We caught him trying to get away." + +The coroner rose. He believed in doing things promptly. + +"I congratulate you, captain. Quick work like this ought to do your +reputation good. The community owes a debt to the officers of the law if +they succeed in apprehending criminals quickly. You've been getting some +pretty hard knocks lately, but I guess you know your business." + +The captain grinned broadly. + +"I guess I do. Don't we, Maloney?" + +"Yes, cap.," said Maloney quietly. + +The coroner turned to go. + +"Well, there's nothing more for me to do here. The man is dead. Let +justice take its course." Addressing the undertaker, he said: + +"You can remove the body." + +The men set about the work immediately. Carrying the corpse into the +inner room, they commenced the work of laying it out. + +"I suppose," said the coroner, "that you'll take your prisoner +immediately to the station house, and before the magistrate to-morrow +morning?" + +"Not just yet," grinned the captain. "I want to put a few questions to +him first." + +The coroner smiled. + +"You're going to put him through the 'third degree,' eh? Every one's +heard of your star-chamber ordeals. Are they really so dreadful?" + +"Nonsense!" laughed the captain. "We wouldn't harm a baby, would we +Maloney?" + +The sergeant quickly endorsed his chief's opinion. + +"No, cap." + +Turning to go, the coroner said: + +"Well, good night, captain." + +"Good night, Mr. Coroner." + +Howard listened to all this like one transfixed. They seemed to be +talking about him. They were discussing some frightful ordeal of which +he was to be the victim. What was this "third degree" they were talking +about? Now he remembered. He had heard of innocent men being bullied, +maltreated, deprived of food and sleep for days, in order to force them +to tell what the police were anxious to find out. He had heard of secret +assaults, of midnight clubbings, of prisoners being choked and brutally +kicked by a gang of ruffianly policemen, in order to force them into +some damaging admission. A chill ran down his spine as he realized his +utter helplessness. If he could only get word to a lawyer. Just as the +coroner was disappearing through the door, he darted forward and laid a +hand on his arm. + +"Mr. Coroner, won't you listen to me?" he exclaimed. + +The coroner, startled, drew back. + +"I cannot interfere," he said coldly. + +"Mr. Underwood was a friend of mine," explained Howard. "I came here to +borrow money. I fell asleep on that sofa. When I woke up he was dead. I +was frightened. I tried to get away. That's the truth, so help me God!" + +The coroner looked at him sternly and made no reply. No one could ever +reproach him with sympathizing with criminals. Waving his hand at +Captain Clinton, he said: + +"Good night, captain." + +"Good night, Mr. Coroner." + +The door slammed and Captain Clinton, with a twist of his powerful arm, +yanked his prisoner back into his seat. Howard protested. + +"You've got no right to treat me like this. You exceed your powers. I +demand to be taken before a magistrate at once." + +The captain grinned, and pointed to the clock. + +"Say, young feller, see what time it is? Two-thirty A. M. Our good +magistrates are all comfy in their virtuous beds. We'll have to wait +till morning." + +"But what's the good of sitting here in this death house?" protested +Howard. "Take me to the station if I must go. It's intolerable to sit +any longer here." + +The captain beckoned to Maloney. + +"Not so fast, young man. Before we go to the station we want to ask you +a few questions. Don't we Maloney?" + +The sergeant came over, and the captain whispered something in his ear. +Howard shivered. Suddenly turning to his prisoner, the captain shouted +in the stern tone of command: + +"Get up!" + +Howard did as he was ordered. He felt he must. There was no resisting +that powerful brute's tone of authority. Pointing to the other side of +the table, the captain went on: + +"Stand over there where I can look at you!" + +The two men now faced each other, the small table alone separating them. +The powerful electrolier overhead cast its light full on Howard's +haggard face and on the captain's scowling features. Suddenly Maloney +turned off every electric light except the lights in the electrolier, +the glare of which was intensified by the surrounding darkness. The rest +of the room was in shadow. One saw only these two figures standing +vividly out in the strong light--the white-faced prisoner and his +stalwart inquisitor. In the dark background stood Policeman Delaney. +Close at hand was Maloney taking notes. + +"You did it, and you know you did it!" thundered the captain, fixing his +eyes on his trembling victim. + +[Illustration: "YOU DID IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU DID IT."] + +"I did not do it," replied Howard slowly and firmly, returning the +policeman's stare. + +"You're lying!" shouted the captain. + +"I'm not lying," replied Howard calmly. + +The captain glared at him for a moment and then suddenly tried new +tactics. + +"Why did you come here?" he demanded. + +"I came to borrow money." + +"Did you get it?" + +"No--he said he couldn't give it to me." + +"Then you killed him." + +"I did not kill him," replied Howard positively. + +Thus the searching examination went on, mercilessly, tirelessly. The +same questions, the same answers, the same accusations, the same +denials, hour after hour. The captain was tired, but being a giant in +physique, he could stand it. He knew that his victim could not. It was +only a question of time when the latter's resistance would be weakened. +Then he would stop lying and tell the truth. That's all he wanted--the +truth. + +"You shot him!" + +"I did not." + +"You're lying!" + +"I'm not lying--it's the truth." + +So it went on, hour after hour, relentlessly, pitilessly, while the +patient Maloney, in the obscure background, took notes. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +The clock ticked on, and still the merciless brow-beating went on. They +had been at it now five long, weary hours. Through the blinds the gray +daylight outside was creeping its way in. All the policemen were +exhausted. The prisoner was on the verge of collapse. Maloney and +Patrolman Delaney were dozing on chairs, but Captain Clinton, a marvel +of iron will and physical strength, never relaxed for a moment. Not +allowing himself to weaken or show signs of fatigue, he kept pounding +the unhappy youth with searching questions. + +By this time Howard's condition was pitiable to witness. His face was +white as death. His trembling lips could hardly articulate. It was with +the greatest difficulty that he kept on his feet. Every moment he seemed +about to fall. At times he clutched the table nervously, for fear he +would stumble. Several times, through sheer exhaustion, he sat down. +The act was almost involuntary. Nature was giving way. + +"I can't stand any more," he murmured. "What's the good of all these +questions? I tell you I didn't do it." + +He sank helplessly on to a chair. His eyes rolled in his head. He looked +as if he would faint. + +"Stand up!" thundered the captain angrily. + +Howard obeyed mechanically, although he reeled in the effort. To steady +himself, he caught hold of the table. His strength was fast ebbing. He +was losing his power to resist. The captain saw he was weakening, and he +smiled with satisfaction. He'd soon get a confession out of him. +Suddenly bending forward, so that his fierce, determined stare glared +right into Howard's half-closed eyes, he shouted: + +"You did it and you know you did!" + +"No--I----" replied Howard weakly. + +"These repeated denials are useless!" shouted the captain. "There's +already enough evidence to send you to the chair!" + +Howard shook his head helplessly. Weakly he replied: + +"This constant questioning is making me dizzy. Good God! What's the use +of questioning me and questioning me? I know nothing about it." + +"Why did you come here?" thundered the captain. + +"I've told you over and over again. We're old friends. I came to borrow +money. He owed me a few hundred dollars when we were at college +together, and I tried to get it. I've told you so many times. You won't +believe me. My brain is tired. I'm thoroughly exhausted. Please let me +go. My poor wife won't know what's the matter." + +"Never mind about your wife," growled the captain. "We've sent for her. +How much did you try to borrow?" + +Howard was silent a moment, as if racking his brain, trying to remember. + +"A thousand--two thousand. I forget. I think one thousand." + +"Did he say he'd lend you the money?" demanded the inquisitor. + +"No," replied the prisoner, with hesitation. "He couldn't--he--poor +chap--he----" + +"Ah!" snapped the captain. "He refused--that led to words. There was a +quarrel, and----" Suddenly leaning forward until his face almost touched +Howard's, he hissed rather than spoke: "You shot him!" + +Howard gave an involuntary step backward, as if he realized the trap +being laid for him. + +"No, no!" he cried. + +Quickly following up his advantage, Captain Clinton shouted +dramatically: + +"You lie! He was found on the floor in this room--dead. You were trying +to get out of the house without being seen. You hadn't even stopped to +wash the blood off your hands. All you fellers make mistakes. You relied +on getting away unseen. You never stopped to think that the blood on +your hands would betray you." Gruffly he added: "Now, come, what's the +use of wasting all this time? It won't go so hard with you if you own +up. You killed Robert Underwood!" + +Howard shook his head. There was a pathetic expression of helplessness +on his face. + +"I didn't kill him," he faltered. "I was asleep on that sofa. I woke up. +It was dark. I went out. I wanted to get home. My wife was waiting for +me." + +"Now I've caught you lying," interrupted the captain quickly. "You told +the coroner you saw the dead man and feared you would be suspected of +his murder, and so tried to get away unseen." Turning to his men, he +added: "How is that, Maloney? Did the prisoner say that?" + +The sergeant consulted his back notes, and replied: + +"Yes, Cap', that's what he said." + +Suddenly Captain Clinton drew from his hip pocket the revolver which he +had found on the floor, near the dead man's body. The supreme test was +about to be made. The wily police captain would now play his trump card. +It was not without reason that his enemies charged him with employing +unlawful methods in conducting his inquisitorial examinations. + +"Stop your lying!" he said fiercely. "Tell the truth, or we'll keep you +here until you do. The motive is clear. You came for money. You were +refused, and you did the trick." + +Suddenly producing the revolver, and holding it well under the light, +so that the rays from the electrolier fell directly on its highly +polished surface, he shouted: + +"Howard Jeffries, you shot Robert Underwood, and you shot him with this +pistol!" + +Howard gazed at the shining surface of the metal as if fascinated. He +spoke not a word, but his eyes became riveted on the weapon until his +face assumed a vacant stare. From the scientific standpoint, the act of +hypnotism had been accomplished. In his nervous and overfatigued state, +added to his susceptibility to quick hypnosis, he was now directly under +the influence of Captain Clinton's stronger will, directing his weaker +will. He was completely receptive. The past seemed all a blur on his +mind. He saw the flash of steel and the police captain's angry, +determined-looking face. He felt he was powerless to resist that will +any longer. He stepped back and gave a shudder, averting his eyes from +the blinding steel. Captain Clinton quickly followed up his advantage: + +"You committed this crime, Howard Jeffries!" he shouted, fixing him with +a stare. To his subordinate he shouted: "Didn't he, Maloney?" + +"He killed him all right," echoed Maloney. + +His eyes still fixed on those of his victim, and approaching his face +close to his, the captain shouted: + +"You did it, Jeffries! Come on, own up! Let's have the truth! You shot +Robert Underwood with this revolver. You did it, and you can't deny it! +You know you can't deny it! Speak!" he thundered. "You did it!" + +Howard, his eyes still fixed on the shining pistol, repeated, as if +reciting a lesson: + +"I did it!" + +Quickly Captain Clinton signaled to Maloney to approach nearer with his +notebook. The detective sergeant took his place immediately back of +Howard. The captain turned to his prisoner: + +"You shot Robert Underwood!" + +"I shot Robert Underwood," repeated Howard mechanically. + +"You quarreled!" + +"We quarreled." + +"You came here for money!" + +"I came here for money." + +"He refused to give it to you!" + +"He refused to give it to me." + +"There was a quarrel!" + +"There was a quarrel." + +"You drew that pistol!" + +"I drew that pistol." + +"And shot him!" + +"And shot him." + +Captain Clinton smiled triumphantly. + +"That's all," he said. + +Howard collapsed into a chair. His head dropped forward on his breast, +as if he were asleep. Captain Clinton yawned and looked at his watch. +Turning to Maloney, he said with a chuckle: + +"By George! it's taken five hours to get it out of him!" + +Maloney turned out the electric lights and went to pull up the window +shades, letting the bright daylight stream into the room. Suddenly there +was a ring at the front door. Officer Delaney opened, and Dr. Bernstein +entered. Advancing into the room, he shook hands with the captain. + +"I'm sorry I couldn't come before, captain. I was out when I got the +call. Where's the body?" + +The captain pointed to the inner room. + +"In there." + +After glancing curiously at Howard, the doctor disappeared into the +inner room. + +Captain Clinton turned to Maloney. + +"Well, Maloney, I guess our work is done here. We want to get the +prisoner over to the station, then make out a charge of murder, and +prepare the full confession to submit to the magistrate. Have everything +ready by nine o'clock. Meantime, I'll go down and see the newspaper +boys. I guess there's a bunch of them down there. Of course, it's too +late for the morning papers, but it's a bully good story for the +afternoon editions. Delaney, you're responsible for the prisoner. Better +handcuff him." + +The patrolman was just putting the manacles on Howard's wrists when Dr. +Bernstein reentered from the inner room. The captain turned. + +"Well, have you seen your man?" he asked. + +The doctor nodded. + +"Found a bullet wound in his head," he said. "Flesh all burned--must +have been pretty close range. It might have been a case of suicide." + +Captain Clinton frowned. He didn't like suggestions of that kind after a +confession which had cost him five hours' work to procure. + +"Suicide?" he sneered. "Say, doctor, did you happen to notice what side +of the head the wound was on?" + +Dr. Bernstein reflected a moment. + +"Ah, yes. Now I come to think of it, it was the left side." + +"Precisely," sneered the captain. "I never heard of a suicide shooting +himself in the left temple. Don't worry, doctor, it's murder, all +right." Pointing with a jerk of his finger toward Howard, he added: "And +we've got the man who did the job." + +Officer Delaney approached his chief and spoke to him in a low tone. The +captain frowned and looked toward his prisoner. Then, turning toward the +officer, he said: + +"Is the wife downstairs?" + +The officer nodded. + +"Yes, sir, they just telephoned." + +"Then let her come up," said the captain. "She may know something." + +Delaney returned to the telephone and Dr. Bernstein turned to the +captain: + +"Say what you will, captain, I'm not at all sure that Underwood did not +do this himself." + +"Ain't you? Well, I am," replied the captain with a sneer. Pointing +again to Howard, he said: + +"This man has just confessed to the shooting." + +At that moment the front door opened and Annie Jeffries came in escorted +by an officer. She was pale and frightened, and looked timidly at the +group of strange and serious-looking men present. Then her eyes went +round the room in search of her husband. She saw him seemingly asleep in +an armchair, his wrists manacled in front of him. With a frightened +exclamation she sprang forward, but Officer Delaney intercepted her. +Captain Clinton turned around angrily at the interruption: + +"Keep the woman quiet till she's wanted!" he growled. + +Annie sat timidly on a chair in the background and the captain turned +again to the doctor. + +"What's that you were saying, doctor?" + +"You tell me the man confessed?" + +Crossing the room to where Howard sat, Dr. Bernstein looked closely at +him. Apparently the prisoner was asleep. His eyes were closed and his +head drooped forward on his chest. He was ghastly pale. + +The captain grinned. + +"Yes, sir, confessed--in the presence of three witnesses. Eh, sergeant?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Maloney. + +"You heard him, too, didn't you, Delaney?" + +"Yes, captain." + +Squaring his huge shoulders, the captain said with a self-satisfied +chuckle: + +"It took us five hours to get him to own up, but we got it out of him at +last." + +The doctor was still busy with his examination. + +"He seems to be asleep. Worn out, I guess. Five hours, yes--that's your +method, captain." Shaking his head, he went on: "I don't believe in +these all-night examinations and your 'third degree' mental torture. It +is barbarous. When a man is nervous and frightened his brain gets so +benumbed at the end of two or three hours' questioning on the same +subject that he's liable to say anything, or even believe anything. Of +course you know, captain, that after a certain time the law of +suggestion commences to operate and----" + +The captain turned to his sergeant and laughed: + +"The law of suggestion? Ha, ha! That's a good one! You know, doctor, +them theories of yours may make a hit with college students and amateur +professors, but they don't go with us. You can't make a man say 'yes' +when he wants to say 'no'." + +Dr. Bernstein smiled. + +"I don't agree with you," he said. "You can make him say anything, or +believe anything--or do anything if he is unable to resist your will." + +The captain burst into a hearty peal of laughter. + +"Ha, ha! What's the use of chinnin'? We've got him to rights. I tell +you, doctor, no newspaper can say that my precinct ain't cleaned up. My +record is a hundred convictions to one acquittal. I catch 'em with the +goods when I go after 'em!" + +A faint smile hovered about the doctor's face. + +"I know your reputation," he said sarcastically. + +The captain thought the doctor was flattering him, so he rubbed his +hands with satisfaction, as he replied: + +"That's right. I'm after results. None of them _Psyche_ themes for +mine." Striding over to the armchair where sat Howard, he laid a rough +hand on his shoulder: + +"Hey, Jeffries, wake up!" + +Howard opened his eyes and stared stupidly about him. The captain took +him by the collar of his coat. + +"Come--stand up! Brace up now!" Turning to Sergeant Maloney, he added, +"Take him over to the station. Write out that confession and make him +sign it before breakfast. I'll be right over." + +Howard struggled to his feet and Maloney helped him arrange his collar +and tie. Officer Delaney clapped his hat on his head. Dr. Bernstein +turned to go. + +"Good morning, captain. I'll make out my report" + +"Good morning, doctor." + +Dr. Bernstein disappeared and Captain Clinton turned to look at Annie, +who had been waiting patiently in the background. Her anguish on seeing +Howard's condition was unspeakable. It was only with difficulty that she +restrained herself from crying out and rushing to his side. But these +stern, uniformed men intimidated her. It seemed to her that Howard was +on trial--a prisoner--perhaps his life was in danger. What could he have +done? Of course, he was innocent, whatever the charge was. He wouldn't +harm a fly. She was sure of that. But every one looked so grave, and +there was a big crowd gathered in front of the hotel when she came up. +She thought she had heard the terrible word "murder," but surely there +was some mistake. Seeing Captain Clinton turn in her direction, she +darted eagerly forward. + +"May I speak to him, sir? He is my husband." + +"Not just now," replied the captain, not unkindly. "It's against the +rules. Wait till we get him to the Tombs. You can see him all you want +there." + +Annie's heart sank. Could she have heard aright? + +"The Tombs!" she faltered. "Is the charge so serious?" + +"Murder--that's all!" replied the captain laconically. + +Annie nearly swooned. Had she not caught the back of a chair she would +have fallen. + +The captain turned to Maloney and, in a low tone, said: + +"Quick! Get him over to the station. We don't want any family scenes +here." + +Manacled to Officer Delaney and escorted on the other side by Maloney, +Howard made his way toward the door. Just as he reached it he caught +sight of his wife who, with tears streaming down her cheeks, was +watching him as if in a dream. To her it seemed like some hideous +nightmare from which both would soon awaken. Howard recognized her, yet +seemed too dazed to wonder how she came there. He simply blurted out as +he passed: + +"Something's happened, Annie, dear. I--Underwood--I don't quite +know----" + +The policemen pushed him through the door, which closed behind him. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + +Unable to control herself any longer, Annie broke down completely and +burst into tears. When the door opened and she saw her husband led away, +pale and trembling, between those two burly policemen, it was as if all +she cared for on earth had gone out of her life forever. Captain Clinton +laid his hand gently on her shoulder. With more sympathy in his face +than was his custom to display, he said: + +"Now, little woman--t'ain't no kind of use carrying on like that! If you +want to help your husband and get him out of his trouble you want to get +busy. Sitting there crying your eyes out won't do him any good." + +Annie threw up her head. Her eyes were red, but they were dry now. Her +face was set and determined. The captain was right. Only foolish women +weep and wail when misfortune knocks at their door. The right sort of +women go bravely out and make a fight for liberty and honor. Howard was +innocent. She was convinced of that, no matter how black things looked +against him. She would not leave a stone unturned till she had regained +for him his liberty. With renewed hope in her heart and resolution in +her face, she turned to confront the captain. + +"What has he done?" she demanded. + +"Killed his friend, Robert Underwood." + +He watched her face closely to see what effect his words would have on +her. + +"Robert Underwood dead!" exclaimed Annie with more surprise than +emotion. + +"Yes," said the captain sternly, "and your husband, Howard Jeffries, +killed him." + +"That's not true! I'd never believe that," said Annie promptly. + +"He's made a full confession," went on the captain. + +"A confession!" she echoed uneasily. "What do you mean?" + +"Just what I say. Your husband has made a full confession, in the +presence of witnesses, that he came here to Underwood's rooms to ask for +money. They quarreled. Your husband drew a pistol and shot him. He has +signed a confession which will be presented to the magistrate this +morning." + +Annie looked staggered for a moment, but her faith in her husband was +unshakable. Almost hysterically she cried: + +"I don't believe it. I don't believe it. You may have tortured him into +signing something. Everybody knows your methods, Captain Clinton. But +thank God there is a law in the United States which protects the +innocent as well as punishes the guilty. I shall get the most able +lawyers to defend him even if I have to sell myself into slavery for the +rest of my life." + +"Bravo, little woman!" said the captain mockingly. "That's the way to +talk. I like your spunk, but before you go I'd like to ask you a few +questions. Sit down." + +He waved her to a chair and he sat opposite her. + +"Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he began encouragingly, "tell me--did you ever +hear your husband threaten Howard Underwood?" + +By this time Annie had recovered her self-possession. She knew that the +best way to help Howard was to keep cool and to say nothing which was +likely to injure his cause. Boldly, therefore, she answered: + +"You've no right to ask me that question." + +The captain shifted uneasily in his seat. He knew she was within her +legal rights. He couldn't bully her into saying anything that would +incriminate her husband. + +"I merely thought you would like to assist the authorities, to----" he +stammered awkwardly. + +"To convict my husband," she said calmly. "Thank you, I understand my +position." + +"You can't do him very much harm, you know," said the captain with +affected jocularity. "He has confessed to the shooting." + +"I don't believe it," she said emphatically. + +Trying a different tack, he asked carelessly: + +"Did you know Mr. Underwood?" + +She hesitated before replying, then indifferently she said: + +"Yes, I knew him at one time. He introduced me to my husband." + +"Where was that?" + +"In New Haven, Conn." + +"Up at the college, eh? How long have you known Mr. Underwood?" + +Annie looked at her Inquisitor and said nothing. She wondered what he +was driving at, what importance the question had to the case. Finally +she said: + +"I met him once or twice up at New Haven, but I've never seen him since +my marriage to Mr. Jeffries. My husband and he were not very good +friends. That is----" + +She stopped, realizing that she had made a mistake. How foolish she had +been! The police, of course, were anxious to show that there was ill +feeling between the two men. Her heart misgave her as she saw the look +of satisfaction in the captain's face. + +"Ah!" he exclaimed. "Not very good friends, eh? In fact, your husband +didn't like him, did he?" + +"He didn't like him well enough to run after him," she replied +hesitatingly. + +The captain now started off in another direction. + +"Was your husband ever jealous of Underwood?" + +By this time Annie had grown suspicious of every question. She was on +her guard. + +"Jealous? What do you mean? No, he was not jealous. There was never any +reason. I refuse to answer any more questions." + +The captain rose and began to pace the floor. + +"There's one little thing more, Mrs. Jeffries, and then you can go. You +can help your husband by helping us. I want to put one more question to +you and be careful to answer truthfully. Did you call at these rooms +last night to see Mr. Underwood?" + +"I!" exclaimed Annie with mingled astonishment and indignation. "Of +course not." + +"Sure?" demanded the captain, eyeing her narrowly. + +"Positive," said Annie firmly. + +The captain looked puzzled. + +"A woman called here last night to see him," he said thoughtfully, "and +I thought that perhaps----" + +Interrupting himself, he went quickly to the door of the apartment and +called to some one who was waiting in the corridor outside. A boy about +eighteen years of age, in the livery of an elevator attendant, entered +the room. The captain pointed to Annie. + +"Is that the lady?" + +The boy looked carefully, and then shook his head: + +"Don't think so--no, sir. The other lady was a great swell." + +"You're sure, eh?" said the captain. + +"I--think so," answered the boy. + +"Do you remember the name she gave?" + +"No, sir," replied the boy. "Ever since you asked me----" + +Annie arose and moved toward the door. She had no time to waste there. +Every moment now was precious. She must get legal assistance at once. +Turning to Captain Clinton, she said: + +"If you've no further use for me, captain, I think I'll go." + +"Just one moment, Mrs. Jeffries," he said. + +The face of the elevator boy suddenly brightened up. + +"That's it," he said eagerly. "That's it--Jeffries. I think that was the +name she gave, sir." + +"Who?" demanded the captain. + +"Not this lady," said the boy. "The other lady. I think she said +Jeffries, or Jenkins, or something like that." + +The captain waved his hand toward the door. + +"That's all right--go. We'll find her all right." + +The boy went out and the captain turned round to Annie. + +"It'll be rather a pity if it isn't you," he said, with a suggestive +smile. + +"How so?" she demanded. + +The captain laughed. + +"Well, you see, a woman always gets the jury mixed up. Nothing fools a +man like a pretty face, and twelve times one is twelve. You see if they +quarreled about you--your husband would stand some chance." +Patronizingly he added, "Come, Mrs. Jeffries, you'd better tell the +truth and I can advise you who to go to." + +Annie drew herself up, and with dignity said: + +"Thanks, I'm going to the best lawyer I can get. Not one of those +courtroom politicians recommended by a police captain. I am going to +Richard Brewster. He's the man. He'll soon get my husband out of the +Tombs." Reflectively she added: "If my father had had Judge Brewster to +defend him instead of a legal shark, he'd never have been railroaded to +jail. He'd be alive to-day." + +Captain Clinton guffawed loudly. The idea of ex-Judge Brewster taking +the case seemed to amuse him hugely. + +"Brewster?" he laughed boisterously. "You'd never be able to get +Brewster. Firstly, he's too expensive. Secondly, he's old man Jeffries' +lawyer. He wouldn't touch your case with a ten-foot pole. Besides," he +added in a tone of contempt, "Brewster's no good in a case of this kind. +He's a constitution lawyer--one of them international fellers. He don't +know nothing----" + +"He's the only lawyer I want," she retorted determinedly. Then she went +on: "Howard's folks must come to his rescue. They must stand by +him--they must----" + +The captain grinned. + +"From what I hear," he said, "old man Jeffries won't raise a finger to +save his scapegrace son from going to the chair. He's done with him for +good and all." + +Chuckling aloud and talking to himself rather than to his vis-ŕ-vis, he +muttered: + +"That alone will convince the jury. They'll argue that the boy can't be +much good if his own go back on him." + +Annie's eyes flashed. + +"Precisely!" she exclaimed. "But his own won't go back on him. I'll see +to it that they don't." Rising and turning toward the door, she asked: +"Have you anything more to say to me, captain?" + +"No," replied the captain hesitatingly. "You can go. Of course you'll be +called later for the trial You can see your husband in the Tombs when +you wish." + +No man is so hard that he has not a soft spot somewhere. At heart +Captain Clinton was not an unkind man. Long service in the police force +and a mistaken notion of the proper method of procedure in treating his +prisoners had hardened him and made him brutal. Secretly he felt sorry +for this plucky, energetic little woman who had such unbounded faith in +her good-for-nothing husband, and was ready to fight all alone in his +defense. Eyeing her with renewed interest, he demanded: + +"What are you going to do now?" + +Annie reached the door, and drawing herself up to her full height, +turned and said: + +"I'm going to undo all you have done, Captain Clinton. I'm going to free +my husband and prove his innocence before the whole world. I don't know +how I'm going to do it, but I'll do it. I'll fight you, captain, to the +last ditch, and I'll rescue my poor husband from your clutches if it +takes everything I possess in the world." + +Quickly she opened the door and disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +The American dearly loves a sensation, and the bigger and more +blood-curdling it is the better. Nothing is more gratifying on arising +in the morning and sitting down to partake of a daintily served +breakfast than to glance hurriedly over the front page of one's favorite +newspaper and see it covered with startling headlines. It matters little +what has happened during the night to shock the community, so long as it +satisfies one's appetite for sensational news. It can be a fatal +conflagration, a fearful railroad wreck, a gigantic bank robbery, a +horrible murder, or even a scandalous divorce case. All one asks is that +it be something big, with column after column of harrowing details. The +newspapers are fully alive to what is expected of them, but it is not +always easy to supply the demand. There are times when the metropolis +languishes for news of any description. There are no disastrous fires, +trains run without mishap, burglars go on a vacation, society leaders +act with decorum--in a word the city is deadly dull. Further +consideration of the tariff remains the most thrilling topic the +newspapers can find to write about. + +The murder at the aristocratic Astruria, therefore, was hailed by the +editors as a unmixed journalistic blessing, and they proceeded to play +it up for all it was worth. All the features of a first-class sensation +were present. The victim, Robert Underwood, was well known in society +and a prominent art connoisseur. The place where the crime was committed +was one of the most fashionable of New York's hostelries. The presumed +assassin was a college man and the son of one of the most wealthy and +influential of New York's citizens. + +True, this Howard Jeffries, the son, was a black sheep. He had been +mixed up in all kinds of scandals before. His own father had turned him +out of doors, and he was married to a woman whose father died in prison. +Could a better combination of circumstances for a newspaper be +conceived? The crime was discovered too late for the morning papers to +make mention of it, but the afternoon papers fired a broadside that +shook the town. All the evening papers had big scare heads stretching +across the entire front page, with pictures of the principals involved +and long interviews with the coroner and Captain Clinton. There seemed +to be no doubt that the police had arrested the right man, and in all +quarters of the city there was universal sympathy for Mr. Howard +Jeffries, Sr. It was terrible to think that this splendid, upright man, +whose whole career was without a single stain, who had served his +country gallantly through the civil war, should have such disgrace +brought upon him in his old age. + +Everything pointed to a speedy trial and quick conviction. Public +indignation was aroused almost to a frenzy, and a loud clamor went up +against the law's delay. Too many crimes of this nature, screamed the +yellow press, had been allowed to sully the good name of the city. A +fearful example must be made, no matter what the standing and influence +of the prisoner's family. Thus goaded on, the courts acted with +promptness. Taken before a magistrate, Howard was at once committed to +the Tombs to await trial, and the district attorney set to work +impaneling a jury. Justice, he promised, would be swiftly done. One +newspaper stated positively that the family would not interfere, but +would abandon the scapegrace son to his richly deserved fate. Judge +Brewster, the famous lawyer, it was said, had already been approached by +the prisoner's wife, but had declined to take the case. Banker Jeffries +also was quoted as saying that the man under arrest was no longer a son +of his. + +As one paper pointed out, it seemed a farce and a waste of money to have +any trial at all. The assassin had not only been caught red-handed, but +had actually confessed. Why waste time over a trial? True, one paper +timidly suggested that it might have been a case of suicide. Robert +Underwood's financial affairs, it went on to say, were in a critical +condition, and the theory of suicide was borne out to some extent by an +interview with Dr. Bernstein, professor of psychology at one of the +universities, who stated that he was by no means convinced of the +prisoner's guilt, and hinted that the alleged confession might have been +forced from him by the police, while in a hypnotic state. This theory, +belittling as it did their pet sensation, did not suit the policy of +the yellow press, so the learned professor at once became the target for +editorial attack. + +The sensation grew in importance as the day for the trial approached. +All New York was agog with excitement. The handsome Jeffries mansion on +Riverside Drive was besieged by callers. The guides on the sight-seeing +coaches shouted through their megaphones: + +"That's the house where the murderer of Robert Underwood lived." + +The immediate vicinity of the house the day that the crime was made +public was thronged with curious people. The blinds of the house were +drawn down as if to shield the inmates from observation, but there were +several cabs in front of the main entrance and passers by stopped on the +sidewalk, pointing at the house. A number of newspaper men stood in a +group, gathering fresh material for the next edition. A reporter +approached rapidly from Broadway and joined his colleagues. + +"Well, boys," he said cheerily. "Anything doing? Say, my paper is going +to have a bully story to-morrow! Complete account by Underwood's valet. +He tells how he caught the murderer just as he was escaping from the +apartment We'll have pictures and everything. It's fine. Anything doing +here?" he demanded. + +"Naw," grunted the others in disgruntled tones. + +"We saw the butler," said one reporter, "and tried to get a story from +him, but he flatly refused to talk. All he would say was that Howard +Jeffries was nothing to the family, that his father didn't care a straw +what became of him." + +"That's pretty tough!" exclaimed another reporter. "He's his son, after +all." + +"Oh, you don't know old Jeffries," chimed in a third. "When once he +makes up his mind you might as well try to move a house." + +The afternoon was getting on; if their papers were to print anything +more that day they must hasten downtown. + +"Let's make one more attempt to get a talk out of the old man," +suggested one enterprising scribe. + +"All right," cried the others in chorus. "You go ahead. We'll follow in +a body and back you up." + +Passing through the front gate, they rang the bell, and after a brief +parley were admitted to the house. They had hardly disappeared when a +cab drove hurriedly up and stopped at the curb. A young woman, heavily +veiled, descended, paid the driver, and walked quickly through the gates +toward the house. + +Annie tried to feel brave, but her heart misgave her when she saw this +splendid home with all its evidence of wealth, culture, and refinement. +It was the first time she had ever entered its gates, although, in a +measure, she was entitled to look upon it as her own home. Perhaps never +so much as now she realized what a deep gulf lay between her husband's +family and herself. This was a world she had never known--a world of +opulence and luxury. She did not know how she had summoned up courage +enough to come. Yet there was no time to be lost. Immediate action was +necessary. Howard must have the best lawyers that money could procure. +Judge Brewster had been deaf to her entreaties. He had declined to take +the case. She had no money. Howard's father must come to his assistance. +She would plead with him and insist that it was his duty to stand by his +son. She wondered how he would receive her, if he would put her out or +be rude to her. Perhaps he would not even receive her. He might tell the +servants to shut the door in her face. Timidly she rang the bell. The +butler opened the door, and summoning up all her courage, she asked: + +"Is Mr. Jeffries in?" + +To her utter amazement the butler offered no objection to her entering. +Mistaking her for a woman reporter, several of whom had already called +that morning, he said: + +"Go right in the library, madam; the other newspaper folk are there." + +She passed through the splendid reception hall, marveling inwardly at +the beautiful statuary and pictures, no little intimidated at finding +herself amid such splendid surroundings. On the left there was a door +draped with handsome tapestry. + +"Right in there, miss," said the butler. + +She went in, and found herself in a room of noble proportions, the walls +of which were lined with bookshelves filled with tomes in rich bindings. +The light that entered through the stained-glass windows cast a subdued +half-light, warm and rich in color, on the crimson plush furnishings. +Near the heavy flat desk in the centre of the room a tall, distinguished +man was standing listening deprecatingly to the half dozen reporters +who were bombarding him with questions. As Annie entered the room she +caught the words of his reply: + +"The young man who has inherited my name has chosen his own path in +life. I am grieved to say that his conduct at college, his marriage, has +completely separated him from his family, and I have quite made up my +mind that in no way or manner can his family become identified with any +steps he may take to escape the penalty of his mad act. I am his father, +and I suppose, under the circumstances, I ought to say something. But I +have decided not to. I don't wish to give the American public any excuse +to think that I am paliating or condoning his crime. Gentlemen, I wish +you good-day." + +Annie, who had been listening intently, at once saw her opportunity. Mr. +Jeffries had taken no notice of her presence, believing her to be a +newspaper writer like the others. As the reporters took their departure +and filed out of the room, she remained behind. As the last one +disappeared she turned to the banker and said: + +"May I speak to you a moment?" + +He turned quickly and looked at her in surprise. For the first time he +was conscious of her presence. Bowing courteously, he shook his head: + +"I am afraid I can do nothing for you, madam--as I've just explained to +your confrčres of the press." + +Annie looked up at him, and said boldly: + +"I am not a reporter, Mr. Jeffries. I am your son's wife." + +The banker started back in amazement. This woman, whom he had taken for +a newspaper reporter, was an interloper, an impostor, the very last +woman in the world whom he would have permitted to be admitted to his +house. He considered that she, as much as anybody else, had contributed +to his son's ruin. Yet what could he do? She was there, and he was too +much of a gentleman to have her turned out bodily. Wondering at his +silence, she repeated softly: + +"I'm your son's wife, Mr. Jeffries." + +The banker looked at her a moment, as if taking her in from head to +foot. Then he said coldly: + +"Madam, I have no son." He hesitated, and added: + +"I don't recognize----" + +She looked at him pleadingly. + +"But I want to speak to you, sir." + +Mr. Jeffries shook his head, and moved toward the door. + +"I repeat, I have nothing to say." + +Annie planted herself directly in his path. He could not reach the door +unless he removed her forcibly. + +"Mr. Jeffries," she said earnestly, "please don't refuse to hear +me--please----" + +He halted, looking as if he would like to escape, but there was no way +of egress. This determined-looking young woman had him at a +disadvantage. + +"I do not think," he said icily, "that there is any subject which can be +of mutual interest----" + +"Oh, yes, there is," she replied eagerly. She was quick to take +advantage of this entering wedge into the man's mantle of cold reserve. + +"Flesh and blood," she went on earnestly, "is of mutual interest. Your +son is yours whether you cast him off or not. You've got to hear me. I +am not asking anything for myself. It's for him, your son. He's in +trouble. Don't desert him at a moment like this. Whatever he may have +done to deserve your anger--don't--don't deal him such a blow. You +cannot realize what it means in such a critical situation. Even if you +only pretend to be friendly with him--you don't need to really be +friends with him. But don't you see what the effect will be if you, his +father, publicly withdraw from his support? Everybody will say he's no +good, that he can't be any good or his father wouldn't go back on him. +You know what the world is. People will condemn him because you condemn +him. They won't even give him a hearing. For God's sake, don't go back +on him now!" + +Mr. Jeffries turned and walked toward the window, and stood there gazing +on the trees on the lawn. She did not see his face, but by the nervous +twitching of his hands behind his back, she saw that her words had not +been without effect. She waited in silence for him to say something. +Presently he turned around, and she saw that his face had changed. The +look of haughty pride had gone. She had touched the chords of the +father's heart. Gravely he said: + +"Of course you realize that you, above all others, are responsible for +his present position." + +She was about to demur, but she checked herself. What did she care what +they thought of her? She was fighting to save her husband, not to make +the Jeffries family think better of her. Quickly she answered: + +"Well, all right--I'm responsible--but don't punish him because of me." + +Mr. Jeffries looked at her. + +Who was this young woman who championed so warmly his own son? She was +his wife, of course. But wives of a certain kind are quick to desert +their husbands when they are in trouble. There must be some good in the +girl, after all, he thought. Hesitatingly, he said: + +"I could have forgiven him everything, everything but----" + +"But me," she said promptly. "I know it. Don't you suppose I feel it +too, and don't you suppose it hurts?" + +Mr. Jeffries stiffened up. This woman was evidently trying to excite his +sympathies. The hard, proud expression came back into his face, as he +answered curtly: + +"Forgive me for speaking plainly, but my son's marriage with such a +woman as you has made it impossible to even consider the question of +reconciliation." + +With all her efforts at self-control, Annie would have been more than +human had she not resented the insinuation in this cruel speech. For a +moment she forgot the importance of preserving amicable relations, and +she retorted: + +"Such a woman as me? That's pretty plain----. But you'll have to speak +even more plainly. What do you mean when you say such a woman as me? +What have I done?" + +Mr. Jeffries looked out of the window without answering, and she went +on: + +"I worked in a factory when I was nine years old, and I've earned my +living ever since. There's no disgrace in that, is there? There's +nothing against me personally--nothing disgraceful, I mean. I know I'm +not educated. I'm not a lady in your sense of the word, but I've led a +decent life. There isn't a breath of scandal against me--not a breath. +But what's the good of talking about me? Never mind me. I'm not asking +for anything. What are you going to do for him? He must have the best +lawyer that money can procure--none of those bar-room orators. Judge +Brewster, your lawyer, is the man. We want Judge Brewster." + +Mr. Jeffries shrugged his shoulders. + +"I repeat--my son's marriage with the daughter of a man who died in +prison----" + +She interrupted him. + +"That was hard luck--nothing but hard luck. You're not going to make me +responsible for that, are you? Why, I was only eight years old when that +happened. Could I have prevented it?" Recklessly she went on: "Well, +blame it on me if you want to, but don't hold it up against Howard. He +didn't know it when he married me. He never would have known it but for +the detectives employed by you to dig up my family history, and the +newspapers did the rest. God! what they didn't say! I never realized I +was of so much importance. They printed it in scare-head lines. It made +a fine sensation for the public, but it destroyed my peace of mind." + +"A convict's daughter!" said Mr. Jeffries contemptuously. + +"He was a good man at that!" she answered hotly. "He kept the squarest +pool room in Manhattan, but he refused to pay police blackmail, and he +was railroaded to prison." Indignantly she went on: "If my father's +shingle had been up in Wall Street, and he'd made fifty dishonest +millions, you'd forget it next morning, and you'd welcome me with open +arms. But he was unfortunate. Why, Billy Delmore was the best man in the +world. He'd give away the last dollar he had to a friend. I wish to God +he was alive now! He'd help to save your son. I wouldn't have to come +here to ask you." + +Mr. Jeffries shifted uneasily on his feet and looked away. + +"You don't seem to understand," he said impatiently. "I've completely +cut him off from the family. It's as if he were dead." + +She approached nearer and laid her hand gently on the banker's arm. + +"Don't say that, Mr. Jeffries. It's wicked to say that about your own +son. He's a good boy at heart, and he's been so good to me. Ah, if you +only knew how hard he's tried to get work I'm sure you'd change your +opinion of him. Lately he's been drinking a little because he was +disappointed in not getting anything to do. But he tried so hard. He +walked the streets night and day. Once he even took a position as guard +on the elevated road. Just think of it, Mr. Jeffries, your son--to such +straits were we reduced--but he caught cold and had to give it up. I +wanted to go to work and help him out. I always earned my living before +I married him, but he wouldn't let me. You don't know what a good heart +he's got. He's been weak and foolish, but you know he's only a boy." + +She watched his face to see if her words were having any effect, but Mr. +Jeffries showed no sign of relenting. Sarcastically, he said: + +"And you took advantage of the fact and married him?" + +For a moment she made no reply. She felt the reproach was not unmerited, +but why should they blame her for seeking happiness? Was she not +entitled to it as much as any other woman? She had not married Howard +for his social position or his money. In fact, she had been worse off +since her marriage than she was before. She married him because she +loved him, and because she thought she could redeem him, and she was +ready to go through any amount of suffering to prove her disinterested +devotion. Quietly, she said: + +"Yes, I know--I did wrong. But I--I love him, Mr. Jeffries. Believe me +or not--I love him. It's my only excuse. I thought I could take care of +him. He needed some one to look after him, he's too easily influenced. +You know his character is not so strong as it might be. He told me that +his fellow students at college used to hypnotize him and make him do all +kinds of things to amuse the other boys. He says that somehow he's never +been the same since. I--I just loved him because I was strong and he was +weak. I thought I could protect him. But now this terrible thing has +happened, and I find I am powerless. It's too much for me. I can't fight +this battle alone. Won't you help me, Mr. Jeffries?" she added +pleadingly. "Won't you help me?" + +The banker was thoughtful a minute, then suddenly he turned on her. + +"Will you consent to a divorce if I agree to help him?" + +She looked at him with dismay. There was tragic tenseness in this +dramatic situation--a father fighting for his son, a woman fighting for +her husband. + +"A divorce?" she stammered. "Why, I never thought of such a thing as +that." + +"It's the only way to save him," said the banker coldly. + +"The only way?" she faltered. + +"The only way," said Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Do you consent?" he asked. + +Annie threw up her head. Her pale face was full of determination, as she +replied resignedly, catching her breath as she spoke: + +"Yes, if it must be. I will consent to a divorce--to save him!" + +"You will leave the country and go abroad to live?" continued the banker +coldly. + +She listened as in a dream. That she would be confronted by such an +alternative as this had never entered her mind. She wondered why the +world was so cruel and heartless. Yet if the sacrifice must be made to +save Howard she was ready to make it. + +"You will leave America and never return--is that understood?" repeated +the banker. + +"Yes, sir," she replied falteringly. + +Mr. Jeffries paced nervously up and down the room. For the first time he +seemed to take an interest in the interview. Patronizingly he said: + +"You will receive a yearly allowance through my lawyer." + +Annie tossed up her chin defiantly. She would show the aristocrat that +she could be as proud as he was. + +"Thanks," she exclaimed. "I don't accept charity. I'm used to earning my +own living." + +"Oh, very well," replied the banker quickly. "That's as you please. But +I have your promise--you will not attempt to see him again?" + +"What! Not see him once more? To say good-by?" she exclaimed. A broken +sob half checked her utterance. "Surely you can't mean that, Mr. +Jeffries." + +The banker shrugged his shoulders. + +"I don't want the newspapers filled with sensational articles about the +heartrending farewell interview between Howard Jeffries, Jr., and his +wife--with your picture on the front page." + +She was not listening to his sarcasm. + +"Not even to say good-by?" she sobbed. + +"No," replied Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Not even to say good-by." + +"But what will he say? What will he think?" she cried. + +"He will see it is for the best," answered the banker. "He himself will +thank you for your action." + +There was a long silence, broken only by the sound of the girl's +sobbing. Finally she said: + +"Very well, sir. I'll do as you say." She looked up. Her eyes were dry, +the lines about her mouth set and determined. "Now," she said, "what are +you going to do for him?" + +The banker made a gesture of impatience as if such considerations were +not important. + +"I don't know yet," he said haughtily. "I shall think the matter over +carefully." + +Annie was fast losing patience. She was willing to sacrifice herself and +give up everything she held dear in life to save the man she loved, but +the cold, deliberate, calculating attitude of this unnatural father +exasperated her. + +"But I want to know," she said boldly. "I want to consider the matter +carefully, too." + +"You?" sneered Mr. Jeffries. + +"Yes, sir," she retorted. "I'm paying dearly for it--with my--with all I +have. I want to know just what you're going to give him for it." + +He was lost in reflection for a moment, then he said pompously: + +"I shall furnish the money for the employment of such legal talent as +may be necessary. That's as far as I wish to go in the case. It must not +be known--I cannot allow it to be known that I am helping him." + +"Must not be known?" cried Annie in astonishment. "You mean you won't +stand by him? You'll only just pay for the lawyer?" + +The banker nodded: + +"That is all I can promise." + +She laughed hysterically. + +"Why," she exclaimed, "I--I could do that myself if I--I tried hard +enough." + +"I can promise nothing more," replied Mr. Jeffries coldly. + +"But that is not enough," she protested. "I want you to come forward and +publicly declare your belief in your son's innocence. I want you to put +your arms around him and say to the world: 'My boy is innocent! I know +it and I'm going to stand by him.' You won't do that?" + +Mr. Jeffries shook his head. + +"It is impossible." + +The wife's pent-up feelings now gave way. The utter indifference of this +aristocratic father aroused her indignation to such a pitch that she +became reckless of the consequences. They wanted her to desert him, just +as they deserted him, but she wouldn't. She would show them the kind of +woman she was. + +"So!" she cried in an outburst of mingled anger and grief. "So his +family must desert him, and his wife must leave him! The poor boy must +stand absolutely alone in the world, and face a trial for his life! Is +that your idea?" + +The banker made no reply. Snapping her fingers, she went on: + +"Well, it isn't mine, Mr. Jeffries! I won't consent to a divorce! I +won't leave America! And I'll see him just as often as I can, even if I +have to sit in the Tombs prison all day. As for his defense, I'll find +some one. I'll go to Judge Brewster again, and if he still refuses, I'll +go to some one else. There must be some good, big-hearted lawyer in +this great city who'll take up his case." + +Trembling with emotion she readjusted her veil and with her handkerchief +dried her tear-stained face. Going toward the door, she said: + +"You needn't trouble yourself any more, Mr. Jeffries. We shan't need +your help. Thank you very much for the interview. It was very kind of +you to listen so patiently. Good afternoon, sir." + +Before the astonished banker could stop her, she had thrown back the +tapestry and disappeared through the door. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +In the very heart of Manhattan, right in the centre of the city's most +congested district, an imposing edifice of gray stone, medićval in its +style of architecture, towered high above all the surrounding dingy +offices and squalid tenements. Its massive construction, steep walls, +pointed turrets, raised parapets and long, narrow, slit-like windows, +heavily barred, gave it the aspect of a feudal fortress incongruously +set down plumb in the midst of twentieth-century New York. The dull roar +of Broadway hummed a couple of blocks away; in the distance loomed the +lofty, graceful spans of Brooklyn Bridge, jammed with its opposing +streams of busy inter-urban traffic. The adjacent streets were filled +with the din of hurrying crowds, the rattle of vehicles, the cries of +vendors, the clang of street cars, the ugh! ugh! of speeding +automobiles. The active, pulsating life of the metropolis surged like a +rising flood about the tall gray walls, yet there was no response +within. Grim, silent, sinister, the City Prison, popularly known as "the +Tombs," seemed to have nothing in common with the daily activities of +the big town in which, notwithstanding, it unhappily played an important +part. + +The present prison is a vastly different place to the old jail from +which it got its melancholy cognomen. To-day there is not the slightest +justification for the lugubrious epithet applied to it, but in the old +days, when man's inhumanity to man was less a form of speech than a +cold, merciless fact, the term "Tombs" described an intolerable and +disgraceful condition fairly accurately. Formerly the cells in which the +unfortunate prisoners were confined while awaiting trial were situated +deep under ground and had neither light nor ventilation. A man might be +guiltless of the offense with which he was charged, yet while awaiting +an opportunity to prove his innocence he was condemned to spend days, +sometimes months, in what was little better than a grave. Literally, he +was buried alive. A party of foreigners visiting the prison one day were +startled at seeing human beings confined in such holes. "They look like +tombs!" cried some one. New York was amused at the singularly +appropriate appelative, and it has stuck to the prison ever since. + +But times change, and institutions with them. As man becomes more +civilized he treats the law-breaker with more humanity. Probably society +will always need its prisons, but as we become more enlightened we +insist on treating our criminals more from the physiological and +psychological standpoints than in the cruel, brutal, barbarous manner of +the dark ages. In other words the sociologist insists that the +law-breaker has greater need of the physician than he has of the jailer. + +To-day the City Prison is a tomb in name only. It is admirably +constructed, commodious, well ventilated. The cells are large and well +lighted, with comfortable cots and all the modern sanitary arrangements. +There are roomy corridors for daily exercise and luxurious shower baths +can be obtained free for the asking. There are chapels for the +religiously inclined and a library for the studious. The food is +wholesome and well prepared in a large, scrupulously clean kitchen +situated on the top floor. Carping critics have, indeed, declared the +Tombs to be too luxurious, declaring that habitual criminals enjoy a +stay at the prison and actually commit crime so that they may enjoy some +of its hotel-like comforts. + +It was with a sinking heart and a dull, gnawing sense of apprehension +that Annie descended from a south-bound Madison Avenue car in Centre +Street and approached the small portal under the forbidding gray walls. +She had visited a prison once before, when her father died. She +remembered the depressing ride in the train to Sing Sing, the formidable +steel doors and ponderous bolts, the narrow cells, each with its +involuntary occupant in degrading stripes and closely cropped hair, and +the uniformed guards armed with rifles. She remembered how her mother +wept and how she had wondered why they kept her poor da-da in such an +ugly place. To think that after all these years she was again to go +through a similar experience. + +She had nerved herself for this ordeal. Anxious as she was to see Howard +and learn from his lips all that had happened, she feared that she would +never be able to see him behind the bars without breaking down. Yet she +must be strong so she could work to set him free. So much had happened +in the last two days. It seemed a month since the police had sent for +her at midnight to hurry down to the Astruria, yet it was only two days +ago. The morning following her trying interview with Captain Clinton in +the dead man's apartment she had tried to see Howard, but without +success. The police held him a close prisoner, pretending that he might +make an attempt upon his life. There was nothing for her to do but wait. + +Intuitively she realized the necessity of immediately securing the +services of an able lawyer. There was no doubt of Howard's innocence, +but she recalled with a shiver that even innocent persons have suffered +capital punishment because they were unable to establish their +innocence, so overwhelming were the appearances against them. He must +have the best lawyer to be had, regardless of expense. Only one name +occurred to her, the name of a man of international reputation, the mere +mention of whose name in a courtroom filled the hearts of the innocent +with hope and the guilty with dread. That man was Judge Brewster. She +hurried downtown to his office and waited an hour before he could see +her. Then he told her politely, but coldly, that he must decline to +take her case. He knew well who she was, and he eyed her with some +curiosity, but his manner was frigid and discouraging. There were plenty +of lawyers in New York, he said. She must go elsewhere. Politely he +bowed her out. Half of a precious day was already lost. Judge Brewster +refused the case. To whom could she turn now? In despair, almost +desperate, she drove up-town to Riverside Drive and forced an entrance +into the Jeffries home. Here, again, she was met with a rebuff. Still +not discouraged, she returned to Judge Brewster's office. He was out and +she sat there an hour waiting to see him. Night came and he did not +return. Almost prostrated with nervous exhaustion, she returned to their +deserted little flat in Harlem. + +It was going to be a hard fight, she saw that. But she would keep right +on, no matter at what cost. Howard could not be left alone to perish +without a hand to save him. Judge Brewster must come to his rescue. He +could not refuse. She would return again to his office this afternoon +and sit there all day long, if necessary, until he promised to take the +case. He alone could save him. She would go to the lawyer and beg him +on her knees if necessary, but first she must see Howard and bid him +take courage. + +A low doorway from Centre Street gave access to the gray fortress. At +the heavy steel gate stood a portly policeman armed with a big key. Each +time before letting people in or out he inserted this key in the +ponderous lock. The gate would not open merely by turning the handle. +This was to prevent the escape of prisoners, who might possibly succeed +in reaching so far as the door, but could not open the steel gate +without the big key. When once any one entered the prison he was not +permitted to go out again except on a signal from a keeper. + +When Annie entered, she found the reception room filled with visitors, +men and women of all ages and nationalities who, like herself, had come +to see some relative or friend in trouble. It was a motley and +interesting crowd. There were fruit peddlers, sweat-shop workers, +sporty-looking men, negroes and flashy-looking women. All seemed callous +and indifferent as if quite at home amid the sinister surroundings of a +prison. One or two others appeared to belong to a more respectable +class, their sober manner and care-worn faces reflecting silently the +humiliation and shame they felt at their kinsman's disgrace. + +The small barred windows did not permit of much ventilation and, as the +day was warm, the odor was sickening. Annie looked around fearfully, and +humbly took her place at the end of the long line which slowly worked +its way to the narrow inner grating where credentials were closely +scrutinized. The horror of the place seized upon her. She wondered who +all these poor people were and what the prisoners whom they came to see +had done to offend the majesty of the law. The prison was filled with +policemen and keepers, and running in and out with messages and packages +were a number of men in neat linen suits. She asked a woman who they +were. + +"Them's trusties--prisoners that has special privileges in return for +work they does about the prison." + +The credentials were passed upon slowly and Annie, being the twentieth +in line, found it a tedious wait. In front of her was a bestial-looking +negro, behind her a woman whose cheap jewelry, rouged face and +extravagant dress proclaimed her profession to be the most ancient in +the world. But at last the gate was reached. As the doorkeeper examined +her ticket he looked up at her with curiosity. A murderer is rare enough +even in the Tombs to excite interest, and as she passed on the +attendants whispered among themselves. She knew they were talking about +her, but she steeled herself not to care. It was only a foretaste of +other humiliations which she must expect. + +A keeper now took charge of her and led her to a room where she was +searched by a matron for concealed weapons, a humiliating ordeal to +which even the richest and most influential visitors must submit with as +good grace as possible. The matron was a hard-looking woman of about +fifty years of age, in whom every spark of human pity and sympathy had +been killed during her many years of constant association with +criminals. The word "prison" had lost its meaning to her. She saw +nothing undesirable in jail life, but looked upon the Tombs rather as a +kind of boarding house in which people made short or long sojourns, +according to their luck. She treated Annie unceremoniously, yet not +unkindly. + +"So you're the wife of Jeffries, whom they've got for murder, eh?" she +said, as she rapidly ran her hands through the visitor's clothing. + +"Yes," faltered Annie, "but it's all a mistake, I assure you. My +husband's perfectly innocent. He wouldn't hurt a fly." + +The woman grinned. + +"They all say that, m'm." Lugubriously she added: "I hope you'll be more +lucky than some others were." + +Annie felt herself grow cold. Was this a sinister prophecy? She +shuddered and, hastily taking a dollar from her purse, slipped it into +the matron's hand. + +"May I go now?" she said. + +"Yes, my dear; I guess you've got nothing dangerous on you. We have to +be very careful. I remember once when we had that Hoboken murderer here. +He's the feller that cut his wife's head off and stuffed the body in a +barrel. His mother came here to see him one day and what did I find +inside her stocking but an innocent-looking little round pill, and if +you please, it was nothing less than prussic acid. He would have +swallowed it and the electric chair would have been cheated. So you see +how careful we has to be." + +Annie could not listen to any more. The horror of having Howard classed +with fiends of that description sickened her. To the keeper she said +quickly: + +"Please take me to my husband." + +Taking another dollar from her purse, she slipped the bill into the +man's hand, feeling that, here as everywhere else, one must pay for +privileges and courtesies. Her guide led the way and ushered her into an +elevator, which, at a signal, started slowly upwards. + +The cells in the Tombs are arranged in rows in the form of an ellipse in +the centre of each of the six floors. There is room to accommodate nine +hundred prisoners of both sexes. The men are confined in the new prison; +the women, fewer in number, in what remains of the old building. Only +the centre of each floor being taken up with the rows of narrow cells, +there remains a broad corridor, running all the way round and flanked on +the right by high walls with small barred windows. An observer from the +street glancing up at the windows might conclude that they were those +of the cells in which prisoners were confined. As a matter of fact, the +cells have no windows, only a grating which looks directly out into the +circular corridor. + +At the fourth floor the elevator stopped and the heavy iron door swung +back. + +"This way," said the keeper, stepping out and quickly walking along the +corridor. "He's in cell No. 456." + +A lump rose in Annie's throat. The place was well ventilated, yet she +thought she would faint from a choking feeling of restraint. All along +the corridor to the left were iron doors painted yellow. In the upper +part of the door were half a dozen broad slits through which one could +see what was going on inside. + +"Those are the cells," volunteered her guide. + +Annie shuddered as, mentally, she pictured Howard locked up in such a +dreadful place. She peered through one of the slits and saw a narrow +cell about ten feet long by six wide. The only furnishings were a +folding cot with blanket, a wash bowl and lavatory. Each cell had its +occupant, men and youths of all ages. Some were reading, some playing +cards. Some were lying asleep on their cots, perhaps dreaming of home, +but most of them leaning dejectedly against the iron bars wondering when +they would regain their liberty. + +"Where are the women?" asked Annie, trying to keep down the lump that +rose chokingly in her throat. + +"They're in a separate part of the prison," replied the keeper. + +"Isn't it dreadful?" she murmured. + +"Not at all," he exclaimed cheerfully. "These prisoners fare better in +prison than they do outside. I wager some of them are sorry to leave." + +"But it's dreadful to be cooped up in those little cells, isn't it?" she +said. + +"Not so bad as it looks," he laughed. "They are allowed to come out in +the corridor to exercise twice a day for an hour and there is a splendid +shower bath they can take." + +"Where is my husband's cell?" she whispered, almost dreading to hear the +reply. + +"There it is," he said, pointing to a door. "No. 456." + +Walking rapidly ahead of her and stopping at one of the cell doors, he +rapped loudly on the iron grating and cried: + +"Jeffries, here's a lady come to see you. Wake up there!" + +A white, drawn face approached the grating. Annie sprang forward. + +"Howard!" she sobbed. + +"Is it you, Annie?" came a weak voice through the bars. + +"Can't I go in to him?" she asked pleadingly. + +The keeper shook his head. + +"No, m'm, you must talk through the bars, but I won't disturb you." + +He walked away and the husband and wife were left facing each other. The +tears were streaming down Annie's cheeks. It was dreadful to be standing +there so close and yet not be able to throw her arms around him. Her +heart ached as she saw the distress in his wan, pale face. + +"Why didn't you come before?" he asked. + +"I could not. They wouldn't let me. Oh, Howard," she gasped. "What a +dreadful thing this is! Tell me how you got into such a scrape!" + +He put his hand to his head as if it hurt him, and she noticed that his +eyes looked queer. For a moment the agony of a terrible suspicion +crossed her mind. Was it possible that in a moment of drunken +recklessness he had shot Underwood? Quickly, almost breathlessly, she +whispered to him: + +"Tell me quickly, 'tis not true, is it? You did not kill Robert +Underwood." + +He shook his head. + +"No," he said. + +"Thank God for that!" she exclaimed. "But your confession--what does +that mean?" + +"I do not know. They told me I did it. They insisted I did it. He was +sure I did it. He told me he knew I did it. He showed me the pistol. He +was so insistent that I thought he was right--that I had done it." In a +deep whisper he added earnestly, "But you know I didn't, don't you?" + +"Who is _he_?" demanded Annie. + +"The police captain." + +"Oh, Captain Clinton told you you did it?" + +Howard nodded. + +"Yes, he told me he _knew_ I did it. He kept me standing there six +hours, questioning and questioning until I was ready to drop. I tried to +sit down; he made me stand up. I did not know what I was saying or +doing. He told me I killed Robert Underwood. He showed me the pistol +under the strong light. The reflection from the polished nickel flashed +into my eyes, everything suddenly became a blank. A few moments later +the coroner came in and Captain Clinton told him I confessed. But it +isn't true, Annie. You know I am as innocent of that murder as you are." + +"Thank God, thank God!" exclaimed Annie. "I see it all now." + +Her tears were dried. Her brain was beginning to work rapidly. She +already saw a possible line of defense. + +"I don't know how it all happened," went on Howard. "I don't know any +more about it than you do. I left you to go to Underwood's apartment. On +the way I foolishly took a drink. When I got there I took more whiskey. +Before I knew it I was drunk. While talking I fell asleep. Suddenly I +heard a woman's voice." + +"Ah!" interrupted Annie. "You, too, heard a woman's voice. Captain +Clinton said there was a woman in it." Thoughtfully, as if to herself, +she added: "We must find that woman." + +"When I woke up," continued Howard, "it was dark. Groping around for the +electric light, I stumbled over something. It was Underwood's dead body. +How he came by his death I have not the slightest idea. I at once +realized the dangerous position I was in and I tried to leave the +apartment unobserved. Just as I was going, Underwood's man-servant +arrived and he handed me over to the police. That's the whole story. +I've been here since yesterday and I'll be devilish glad to get out." + +"You will get out," she cried. "I'm doing everything possible to get you +free. I've been trying to get the best lawyer in the country--Richard +Brewster." + +"Richard Brewster!" exclaimed Howard. "He's my father's lawyer." + +"I saw your father yesterday afternoon," she said quietly. + +"You did!" he exclaimed, surprised. "Was he willing to receive you?" + +"He had to," she replied. "I gave him a piece of my mind." + +Howard looked at her in mingled amazement and admiration. That she +should have dared to confront a man as proud and obstinate as his father +astounded him. + +"What did he say?" he asked eagerly. + +"I asked him to come publicly to your support and to give you legal +assistance. He refused, saying he could not be placed in a position of +condoning such a crime and that your behavior and your marriage had made +him wash his hands of you forever." + +Tears filled Howard's eyes and his mouth quivered. + +"Then my father believes me guilty of this horrible crime?" he +exclaimed. + +"He insisted that you must be guilty as you had confessed. He offered, +though, to give you legal assistance, but only on one condition." + +"What was that condition?" he demanded. + +"That I consent to a divorce," replied Annie quietly. + +"What did you say?" + +"I said I'd consent to anything if it would help you, but when he told +me that even then he would not come personally to your support I told +him we would worry along without his assistance. On that I left him." + +"You're a brave little woman!" cried Howard. Noticing her pale, anxious +face, he said: + +"You, too, must have suffered." + +"Oh, never mind me," she rejoined quickly. "What we must do now is to +get you out of this horrid place and clear your name before the world. +We must show that your alleged confession is untrue; that it was dragged +from you involuntarily. We must find that mysterious woman who came to +Underwood's rooms while you lay on the couch asleep. Do you know what my +theory is, Howard?" + +"What?" demanded her husband. + +"I believe you were hypnotized into making that confession. I've read of +such things before. You know the boys in college often hypnotized you. +You told me they made you do all kinds of things against your will. That +big brute, Captain Clinton, simply forced his will on yours." + +"By Jove--I never thought of that!" he exclaimed. "I know my head ached +terribly after he got through all that questioning. When he made me +look at that pistol I couldn't resist any more. But how are we going to +break through the net which the police have thrown around me?" + +"By getting the best lawyer we can procure. I shall insist on Judge +Brewster taking the case. He declines, but I shall go to his office +again this afternoon. He must----" + +Howard shook his head. + +"You'll not be able to get Brewster. He would never dare offend my +father by taking up my case without his permission. He won't even see +you." + +"We'll see," she said quietly. "He'll see me if I have to sit in his +office all day for weeks. I have decided to have Judge Brewster defend +you because I believe it would mean acquittal. He will build up a +defense that will defeat all the lies that the police have concocted. +The police have a strong case because of your alleged confession. It +will take a strong lawyer to fight them." Earnestly she added: "Howard, +if your life is to be saved we must get Judge Brewster." + +"All right, dear," he replied. "I can only leave it in your hands. I +know that whatever you do will be for the best. I'll try to be as +patient as I can. My only comfort is thinking of you, dear." + +A heavy step resounded in the corridor. The keeper came up. + +"Time's up, m'm," he said civilly. + +Annie thrust her hand through the bars; Howard carried it reverently to +his lips. + +"Good-by, dear," she said. "Keep up your courage. You'll know that I am +working for your release every moment. I won't leave a stone unturned." + +"Good-by, darling," he murmured. + +He looked at her longingly and there were tears in her eyes as she +turned away. + +"I'll be back very soon," she said. + +A few minutes later they were in the elevator and she passed through the +big steel gate once more into the sunlit street. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +Outwardly, at least, Judge Brewster's offices at 83 Broadway in no way +differed from the offices of ten thousand other lawyers who strive to +eke out a difficult living in the most overcrowded of all the +professions. They consisted of a modest suite of rooms on the sixth +floor. There was a small outer office with a railed-off inclosure, +behind which sat a half dozen stenographers busy copying legal +documents; as many men clerks were writing at desks, and the walls were +fitted with shelves filled with ponderous law books. In one corner was a +room with glass door marked "Mr. Brewster, Private." + +Assuredly no casual visitor could guess from the appearance of the place +that this was the headquarters of one of the most brilliant legal minds +in the country, yet in this very office had been prepared some of the +most sensational victories ever recorded in the law courts. + +Visitors to Judge Brewster's office were not many. A man of such renown +was naturally expensive. Few could afford to retain his services and in +fact he was seldom called upon except to act in the interest of wealthy +corporations. In these cases, of course, his fees were enormous. He had +very few private clients; in fact, he declined much private practice +that was offered to him. He had been the legal adviser of Howard +Jeffries, Sr., for many years. The two men had known each other in their +younger days and practically had won success together--the one in the +banking business, the other in the service of the law. An important +trust company, of which Mr. Jeffries was president, was constantly +involved in all kinds of litigation of which Judge Brewster had +exclusive charge. As the lawyer found this highly remunerative, it was +only natural that he had no desire to lose Mr. Jeffries as a client. + +Secluded in his private office, the judge was busy at his desk, +finishing a letter. He folded it up, addressed an envelope, then lit a +cigar and looked at the time. It was three o'clock. The day's work was +about over and he smiled with satisfaction as he thought of the +automobile ride in the park he would enjoy before dressing and going to +his club for dinner. He felt in singularly good spirits that afternoon. +He had just won in the court a very complicated case which meant not +only a handsome addition to his bank account, but a signal triumph over +his legal opponents. Certainly, fortune smiled on him. He had no other +immediate cases on hand to worry about. He could look forward to a few +weeks of absolute rest. He struck a bell on his desk and a clerk +entered. Handing him the note he had just written, he said: + +"Have this sent at once by messenger." + +"Very well, judge," answered the clerk. + +"By the bye," frowned the lawyer, "has that woman been in to-day?" + +"Yes--she sat in the outer office all morning, trying to see you. We +said you were out of town, but she did not believe it. She sat there +till she got tired. She had no idea that you went out by another +stairway." + +"Humph," growled the lawyer; "a nice thing to be besieged in this +manner. If she annoys me much longer, I shall send for the police." + +At that moment another clerk entered the room. + +"What is it, Mr. Jones?" demanded the lawyer. + +"A lady to see you, judge," said the clerk, handing him a card. + +The lawyer glanced at the bit of pasteboard, and said immediately: + +"Oh, yes, show her in." + +The two clerks left the room and Judge Brewster, after a glance in the +mirror to re-adjust his cravat, turned to greet his visitor. The door +opened and Alicia entered. She was faultlessly gowned, as usual, but her +manner was flurried and agitated. Evidently something had happened to +upset her, and she had come to make her husband's lawyer the confidant +of her troubles. The judge advanced gallantly and pointed to a chair. + +"Good morning, my dear Mrs. Jeffries, how do you do?" + +"Is Mr. Jeffries here?" asked Alicia hurriedly. + +"Not yet," he replied, smiling. "This is an unexpected pleasure. I think +it is the first time you have graced my office with your presence." + +"How quiet it is here!" she exclaimed, looking around nervously. "It is +hard to believe this is the very centre of the city." Taking the seat +offered to her, she went on: + +"Oh, judge, we are dreadfully worried." + +"You mean about the Underwood case?" + +Alicia nodded. + +"Yes, Mr. Jeffries is terribly upset. As if the coming trial and all the +rest of the scandal were not enough. But now we have to face something +even worse, something that affects me even more than my husband. Really, +I'm frantic about it." + +"What's happened now?" asked the lawyer calmly. + +"That woman is going on the stage, that's all!" she snapped. + +"H'm," said the lawyer calmly. + +"Just think!" she cried, "the name, 'Mrs. Howard Jeffries'--my +name--paraded before the public! At a time when everything should be +done to keep it out of the papers this woman is going to flaunt herself +on the stage!" + +She fanned herself indignantly, while the lawyer rapped his desk +absent-mindedly with a paper cutter. Alicia went on: + +"You know I have never met the woman. What is she like? I understand +she's been bothering you to take the case of that worthless husband of +hers. Do you know she had the impertinence to come to our house and ask +Mr. Jeffries to help them? I asked my husband to describe her, but all I +could get from him was that she was impertinent and impossible." She +hesitated a moment, then she added: "Is she as pretty as her pictures in +the paper? You've seen her, of course?" + +Judge Brewster frowned. + +"Yes," he replied. "She comes here every day regularly. She literally +compels me to see her and refuses to go till I've told her I haven't +changed my decision about taking her case." + +"What insolence!" exclaimed Alicia. "I should think that you would have +her put out of the office." + +The lawyer was silent and toyed somewhat nervously with the paper +cutter, as if not quite decided as to what response to make. He coughed +and fussed with the papers on the desk. + +"Why don't you have her put out of the office?" she repeated. + +The judge looked up. There was an expression in his face that might +have been interpreted as one of annoyance, as if he rather resented this +intrusion into his business affairs, but Mrs. Jeffries, Sr., was too +important a client to quarrel with, so he merely said: + +"Frankly, Mrs. Jeffries, if it were not for the fact that Mr. Jeffries +has exacted from me a promise not to take up this case, I should be +tempted to--consider the matter. In the first place, you know I always +liked Howard. I saw a good deal of him before your marriage to Mr. +Jeffries. He was always a wild, unmanageable boy, weak in character, but +he had many lovable traits. I am very sorry indeed, to see him in such a +terrible position. It was hard for me to realize it and I should never +have believed him guilty had he not confessed to the crime." + +"Yes," she assented. "It is an awful thing and a terrible blow to his +father. Of course, he has had nothing to do with Howard for months. As +you know, he turned him out of doors long ago, but the disgrace is none +the less overwhelming." + +The lawyer looked out of the window and drummed his fingers on the arm +of his chair. Suddenly wheeling round, and facing his client, he said: + +"You know this girl he married is no ordinary woman." + +"Oh!" she exclaimed sarcastically. "She has succeeded in arousing your +sympathy." + +The judge bowed coldly. + +"No," he replied. "I would hardly say that. But she has aroused my +curiosity. She is a very peculiar girl, evidently a creature of impulse +and determination. I certainly feel sorry for her. Her position is a +very painful one. She has been married only a few months, and now her +husband has to face the most awful accusation that can be brought +against a man. She is plucky in spite of it all, and is moving heaven +and earth in Howard's defense. She believes herself to be in some +measure responsible for his misfortune. Apart from that, the case +interests me from a purely professional point of view. There are several +strange features connected with the case. Sometimes, in spite of +Howard's confession, I don't believe he committed that crime." + +Alicia changed color and, shifting uneasily on her chair, scrutinized +the lawyer's face. What was behind that calm, inscrutable mask? What +theory had he formed? One newspaper had suggested suicide. She might +herself come forward and declare that Robert Underwood had threatened to +take his own life, but how could she face the scandal which such a +course would involve? She would have to admit visiting Underwood's rooms +at midnight alone. That surely would ruin her in the eyes not only of +her husband, but of the whole world. If this sacrifice of her good name +were necessary to save an innocent man's life, perhaps she might summon +up enough courage to make it. But, after all, she was by no means sure +herself that Underwood had committed suicide. Howard had confessed, so +why should she jeopardize her good name uselessly? + +"No," repeated the judge, shaking his head, "there's something strange +in the whole affair. I don't believe Howard had any hand in it." + +"But he confessed!" exclaimed Alicia. + +The judge shook his head. + +"That's nothing," he said. "There have been many instances of untrue +confessions. A famous affair of the kind was the Boorn case in Vermont. +Two brothers confessed having killed their brother-in-law and described +how they destroyed the body, yet some time afterward the murdered man +turned up alive and well. The object of the confession, of course, was +to turn the verdict from murder to manslaughter, the circumstantial +evidence against them having been so strong. In the days of witchcraft +the unfortunate women accused of being witches were often urged by +relatives to confess as being the only way of escape open to them. Ann +Foster, at Salem, in 1692, confessed that she was a witch. She said the +devil appeared to her in the shape of a bird, and that she attended a +meeting of witches at Salem village. She was not insane, but the horror +of the accusation brought against her had been too much for a weak mind. +Howard's confession may possibly be due to some such influence." + +"I hope for his poor father's sake," said Alicia, "that you may be right +and that he may be proved innocent, but everything is overwhelmingly +against him. I think you are the only one in New York to express such a +doubt." + +"Don't forget his wife," remarked the judge dryly. + +"No," she replied. "I really feel sorry for the girl myself. Will you +give her some money if I----" + +The lawyer shook his head. + +"She won't take it. I tried it. She wants me to defend her husband--I +tried to bribe her to go to some other lawyer, but it wouldn't work." + +"Well, something ought to be done to stop her annoying us!" exclaimed +Alicia indignantly. "Mr. Jeffries suffers terribly. I can hear him +pacing up and down the library till three or four in the morning. Poor +man, he suffers so keenly and he won't let any one sympathize with him. +He won't let me mention his son's name. I feel we ought to do something. +Try and persuade him to let me see this girl and--you are his friend as +well as his legal adviser." + +Judge Brewster bowed. + +"Your husband is a very old friend, Mrs. Jeffries. I can't disregard his +wishes entirely----" + +There was a knock at the door of the private office. + +"Come in," called the judge. + +The door opened and the head clerk entered, ushering in Howard Jeffries, +Sr. The banker, still aristocratic and dignified, but looking tired and +care-worn, advanced into the room and shook hands with the judge, who +greeted him with a cordial smile. There was no response on the banker's +face. Querulously he demanded: + +"Brewster, what's that woman doing out there again? It's not the first +time I've met her in this office." + +Alicia looked up eagerly. "Is she out there now?" she cried. + +"What right has she to come here? What's her object?" went on the banker +irritatedly. + +The lawyer shrugged his shoulders. + +"The same old thing," he replied. "She wants me to take her case." + +The banker frowned. + +"Didn't you tell her it was impossible?" + +"That makes no difference," laughed the judge. "She comes just the same. +I've sent her away a dozen times. What am I to do if she insists on +coming? We can't have her arrested. She doesn't break the furniture or +beat the office boy. She simply sits and waits." + +"Have you told her that I object to her coming here?" demanded the +banker haughtily. + +"I have," replied the judge calmly, "but she has overruled your +objection." With a covert smile he added, "You know we can't use force." + +Mr. Jeffries shrugged his shoulders impatiently. + +"You can certainly use moral force," he said. + +"What do you mean by moral force?" demanded the lawyer. + +Mr. Jeffries threw up his hands as if utterly disgusted with the whole +business. Almost angrily he answered: + +"Moral force is moral force. I mean persuasion, of course. Good God, why +can't people understand these things as I do?" + +The judge said nothing, but turned to examine some papers on his desk. +He hardly liked the inference that he could not see things as plainly as +other people, but what was the use of getting irritated? He couldn't +afford to quarrel with one of his best clients. + +Alicia looked at her husband anxiously. Laying her hand on his arm, she +said soothingly: + +"Perhaps if I were to see her----" + +Mr. Jeffries turned angrily. + +"How can you think of such a thing? I can't permit my wife to come in +contact with a woman of that character." + +Judge Brewster, who was listening in spite of the fact that he was +seemingly engrossed in his papers, pursed his lips. + +"Oh, come," he said with a forced laugh, "she's not as bad as all that!" + +"I'm sure she isn't," said Alicia emphatically. "She must be amenable to +reason." + +The banker's wife was not altogether bad. Excessive vanity and ambition +had steeled her heart and stifled impulses that were naturally good, but +otherwise she was not wholly devoid of feeling. She was really sorry for +this poor little woman who was fighting so bravely to save her husband. +No doubt she had inveigled Howard into marrying her, but +she--Alicia--had no right to sit in judgment on her for that. If the +girl had been ambitious to marry above her, in what way was she more +guilty than she herself had been in marrying a man she did not love, +simply for his wealth and social position? Besides, Alicia was herself +sorely troubled. Her conscience told her that a word from her might set +the whole matter right. She might be able to prove that Underwood +committed suicide. She knew she was a coward and worse than a coward +because she dare not speak that word. The more she saw her husband's +anger the less courage she had to do it. In any case, she argued to +herself, Howard had confessed. If he shot Underwood there was no +suicide, so why should she incriminate herself needlessly? But there was +no reason why she should not show some sympathy for the poor girl who, +after all, was only doing what any good wife should do. Aloud she +repeated: + +"I'll see the girl and talk to her. She must listen to reason." + +"Reason!" exploded the banker angrily. "How can you expect reason from a +woman who hounds us, dogs our footsteps, tries to compel us to--take her +up?" + +Judge Brewster, who had apparently paid no attention to the banker's +remarks, now turned around. Hesitatingly he said: + +"I think you do her an injustice, Jeffries. She comes every day in the +hope that your feelings toward your son have changed. She wishes to give +color to the belief that his father's lawyers are championing his +cause. She was honest enough to tell me so. You know her movements are +closely watched by the newspapers and she takes good care to let the +reporters think that she comes here to discuss with me the details of +her husband's defense." + +The banker shifted impatiently on his chair. Contemptuously he said: + +"The newspapers which I read don't give her the slightest attention. If +they did I should refuse to read them." With growing irritation he went +on: + +"It's no use talking about her any more. What are we going to do about +this latest scandal? This woman is going on the stage to be exhibited +all over the country and she proposes to use the family name." + +"There is nothing to prevent her," said the lawyer dryly. + +The banker jumped to his feet and exclaimed angrily: + +"There must be! Good God, Brewster, surely you can obtain an injunction +restraining her from using the family name! You must do something. What +do you advise?" + +"I advise patience," replied the judge calmly. + +But Mr. Jeffries had no patience. He was a man who was not accustomed to +have his wishes thwarted. He did not understand why there should be the +slightest difficulty in carrying out his instructions. + +"Any one can advise patience!" he exclaimed hotly, "but that's not doing +anything." Banging the desk angrily with his fist, he shouted: "I want +something done!" + +Judge Brewster looked up at his client with surprise. The judge never +lost his temper. Even in the most acrimonious wrangles in the courtroom +he was always the suave, polished gentleman. There was a shade of +reproach in his tone as he replied: + +"Come, come, don't lose your temper! I'll do what I can, but there is +nothing to be done in the way you suggest. The most I can do is to +remain loyal to you, although--to be quite candid--I confess it goes +against the grain to keep my hands off this case. As I told your wife, +there are certain features about it which interest me keenly. I feel +that you are wrong to----" + +"No, Brewster!" interrupted Mr. Jeffries explosively. "I'm right! I'm +right! You know it, but you won't admit it." + +The lawyer shrugged his shoulders and turned to his desk again. +Laconically, he said: + +"Well, I won't argue the matter with you. You refuse to be advised by me +and----" + +The banker looked up impatiently. + +"What is your advice?" + +The lawyer, without looking up from his papers, said quietly: + +"You know what my feelings in the matter are." + +"And you know what mine are!" exclaimed the banker hotly. "I refuse to +be engulfed in this wave of hysterical sympathy with criminals. I will +not be stamped with the same hall mark as the man who takes the life of +his fellow being--though the man be my own son. I will not set the seal +of approval on crime by defending it." + +The lawyer bowed and said calmly: + +"Then, sir, you must expect exactly what is happening. This girl, +whatever she may be, is devoted to your son. She is his wife. She'll go +to any extreme to help him--even to selling her name for money to pay +for his defense." + +The banker threw up his hands with impatience. + +"It's a matter of principle with me. Her devotion is not the question." +With a mocking laugh he went on: "Sentimentality doesn't appeal to me. +The whole thing is distasteful and hideous to me. My instructions to you +are to prevent her using the family name on the stage, to buy her off on +her own terms, to get rid of her at any price." + +"Except the price she asks," interposed the lawyer dryly. Shaking his +head, he went on: + +"You'll find that a wife's devotion is a very strong motive power, +Jeffries. It will move irresistibly forward in spite of all the barriers +you and I can erect to stay its progress. That may sound like a +platitude, but it's a fact nevertheless." + +Alicia, who had been listening with varied emotions to the conversation, +now interrupted timidly: + +"Perhaps Judge Brewster is right, dear. After all, the girl is working +to save your son. Public opinion may think it unnatural----" + +The banker turned on his wife. Sternly he said: + +"Alicia, I cannot permit you to interfere. That young man is a +self-confessed murderer and therefore no son of mine. I've done with him +long ago. I cannot be moved by maudlin sentimentality. Please let that +be final." Turning to the lawyer, he said coldly: + +"So, in the matter of this stage business, you can take no steps to +restrain her?" + +The lawyer shook his head. + +"No, there is nothing I can do." Quickly he added: "Of course, you don't +doubt my loyalty to you?" + +Mr. Jeffries shook his head. + +"No, no, Brewster." + +The lawyer laughed as he said: + +"Right or wrong, you know--'my country'--that is, my client--''tis of +thee.'" Turning to Alicia, he added laughingly: "That's the painful part +of a lawyer's profession, Mrs. Jeffries. The client's weakness is the +lawyer's strength. When men hate each other and rob each other we +lawyers don't pacify them. We dare not, because that is our profession. +We encourage them. We pit them against each other for profit. If we +didn't they'd go to some lawyer who would." + +Alicia gave a feeble smile. + +"Yes," she replied; "I'm afraid we all love to be advised to do what we +want to do." + +Mr. Jeffries made an impatient gesture of dissent. Scoffingly he +remarked: + +"That may apply to the great generality of people, but not to me." + +Judge Brewster looked skeptical, but made no further comment. The banker +rose and Alicia followed suit. As he moved toward the door, he turned +and said: + +"Drop in and see me this evening, Brewster. Mrs. Jeffries will be +delighted if you will dine with us." + +Alicia smiled graciously. "Do come, judge; we shall be all alone." + +The lawyer bent low over her hand as he said good-by. Mr. Jeffries had +already reached the door, when he turned again and said: + +"Are you sure a very liberal offer wouldn't induce her to drop the +name?" + +The lawyer shook his head doubtfully. + +"Well, see what you can do," cried the banker. To his wife he said: "Are +you coming, Alicia?" + +"Just a moment, dear," she replied. "I want to say a word to the +judge." + +"All right," replied the banker. "I'll be outside." He opened the door, +and as he did so he turned to the lawyer: + +"If there are any new developments let me know at once." + +He left the office and Alicia breathed a sigh of relief. She did not +love her husband, but she feared him. He was not only twenty years her +senior, but his cold, aristocratic manner intimidated her. Her first +impulse had been to tell him everything, but she dare not. His manner +discouraged her. He would begin to ask questions, questions which she +could not answer without seriously incriminating herself. But her +conscience would not allow her to stand entirely aloof from the tragedy +in which her husband's scapegrace son was involved. She felt a strange, +unaccountable desire to meet this girl Howard had married. In a quick +undertone to the lawyer, she said: + +"I must see that woman, judge. I think I can persuade her to change her +course of action. In any case I must see her, I must----" Looking at him +questioningly, she said: "You don't think it inadvisable, do you?" + +The judge smiled grimly. + +"I think I'd better see her first," he said. "Suppose you come back a +little later. It's more than probable that she'll be here this +afternoon. I'll see her and arrange for an interview." + +There was a knock at the door, and Alicia started guiltily, thinking her +husband might have overheard their conversation. The head clerk entered +and whispered something to the judge, after which he retired. The lawyer +turned to Alicia with a smile. + +"It's just as I thought," he said pleasantly, "she's out there now. +You'd better go and leave her to me." + +The door opened again unceremoniously, and Mr. Jeffries put in his head: + +"Aren't you coming, Alicia?" he demanded impatiently. In a lower voice +to the lawyer, he added: "Say, Brewster, that woman is outside in your +office. Now is your opportunity to come to some arrangement with her." + +Again Mrs. Jeffries held out her hand. + +"Good-by, judge; you're so kind! It needs a lot of patience to be a +lawyer, doesn't it?" + +Judge Brewster laughed, and added in an undertone: + +"Come back by and by." + +The door closed, and the lawyer went back to his desk. For a few moments +he sat still plunged in deep thought. Suddenly, he touched a bell. The +head clerk entered. + +"Show Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Jr., in." + +The clerk looked surprised. Strict orders hitherto had been to show the +unwelcome visitor out. He believed that he had not heard aright. + +"Did you say Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., judge?" + +"I said Mrs. Jeffries, Jr.," replied the lawyer grimly. + +"Very well, judge," said the clerk, as he left the room. + +Presently there was a timid knock at the door. + +"Come in!" called out the lawyer. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +Annie entered the presence of the famous lawyer pale and ill at ease. +This sudden summons to Judge Brewster's private office was so unexpected +that it came like a shock. For days she had haunted the premises, +sitting in the outer office for hours at a time exposed to the stare and +covert smiles of thoughtless clerks and office boys. Her requests for an +interview had been met with curt refusals. They either said the judge +was out of town or else that he was too busy to be seen. At last, +evidently acting upon orders, they flatly refused to even send in her +name, and she had about abandoned hope when, all at once, a clerk +approached her, and addressing her more politely than usual, said that +the judge would see her in a few minutes. + +Her heart gave a great throb. Almost speechless from surprise, she +stammered a faint thanks and braced herself for the interview on which +so much depended. For the first time since the terrible affair had +happened, there was a faint glimmer of hope ahead. If only she could +rush over to the Tombs and tell Howard the joyful news so he might keep +up his courage! It was eight days now since Howard's arrest, and the +trial would take place in six weeks. There was still time to prepare a +strong defense if the judge would only consent to take the case. She was +more sure than ever that a clever lawyer would have no difficulty in +convincing a jury that Howard's alleged "confession" was untrue and +improperly obtained. + +In the intervals of waiting to see the lawyer, she had consulted every +one she knew, and among others she had talked with Dr. Bernstein, the +noted psychologist, whom she had seen once at Yale. He received her +kindly and listened attentively to her story. When she had finished he +had evinced the greatest interest. He told her that he happened to be +the physician called in on the night of the tragedy, and at that time he +had grave doubts as to it being a case of murder. He believed it was +suicide, and he had told Captain Clinton so, but the police captain had +made up his mind, and that was the end of it. Howard's "confession," he +went on, really meant nothing. If called to the stand he could show the +jury that a hypnotic subject can be made to "confess" to anything. In +the interest of truth, justice, and science, he said, he would gladly +come to her aid. + +All this she would tell Judge Brewster. It would be of great help to +him, no doubt. Suddenly, a cold shiver ran through her. How did she know +he would take the case? Perhaps this summons to his office was only to +tell her once more that he would have nothing to do with her and her +husband. She wondered why he had decided so suddenly to see her and, +like a flash, an idea came to her. She had seen Mr. Jeffries, Sr., enter +the inner sanctum and, instinctively, she felt that she had something to +do with his visit. The banker had come out accompanied by a richly +dressed woman whom she guessed to be his wife. + +She looked with much interest at Howard's stepmother. She had heard so +much about her that it seemed to her that she knew her personally. As +Alicia swept proudly by, the eyes of the two women met, and Annie was +surprised to see in the banker's wife's face, instead of the cold, +haughty stare she expected, a wistful, longing look, as if she would +like to stop and talk with her, but dare not. In another instant she was +gone, and, obeying a clerk, who beckoned her to follow him, she entered +Judge Brewster's office. + +The lawyer looked up as she came in, but did not move from his seat. +Gruffly he said: + +"How long do you intend to keep up this system of--warfare? How long are +you going to continue forcing your way into this office?" + +"I didn't force my way in," she said quietly. "I didn't expect to come +in. The clerk said you wanted to see me." + +The lawyer frowned and scrutinized her closely. After a pause, he said: + +"I want to tell you for the fiftieth time I can do nothing for you." + +"Fifty?" she echoed. "Fifty did you say? Really, it doesn't seem that +much." + +Judge Brewster looked at her quickly to see if she was laughing at him. +Almost peevishly, he said: + +"For the last time, I repeat I can do nothing for you." + +[Illustration: "I CAN DO NOTHING FOR YOU," SAID THE JUDGE.] + +"Not the last time, judge," she replied, shaking her head. "I shall come +again to-morrow." + +The lawyer swung around in his chair with indignation. + +"You will----?" + +Annie nodded. + +"Yes, sir," she said quietly. + +"You're determined to force your way in here?" exclaimed the lawyer. + +"Yes, sir." + +The judge banged the desk with his fist. + +"But I won't allow it! I have something to say, you know! I can't permit +this to go on. I represent my client, Mr. Howard Jeffries, Sr., and he +won't consent to my taking up your husband's case." + +There was a shade of sarcasm in Annie's voice as she asked calmly: + +"Can't you do it without his consent?" + +The lawyer looked at her grimly. + +"I can," he blurted out, "but--I won't." + +Her eyes flashed as she replied quickly. + +"Well, you ought to----" + +The lawyer looked up in amazement. + +"What do you mean?" he demanded. + +"It's your duty to do it," she said quietly. "Your duty to his son, to +me, and to Mr. Jeffries himself. Why, he's so eaten up with his family +pride and false principles that he can't see the difference between +right and wrong. You're his lawyer. It's your duty to put him right. +It's downright wicked of you to refuse--you're hurting him. Why, when I +was hunting around for a lawyer one of them actually refused to take up +the case because he said old Brewster must think Howard was guilty or +he'd have taken it up himself. You and his father are putting the whole +world against him, and you know it." + +The judge was staggered. No one in his recollection had ever dared to +speak to him like that. He was so astonished that he forgot to resent +it, and he hid his confusion by taking out his handkerchief and mopping +his forehead. + +"I do know it," he admitted. + +"Then why do you do it?" she snapped. + +The lawyer hesitated, and then he said: + +"I--that's not the question." + +Annie leaped quickly forward, and she replied: + +"It's my question--and as you say, I've asked it fifty times." + +The lawyer sat back in his chair and looked at her for a moment without +speaking. He surveyed her critically from head to foot, and then, as if +satisfied with his examination, said: + +"You're going on the stage?" + +She nodded. + +"I've had a very big offer." + +The judge leaned forward, and in a low voice, so that no one in the +outer office might hear, he said: + +"Well, I'll give you twice as much if you refuse the engagement." + +She laughed ironically. + +"You mean that my father-in-law will give it," she said lightly. Then +she went on: + +"You know it's no use your asking me to concede anything unless you +agree to defend Howard." + +The lawyer shook his head. + +"I can't--it's impossible." + +"Then neither can I," she exclaimed defiantly. + +Judge Brewster could not refrain from smiling. This young woman had +actually inveigled him into an argument. Almost mockingly, he said: + +"So you're determined to have me." + +"Yes," she said simply. + +"But I don't argue criminal cases." + +"That's just it," she exclaimed eagerly; "my husband is not a criminal. +He is innocent. I don't want a lawyer who is always defending criminals. +I want one who defends a man because he isn't a criminal." + +Judge Brewster waved his hand contemptuously. + +"Go and see some other lawyer--there are plenty of 'em." + +She leaned eagerly forward. Her face was flushed from excitement, her +eyes flashed. + +"There's only one Judge Brewster," she exclaimed. "He's the greatest +lawyer in the world, and he's going to help us. He is going to save +Howard's life." + +The judge shifted uneasily on his chair. He didn't like this forceful, +persistent young woman. Almost fretfully, he said: + +"You always say that. Upon my word, I shall begin to believe it soon." + +"I shall say it again," she exclaimed, "and again every time I see +you." + +The lawyer turned round. There was a comic look of despair in his face +which would have amused his visitor had her errand not been so serious. + +"How often do you intend that shall be?" + +"Every day," she replied calmly. "I shall say it and think it +until--until it comes true." + +Judge Brewster tried to feel angry, although inwardly he had hard work +to keep from smiling. With pretended indignation, he said: + +"You mean that you intend to keep at me until I give way--through sheer +exhaustion?" + +She nodded. + +"That's it exactly," she said. + +The lawyer gasped. + +"Well, I must say you--you--you're very brave." + +Annie shook her head. + +"No, I'm not," she said earnestly. "I'm an awful coward, but I'm +fighting for him. Howard Jeffries lifted me up when I was way down in +the world. He gave me his name. He gave me all he had, to make me a +better woman, and I'm grateful. Why, even a dog has gratitude, even a +dog will lick the hand that feeds him. Why should I hesitate to express +my gratitude? That's all I'm doing--just paying him back a bit of the +debt I owe him, and I'm going to move Heaven and earth to bring his +father around to my way of thinking. I've got you already----" + +The judge bounded to his feet. Could his ears have heard aright? + +"Got me already?" he exclaimed. "What do you mean by that?" + +Annie returned his angry look with the utmost calm. She was playing her +cards well, and she knew it. She had hit the old man in a sensitive +place. Quietly, she went on: + +"You'd say 'yes' in a minute if it wasn't for Mr. Jeffries." + +"Oh, you think so, do you?" he gasped. + +"I'm sure of it," she replied confidently. Boldly she went on: "You're +afraid of him." + +Judge Brewster laughed heartily. + +"Afraid of him?" he echoed. + +"It isn't so funny," she went on. "You're afraid of opposing him. I'm +not surprised. I'm afraid of him myself." + +The lawyer looked at her in an amused kind of way. + +"Then why do you oppose him in everything?" he demanded. + +Annie laughed as she replied: + +"That's the only way I can get his attention. Why, when he met me out +there to-day he actually looked at me. For the first time in his life he +recognized that he has a daughter-in-law. He looked at me--and I'm not +sure, but I think he wanted to bow to me. He's kind of beginning to sit +up and take notice." + +Judge Brewster frowned. He did not like the insinuation that he was +afraid to do the right thing because it might interfere with his +emoluments. Yet, secretly, he had to admit to himself that she had +almost guessed right. Now he came to think of it, he had taken this +stand in the matter because he knew that any other course would +displease his wealthy client. After all, was he doing right? Was he +acting in conformance with his professional oath? Was he not letting his +material interests interfere with his duty? He was silent for several +minutes, and then, in an absent-minded kind of way, he turned to his +visitor. + +"So you think I'm afraid of him, do you?" + +"I'm sure of it," she said quickly. "You liked my husband, and you'd +just love to rush in and fight for him. His father thinks he is guilty +and, well--you don't like to disobey him. It's very natural. He's an +influential man, a personal friend of the President and all that. You +know on which side your bread is buttered, and--oh, it's very +natural--you're looking out for your own interests----" + +Judge Brewster interrupted her impatiently. + +"Circumstances are against Howard. Your father judges him guilty from +his own confession. It's the conclusion I'm compelled to come to myself. +Now, how do you propose to change that conclusion?" + +"You don't have to change it," she said quietly, "You don't believe +Howard guilty." + +"I don't?" exclaimed the lawyer. + +"No, at the bottom of your heart. You knew Howard when he was a boy, and +you know he is as incapable of that crime as you are." + +Judge Brewster lapsed into silence, and there followed a perfect quiet, +broken only by the suppressed chatter of the clerks and clicking of the +typewriters in the outer office. Annie watched him closely, wondering +what was passing in his mind, fearing in her heart that she might have +prejudiced him against her husband only the more. Suddenly he turned on +her. + +"Mrs. Jeffries, how do you know that your husband did not kill Robert +Underwood?" + +"I know it," she said confidently. + +"Yes," persisted the judge, "but how do you know it?" + +Annie looked steadily at him, and then she said solemnly: + +"I know there's a God, but I can't tell you how I know it. I just know +it, that's all! Howard didn't do it. I know he didn't." + +The lawyer smiled. + +"That's a very fair sample of feminine logic." + +"Well, it's all I have," she retorted, with a toss of her head. "And +it's a mighty comfort, too, because when you know a thing you know it +and it makes you happy." + +Judge Brewster laughed outright. + +"Feminine deduction!" he cried. "Think a thing, believe it, and then you +know it!" Looking up at her, he asked: + +"Haven't you any relatives to whom you can go?" + +She shook her head. + +"No," she said sadly. "My father died in--Sing Sing--and the rest are +not worth----" + +"Yes, yes, I know," replied the judge hastily. "I got your family +history from Mr. Jeffries after your marriage. It is filed away among +the family archives." + +She smiled sadly. + +"It's a wonder you don't burn 'em up--my folks were not a very brilliant +lot." Earnestly she went on: "But my father was all right, judge. Blood +was thicker than water with him. He'd never have gone back on me in the +way Howard's father has on him." + +The lawyer looked at her fixedly without speaking. Their eyes met, and +the silence continued until it became embarrassing. Judge Brewster shook +his head. + +"It's too bad. I'm sorry for you, really, I----" + +Annie laughed, and he asked: + +"Why do you laugh?" + +"What's the use of crying?" she said. "Ha! Ha! It's almost a joke. +You're sorry, my father-in-law is sorry, and I suppose my mother-in-law +is shedding tears for me, too. You're all sorry and you're all wearing +crape for us, but why can't some of you _do_ something?" + +The lawyer said nothing. He still stared at her in a strange, +absent-minded kind of way, until finally she lost patience. Boldly she +said: + +"Well, you sent for me. What do you want to see me about, judge?" + +"I want to tell you that you mustn't come here again," he answered. + +"Anything else?" she exclaimed. + +The judge began to fuss with the papers on his desk, as he usually did +when embarrassed for words. + +"Of course," he stammered, "you will be amply compensated." + +"Of course," she cried. Rising from her chair, she shrugged her +shoulders, and said: + +"Oh, well, this is not my lucky day. They wouldn't let me into the +prison to see Howard to-day. Captain Clinton doesn't like me. He has +always tried to prevent my seeing Howard, but I'll see him to-morrow, +captain or no captain. He can make up his mind to that!" + +The lawyer looked up at her. + +"Poor girl--you are having a hard time, aren't you?" + +"Things have been better," she replied, with a tremor in her voice. +"Howard and I were very happy when we first----" A sob choked her +utterance, and she forced a laugh, saying: "Here, I must keep off that +subject----" + +"Why do you laugh?" demanded the lawyer. + +Already hysterical, Annie had great difficulty in keeping back her +tears. + +"Well, if I don't laugh," she sobbed, "I'll cry; and as I don't want to +cry--why--I just laugh. It's got to be one or the other--see----?" + +He said nothing, and she continued: + +"Well, I guess I'll go home--home--that's the worst part of +it--home----" + +She stopped short, she could go no further. Her bosom was heaving, the +hot tears were rolling down her cheeks. The old lawyer turned away his +head so that she might not see the suspicious redness in his eyes. +Moving toward the door, she turned around. + +"Well, you have your own troubles, judge. I'll go now, but I'll come +again to-morrow. Perhaps you'll have better news for me." + +The lawyer waved her back to her seat with a commanding gesture she +could not resist. There was determination around his mouth; in his face +was an expression she had not seen there before. + +"Sit down again for a moment," he said sharply. "I want to ask you a +question. How do you account for Howard's confessing to the shooting?" + +"I don't account for it," she replied, as she resumed her seat. "He says +he didn't confess. I don't believe he did." + +"But three witnesses----" + +"Who are the witnesses?" she interrupted contemptuously. "Policemen!" + +"That makes no difference," he said. "He made a confession and +signed----" + +Annie leaned forward. What did this questioning mean? Was the judge +becoming interested after all? Her heart gave a leap as she answered +eagerly: + +"He confessed against his will. I mean--he didn't know what he was doing +at the time. I've had a talk with the physician who was called in--Dr. +Bernstein. He says that Captain Clinton is a hypnotist, that he can +compel people to say what he wants them to say. Well, Howard is--what +they call a subject--they told him he did it till he believed he did." + +She looked narrowly at the lawyer to see what effect her words were +having, but to her great disappointment the judge was apparently paying +not the slightest attention. He was gazing out of the window and +drumming his fingers absent-mindedly on the desk. Utterly discouraged, +she again rose. + +"Oh, well, what's the use----?" + +The judge quickly put out his hand and partly pushed her back in the +chair. + +"Don't go," he said. Then he added: + +"Who told you he was a hypnotic subject?" + +Her hopes revived once more. Quickly she said: + +"Dr. Bernstein. Besides, Howard told me so himself. A friend of his at +college used to make him cut all sorts of capers." + +"A friend at college, eh? Do you remember his name?" + +"Howard knows it." + +"Um!" ejaculated the lawyer. He took up a pad and wrote a memorandum on +it. Then aloud he said: "I'd like to have a little talk with Dr. +Bernstein. I think I'll ask him to come and see me. Let me see. His +address is----" + +"342 Madison Avenue," she exclaimed eagerly. + +The lawyer jotted the address down, and then he looked up. + +"So you think I'm afraid of Mr. Jeffries, do you?" + +She smiled. + +"Oh, no, not really afraid," she answered, "but just--scared. I didn't +mean----" + +Judge Brewster was enjoying the situation hugely. He had quite made up +his mind what to do, but he liked to quiz this bold young woman who had +not been afraid to show him where his duty lay. Striving to keep a +serious face, he said: + +"Oh, yes, you did, and I want you to understand I'm not afraid of any +man. As to allowing my personal interests to interfere with my duty----" + +Annie took alarm. She was really afraid she had offended him. + +"Oh, I didn't say that, did I?" she exclaimed timidly. + +Judge Brewster forced his face into a frown. + +"You said I knew on which side my bread was buttered!" + +"Did I?" she exclaimed in consternation. + +"You say a great many things, Mrs. Jeffries," said the lawyer solemnly. +"Of course, I realize how deeply you feel, and I make excuses for you. +But I'm not afraid. Please understand that----" + +He rapped the table with his eyeglasses as if he were very much offended +indeed. + +"Of course not," she said apologetically. "If you were you wouldn't even +see me--let alone talk to me--and--and----" Pointing to the piece of +paper he held in his hand, she added: "And----" + +"And what?" demanded the judge, amused. + +Half hysterical, now laughing, now crying, she went on: + +"And--and take the names and addresses of witnesses for the +defense--and--think out how you're going to defend Howard--and--and all +that----" + +The lawyer looked at her and laughed. + +"So you think I'm going to help Howard?" he said. "You take too much for +granted." + +"You're not afraid to help him," she said. "I know that--you just said +so." + +Judge Brewster raised his fist and brought it down on the desk with a +bang which raised in a cloud the accumulated dust of weeks. His face set +and determined, he said: + +"You're quite right! I'm going to take your case!" + +Annie felt herself giving way. It was more than she could stand. For +victory to be hers when only a moment before defeat seemed certain was +too much for her nerves. All she could gasp was: + +"Oh, judge!" + +The lawyer adjusted his eyeglasses, blew his nose with suspicious +energy, and took up a pen. + +"Now don't pretend to be surprised--you knew I would. And please don't +thank me. I hate to be thanked for doing what I want to do. If I didn't +want to do it, I wouldn't----" + +Through her tears she murmured: + +"I'd like to say 'thank you'." + +"Well, please don't," he snapped. + +But she persisted. Tenderly, she said: + +"May I say you're the dearest, kindest----" + +Judge Brewster shook his head. + +"No--no--nothing of the kind." + +"Most gracious--noble-hearted--courageous," she went on. + +The judge struck the table another formidable blow. + +"Mrs. Jeffries!" he exclaimed. + +She turned away her head to hide her feelings. + +"Oh, how I'd like to have a good cry," she murmured. "If Howard only +knew!" + +Judge Brewster touched an electric button, and his head clerk entered. + +"Mr. Jones," said the lawyer quickly, "get a stenographic report of the +case of the People against Howard Jeffries, Junior; get the coroner's +inquest, the grand jury indictment, and get a copy of the Jeffries +confession--get everything--right away!" + +The clerk looked inquiringly, first at Annie and then at his employer. +Then respectfully he asked: + +"Do we, sir?" + +"We do," said the lawyer laconically. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + +"Now, my dear young woman," said Judge Brewster, when the astonished +head clerk had withdrawn, "if we are going to set your husband free we +must get to work, and you must help me." + +His visitor looked up eagerly. + +"I'll do anything in my power," she said quickly. "What can I do?" + +"Well--first of all," said the lawyer with some hesitation, "I want you +to see a certain lady and to be exceedingly nice to her." + +"Lady?" echoed Annie surprised. "What lady?" + +"Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," he replied slowly. + +"Howard's stepmother!" she ejaculated. + +A clerk entered and handed his employer a card. The lawyer nodded and +said in an undertone: + +"Show her in." Turning round again, he went on: "Yes--Howard's +stepmother. She's out there now. She wants to see you. She wishes to be +of service to you. Now, you must conciliate her. She may be of great use +to us." + +Annie's face expressed considerable doubt. + +"Perhaps so," she said, "but the door was slammed in my face when I +called to see her." + +"That's nothing," answered the judge. "She probably knows nothing about +it. In any case, please remember that she is my client----" + +She bowed her head and murmured obediently: + +"I'll remember." + +The door of the office opened and Alicia entered. She stopped short on +seeing who was there, and an awkward pause followed. Judge Brewster +introduced them. + +"Mrs. Jeffries, may I present Mrs. Howard, Junior?" + +Alicia bowed stiffly and somewhat haughtily. Annie remained +self-possessed and on the defensive. Addressing the banker's wife, the +lawyer said: + +"I told Mrs. Howard that you wished to speak to her." After a pause he +added: "I think, perhaps, I'll leave you together. Excuse me." + +He left the office and there was another embarrassing silence. Annie +waited for Mrs. Jeffries to begin. Her attitude suggested that she +expected something unpleasant and was fully prepared for it. At last +Alicia broke the silence: + +"You may think it strange that I have asked for this interview," she +began, "but you know, Annie----" Interrupting herself, she asked: "You +don't mind my calling you Annie, do you?" + +The young woman smiled. + +"I don't see why I should. It's my name and we're relatives--by +marriage." There was an ironical ring in her voice as she went on: +"Relatives! It seems funny, doesn't it, but we don't pick and choose our +relatives. We must take them as they come." + +Alicia made an effort to appear conciliatory. + +"As we are--what we are--let's try to make the best of it." + +"Make the best of it?" echoed Annie. "God knows I'm willing, but I've +had mighty little encouragement, Mrs. Jeffries. When I called to see you +the other day, to beg you to use your influence with Mr. Jeffries, 'not +at home' was handed to me by the liveried footman and the door was +slammed in my face. Ten minutes later you walked out to your carriage +and were driven away." + +"I knew nothing of this--believe me," murmured Alicia apologetically. + +"It's what I got just the same," said the other dryly. Quickly she went +on: "But I'm not complaining, understand--I'm not complaining. Only I +did think that at such a time one woman might have held out a helping +hand to another." + +Alicia held up her hand protestingly. + +"How could I?" she exclaimed. "Now, be reasonable. You are held +responsible for Howard's present position." + +"Yes--by the police," retorted Annie grimly, "and by a couple of yellow +journals. I didn't think you'd believe all the gossip and scandal that's +been printed about me. I didn't believe what was said about you." + +Alicia started and changed color. + +"What do you mean?" she exclaimed haughtily. "What was said about me?" + +"Well, it has been said that you married old Jeffries for his money and +his social position." + +"'Old Jeffries!'" protested Alicia indignantly, "Have you no respect +for your husband's father?" + +"Not a particle," answered the other coolly, "and I never will have till +he acts like a father. I only had one interview with him and it finished +him with me for all time. He ain't a father--he's a fish." + +"A fish!" exclaimed Alicia, scandalized at such _lčse majesté_. + +Annie went on recklessly: + +"Yes--a cold-blooded----" + +"But surely," interrupted Alicia, "you respect his position--his----" + +"No, m'm; I respect a man because he behaves like a man, not because he +lives in a marble palace on Riverside Drive." + +Alicia looked pained. This girl was certainly impossible. + +"But surely," she said, "you realized that when you married Howard +you--you made a mistake--to say the least?" + +"Yes, that part of it has been made pretty plain. It was a mistake--his +mistake--my mistake. But now it's done and it can't be undone. I don't +see why you can't take it as it is and--and----" + +She stopped short and Alicia completed the sentence for her: + +"--and welcome you into our family----" + +"Welcome me? No, ma'am. I'm not welcome and nothing you or your set +could say would ever make me believe that I was welcome. All I ask is +that Howard's father do his duty by his son." + +"I do not think--pardon my saying so," interrupted Alicia stiffly, "that +you are quite in a position to judge of what constitutes Mr. Jeffries' +duty to his son." + +"Perhaps not. I only know what I would do--what my father would have +done--what any one would do if they had a spark of humanity in them. But +they do say that after three generations of society life red blood turns +into blue." + +Alicia turned to look out of the window. Her face still averted she +said: + +"What is there to do? Howard has acknowledged his guilt--any sacrifices +we may make will be thrown away." + +Annie eyed her companion with contempt. Her voice quivering with +indignation, she burst out: + +"What is there to do! Try and save him, of course. Must we sit and do +nothing because things look black? Ah! I wasn't brought up that way. No, +ma'am, I'm going to make a fight!" + +"It's useless," murmured Alicia, shaking her head. + +"Judge Brewster doesn't think so," replied the other calmly. + +The banker's wife gave a start of surprise. Quickly she demanded: + +"You mean that Judge Brewster has encouraged you to--to----" + +"He's done more than encourage me--God bless him!--he's going to take up +the case." + +Alicia was so thunderstruck that for a moment she could find no answer. + +"What!" she exclaimed, "without consulting Mr. Jeffries?" + +She put her handkerchief to her face to conceal her agitation. Could it +be possible that the judge was going to act, after all, in defiance of +her husband's wishes? If that were true, what would become of her? +Concealment would be no longer possible. Discovery of her clandestine +visit to Underwood's apartment that fatal night must come. Howard might +still be the murderer, Underwood might not have committed suicide, but +her visit to his rooms at midnight would become known. Judge Brewster +was not the man to be deterred by difficulties once he took up a case. +He would see the importance of finding the mysterious woman who went +secretly to Underwood's rooms that night of the tragedy. + +"He consulted only his own feelings," went on Annie. "He believes in +Howard, and he's going to defend him." + +Alicia looked at her anxiously as if trying to read what might be in her +mind. Indifferently she went on: + +"The papers say there was a quarrel about you, that you and Mr. +Underwood were too friendly. They implied that Howard was jealous. Is +this true?" + +"It's all talk," cried Annie indignantly--"nothing but scandal--lies! +There's not a word of truth in it. Howard never had a jealous thought of +me--and as for me--why--I've always worshiped the ground he walked on. +Didn't he sacrifice everything for my sake? Didn't he quarrel with his +father for me? Didn't he marry me? Didn't he try to educate and make a +lady of me? My God!--do you suppose I'd give a man like that cause for +jealousy? What do the newspapers care? They print cruel statements that +cut into a woman's heart, without giving it a thought, without knowing +or caring whether it's true or not, as long as it interests and amuses +their readers. You--you don't really believe I'm the cause of his +misfortunes, do you?" + +Alicia shook her head as she answered kindly: + +"No, I don't. Believe me, I don't. You were right when you said that at +such a time as this one woman should stand by another. I'm going to +stand by you. Let me be your friend, let me help you." Extending her +hand, she said: "Will you?" + +Annie grasped the proffered hand. It was the first that had been held +out to her in her present trouble. A lump rose in her throat. Much +affected, she said: + +"It's the first kind word that----" She stopped and looked closely for a +moment at Alicia. Then she went on: + +"It's the queerest thing, Mrs. Jeffries, but it keeps coming into my +mind. Howard told me that while he was at Underwood's that dreadful +night he thought he heard your voice. It must have been a dream, of +course, yet he thought he was sure of it. Your voice--that's queer, +isn't it? Why--what's the matter?" + +Alicia had grown deathly pale and staggered against a chair. Annie ran +to her aid, thinking she was ill. + +"It's nothing--nothing!" stammered Alicia, recovering herself. + +Fearing she had said something to hurt her feelings, Annie said +sympathetically: + +"I haven't said anything--anything out of the way--have I? If I have I'm +sorry--awfully sorry. I'm afraid--I--I've been very rude and you've been +so kind!" + +"No, no!" interrupted Alicia quickly. "You've said nothing--done +nothing--you've had a great deal to bear--a great deal to bear. I +understand that perfectly." Taking her companion's hand in hers, she +went on, "Tell me, what do they say about the woman who went to see +Robert Underwood the night of the tragedy?" + +"The police can't find her--we don't know who she is." Confidently she +went on: "But Judge Brewster will find her. We have a dozen detectives +searching for her. Captain Clinton accused me of being the woman--you +know he doesn't like me." + +The banker's wife was far too busy thinking of the number of detectives +employed to find the missing witness to pay attention to the concluding +sentence. Anxiously she demanded: + +"Supposing the woman is found, what can she prove? What difference will +it make?" + +"All the difference in the world," replied Annie. "She is a most +important witness." Firmly she went on: "She must be found. If she +didn't shoot Robert Underwood, she knows who did." + +"But how can she know?" argued Alicia. "Howard confessed that he did it +himself. If he had not confessed it would be different." + +"He did not confess," replied the other calmly. "Mrs. Jeffries--he never +confessed. If he did, he didn't know what he was saying." + +Alicia was rapidly losing her self-possession. + +"Did he tell you that?" she gasped. + +Annie nodded. + +"Yes. Dr. Bernstein says the police forced it out of his tired brain. I +made Howard go over every second of his life that night from the time he +left me to the moment he was arrested. There wasn't a harsh word between +them." She stopped short and looked with alarm at Alicia, who had turned +ashen white. "Why, what's the matter? You're pale as death--you----" + +Alicia could contain herself no longer. Her nerves were on the point of +giving way. She felt that if she could not confide her secret to some +one she must go mad. Pacing the floor, she cried: + +"What am I to do? What am I to do? I believed Howard guilty. Why +shouldn't I? I had no reason to doubt his own confession! Every one +believed it--his own father included. Why should I doubt it. But I see +it all now! Underwood must have shot himself as he said he would!" + +Annie started. What did Mrs. Jeffries mean? Did she realize the +tremendous significance of the words she was uttering? + +"As he said he would?" she repeated slowly. + +"Yes," said Alicia weakly. + +Annie bounded forward and grasped her companion's arm. Her face flushed, +almost unable to speak from suppressed emotion, she cried: + +"Ah! I begin to understand. You knew Robert Underwood? Howard knows your +voice--he heard you--talking to him----Oh, Mrs. Jeffries! Are you the +woman who visited his apartment that night?" + +The banker's wife bowed her head and collapsed on a chair. + +"Yes," she murmured in a low tone. + +Annie looked at her in amazement. + +"Why didn't you come forward at once?" she cried. "Think of the pain +which you might have spared us!" + +Alicia covered her face with her handkerchief. She was crying now. + +"The disgrace--the disgrace!" she moaned. + +"Disgrace!" echoed Annie, stupefied. Indignantly, she went on: +"Disgrace--to you? But what of me and Howard?" + +Alicia looked up. + +"Can't you realize what it means to be associated with such a crime?" +she wailed. + +"Disgrace!" cried Annie contemptuously. "What is disgrace when a human +life is at stake?" + +"It seemed so useless," moaned Alicia--"a useless sacrifice in the face +of Howard's confession. Of course--if I'd known--if I'd suspected what +you tell me--I'd have come forward and told everything--no matter at +what cost." Tearfully she added: "Surely you realize the position it +puts me in?" + +A new light shone in Annie's eyes. What was this woman's misery to her? +Her duty was to the poor fellow who was counting the hours until she +could set him free. His stepmother deserved no mercy. Utterly selfish, +devoid of a spark of humanity, she would have left them both to perish +in order to protect herself from shame and ridicule. Her face was set +and determined as she said calmly: + +"It must be done now." + +"Yes," murmured Alicia in a low tone that sounded like a sob, "it must +be done now! Oh, if I'd only done it before--if I'd only told Mr. +Jeffries the whole truth! You speak of Howard's sufferings. If he didn't +do it, he has at least the consciousness of his own innocence, but +I--the constant fear of being found out is worse than any hell the +imagination can conjure up. I dreaded it--I dread it now--it means +disgrace--social ostracism--my husband must know--the whole world will +know." + +Annie was not listening. Still bewildered, she gazed with the utmost +astonishment at her companion. To think that this mysterious woman they +had been seeking was Howard's stepmother. + +"So you're the missing witness we've all been hunting for!" she said; "I +can't believe it even now. How did it happen?" + +Alicia explained in short, broken sentences: + +"He and I were once engaged. I broke it off when I found him out. After +I married Mr. Jeffries I met Underwood again. Foolishly, I allowed the +old intimacy to be renewed. He took advantage and preyed on my friends. +I forbade him my house. He wrote me a letter in which he threatened to +kill himself. I was afraid he meant it--I wanted to prevent him. I went +to his rooms that night. I--didn't tell Mr. Jeffries. When the truth is +known and I acknowledge that I visited this man--can you see what it +means?--what a fuss there'll be? Everybody will put the worst +construction on it----" + +"Trust them for that!" said Annie grimly. She was sorry for the woman's +distress, yet, being only human, she felt a certain sense of +satisfaction in seeing her suffer a little of what she had been made to +suffer. + +"They'll say that I--God knows what they'll say!" went on Alicia +distractedly. "My husband will be dragged through the mire of another +public scandal--his social prestige will--oh, I dare not think of it--I +know--I know--my duty is to that unfortunate boy. I mustn't think of +myself." + +"Have you the letter that Mr. Underwood wrote you?" demanded her +companion. + +"Yes--I've never been able to destroy it. I don't know why I kept it, +but thank God I have it!" Moaning, she went on: + +"The disgrace!--the disgrace!--it's ruin!--degradation! It's the end of +everything!--the end of everything!" + +Annie regarded with contempt this poor, weak, wailing creature who +lacked the moral courage to do what was merely right. Yet her voice was +not unkind as she said: + +"I don't want to disgrace you--or ruin you. But what am I to do--tell +me, what am I to do?" + +"I don't know," moaned her companion helplessly. + +"Howard must be saved." + +"Yes." + +"Will you tell Judge Brewster or shall I?" + +"Judge Brewster! Why should he know?" cried Alicia, startled. More +composedly and as if resigned to the inevitable, she went on: "Yes, I +suppose he must know sooner or later, but, I----" + +She broke down again and burst into tears. Annie watched her in silence. + +"It's tough--isn't it?" she said sympathetically. + +"Yes," sobbed Alicia through her tears, "it's--it's tough!" Rising, she +dried her eyes and said hastily: "Don't say anything now. Give me a few +hours. Then I can think what is best to be done." + +Annie was about to reply when the office door suddenly opened and Judge +Brewster entered. Addressing Alicia, he said: + +"Pardon me, Mrs. Jeffries, I hope I haven't kept you waiting." Noticing +her agitation and traces of tears, he looked surprised. He made no +comment but turned to Annie: + +"I have been talking to Dr. Bernstein over the 'phone." + +Annie approached him softly and said in a whisper: + +"I've told Mrs. Jeffries that you have undertaken Howard's defense." + +Judge Brewster smiled at his wealthy client, almost apologetically, +Annie thought. Then addressing her, he said: + +"Yes, I've been quite busy since I saw you. I have put three of the best +detectives we have on the trail of the woman who visited Underwood that +night. I don't think the police have been trying very hard to find her. +They're satisfied with Howard's confession. But we want her and we'll +get her----" + +"Oh!" gasped Alicia. + +The judge was proceeding to tell of other steps he had taken when the +door opened and the head clerk entered, followed by Mr. Jeffries. + +"I told Mr. Jeffries that Mrs. Jeffries was here," said the clerk. + +"You might have told him that there were two Mrs. Jeffries here," +laughed the judge. + +The clerk retired and the banker, completely ignoring the presence of +his daughter-in-law, turned to his wife and said: + +"I regret, my dear, that you should be subjected to these family +annoyances." + +Judge Brewster came forward and cleared his throat as if preliminary to +something important he had to say. Addressing the banker, he said +boldly: + +"Mr. Jeffries, I have decided to undertake Howard's defense." + +His aristocratic client was taken completely by surprise. For a moment +he could say nothing, but simply stared at the lawyer as if unable to +believe his ears. With an effort, he at last exclaimed: + +"Indeed!--then you will please consider our business relations to have +ceased from this moment." + +The lawyer bowed. + +"As you please," he said suavely. + +The banker turned to his wife. + +"Alicia--come." + +He offered his arm and turned toward the door. Alicia, in distress, +looked back at Annie, who nodded reassuringly to her. Judge Brewster +rose and, going to the door, opened it. The banker bowed stiffly and +said: + +"Pray don't trouble. Good morning, sir." + +"Good morning, Mr. Jeffries," replied the judge. + +As Alicia followed her husband out, she turned and whispered to Annie: + +"Come and see me at my home." + +When she had disappeared the judge came back into the room and sat down +at his desk. + +"Well, that's done!" he exclaimed with a sigh of relief. Rummaging for a +moment among his papers, he looked up and said with an encouraging +smile: + +"Now, if you please, we will go over that evidence--bit by bit." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + +The news that Judge Brewster would appear for the defendant at the +approaching trial of Howard Jeffries went through the town like +wildfire, and caused an immediate revival in the public interest, which +was beginning to slacken for want of hourly stimulation. Rumor said that +there had been a complete reconciliation in the Jeffries family, that +the banker was now convinced of his son's innocence and was determined +to spend a fortune, if necessary, to save him. This and other reports of +similar nature were all untrue, but the judge let them pass without +contradiction. They were harmless, he chuckled, and if anything, helped +Howard's cause. + +Meantime, he himself had not been idle. When once he made up his mind to +do a thing he was not content with half measures. Night and day he +worked on the case, preparing evidence, seeing witnesses and experts, +until he had gradually built up a bulwark of defense which the police +would find difficult to tear down. Yet he was not wholly reassured as to +the outcome until Annie, the day following the interview in his office, +informed him breathlessly that she had found the mysterious woman. The +judge was duly elated; now it was plain sailing, indeed! There had +always been the possibility that Howard's confession to the police was +true, that he had really killed Underwood. But now they had found the +one important witness, the mysterious woman who was in the apartment a +few minutes before the shooting and who was in possession of a letter in +which Underwood declared his intention of shooting himself, doubt was no +longer possible. Acquittal was a foregone conclusion. So pleased was the +judge at Annie's find that he did not insist on knowing the woman's +name. He saw that Annie preferred, for some reason, not to give it--even +to her legal adviser--and he let her have her way, exacting only that +the woman should be produced the instant he needed her. The young woman +readily assented. Of course, there remained the "confession," but that +had been obtained unfairly, illegally, fraudulently. The next important +step was to arrange a meeting at the judge's house at which Dr. +Bernstein, the hypnotic expert, would be present and to which should be +invited both Captain Clinton and Howard's father. In front of all these +witnesses the judge would accuse the police captain of brow-beating his +prisoner into making an untrue confession. Perhaps the captain could be +argued into admitting the possibility of a mistake having been made. If, +further, he could be convinced of the existence of documentary evidence +showing that Underwood really committed suicide he might be willing to +recede from his position in order to protect himself. At any rate it was +worth trying. The judge insisted, also, that to this meeting the +mysterious woman witness should also come, to be produced at such a +moment as the lawyer might consider opportune. Annie merely demanded a +few hours' time so she could make the appointment and soon reappeared +with a solemn promise that the woman would attend the meeting and come +forward at whatever moment called upon. + +Three evenings later there was an impressive gathering at Judge +Brewster's residence. In the handsomely appointed library on the second +floor were seated Dr. Bernstein, Mr. Jeffries and the judge. Each was +absorbed in his own thoughts. Dr. Bernstein was puffing at a big black +cigar; the banker stared vacantly into space. The judge, at his desk, +examined some legal papers. Not a word was spoken. They seemed to be +waiting for a fourth man who had not yet arrived. Presently Judge +Brewster looked up and said: + +"Gentlemen, I expect Captain Clinton in a few minutes, and the matter +will be placed before you." + +Mr. Jeffries frowned. It was greatly against his will that he had been +dragged to this conference. Peevishly, he said: + +"I've no wish to be present at the meeting. You know that and yet you +sent for me." + +Judge Brewster looked up at him quickly and said quietly yet decisively: + +"Mr. Jeffries, it is absolutely necessary that you be present when I +tell Captain Clinton that he has either willfully or ignorantly forced +your son to confess to having committed a crime of which I am persuaded +he is absolutely innocent." + +The banker shrugged his shoulders. + +"If I can be of service, of course, I--I am only too glad--but what can +I say--what can I do?" + +"Nothing," replied the Judge curtly. "But the moral effect of your +presence is invaluable." More amiably he went on: "Believe me, Jeffries, +I wouldn't have taken this step unless I was absolutely sure of my +position. I have been informed that Underwood committed suicide, and +to-night evidence confirming this statement is to be placed in my hands. +The woman who paid him that mysterious visit just before his death has +promised to come here and tell us what she knows. Now, if Captain +Clinton can be got to admit the possibility of his being mistaken it +means that your son will be free in a few days." + +"Who has given you this information?" demanded the banker skeptically. + +"Howard's wife," answered the judge quietly. The banker started and the +lawyer went on: "She knows who the woman is, and has promised to bring +her here to-night with documentary proof of Underwood's suicide." + +"You are depending on her?" he sneered. + +"Why not?" demanded the judge. "She has more at stake than any of us. +She has worked day and night on this case. It was she who aroused Dr. +Bernstein's interest and persuaded him to collect the evidence against +Captain Clinton." + +The banker frowned. + +"She is the cause of the whole miserable business," he growled. + +The door opened and the butler, entering, handed his master a card. + +"Ah!" ejaculated the judge. "Here's our man! Show him up." + +When the servant had disappeared Mr. Jeffries turned to his host. With a +show of irritation he said: + +"I think you put too much faith in that woman, but you'll find +out--you'll find out." + +Judge Brewster smiled. + +"That's our object, isn't it, Mr. Jeffries--to find out?" he said +sarcastically. + +"What's the name of this mysterious witness?" exclaimed the banker +testily. "If the police haven't been able to find her why should +Howard's wife be able to do so? There was a report that she herself +was----" He paused and added, "Did she tell you who it was?" + +"No," said the judge dryly, "she will tell us to-night." + +The banker bounded in his seat. + +"You'll see," he cried. "Another flash in the pan. I don't like being +mixed up in this matter--it's a disagreeable--most disagreeable." + +Dr. Bernstein puffed a thick cloud of smoke into the air and said +quietly: + +"Yes, sir; it is disagreeable--but--unfortunately it is life." + +Suddenly the door opened and Captain Clinton appeared, followed by his +_fidus Achates_, Detective Sergeant Maloney. Both men were in plain +clothes. The captain's manner was condescendingly polite, the attitude +of a man so sure of his own position that he had little respect for the +opinion of any one else. With an effort at amiability he began: + +"Got your message, judge--came as soon as I could. Excuse my bringing +the sergeant with me. Sit over there, Maloney." Half apologetically, he +added: "He keeps his eyes open and his mouth shut, so he won't +interfere. How do, doctor?" + +Maloney took a position at the far end of the room, while Dr. Bernstein +introduced the captain to Mr. Jeffries. + +"Yes, I know the gentleman. How do, sir?" + +The banker nodded stiffly. He did not relish having to hobnob in this +way with such a vulgarian as a grafting police captain. Captain Clinton +turned to Judge Brewster. + +"Now, judge, explode your bomb! But I warn you I've made up my mind." + +"I've made up my mind, too," retorted the judge, "so at least we start +even." + +"Yes," growled the other. + +"As I stated in my letter, captain," went on the judge coolly, "I don't +want to use your own methods in this matter. I don't want to spread +reports about you, or accuse you in the papers. That's why I asked you +to come over and discuss the matter informally with me. I want to give +you a chance to change your attitude." + +"Don't want any chance," growled the policeman. + +"You mean," said the judge, peering at his _vis ŕ vis_ over his +spectacles, "that you _don't want_ to change your attitude." + +Captain Clinton settled himself more firmly in his chair, as if getting +ready for hostilities. Defiantly he replied: + +"That's about what I mean, I suppose." + +"In other words," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you have found +this--this boy guilty and you refuse to consider evidence which may tend +to prove otherwise." + +"'Tain't my business to consider evidence," snapped the chief. "That's +up to the prosecuting attorney." + +"It will be," replied the lawyer sharply, "but at present it's up to +you." + +"Me?" exclaimed the other in genuine surprise. + +"Yes," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you were instrumental in +obtaining a confession from him. I'm raising a question as to the truth +of that confession." + +Captain Clinton showed signs of impatience. Shrugging his massive +shoulders deprecatingly, said: + +"Are we going over all that? What's the use? A confession is a +confession and that settles it. I suppose the doctor has been working +his pet theory off on you and it's beginning to sprout." + +"Yes," retorted the judge quickly, "it's beginning to sprout, captain!" + +There was a sudden interruption caused by the entrance of the butler, +who approached his master and whispered something to him. Aloud the +judge said: + +"Ask her to wait till we are ready." + +The servant retired and Captain Clinton turned to the judge. With mock +deference, he said: + +"Say, Mr. Brewster, you're a great constitutional lawyer--the greatest +in this country--and I take off my hat to you, but I don't think +criminal law is in your line." + +Judge Brewster pursed his lips and his eyes flashed as he retorted +quickly: + +"I don't think it's constitutional to take a man's mind away from him +and substitute your own, Captain Clinton." + +"What do you mean?" demanded the chief. + +"I mean that instead of bringing out of this man his own true thoughts +of innocence, you have forced into his consciousness your own false +thoughts of his guilt." + +The judge spoke slowly and deliberately, making each word tell. The +police bully squirmed uneasily on his chair. + +"I don't follow you, judge. Better stick to international law. This +police court work is beneath you." + +"Perhaps it is," replied the lawyer quickly without losing his temper. +Then he asked: "Captain, will you answer a few questions?" + +"It all depends," replied the other insolently. + +"If you don't," cried the judge sharply, "I'll ask them through the +medium of your own weapon--the press. Only my press will not consist of +the one or two yellow journals you inspire, but the independent, +dignified press of the United States." + +The captain reddened. + +"I don't like the insinuation, judge." + +"I don't insinuate, Captain Clinton," went on the lawyer severely, "I +accuse you of giving an untruthful version of this matter to two +sensational newspapers in this city. These scurrilous sheets have tried +this young man in their columns and found him guilty, thus prejudicing +the whole community against him before he comes to trial. In no other +country in the civilized world would this be tolerated, except in a +country overburdened with freedom." + +Captain Clinton laughed boisterously. + +"The early bird catches the worm," he grinned. "They asked me for +information and got it." + +Judge Brewster went on: + +"You have so prejudiced the community against him that there is scarcely +a man who doesn't believe him guilty. If this matter ever comes to trial +how can we pick an unprejudiced jury? Added to this foul injustice you +have branded this young man's wife with every stigma that can be put on +womanhood. You have hinted that she is the mysterious female who visited +Underwood on the night of the shooting and openly suggested that she is +the cause of the crime." + +"Well, it's just possible," said the policeman with effrontery. + +Judge Brewster was fast losing his temper. The man's insolent demeanor +was intolerable. Half rising from his chair and pointing his finger at +him, he continued: + +"You have besmirched her character with stories of scandal. You have +linked her name with that of Underwood. The whole country rings with +falsities about her. In my opinion, Captain Clinton, your direct object +is to destroy the value of any evidence she may give in her husband's +favor." + +The chief looked aggrieved. + +"Why, I haven't said a word." Turning to his sergeant, he asked, "Have +I, Maloney?" + +"But these sensation-mongers have!" cried the judge angrily. "You are +the only source from whom they could obtain the information." + +"But what do I gain?" demanded the captain with affected innocence. + +"Advertisement--promotion," replied the judge sternly. "These same +papers speak of you as the greatest living chief--the greatest public +official--oh, you know the political value of that sort of thing as well +as I do." + +The captain shrugged his shoulders. + +"I can't help what they say about me," he growled. + +"They might add that you are also the richest," added the judge quickly, +"but I won't go into that." + +Again Captain Clinton reddened and shifted restlessly on his chair. He +did not relish the trend of the conversation. + +"I don't like all this, Judge Brewster--'tain't fair--I ain't on trial." + +Judge Brewster picked up some papers from his desk and read from one of +them. + +"Captain, in the case of the People against Creedon--after plying the +defendant with questions for six hours, you obtained a confession from +him?" + +"Yes, he told me he set the place on fire." + +"Exactly--but it afterward developed that he was never near the place." + +"Well, he told me." + +"Yes. He told you, but it turned out that he was mistaken." + +"Yes," admitted the captain reluctantly. + +The judge took another document, and read: + +"In the case of the People against Bentley." + +"That was Bentley's own fault--I didn't ask him," interrupted the +captain. "He owned up himself." Turning to the sergeant, he said, "You +were there, Maloney." + +"But you believed him guilty," interposed Judge Brewster quickly. + +"Yes." + +"You thought him guilty and after a five-hour session you impressed this +thought on his mind and he--he confessed." + +"I didn't impress anything--I just simply----" + +"You just simply convinced him that he was guilty--though as it turned +out he was in prison at the time he was supposed to have committed the +burglary----" + +"It wasn't burglary," corrected the captain sullenly. + +Judge Brewster again consulted the papers in his hand. + +"You're quite right, captain--my mistake--it was homicide, but--it was +an untrue confession." + +"Yes." + +"It was the same thing in the Callahan case," went on the judge, picking +up another document. "In the case of the People against +Tuthill--and--Cosgrove--Tuthill confessed and died in prison, and +Cosgrove afterward acknowledged that he and not Tuthill was the guilty +man." + +"Well," growled the captain, "mistakes sometimes happen." + +Judge Brewster stopped and laid down his eyeglasses. + +"Ah, that is precisely the point of view we take in this matter! Now, +captain, in the present case, on the night of the confession did you +show young Mr. Jeffries the pistol with which he was supposed to have +shot Robert Underwood?" + +Captain Clinton screwed up his eyes as if thinking hard. Then, turning +to his sergeant, he said: + +"Yes. I think I did. Didn't I, Maloney?" + +"Your word is sufficient," said the judge quickly. "Did you hold it up?" + +"Think I did." + +"Do you know if there was a light shining on it?" asked the judge +quickly. + +At this point, Dr. Bernstein, who had been an attentive listener, bent +eagerly forward. Much depended on Captain Clinton's answer--perhaps a +man's life. + +"Don't know--might have been," replied the chief carelessly. + +Judge Brewster turned to Dr. Bernstein. + +"Were there electric lights on the wall?" + +"Yes." + +"What difference does that make?" demanded the policeman. + +"Quite a little," replied the judge quietly. "The barrel of the revolver +was bright--shining steel. From the moment that Howard Jeffries' eyes +rested on the shining steel barrel of that revolver he was no longer a +conscious personality. As he himself said to his wife, 'They said I did +it--and I knew I didn't, but after I looked at that shining pistol I +don't know what I said or did--everything became a blur and a blank.' +Now, I may tell you, captain, that this condition fits in every detail +the clinical experiences of nerve specialists and the medical +experiences of the psychologists. After five hours' constant +cross-questioning while in a semi-dazed condition, you impressed on him +your own ideas--you suggested to him what he should say--you extracted +from him not the thoughts that were in his own consciousness, but those +that were in yours. Is that the scientific fact, doctor?" + +"Yes," replied Dr. Bernstein, "the optical captivation of Howard +Jeffries' attention makes the whole case complete and clear to the +physician." + +Captain Clinton laughed loudly. + +"Optical captivation is good!" Turning to his sergeant he asked, "What +do you think of it, Maloney?" + +Sergeant Maloney chuckled. + +"It's a new one, eh?" + +"No, captain--it's a very old one," interrupted the lawyer sternly, "but +it's new to us. We're barely on the threshold of the discovery. It +certainly explains these other cases, doesn't it?" + +"I don't know that it does," objected the captain, shaking his head. "I +don't acknowledge----" + +Judge Brewster sat down. Looking the policeman squarely in the face, he +said slowly and deliberately: + +"Captain Clinton, whether you acknowledge it or not, I can prove that +you obtained these confessions by means of hypnotic suggestion, and that +is a greater crime against society than any the State punishes or pays +you to prevent." + +The captain laughed and shrugged his shoulders. Indifferently he said: + +"I guess the boys up at Albany can deal with that question." + +"The boys up at Albany," retorted the lawyer, "know as little about the +laws of psychology as you do. This will be dealt with at Washington!" + +The captain yawned. + +"I didn't come here to hear about that--you were going to produce the +woman who called on Underwood the night of the murder--that was what I +came here for--not to hear my methods criticised--where is she?" + +"One thing at a time," replied the judge. "First, I wanted to show you +that we know Howard Jeffries' confession is untrue. Now we'll take up +the other question." Striking a bell on his desk, he added: "This woman +can prove that Robert Underwood committed suicide." + +"She can, eh?" exclaimed the captain sarcastically. "Maybe she did it +herself. Some one did it, that's sure!" + +The library door opened and the butler entered. + +"Yes, some one did it!" retorted the judge; "we agree there!" To the +servant he said: "Ask Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., to come here." + +The servant left the room and the captain turned to the judge with a +laugh: + +"Is she the one? Ha! ha!--that's easy----" + +The judge nodded. + +"She has promised to produce the missing witness to-night." + +"She has, eh?" exclaimed the captain. + +Rising quickly from his chair, he crossed the room and talked in an +undertone with his sergeant. This new turn in the case seemed to +interest him. Meantime Mr. Jeffries, who had followed every phase of the +questioning with close attention, left his seat and went over to Judge +Brewster. + +"Is it possible," he exclaimed, "is it possible that Underwood shot +himself? I never dreamed of doubting Howard's confession!" More +cordially he went on: "Brewster, if this is true, I owe you a debt of +gratitude--you've done splendid work--I--I'm afraid I've been just a +trifle obstinate." + +"Just a trifle," said the judge dryly. + +Sergeant Maloney took his hat. + +"Hurry up!" said the captain, "you can telephone from the corner drug +store." + +"All right, Cap'." + +Dr. Bernstein also rose to depart. + +"I must go, Mr. Brewster; I have an appointment at the hospital." + +The judge grasped his hand warmly. + +"Thank you, doctor!" he exclaimed, "I don't know what I should have done +without you." + +"Thank you, sir!" chimed in the banker, "I am greatly indebted to you." + +"Don't mention it," replied the psychologist almost ironically. + +He went out and the banker impatiently took out his watch. + +"It's getting late!" he exclaimed; "where is this girl. I have no faith +in her promises!" + +As he spoke the library door opened and Annie appeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + +As Annie entered the room and caught sight of Mr. Jeffries, she +instinctively drew back. Just at that moment the banker was, perhaps, +the one man in the world whom she was most anxious to avoid. Captain +Clinton no longer had any terror for her. Now that the missing witness +had been found and the precious "suicide letter" was as good as in their +possession there was nothing more to fear. It was only a question of +time when Howard would be set free. But it was not in this girl's nature +to be concerned only with herself. If she possessed a single womanly +virtue, it was supreme unselfishness. There was some one beside herself +to take into consideration--a poor, vacillating, weak, miserable woman +who wished to do what was right and had agreed to do so, but who, in the +privacy of her own apartments, had gone down on her knees and begged +Annie to protect her from the consequences of her own folly. Her husband +must not know. Annie had promised that if there was any way possible +the knowledge of that clandestine midnight visit to Underwood's rooms +should be kept from him. Yet there stood the banker! She was afraid that +if they began questioning her in his presence she might be betrayed into +saying something that would instantly arouse his suspicions. + +Judge Brewster went quickly forward as she came in and led her to a +chair. Captain Clinton and Mr. Jeffries eyed her in stolid silence. +Looking around in a nervous kind of way, Annie said quietly to the +judge: + +"May I speak to you alone, judge?" + +"Certainly," replied the lawyer. + +He was about to draw her aside when Captain Clinton interfered. + +"One moment!" he said gruffly, "if this is all open and above board, as +you say it is, judge--I'd like to ask the young lady a few questions." + +"Certainly, by all means," said the judge quickly. + +The captain turned and confronted Annie. Addressing her in his customary +aggressive manner, he said: + +"You promised Judge Brewster that you'd produce the woman who called at +Underwood's apartment the night of the shooting?" Annie made no reply, +but looked at the lawyer. The captain grinned as he added: "The witness +wants instructions, judge." + +"You can be perfectly frank, Mrs. Jeffries," said the lawyer +reassuringly. "We have no desire to conceal anything from Captain +Clinton." + +Annie bowed. + +"Yes," she said slowly; "I promised Judge Brewster that she would come +here to-night." + +"Did she promise you to come?" growled the captain. + +"Yes." + +"Well, where is she?" he demanded. + +"She hasn't come yet," she replied, "but she will, I'm sure--I know she +will." + +"How did you come to find her?" demanded the captain suspiciously. + +Annie hesitated a moment and glanced at Mr. Jeffries. Then she said +hesitatingly: + +"That I--I cannot say--now." + +Captain Clinton's massive bulldog jaw closed with an ominous click. + +"Decline to answer, eh? What's her name?" + +She remained silent. + +"What's her name?" he repeated impatiently. + +"I cannot tell you," she said firmly. + +"Do you know it?" he bellowed. + +"Yes," she answered quietly. + +"Know it, but can't say, eh? Hum!" + +He folded his arms and glared at her. Mr. Jeffries now interfered. +Addressing Annie angrily, he said: + +"But you must speak! Do you realize that my son's life is at stake?" + +"Yes, I do," she replied quickly. "I'm glad to see that you are +beginning to realize it, too. But I can't tell you yet----" + +The judge turned to the police captain. + +"I may tell you, captain, that even I myself have not succeeded in +learning the name of this mysterious personage." Addressing Annie, he +said: "I think you had better tell us. I see no advantage in concealing +it any further." + +Annie shook her head. + +"Not yet," she murmured; "she will tell you herself when she comes." + +"Ha! I thought as much!" exclaimed the banker incredulously. + +The captain rose and drew himself up to his full height, a favorite +trick of his when about to assert his authority. + +"Well, when she does come!" he exclaimed, "I think you may as well +understand she will be taken to headquarters and held as a witness." + +[Illustration: "WHEN THIS MYSTERIOUS WITNESS DOES COME I SHALL PLACE HER +UNDER ARREST."] + +"You'll arrest her!" cried the lawyer. + +"That's what I said, judge. She a material witness--the most important +one the State has. I don't intend that she shall get away----" + +"Arrest her! Oh, judge, don't let him do that!" exclaimed Annie in +dismay. + +Judge Brewster grew red in the face. Wrathfully he said: + +"She is coming to my house of her own free will. She has trusted to my +honor----" + +"Yes--yes!" cried Annie. "She trusts to your honor, judge." + +Captain Clinton grinned. + +"Honor cuts mighty little ice in this matter. There's no use talking. I +shall place her under arrest." + +"I will not permit such a disgraceful proceeding!" cried the lawyer. + +"With all due respect, judge," retorted the policeman impudently, "you +won't be consulted. You have declared yourself counsel for the man who +has been indicted for murder--I didn't ask you to take me into your +confidence--you invited me here, treated me to a lecture on psychology, +for which I thank you very much, but I don't feel that I need any +further instruction. If this woman ever does get here, the moment she +leaves the house Maloney has instructions to arrest her, but I guess we +needn't worry. She has probably forgotten her appointment. Some people +are very careless in that respect." Moving toward the door, he added: +"Well, if it's all the same to you, I'll wait downstairs. Good night." + +He went out, his hat impudently tilted back on his head, a sneer on his +lips. The banker turned to the judge. + +"I told you how it would be," he said scornfully. "A flash in the pan!" + +The lawyer looked askance at Annie. + +"You are sure she will come?" he asked. + +"Yes, I am sure!" With concern she added: "But the disgrace of arrest! +It will kill her! Oh, judge, don't let them arrest her!" + +"Tell me who she is!" commanded the lawyer sternly. + +It was the first time he had spoken to her harshly and Annie, to her +dismay, thought she detected a note of doubt in his voice. Looking +toward the banker, she replied: + +"I can't tell you just now--she'll be here soon----" + +"Tell me now--I insist," said the lawyer with growing impatience. + +"Please--please don't ask me!" she pleaded. + +Mr. Jeffries made an angry gesture. + +"As I told you, Brewster, her whole story is a fabrication trumped up +for some purpose--God knows what object she has in deceiving us! I only +know that I warned you what you always may expect from people of her +class." + +The judge said nothing for a moment. Then quietly he whispered to the +banker: + +"Go into my study for a few moments, will you, Jeffries?" + +The banker made a gesture, as if utterly disgusted with the whole +business. + +"I am going home," he said testily. "I've had a most painful +evening--most painful. Let me know the result of your investigation as +soon as possible. Good night. Don't disturb me to-night, Brewster. +To-morrow will do." + +He left the room in high dudgeon, banging the door behind him. Annie +burst into a laugh. + +"Don't disturb him!" she mimicked. "He's going to get all that's coming +to him." + +Shocked at her levity, the lawyer turned on her severely. + +"Do you want me to lose all faith in you?" he asked sternly. + +"No, indeed," she answered contritely. + +"Then tell me," he demanded, "why do you conceal this woman's name from +me?" + +"Because I don't want to be the one to expose her. She shall tell you +herself." + +"That's all very well," he replied, "but meantime you are directing +suspicion against yourself. Your father-in-law believes you are the +woman; so does Captain Clinton." + +"The captain suspects everybody," she laughed. "It's his business to +suspect. As long as you don't believe that I visited Underwood that +night----" + +The judge shook his head as if puzzled. + +"Candidly, I don't know what to think." Seriously, he added: "I want to +think the very best of you, Annie, but you won't let me." + +She hesitated a moment and then, quickly, she said: + +"I suppose I'd better tell you and have done with it--but I don't like +to----" + +At that moment a servant entered and handed the lawyer a card. + +"The lady wants to see you at once, sir." + +"To see me," asked the lawyer in surprise: "are you sure she hasn't come +for Mr. Jeffries?" + +"No, sir; she asked for you." + +Annie sprang forward. + +"Is it Mrs. Jeffries?" she asked. + +"Yes," he replied. + +"Let me see her, judge," she exclaimed eagerly; "I'll tell her who it is +and she can tell you--she's a woman--and I'd rather. Let me speak to +her, please!" + +Addressing the servant, the lawyer said: + +"Ask Mrs. Jeffries to come up." Turning to his client, he went on: + +"I see no objection to your speaking to Mrs. Jeffries. After all, she is +your husband's stepmother. But I am free to confess that I don't +understand you. I am more than disappointed in your failure to keep your +word. You promised definitely that you would bring the witness here +to-night. On the strength of that promise I made statements to Captain +Clinton which I have not been able to substantiate. The whole story +looks like an invention on your part." + +She held out her hands entreatingly. + +"It's not an invention! Really, judge! Just a little while longer! +You've been so kind, so patient!" + +There was a trace of anger in the lawyer's voice as he went on: + +"I believed you implicitly. You were so positive this woman would come +forward." + +"She will--she will. Give me only a few minutes more!" she cried. + +The lawyer looked at her as if puzzled. + +"A few minutes?" he said. Again he looked at her and then shook his +head resignedly. "Well, it's certainly infectious!" he exclaimed. "I +believe you again." + +The door opened and Alicia appeared. The lawyer advanced politely to +greet her. + +"Good evening, Mrs. Jeffries." + +Alicia shook hands with him, at the same time looking inquiringly at +Annie, who, by a quick gesture, told her that the judge knew nothing of +her secret. The lawyer went on: + +"Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., wishes to speak to you. I said I thought there'd be +no objection if you don't mind. May she?" + +"Yes," murmured Alicia. + +"Your husband was here," said the judge. + +"My husband!" she cried, startled. Again she glanced inquiringly at +Annie and tried to force a smile. + +"Yes," said the lawyer; "he'll be glad to know you're here. I'll tell +him." Turning to Annie, he said: "When you're ready, please send +and----" + +"Very well, judge." + +The lawyer went out and Alicia turned round breathlessly. + +"My husband was here?" she exclaimed. + +"Yes." + +"You've told Mr. Brewster nothing?" + +Annie shook her head. + +"I couldn't!" she said. "I tried to, but I couldn't. It seems so hard, +doesn't it?" Alicia laughed bitterly and Annie went on: "I was afraid +you weren't coming!" + +"The train was late!" exclaimed Alicia evasively, "I went up to Stamford +to say good-by to my mother." + +"To say good-by?" echoed her companion in surprise. + +"Yes," said the other tearfully. "I have said good-by to her--I have +said good-by to everybody--to everything--to myself--I must give them +all up--I must give myself up." + +"Oh, it isn't as bad as that, surely?" + +Alicia shook her head sadly. + +"Yes," she said; "I've reckoned it all up. It's a total loss. Nothing +will be saved--husband, home, position, good name--all will go. You'll +see. I shall be torn into little bits of shreds. They won't leave +anything unsaid. But it's not that I care for so much. It's the +injustice of it all. The injustice of the power of evil. This man +Underwood never did a good action in all his life. And now even after he +is dead he has the power to go on destroying--destroying--destroying!" + +"That's true," said Annie; "he was no good." + +The banker's wife drew from her bosom the letter Underwood wrote her +before he killed himself. + +"When he sent me this letter," she went on, "I tried to think myself +into his condition of mind, so that I could decide whether he intended +to keep his word and kill himself or not. I tried to reason out just how +he felt and how he thought. Now I know. It's hopeless, dull, sodden +desperation. I haven't even the ambition to defend myself from Mr. +Jeffries." + +Annie shrugged her shoulders. + +"I wouldn't lose any sleep on his account," she said with a laugh. More +seriously she added: "Surely he won't believe----" + +"He may not believe anything himself," said Alicia. "It's what other +people are thinking that will make him suffer. If the circumstances were +only a little less disgraceful--a suicide's last letter to the woman he +loved. They'll say I drove him to it. They won't think of his miserable, +dishonest career. They'll only think of my share in his death----" + +Annie shook her head sympathetically. + +"Yes," she said; "it's tough! The worst of it is they are going to +arrest you." + +Alicia turned ashen pale. + +"Arrest me!" she cried. + +"That's what Captain Clinton says," replied the other gravely. "He was +here--he is here now--with two men, waiting for you." Apologetically she +went on: "It wasn't my fault, Mrs. Jeffries--I didn't mean to. What +could I do? When I told Judge Brewster, he sent for Captain Clinton. The +police are afraid you'll run away or something----" + +"And my husband!" gasped Alicia; "he doesn't know, does he?" + +"No, I didn't tell them. I said you'd tell them yourself, but they won't +trust you when they know who you are. Let's tell the judge--he may think +of a plan. Suppose you go away until----" Puzzled herself to find a way +out of the dilemma, Annie paced the floor nervously. "Oh, this is +awful!" she exclaimed. "What are we to do??" + +She looked toward Alicia, as if expecting some suggestion from her, but +her companion was too much overwhelmed to take any initiative. + +"It does stun one, doesn't it?" went on Annie. "You can't think when it +comes all of a sudden like this. It's just the way I felt the morning +they showed me Howard's confession." + +"Prison! Prison!" wailed Alicia. + +Annie tried to console her. + +"Not for long," she said soothingly; "you can get bail. It's only a +matter of favor--Judge Brewster would get you out right away." + +"Get me out!" cried Alicia distractedly. "My God! I can't go to prison! +I can't! That's too much. I've done nothing! Look--read this!" Handing +over Underwood's letter, she went on: "You can see for yourself. The +wretch frightened me into such a state of mind that I hardly knew what I +was doing--I went to his rooms to save him. That's the truth, I swear to +God! But do you suppose anybody will believe me on oath? +They'll--they'll----" + +Almost hysterical, she no longer knew what she was saying or doing. She +collapsed utterly, and sinking down in a chair, gave way to a +passionate fit of sobbing. Annie tried to quiet her: + +"Hush!" she said gently, "don't go on like that. Be brave. Perhaps it +won't be so bad as you think." She unfolded the letter Alicia had given +her and carefully read it through. When she had finished her face lit up +with joy. Enthusiastically she cried: + +"This is great for Howard! What a blessing you didn't destroy it! What a +wretch, what a hound to write you like that! Poor soul, of course, you +went and begged him not to do it! I'd have gone myself, but I think I'd +have broken an umbrella over his head or something----Gee! these kind of +fellows breed trouble, don't they? Alive or dead, they breed trouble! +What can we do?" + +Alicia rose. Her tears had disappeared. There was a look of fixed +resolve in her eyes. + +"Howard must be cleared," she said, "and I must face it--alone!" + +"You'll be alone all right," said Annie thoughtfully. "Mr. Jeffries will +do as much for you as he did for his son." + +Noticing that her companion seemed hurt by her frankness, she changed +the topic. + +"Honest to God!" she exclaimed, good-naturedly, "I'm +broken-hearted--I'll do anything to save you from this--this public +disgrace. I know what it means--I've had my dose of it. But this thing +has got to come out, hasn't it?" + +The banker's wife wearily nodded assent. + +"Yes, I realize that," she said, "but the disgrace of arrest--I can't +stand it, Annie! I can't go to prison even if it's only for a minute." +Holding out a trembling hand, she went on: "Give me back the letter. +I'll leave New York to-night--I'll go to Europe--I'll send it to Judge +Brewster from Paris." Looking anxiously into her companion's face, she +pleaded: "You'll trust me to do that, won't you? Give it to me, +please--you can trust me." + +Her hand was still extended, but Annie ignored it. + +"No--no," she said, shaking her head, "I can't give it to you--how can +I? Don't you understand what the letter means to me?" + +"Have pity!" cried the banker's wife, almost beside herself. "You can +tell them when I'm out of the country. Don't ask me to make this +sacrifice now--don't ask me--don't!" + +Annie was beginning to lose patience. The woman's selfishness angered +her. With irritation, she said: + +"You've lost your nerve, and you don't know what you're saying. Howard's +life comes before you--me--or anybody. You know that!" + +"Yes--yes," cried Alicia desperately, "I know that. I'm only asking you +to wait. I--I ought to have left this morning--that's what I should have +done--gone at once. Now it's too late, unless you help me----" + +"I'll help you all I can," replied the other doggedly, "but I've +promised Judge Brewster to clear up this matter to-night." + +Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. Captain Clinton entered, +followed by Detective Sergeant Maloney. Alicia shrank back in alarm. + +"I thought Judge Brewster was here," said the captain, glancing +suspiciously round the room. + +"I'll send for him," said Annie, touching a bell. + +"Well, where's your mysterious witness?" demanded the captain +sarcastically. + +He looked curiously at Alicia. + +"This is Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," said Annie, "my husband's +stepmother." + +The captain made a deferential salute. Bully as he was, he knew how to +be courteous when it suited his purpose. He had heard enough of the +wealthy banker's aristocratic wife to treat her with respect. + +"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 _exposé_ 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 fashion, 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 blustered: + +"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 constitutional 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. + +"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 snatched 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 massive 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?" + +"I don't know. I never thought of that," she faltered. + +The judge turned to Alicia. + +"Are you going to allow her to do so, Mrs. Jeffries?" + +"No, no," cried Alicia quickly, "I never thought of such a thing." + +"Then I repeat--is it your intention to perjure yourself?" Annie was +silent, and he went on: "I assume it is, but let me ask you: Do you +expect me, as your counsel, to become _participes criminis_ to this +tissue of lies? Am I expected to build up a false structure for you to +swear to? Am I?" + +"I don't know; I haven't thought of it," replied Annie. "If it can be +done, why not? I'm glad you suggested it." + +"_I_ suggest it?" exclaimed the lawyer, scandalized. + +"Yes," cried Annie with growing exaltation; "it never occurred to me +till you spoke. Everybody says I'm the woman who called on Robert +Underwood that night. Well, that's all right. Let them continue to think +so. What difference does it make so long as Howard is set free?" Going +toward the door, she said: "Good night, Mrs. Jeffries!" + +The judge tried to bar her way. + +"Don't go," he said; "Captain Clinton's men are waiting outside." + +"That doesn't matter!" she cried. + +"But you must not go!" exclaimed the lawyer in a tone of command. "I +won't allow it. They'll arrest you! Mrs. Jeffries, you'll please remain +here." + +But Annie was already at the door. + +"I wouldn't keep Captain Clinton waiting for the world," she cried. +"Good night, Judge Brewster, and God bless you!" + +The door slammed, and she was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + +The Jeffries case suddenly entered into an entirely new phase, and once +more was deemed of sufficient public interest to warrant column after +column of spicy comment in the newspapers. The town awoke one morning to +learn that the long-sought-for witness, the mysterious woman on whose +testimony everything hinged, had not only been found, but proved to be +the prisoner's own wife, who had been so active in his defense. This +announcement was stupefying enough to over-shadow all other news of the +day, and satisfied the most jaded palate for sensationalism. + +The first question asked on all sides was: Why had not the wife come +forward before? The reason, as glibly explained by an evening journal of +somewhat yellow proclivities, was logical enough. The telling of her +midnight visit to a single man's rooms involved a shameful admission +which any woman might well hesitate to make unless forced to it as a +last extremity. Confronted, however, with the alternative of either +seeing her husband suffer for a crime of which he was innocent or making +public acknowledgment of her own frailty, she had chosen the latter +course. Naturally, it meant divorce from the banker's son, and +undoubtedly this was the solution most wished for by the family. The +whole unsavory affair conveyed a good lesson to reckless young men of +wealth to avoid entangling themselves in undesirable matrimonial +adventures. But it was no less certain, went on this journalistic +mentor, that this wife, unfaithful as she had proved herself to be, had +really rendered her husband a signal service in his present scrape. The +letter she had produced, written to her by Underwood the day before his +death, in which he stated his determination to kill himself, was, of +course, a complete vindication for the man awaiting trial. His +liberation now depended only on how quickly the ponderous machinery of +the law could take cognizance of this new and most important evidence. + +The new turn of affairs was naturally most distasteful to the police. If +there was one thing more than another which angered Captain Clinton it +was to take the trouble to build up a case only to have it suddenly +demolished. He scoffed at the "suicide letter," safely committed to +Judge Brewster's custody, and openly branded it as a forgery concocted +by an immoral woman for the purpose of defeating the ends of justice. He +kept Annie a prisoner and defied the counsel for the defence to do their +worst. Judge Brewster, who loved the fray, accepted the challenge. He +acted promptly. He secured Annie's release on _habeas corpus_ +proceedings and, his civil suit against the city having already begun in +the courts, he suddenly called Captain Clinton to the stand and gave him +a grilling which more than atoned for any which the police tyrant had +previously made his victims suffer. In the limelight of a sensational +trial, in which public servants were charged with abusing positions of +trust, he showed Captain Clinton up as a bully and a grafter, a +bribe-taker, working hand and glove with dishonest politicians, not +hesitating even to divide loot with thieves and dive-keepers in his +greed for wealth. He proved him to be a consummate liar, a man who would +stop at nothing to gain his own ends. What jury would take the word of +such a man as this? Yet this was the man who still insisted that Howard +Jeffries was guilty of the shooting of Robert Underwood! + +But public opinion was too intelligent to be hoodwinked for any length +of time by a brutal and ignorant policeman. There was a clamor for the +prisoner's release. The evidence was such that further delay was +inexcusable. The district attorney, thus urged, took an active interest +in the case, and after going over the new evidence with Judge Brewster, +went before the court and made formal application for the dismissal of +the complaint. A few days later Howard Jeffries left the Tombs amid the +cheers of a crowd assembled outside. At his side walked his wife, now +smiling through tears of joy. + +It was a glad home-coming to the little flat in Harlem. To Howard, after +spending so long a time in the narrow prison quarters, it seemed like +paradise, and Annie walked on air, so delighted was she to have him with +her again. Yet there were still anxieties to cloud their happiness. The +close confinement, with its attendant worry, had seriously undermined +Howard's health. He was pale and attenuated, and so weak that he had +several fainting spells. Much alarmed, Annie summoned Dr. Bernstein, +who administered a tonic. There was nothing to cause anxiety, he said +reassuringly. It was a natural reaction after what her husband had +undergone. But it was worry as much as anything else. Howard worried +about his father, with whom he was only partially reconciled; he worried +about his future, which was as precarious as ever, and most of all he +worried about his wife. He was not ignorant of the circumstances which +had brought about his release, and while liberty was sweet to him, it +had been a terrible shock when he first heard that she was the woman who +had visited Underwood's rooms. He refused to believe her sworn evidence. +How was it possible? Why should she go to Underwood's rooms knowing he +was there? It was preposterous. Still the small voice rang in his +ears--perhaps she's untrue! It haunted him till one day he asked +point-blank for an explanation. Then she told that she had perjured +herself. She was not the woman. Who she really was she could not say. He +must be satisfied for the present with the assurance that it was not his +wife. With that he was content. What did he care for the opinion of +others? He knew--that was enough! In their conversation on the subject +Annie did not even mention Alicia's name. Why should she? + +Weeks passed, and Howard's health did not improve. He had tried to find +a position, but without success, yet every day brought its obligations +which had to be met. One morning Annie was bustling about their tiny +dining room preparing the table for their frugal luncheon. She had just +placed the rolls and butter on the table, and arranged the chairs, when +there came a ring at the front doorbell. Early visitors were not so +unfrequent as to cause surprise, so, without waiting to remove her +apron, she went to the door and opened it. Dr. Bernstein entered. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Jeffries," he said cheerily. Putting down his +medical bag, he asked: "How is our patient this morning?" + +"All right, doctor. He had a splendid night's rest. I'll call him." + +"Never mind, I want to talk to you." Seriously, he went on: "Mrs. +Jeffries, your husband needs a change of scene. He's worrying. That +fainting spell the other day was only a symptom. I'm afraid he'll break +down unless----" + +"Unless what?" she demanded anxiously. + +He hesitated for a moment, as if unwilling to give utterance to words he +knew must inflict pain. Then quickly he continued: + +"Your husband is under a great mental strain. His inability to support +you, his banishment from his proper sphere in the social world is mental +torture to him. He feels his position keenly. There is nothing else to +occupy his mind but thoughts of his utter and complete failure in life. +I was talking to his father last night, and----" + +"And what?" she demanded, drawing herself up. She suspected what was +coming, and nerved herself to meet it. + +"Now, don't regard me as an enemy," said the doctor in a conciliatory +tone. "Mr. Jeffries inquired after his son. Believe me, he's very +anxious. He knows he did the boy a great injustice, and he wants to make +up for it." + +"Oh, he does?" she exclaimed sarcastically. + +Dr. Bernstein hesitated for a moment before replying. Then he said +lightly: + +"Suppose Howard goes abroad for a few months with his father and +mother?" + +"Is that the proposition?" she demanded. + +The doctor nodded. + +"I believe Mr. Jeffries has already spoken about it to his son," he +said. + +Annie choked back a sob and, crossing the room to conceal her emotion, +stood with her back turned, looking out of the window. Her voice was +trembling as she said: + +"He wants to separate us, I know. He'd give half his fortune to do it. +Perhaps he's not altogether wrong. Things do look pretty black for me, +don't they? Everybody believes that my going to see Underwood that night +had something to do with his suicide and led to my husband being falsely +accused. The police built up a fine romance about Mr. Underwood and +me--and the newspapers! Every other day a reporter comes and asks us +when the divorce is going to take place--and who is going to institute +the proceedings, Howard or me. If everybody would only mind their own +business and let us alone he might forget. Oh, I don't mean you, doctor. +You're my friend. You made short work of Captain Clinton and his +'confession.' I mean people--outsiders--strangers--who don't know us, +and don't care whether we're alive or dead; those are the people I +mean. They buy a one-cent paper and they think it gives them the right +to pry into every detail of our lives." She paused for a moment, and +then went, on: "So you think Howard is worrying? I think so, too. At +first I thought it was because of the letter Mr. Underwood wrote me, but +I guess it's what you say. His old friends won't have anything to do +with him and--he's lonely. Well, I'll talk it over with him----" + +"Yes--talk it over with him." + +"Did you promise his father you'd ask me?" she demanded. + +"No--not exactly," he replied hesitatingly. + +Annie looked at him frankly. + +"Howard's a pretty good fellow to stand by me in the face of all that's +being said about my character, isn't he, doctor? And I'm not going to +stand in his light, even if it doesn't exactly make me the happiest +woman in the world, but don't let it trickle into your mind that I'm +doing it for his father's sake." + +At that moment Howard entered from the inner room. He was surprised to +see Dr. Bernstein. + +"How do you feel to-day?" asked the doctor. + +"First rate! Oh, I'm all right. You see, I'm just going to eat a bite. +Won't you join us?" + +He sat down at the table and picked up the newspaper, while Annie busied +herself with carrying in the dishes. + +"No, thank you," laughed the doctor. "It's too early for me. I've only +just had breakfast. I dropped in to see how you were." Taking up his +bag, he said: "Good-by! Don't get up. I can let myself out." + +But Annie had already opened the door for him, and smiled a farewell. +When she returned to her seat at the head of the table, and began to +pour out the coffee, Howard said: + +"He's a pretty decent fellow, isn't he?" + +"Yes," she replied absent-mindedly, as she passed a cup of coffee. + +"He made a monkey of Captain Clinton all right," went on Howard. "What +did he come for?" + +"To see you--of course," she replied. + +"Oh, I'm all right now," he replied. Looking anxiously at his wife +across the table, he said: "You're the one that needs tuning up. I heard +you crying last night. You thought I was asleep, but I wasn't. I didn't +say anything because--well--I felt kind of blue myself." + +Annie sighed and leaned her head on her hand. Wearily she said: + +"I was thinking over all what we've been through together, and what +they're saying about us----" + +Howard threw down his newspaper impatiently. + +"Let them say what they like. Why should we care as long as we're +happy?" + +His wife smiled sadly. + +"Are we happy?" she asked gently. + +"Of course we are," replied Howard. + +She looked up and smiled. It was good to hear him say so, but did he +mean it? Was she doing right to stand in the way of his career? Would he +not be happier if she left him? He was too loyal to suggest it, but +perhaps in his heart he desired it. Looking at him tenderly, she went +on: + +"I don't question your affection for me, Howard. I believe you love me, +but I'm afraid that, sooner or later, you'll ask yourself the question +all your friends are asking now, the question everybody seems to be +asking." + +"What question?" demanded Howard. + +"Yesterday the bell rang and a gentleman said he wanted to see you. I +told him you were out, and he said I'd do just as well. He handed me a +card. On it was the name of the newspaper he represented." + +"Well?" + +"He asked me if it were true that proceedings for a divorce were about +to be instituted. If so, when? And could I give him any information on +the subject? I asked him who wanted the information, and he said the +readers of his paper--the people--I believe he said over a million of +them. Just think, Howard! Over a million people, not counting your +father, your friends and relations, all waiting to know why you don't +get rid of me, why you don't believe me to be as bad as they think I +am----" + +Howard raised his hand for her to desist. + +"Annie--please!" he pleaded. + +"That's the fact, isn't it?" she laughed. + +"No." + +His wife's head dropped on the table. She was crying now. + +"I've made a hard fight, Howard," she sobbed, "but I'm going to give up. +I'm through--I'm through!" + +Howard took hold of her hand and carried it to his lips. + +"Annie, old girl," he said with some feeling, "I may be weak, I may be +blind, but nobody on top of God's green earth can tell me that you're +not the squarest, straightest little woman that ever lived! I don't care +a damn what one million or eighty million think. Supposing you had +received letters from Underwood, supposing you had gone to his rooms to +beg him not to kill himself--what of it? It would be for a good motive, +wouldn't it? Let them talk all the bad of you they want. I don't believe +a word of it--you know I don't." + +She looked up and smiled through her tears. + +"You're so good, dear," she exclaimed. "Yes, I know you believe in me." +She stopped and continued sadly: "But you're only a boy, you know. What +of the future, the years to come?" Howard's face became serious, and she +went on: "You see you've thought about it, too, and you're trying to +hide it from me. But you can't. Your father wants you to go abroad with +the family." + +"Well?" + +He waited and looked at her curiously as if wondering what her answer +would be. He waited some time, and then slowly she said: + +"I think--you had better go!" + +"You don't mean that!" he exclaimed, in genuine surprise. + +She shook her head affirmatively. + +"Yes, I do," she said; "your father wants you to take your position in +the world, the position you are entitled to, the position your +association with me prevents you from taking----" + +Howard drummed his fingers on the tablecloth and looked out of the +window. It seemed to her that his voice no longer had the same candid +ring as he replied: + +"Yes, father has spoken to me about it. He wants to be friends, and +I----" He paused awkwardly, and then added: "I admit I've--I've promised +to consider it, but----" + +Annie finished his sentence for him: + +"You're going to accept his offer, Howard. You owe it to yourself, to +your family, and to----" She laughed as she added: "I was going to say +to a million anxious readers." + +Howard looked at her curiously. He did not know if she were jesting or +in earnest. Almost impatiently he exclaimed: + +"Why do you talk in this way against your own interests? You know I'd +like to be friendly with my family, and all that. But it wouldn't be +fair to you." + +"I'm not talking against myself, Howard. I want you to be happy, and +you're not happy. You can't be happy under these conditions. Now be +honest with me--can you?" + +"Can you?" he demanded. + +"No," she answered frankly, "not unless you are." Slowly, she went on: +"Whatever happiness I've had in life I owe to you, and God knows you've +had nothing but trouble from me. I did wrong to marry you, and I'm +willing to pay the penalty. I've evened matters up with your family; now +let me try and square up with you." + +"Evened up matters with my family?" he exclaimed in surprise. "What do +you mean?" + +With a smile she replied ambiguously: + +"Oh, that's a little private matter of my own!" He stared at her, unable +to comprehend, and she went on gravely: "Howard, you must do what's best +for yourself. I'll pack your things. You can go when you please----" + +He stared gloomily out of the window without replying. After all, he +thought to himself, it was perhaps for the best. Shackled as he was now, +he would never be able to accomplish anything. If they separated, his +father would take him at once into his business. Life would begin for +him all over again. It would be better for her, too. Of course, he would +never forget her. He would provide for her comfort. His father would +help him arrange for that. Lighting a cigarette, he said carelessly: + +"Well--perhaps you're right. Maybe a little trip through Europe won't do +me any harm." + +"Of course not," she said simply. + +Busy with an obstinate match, he did not hear the sigh that accompanied +her words or see the look of agony that crossed her face. + +"But what are you going to do?" he inquired after a silence. + +With an effort, she controlled her voice. Not for all the world would +she betray the fact that her heart was breaking. With affected +indifference, she replied: + +"Oh, I shall be all right. I shall go and live somewhere in the country +for a few months. I'm tired of the city." + +"So am I," he rejoined, with a gesture of disgust. "But I hate like the +deuce to leave you alone." + +"That's nothing," she said hastily. "A trip abroad is just what you +need." Looking up at him, she added: "Your face has brightened up +already!" + +He stared at her, unable to understand. + +"I wish you could go with me." + +She smiled. + +"Your father's society doesn't make quite such an appeal to me as it +does to you." Carelessly, she added: "Where are you going--Paris or +London?" + +He sent a thick cloud of smoke curling to the ceiling. A European trip +was something he had long looked forward to. + +"London--Vienna--Paris," he replied gayly. With a laugh, he went on: +"No, I think I'll cut out Paris. I'm a married man. I mustn't forget +that!" + +Annie looked up at him quickly. + +"You've forgotten it already," she said quietly. There was reproach in +her voice as she continued: "Ah, Howard, you're such a boy! A little +pleasure trip and the past is forgotten!" + +A look of perplexity came over his face. Being only a man, he did not +grasp quickly the finer shades of her meaning. With some irritation, he +demanded: + +"Didn't you say you wanted me to go and forget?" + +She nodded. + +"Yes, I do, Howard. You've made me happy. I want you to be happy." + +He looked puzzled. + +"You say you love me?" he said, "and yet you're happy because I'm going +away. I don't follow that line of reasoning." + +"It isn't reason," she said with a smile, "it's what I feel. I guess a +man wants to have what he loves and a woman is satisfied to love just +what she wants. Anyway, I'm glad. I'm glad you're going. Go and tell +your father." + +Taking his hat, he said: + +"I'll telephone him." + +"Yes, that's right," she replied. + +"Where's my cane?" he asked, looking round the room. + +She found it for him, and as he opened the door, she said: + +"Don't be long, will you?" + +He laughed. + +"I'll come right back. By George!" he exclaimed, "I feel quite excited +at the prospect of this trip!" Regarding her fondly, he went on: "It's +awfully good of you, old girl, to let me go. I don't think there are +many women like you." + +Annie averted her head. + +"Now, don't spoil me," she said, lifting the tray as if about to go into +the kitchen. + +"Wait till I kiss you good-by," he said effusively. + +Taking the tray from her, he placed it on the table, and folding her in +his arms, he pressed his lips to hers. + +"Good-by," he murmured; "I won't be long." + +As soon as he disappeared she gave way completely, and sinking into a +chair, leaned her head on the table and sobbed as if her heart would +break. This, then, was the end! He would go away and soon forget her. +She would never see him again! But what was the use of crying? It was +the way of the world. She couldn't blame him. He loved her--she was sure +of that. But the call of his family and friends was too strong to +resist. Alternately laughing and crying hysterically, she picked up the +tray, and carrying it into the kitchen began washing the dishes. +Suddenly there was a ring at the bell. Hastily putting on a clean apron, +she opened the door. Judge Brewster stood smiling on the threshold. +Annie uttered a cry of pleasure. Greeting the old lawyer affectionately, +she invited him in. As he entered, he looked questioningly at her red +eyes, but made no remark. + +"I'm delighted to see you, judge," she stammered. + +As he took a seat in the little parlor, he said: + +"Your husband passed me on the stairs and didn't know me." + +"The passage is so dark!" she explained apologetically. + +He looked at her for a moment without speaking, and for a moment there +was an awkward pause. Then he said: + +"When does Howard leave you?" + +Annie started in surprise. + +"How do you know that?" she exclaimed. + +"We lawyers know everything," he smiled. Gravely he went on: "His +father's attorneys have asked me for all the evidence I have. They want +to use it against you. The idea is that he shall go abroad with his +father, and that proceedings will be begun during his absence." + +"Howard knows nothing about it," said Annie confidently. + +"Are you sure?" demanded the lawyer skeptically. + +"Quite sure," she answered positively. + +"But he is going away?" persisted the judge. + +"Yes, I want him to go--I am sending him away," she replied. + +The lawyer was silent. He sat and looked at her as if trying to read her +thoughts. Then quietly he said: + +"Do you know they intend to make Robert Underwood the ground for the +application for divorce, and to use your own perjured testimony as a +weapon against you? You see what a lie leads to. There's no end to it, +and you are compelled to go on lying to support the original lie, and +that's precisely what I won't permit." + +Annie nodded acquiescence. + +"I knew you were going to scold me," she smiled. + +"Scold you?" he said kindly. "No--it's myself I'm scolding. You did what +you thought was right, and I allowed you to do what I knew was wrong." + +"You made two miserable women happy," she said quietly. + +The lawyer tried to suppress a smile. + +"I try to excuse myself on that ground," he said, "but it won't work. I +violated my oath as a lawyer, my integrity as a man, my honor, my +self-respect, all upset, all gone. I've been a very unpleasant companion +for myself lately." Rising impatiently, he strode up and down the room. +Then turning on her, he said angrily: "But I'll have no more lies. +That's what brings me here this morning. The first move they make +against you and I'll tell the whole truth!" + +Annie gazed pensively out of the window without making reply. + +"Did you hear?" he said, raising his voice. "I shall let the world know +that you sacrificed yourself for that woman." + +She turned and shook her head. + +"No, judge," she said, "I do not wish it. If they do succeed in +influencing Howard to bring a suit against me I shall not defend it." + +Judge Brewster was not a patient man, and if there was anything that +angered him it was rank injustice. He had no patience with this young +woman who allowed herself to be trampled on in this outrageous way. Yet +he could not be angry with her. She had qualities which compelled his +admiration and respect, and not the least of these was her willingness +to shield others at her own expense. + +"Perhaps not," he retorted, "but I will. It's unjust, it's unrighteous, +it's impossible!" + +"But you don't understand," she said gently; "I am to blame." + +"You're too ready to blame yourself," he said testily. + +Annie went up to him and laid her hand affectionately on his shoulder. +With tears in her eyes, she said: + +"Let me tell you something, judge. His father was right when he said I +took advantage of him. I did. I saw that he was sentimental and +self-willed, and all that. I started out to attract him. I was tired of +the life I was living, the hard work, the loneliness, and all the rest +of it, and I made up my mind to catch him if I could. I didn't think it +was wrong then, but I do now. Besides," she went on, "I'm older than he +is--five years older. He thinks I'm three years younger, and that he's +protecting me from the world. I took advantage of his ignorance of +life." + +Judge Brewster shrugged his shoulders impatiently. + +"If boys of twenty-five are not men they never will be." Looking down at +her kindly, he went on: "'Pon my word! if I was twenty-five, I'd let +this divorce go through and marry you myself." + +"Oh, judge!" + +That's all she could say, but there was gratitude in the girl's eyes. +These were the first kind words any one had yet spoken to her. It was +nice to know that some one saw some good in her. She was trying to think +of something to say, when suddenly there was the click of a key being +inserted in a Yale lock. The front door opened, and Howard appeared. + +"Well, judge!" he exclaimed, "this is a surprise!" + +The lawyer looked at him gravely. + +"How do you do, young man?" he said. Quizzingly he added: "You look very +pleased with yourself!" + +"This is the first opportunity I've had to thank you for your kindness," +said Howard cordially. + +"You can thank your wife, my boy, not me!" Changing the topic, he said: +"So you're going abroad, eh?" + +"Yes, did Annie tell you? It's only for a few months." + +The lawyer frowned. Tapping the floor impatiently with his cane, he +said: + +"Why are you going away?" + +Taken aback at the question, Howard stammered: + +"Because--because----" + +"Because I want him to go," interrupted Annie quickly. + +The lawyer shook his head, and looking steadily at Howard, he said +sternly: + +"I'll tell you, Howard, my boy. You're going to escape from the +scandalmongers and the gossiping busy-bodies. Forgive me for speaking +plainly, but you're going away because your wife's conduct is a topic of +conversation among your friends----" + +Howard interrupted him. + +"You're mistaken, judge; I don't care a hang what people say----" + +"Then why do you leave her here to fight the battle alone?" demanded the +judge angrily. + +Annie advanced, and raised her hand deprecatingly. Howard looked at her +as if now for the first time he realized the truth. + +"To fight the battle alone?" he echoed. + +"Yes," said the judge, "you are giving the world a weapon with which to +strike at your wife!" + +Howard was silent. The lawyer's words had struck home. Slowly he said: + +"I never thought of that. You're right! I wanted to get away from it +all. Father offered me the chance and Annie told me to go----" + +Annie turned to the judge. + +"Please, judge," she said, "don't say any more." Addressing her husband, +she went on: "He didn't mean what he said, Howard." + +Howard hung his head. + +"He's quite right, Annie," he said shamefacedly. "I never should have +consented to go; I was wrong." + +Judge Brewster advanced and patted him kindly on the back. + +"Good boy!" he said. "Now, Mrs. Jeffries, I'll tell your husband the +truth." + +"No!" she cried. + +"Then I'll tell him without your permission," he retorted. Turning to +the young man, he went on: "Howard, your wife is an angel! She's too +good a woman for this world. She has not hesitated to sacrifice her good +name, her happiness to shield another woman. And that woman--the woman +who called at Underwood's room that night--was Mrs. Jeffries, your +stepmother!" + +Howard started back in amazement. + +"It's true, then, I did recognize her voice!" he cried. + +Turning to his wife, he said: "Oh, Annie, why didn't you tell me? You +saved my stepmother from disgrace, you spared my father! Oh, that was +noble of you!" In a low tone he whispered: "Don't send me away from +you, Annie! Let me stay and prove that I'm worthy of you!" + +To the young wife it all seemed like a dream, almost too good to be +real. The dark, troubled days were ended. A long life, bright with its +promise of happiness, was before them. + +"But what of the future, Howard?" she demanded gently. + +Judge Brewster answered the question. + +"I've thought of that," he said. "Howard, will you come into my office +and study law? You can show your father what you can do with a good wife +to second your efforts." + +Howard grasped his outstretched hand. + +"Thanks, judge, I accept," he replied heartily. + +Turning to his wife, he took her in his arms. Her head fell on his +shoulder. Looking up at him shyly and smiling through her tears, she +murmured softly: + +"I am happy now--at last!" + +THE END. + + + + +BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY BY CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE KINDRED OF THE WILD. A Book of Animal Life. + +With illustrations by Charles Livingston Bull. + + Appeals alike to the young and to the merely youthful-hearted. + Close observation. Graphic description. We get a sense of the great + wild and its denizens. Out of the common. Vigorous and full of + character. The book is one to be enjoyed; all the more because it + smacks of the forest instead of the museum. John Burroughs says: + "The volume is in many ways the most brilliant collection of Animal + Stories that has appeared. It reaches a high order of literary + merit." + +THE HEART OF THE ANCIENT WOOD. Illustrated. + + This book strikes a new note in literature. It is a realistic + romance of the folk of the forest--a romance of the alliance of + peace between a pioneer's daughter in the depths of the ancient + wood and the wild beasts who felt her spell and became her friends. + It is not fanciful, with talking beasts; nor is it merely an + exquisite idyl of the beasts themselves. It is an actual romance, + in which the animal characters play their parts as naturally as do + the human. The atmosphere of the book is enchanting. The reader + feels the undulating, whimpering music of the forest, the power of + the shady silences, the dignity of the beasts who live closest to + the heart of the wood. + +THE WATCHERS OF THE TRAILS. A companion volume to the "Kindred of the +Wild." With 48 full page plates and decorations from drawings by Charles +Livingston Bull. + + These stories are exquisite in their refinement, and yet robust in + their appreciation of some of the rougher phases of woodcraft. + "This is a book full of delight. An additional charm lies in Mr. + Bull's faithful and graphic illustrations, which in fashion all + their own tell the story of the wild life, illuminating and + supplementing the pen pictures of the authors."--_Literary Digest._ + +RED FOX. The Story of His Adventurous Career in the Ringwaak Wilds, and +His Triumphs over the Enemies of His Kind. With 50 illustrations, +including frontispiece in color and cover design by Charles Livingston +Bull. + + A brilliant chapter in natural history. Infinitely more wholesome + reading than the average tale of sport, since it gives a glimpse of + the hunt from the point of view of the hunted. "True in substance + but fascinating as fiction. It will interest old and young, + city-bound and free-footed, those who know animals and those who do + not."--_Chicago Record-Herald._ + + + + +FAMOUS COPYRIGHT BOOKS IN POPULAR PRICED EDITIONS + +Re-issues of the great literary successes of the time, library size, +printed on excellent paper--most of them finely illustrated. Full and +handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents a volume, postpaid. + +NEDRA, by George Barr McCutcheon, with color frontispiece, and other +illustrations by Harrison Fisher. + +The story of an elopement of a young couple from Chicago, who decide to +go to London, travelling as brother and sister. Their difficulties +commence in New York and become greatly exaggerated when they are +shipwrecked in mid-ocean. The hero finds himself stranded on the island +of Nedra with another girl, whom he has rescued by mistake. The story +gives an account of their finding some of the other passengers, and the +circumstances which resulted from the strange mix-up. + +POWER LOT, by Sarah P. McLean Greene. Illustrated. + +The story of the reformation of a man and his restoration to +self-respect through the power of honest labor, the exercise of honest +independence, and the aid of clean, healthy, out-of-door life and +surroundings. The characters take hold of the heart and win sympathy. +The dear old story has never been more lovingly and artistically told. + +MY MAMIE ROSE. The History of My Regeneration, by Owen Kildare. +Illustrated. + +This _autobiography_ is a powerful book of love and sociology. Reads +like the strangest fiction. Is the strongest truth and deals with the +story of a man's redemption through a woman's love and devotion. + +JOHN BURT, by Frederick Upham Adams, with illustrations. + +John Burt, a New England lad, goes West to seek his fortune and finds it +in gold mining. He becomes one of the financial factors and pitilessly +crushes his enemies. The story of the Stock Exchange manipulations was +never more vividly and engrossingly told. A love story runs through the +book, and is handled with infinite skill. + +THE HEART LINE, by Gelett Burgess, with halftone illustrations by Lester +Ralph, and inlay cover in colors. + +A great dramatic story of the city that was. A story of Bohemian life in +San Francisco, before the disaster, presented with mirror-like accuracy. +Compressed into it are all the sparkle, all the gayety, all the wild, +whirling life of the glad, mad, bad, and most delightful city of the +Golden Gate. + +CAROLINA LEE. By Lillian Bell. With frontispiece by Dora Wheeler Keith. + +Carolina Lee is the Uncle Tom's Cabin of Christian Science. Its keynote +is "Divine Love" in the understanding of the knowledge of all good +things which may be obtainable. When the tale is told, the sick healed, +wrong changed to right, poverty of purse and spirit turned into riches, +lovers made worthy of each other and happily united, including Carolina +Lee and her affinity, it is borne upon the reader that he has been +giving rapid attention to a free lecture on Christian Science; that the +working out of each character is an argument for "Faith;" and that the +theory is persuasively attractive. + +A Christian Science novel that will bring delight to the heart of every +believer in that faith. It is a well told story, entertaining, and +cleverly mingles art, humor and sentiment. + +HILMA, by William Tillinghast Eldridge, with illustrations by Harrison +Fisher and Martin Justice, and inlay cover. + +It is a rattling good tale, written with charm, and full of remarkable +happenings, dangerous doings, strange events, jealous intrigues and +sweet love making. The reader's interest is not permitted to lag, but is +taken up and carried on from incident to incident with ingenuity and +contagious enthusiasm. The story gives us the _Graustark_ and _The +Prisoner of Zenda_ thrill, but the tale is treated with freshness, +ingenuity, and enthusiasm, and the climax is both unique and satisfying. +It will hold the fiction lover close to every page. + +THE MYSTERY OF THE FOUR FINGERS, by Fred M. White, with halftone +illustrations by Will Grefe. + +A fabulously rich gold mine in Mexico is known by the picturesque and +mysterious name of _The Four Fingers_. It originally belonged to an +Aztec tribe, and its location is known to one surviving descendant--a +man possessing wonderful occult power. Should any person unlawfully +discover its whereabouts, four of his fingers are mysteriously removed, +and one by one returned to him. The appearance of the final fourth +betokens his swift and violent death. + +Surprises, strange and startling, are concealed in every chapter of this +completely engrossing detective story. The horrible fascination of the +tragedy holds one in rapt attention to the end. And through it runs the +thread of a curious love story. + +THE CATTLE BARON'S DAUGHTER. A Novel. By Harold Bindloss. With +illustrations by David Ericson. + +A story of the fight for the cattle-ranges of the West. Intense interest +is aroused by its pictures of life in the cattle country at that +critical moment of transition when the great tracts of land used for +grazing were taken up by the incoming homesteaders, with the inevitable +result of fierce contest, of passionate emotion on both sides, and of +final triumph of the inevitable tendency of the times. + +WINSTON OF THE PRAIRIE. With illustrations in color by W. Herbert +Dunton. + +A man of upright character, young and clean, but badly worsted in the +battle of life, consents as a desperate resort to impersonate for a +period a man of his own age--scoundrelly in character but of an +aristocratic and moneyed family. The better man finds himself barred +from resuming his old name. How, coming into the other man's +possessions, he wins the respect of all men, and the love of a +fastidious, delicately nurtured girl, is the thread upon which the story +hangs. It is one of the best novels of the West that has appeared for +years. + +THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR. By A. Maynard Barbour. With illustrations by E. +Plaisted Abbott. + +A novel with a most intricate and carefully unraveled plot. A naturally +probable and excellently developed story and the reader will follow the +fortunes of each character with unabating interest * * * the interest is +keen at the close of the first chapter and increases to the end. + +AT THE TIME APPOINTED. With a frontispiece in colors by J. H. Marchand. + +The fortunes of a young mining engineer who through an accident loses +his memory and identity. In his new character and under his new name, +the hero lives a new life of struggle and adventure. The volume will be +found highly entertaining by those who appreciate a thoroughly good +story. + +THE CIRCULAR STAIRCASE, By Mary Roberts Reinhart With illustrations by +Lester Ralph. + +In an extended notice the _New York Sun_ says: "To readers who care for +a really good detective story 'The Circular Staircase' can be +recommended without reservation." The _Philadelphia Record_ declares that +"The Circular Staircase" deserves the laurels for thrills, for weirdness +and things unexplained and inexplicable. + +THE RED YEAR, By Louis Tracy + +"Mr. Tracy gives by far the most realistic and impressive pictures of +the horrors and heroisms of the Indian Mutiny that has been available in +any book of the kind * * * There has not been in modern times in the +history of any land scenes so fearful, so picturesque, so dramatic, and +Mr. Tracy draws them as with the pencil of a Verestschagin of the pen of +a Sienkiewics." + +ARMS AND THE WOMAN, By Harold MacGrath With inlay cover in colors by +Harrison Fisher. + +The story is a blending of the romance and adventure of the middle ages +with nineteenth century men and women; and they are creations of flesh +and blood, and not mere pictures of past centuries. The story is about +Jack Winthrop, a newspaper man. Mr. MacGrath's finest bit of character +drawing is seen in Hillars, the broken down newspaper man, and Jack's +chum. + +LOVE IS THE SUM OF IT ALL, By Geo. Cary Eggleston With illustrations by +Hermann Heyer. + +In this "plantation romance" Mr. Eggleston has resumed the manner and +method that made his "Dorothy South" one of the most famous books of its +time. + +There are three tender love stories embodied in it, and two unusually +interesting heroines, utterly unlike each other, but each possessed of a +peculiar fascination which wins and holds the reader's sympathy. A +pleasing vein of gentle humor runs through the work, but the "sum of it +all" is an intensely sympathetic love story. + +HEARTS AND THE CROSS, By Harold Morton Cramer With illustrations by +Harold Matthews Brett. + +The hero is an unconventional preacher who follows the line of the Man +of Galilee, associating with the lowly, and working for them in the ways +that may best serve them. He is not recognized at his real value except +by the one woman who saw clearly. Their love story is one of the +refreshing things in recent fiction. + +SIX-CYLINDER COURTSHIP, By Edw. Salisbury Field + +With a color frontispiece by Harrison Fisher, and illustrations by +Clarence F. Underwood, decorated pages and end sheets. Harrison Fisher +head in colors on cover. Boxed. + +A story of cleverness. It is a jolly good romance of love at first sight +that will be read with undoubted pleasure. Automobiling figures in the +story which is told with light, bright touches, while a happy gift of +humor permeates it all. + +"The book is full of interesting folks. The patois of the garage is used +with full comic and realistic effect, and effervescently, culminating in +the usual happy finish."--_St. Louis Mirror._ + +AT THE FOOT OF THE RAINBOW, By Gene Stratton-Porter Author of "FRECKLES" + +With illustrations in color by Oliver Kemp, decorations by Ralph +Fletcher Seymour and inlay cover in colors. + +The story is one of devoted friendship, and tender self-sacrificing +love; the friendship that gives freely without return, and the love that +seeks first the happiness of the object. The novel is brimful of the +most beautiful word painting of nature and its pathos and tender +sentiment will endear it to all. + +JUDITH OF THE CUMBERLANDS, By Alice MacGowan + +With illustrations in colors, and inlay cover by George Wright. + +No one can fail to enjoy this moving tale with its lovely and ardent +heroine, its frank, fearless hero, its glowing love passages, and its +variety of characters, captivating or engaging humorous or saturnine, +villains, rascals, and men of good will. A tale strong and interesting +in plot, faithful and vivid as a picture of wild mountain life, and in +its characterization full of warmth and glow. + +A MILLION A MINUTE, By Hudson Douglas. + +With illustrations by Will Grefe. + +Has the catchiest of titles, and it is a ripping good tale from Chapter +I to Finis--no weighty problems to be solved, but just a fine running +story, full of exciting incidents, that never seemed strained or +improbable. It is a dainty love yarn involving three men and a girl. +There is not a dull or trite situation in the book. + +CONJUROR'S HOUSE, By Stewart Edward White Dramatized under the title of +"THE CALL OF THE NORTH." + +Illustrated from Photographs of Scenes from the Play. + +_Conjuror's House_ is a Hudson Bay trading port where the Fur Trading +Company tolerated no rivalry. Trespassers were sentenced to "La Longue +Traverse"--which meant official death. How Ned Trent entered the +territory, took _la longue traverse_, and the journey down the river of +life with the factor's only daughter is admirably told. It is a warm, +vivid, and dramatic story, and depicts the tenderness and mystery of a +woman's heart. + +ARIZONA NIGHTS, By Stewart Edward White. + +With illustrations by N. C. Wyeth, and beautiful inlay cover. + +A series of spirited tales emphasizing some phase of the life of the +ranch, plains and desert, and all, taken together, forming a single +sharply-cut picture of life in the far Southwest. All the tonic of the +West is in this masterpiece of Stewart Edward White. + +THE MYSTERY, By Stewart Edward White and Samuel Hopkins Adams + +With illustrations by Will Crawford. + +For breathless interest, concentrated excitement and extraordinarily +good story telling on all counts, no more completely satisfying romance +has appeared for years. It has been voted the best story of its kind +since _Treasure Island_. + +LIGHT-FINGERED GENTRY. By David Graham Phillips + +With illustrations. + +Mr. Phillips has chosen the inside workings of the great insurance +companies as his field of battle; the salons of the great Fifth Avenue +mansions as the antechambers of his field of intrigue: and the two +things which every natural, big man desires, love and success, as the +goal of his leading character. The book is full of practical philosophy, +which makes it worth careful reading. + +THE SECOND GENERATION, By David Graham Phillips + +With illustrations by Fletcher C. Ramson, and inlay cover. + +"It is a story that proves how, in some cases, the greatest harm a rich +man may do his children, is to leave them his money. A strong, wholsome +story of contemporary American life--thoughtful, well-conceived and +admirably written; forceful, sincere, and true; and intensely +interesting."--_Boston Herald._ + +NEW CHRONICLES OF REBECCA, By Kate Douglas Wiggin With illustrations by +F. C. Yohn + +Additional episodes in the girlhood of the delightful little heroine at +Riverboro which were not included in the story of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook +Farm," and they are as characteristic and delightful as any part of that +famous story. Rebecca is as distinct a creation in the second volume as +in the first. + +THE SILVER BUTTERFLY, By Mrs. Wilson Woodrow + +With illustrations in colors by Howard Chandler Christy. + +A story of love and mystery, full of color, charm, and vivacity, dealing +with a South American mine, rich beyond dreams, and of a New York +maiden, beyond dreams beautiful--both known as the Silver Butterfly. +Well named is _The Silver Butterfly_! There could not be a better symbol +of the darting swiftness, the eager love plot, the elusive mystery and +the flashing wit. + +BEATRIX OF CLARE, By John Reed Scott + +With illustrations by Clarence F. Underwood. + +A spirited and irresistibly attractive historical romance of the +fifteenth century, boldly conceived and skilfully carried out. In the +hero and heroine Mr. Scott has created a pair whose mingled emotions and +alternating hopes and fears will find a welcome in many lovers of the +present hour. Beatrix is a fascinating daughter of Eve. + +A LITTLE BROTHER OF THE RICH, By Joseph Medill Patterson + +Frontispiece by Hazel Martyn Trudeau, and illustrations by Walter Dean +Goldbeck. + +Tells the story of the idle rich, and is a vivid and truthful picture of +society and stage life written by one who is himself a conspicuous +member of the Western millionaire class. Full of grim satire, caustic +wit and flashing epigrams. "Is sensational to a degree in its theme, +daring in its treatment, lashing society as it was never scourged +before."--_New York Sun._ + +MEREDITH NICHOLSON'S FASCINATING ROMANCES + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE HOUSE OF A THOUSAND CANDLES. With a frontispiece in colors by Howard +Chandler Christy. + +A novel of romance and adventure, of love and valor, of mystery and +hidden treasure. The hero is required to spend a whole year in the +isolated house, which according to his grandfather's will shall then +become his. If the terms of the will be violated the house goes to a +young woman whom the will, furthermore, forbids him to marry. Nobody can +guess the secret, and the whole plot moves along with an exciting zip. + +THE PORT OF MISSING MEN. With illustrations by Clarence F. Underwood. + +There is romance of love, mystery, plot, and fighting, and a breathless +dash and go about the telling which makes one quite forget about the +improbabilities of the story; and it all ends in the old-fashioned +healthy American way. Shirley is a sweet, courageous heroine whose +shining eyes lure from page to page. + +ROSALIND AT REDGATE. Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller. + +The author of "The House of a Thousand Candles" has here given us a +bouyant romance brimming with lively humor and optimism; with mystery +that breeds adventure and ends in love and happiness. A most +entertaining and delightful book. + +THE MAIN CHANCE. With illustrations by Harrison Fisher. + +A "traction deal" in a Western city is the pivot about which the action +of this clever story revolves. But it is in the character-drawing of the +principals that the author's strength lies. Exciting incidents develop +their inherent strength and weakness, and if virtue wins in the end, it +is quite in keeping with its carefully-planned antecedents. The N. Y. +_Sun_ says: "We commend it for its workmanship--for its smoothness, its +sensible fancies, and for its general charm." + +ZELDA DAMERON. With portraits of the characters by John Cecil Clay. + +"A picture of the new West, at once startlingly and attractively true. * +* * The heroine is a strange, sweet mixture of pride, wilfulness and +lovable courage. The characters are superbly drawn; the atmosphere is +convincing. There is about it a sweetness, a wholesomeness and a +sturdiness that commends it to earnest, kindly and wholesome +people."--_Boston Transcript._ + + + + +BRILLIANT AND SPIRITED NOVELS AGNES AND EGERTON CASTLE + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE PRIDE OF JENNICO. Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico. + +"What separates it from most books of its class is its distinction of +manner, its unusual grace of diction, its delicacy of touch, and the +fervent charm of its love passages. It is a very attractive piece of +romantic fiction relying for its effect upon character rather than +incident, and upon vivid dramatic presentation."--_The Dial._ "A +stirring, brilliant and dashing story."--_The Outlook._ + +THE SECRET ORCHARD. Illustrated by Charles D. Williams. + +The "Secret Orchard" is set in the midst of the ultra modern society. +The scene is in Paris, but most of the characters are English speaking. +The story was dramatized in London, and in it the Kendalls scored a +great theatrical success. + +"Artfully contrived and full of romantic charm * * * it possesses +ingenuity of incident, a figurative designation of the unhallowed scenes +in which unlicensed love accomplishes and wrecks faith and +happiness."--_Athenaeum._ + +YOUNG APRIL. With illustrations by A. B. Wenzell. + +"It is everything that a good romance should be, and it carries about it +an air of distinction both rare and delightful."--_Chicago Tribune._ +"With regret one turns to the last page of this delightful novel, so +delicate in its romance, so brilliant in its episodes, so sparkling in +its art, and so exquisite in its diction."--_Worcester Spy._ + +FLOWER O' THE ORANGE. With frontispiece. + +We have learned to expect from these fertile authors novels graceful in +form, brisk in movement, and romantic in conception. This Carries the +reader back to the days of the bewigged and beruffled gallants of the +seventeenth century and tells him of feats of arms and adventures in +love as thrilling and picturesque, yet delicate, as the utmost seeker of +romance may ask. + +MY MERRY ROCKHURST. Illustrated by Arthur E. Becher. + +"In the eight stories of a courtier of King Charles Second, which are +here gathered together, the Castles are at their best, reviving all the +fragrant charm of those books, like _The Pride of Jennico_, in which +they first showed an instinct, amounting to genius, for sunny romances. +The book is absorbing * * * and is as spontaneous in feeling as it is +artistic in execution."--_New York Tribune._ + + + + +THE MASTERLY AND REALISTIC NOVELS OF FRANK NORRIS + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE OCTOPUS. A Story of California + +Mr. Norris conceived the ambitious idea of writing a trilogy of novels +which, taken together, shall symbolize American life as a whole, with +all its hopes and aspirations and its tendencies, throughout the length +and breadth of the continent. And for the central symbol he has taken +wheat, as being quite literally the ultimate source of American power +and prosperity. _The Octopus_ is a story of wheat raising and railroad +greed in California. It immediately made a place for itself. + +It is full of enthusiasm and poetry and conscious strength. One cannot +read it without a responsive thrill of sympathy for the earnestness, the +breadth of purpose, the verbal power of the man. + +THE PIT. A Story of Chicago. + +This powerful novel is the fictitious narrative of a deal in the Chicago +wheat pit and holds the reader from the beginning. In a masterly way the +author has grasped the essential spirit of the great city by the lakes. +The social existence, the gambling in stocks and produce, the +characteristic life in Chicago, form a background for an exceedingly +vigorous and human tale of modern life and love. + +A MAN'S WOMAN. + +A story which has for a heroine a girl decidedly out of the ordinary run +of fiction. It is most dramatic, containing some tremendous pictures of +the daring of the men who are trying to reach the Pole * * * but it is +at the same time essentially a _woman's_ book, and the story works +itself out in the solution of a difficulty that is continually presented +in real life--the wife's attitude in relation to her husband when both +have well-defined careers. + +McTEAGUE. A Story of San Francisco. + +"Since Bret Harte and the Forty-niner no one has written of California +life with the vigor and accuracy of Mr. Norris. His 'McTeague' settled +his right to a place in American literature; and he has now presented a +third novel, 'Blix,' which is in some respects the finest and likely to +be the most popular of the three."--_Washington Times._ + +BLIX. + +"Frank Norris has written in 'Blix' just what such a woman's name would +imply--a story of a frank, fearless girl comrade to all men who are true +and honest because she is true and honest. How she saved the man she +fishes and picnics with in a spirit of outdoor platonic friendship, +makes a pleasant story, and a perfect contrast to the author's +'McTeague.' A splendid and successful story."--_Washington Times._ + + + + +NEW EDITIONS OF THE MOST POPULAR NOVELS Of HALLIE ERMINIE RIVES + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +SATAN SANDERSON. With halftone illustrations by A. B. Wenzell, and inlay +cover in colors. + +From the heroic figures of the American Revolution and the romantic +personage of Byron's day, Miss Rives has turned to the here and now. And +in the present she finds for her immense and brilliant talent a tale as +dramatic and enthralling as any of the storied past. The career of the +Rev. Harry Sanderson, known as "Satan" in his college days, who sowed +the wind to reap the whirlwind and won at last through strangest penance +the prize of love, seizes the reader in the strait grip of its feverish +interest. Miss Rives has outdone herself in the invention of a love +story that rings with lyric feeling and touches every fiber of the heart +with strength and beauty. + +THE CASTAWAY. With illustrations in colors by Howard Chandler Christy. + +The book takes its title from a saying of Lord Byron's: "Three great men +ruined in one year--a king, a cad, and a castaway." The king was +Napoleon. The cad was Beau Brummel. And the castaway, crowned with +genius, smutched with slander, illumined by fame--was Lord Byron +himself! This is the romance of his loves--the strange marriage and +still stranger separation, the riotous passions, the final ennobling +affection--from the day when he awoke to find himself the most famous +man in England, till, a self-exiled castaway, he played out his splendid +death-scene in the struggle for Greek freedom. + +"Suffused with the rosy light of romance."--_New York Times._ + +HEARTS COURAGEOUS. With illustrations by A. B. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: The Third Degree</p> +<p> A Narrative of Metropolitan Life</p> +<p>Author: Charles Klein and Arthur Hornblow</p> +<p>Release Date: April 5, 2009 [eBook #28505]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE THIRD DEGREE***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> + (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h1>THE THIRD DEGREE</h1> + +<h3><i>A Narrative of Metropolitan Life</i></h3> + +<h3>By CHARLES KLEIN AND ARTHUR HORNBLOW</h3> + +<h3> Authors of the novel THE LION AND THE MOUSE</h3> + +<h3>Illustrations by CLARENCE ROWE</h3> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> + +<h3>GROSSET & DUNLAP Publishers :: New York</h3> + +<h4>Copyright, 1909, by<br /> +<span class="smcap">G. W. Dillingham Company</span></h4> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="illus1" id="illus1"></a> +<img src="images/illus1.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>"I ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICING THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE PRISONER BEFORE HE COMES TO TRIAL."</h3> + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> +<p> +<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a><br /> +<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a><br /><br /> +<a href="#BOOKS_ON_NATURE_STUDY_BY_CHARLES_G_D_ROBERTS">BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY BY CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS</a><br /> +<a href="#FAMOUS_COPYRIGHT_BOOKS_IN_POPULAR_PRICED_EDITIONS">FAMOUS COPYRIGHT BOOKS IN POPULAR PRICED EDITIONS</a><br /> +<a href="#BRILLIANT_AND_SPIRITED_NOVELS_AGNES_AND_EGERTON_CASTLE">BRILLIANT AND SPIRITED NOVELS AGNES AND EGERTON CASTLE</a><br /> +<a href="#THE_MASTERLY_AND_REALISTIC_NOVELS_OF_FRANK_NORRIS">THE MASTERLY AND REALISTIC NOVELS OF FRANK NORRIS</a><br /> +<a href="#NEW_EDITIONS_OF_THE_MOST_POPULAR_NOVELS_Of_HALLIE_ERMINIE_RIVES">NEW EDITIONS OF THE MOST POPULAR NOVELS Of HALLIE ERMINIE RIVES</a><br /> +</p> +<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + + +<p><a href="#illus1">"I ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICING THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE PRISONER BEFORE +HE COMES TO TRIAL."</a></p> + +<p><a href="#illus2">"YOU DID IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU DID IT."</a></p> + +<p><a href="#illus3">"I CAN DO NOTHING FOR YOU," SAID THE JUDGE.</a></p> + +<p><a href="#illus4">"WHEN THIS MYSTERIOUS WITNESS DOES COME I SHALL PLACE HER UNDER ARREST."</a></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>The Third Degree</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + + +<p>"I'm N. G.—that's a cinch! The sooner I chuck it the better!"</p> + +<p>Caught in the swirl of the busy city's midday rush, engulfed in +Broadway's swift moving flood of hustling humanity, jostled +unceremoniously by the careless, indifferent crowds, discouraged from +stemming further the tide of pushing, elbowing men and women who hurried +up and down the great thoroughfare, Howard Jeffries, tired and hungry +and thoroughly disgusted with himself, stood still at the corner of +Fulton street, cursing the luck which had brought him to his present +plight.</p> + +<p>It was the noon hour, the important time of day when nature loudly +claims her due, when business affairs, no matter how pressing, must be +temporarily interrupted so that the human machine may lay in a fresh +store of nervous energy. From under the portals of precipitous office +buildings, mammoth hives of human industry, which to right and left +soared dizzily from street to sky, swarmed thousands of employees of +both sexes—clerks, stenographers, shop-girls, messenger boys, all moved +by a common impulse to satisfy without further delay the animal cravings +of their physical natures. They strode along with quick, nervous step, +each chatting and laughing with his fellow, interested for the nonce in +the day's work, making plans for well-earned recreation when five +o'clock should come and the up-town stampede for Harlem and home begin.</p> + +<p>The young man sullenly watched the scene, envious of the energy and +activity of all about him. Each one in these hurrying throngs, he +thought bitterly to himself, was a valuable unit in the prosperity and +welfare of the big town. No matter how humble his or her position, each +played a part in the business life of the great city, each was an +unseen, unknown, yet indispensable cog in the whirling, complicated +mechanism of the vast world-metropolis. Intuitively he felt that he was +not one of them, that he had no right even to consider himself their +equal. He was utterly useless to anybody. He was without position or +money. He was destitute even of a shred of self-respect. Hadn't he +promised Annie not to touch liquor again before he found a job? Yet he +had already imbibed all the whiskey which the little money left in his +pocket would buy.</p> + +<p>Involuntarily, instinctively, he shrank back into the shadow of a +doorway to let the crowds pass. The pavements were now filled to +overflowing and each moment newcomers from the side streets came to +swell the human stream. He tried to avoid observation, fearing that some +one might recognize him, thinking all could read on his face that he was +a sot, a self-confessed failure, one of life's incompetents. In his +painful self-consciousness he believed himself the cynosure of every eye +and he winced as he thought he detected on certain faces side glances of +curiosity, commiseration and contempt.</p> + +<p>Nor was he altogether mistaken. More than one passer-by turned to look +in his direction, attracted by his peculiar appearance. His was a type +not seen every day in the commercial district—the post-graduate college +man out at elbows. He was smooth-faced and apparently about twenty-five +years of age. His complexion was fair and his face refined. It would +have been handsome but for a drooping, irresolute mouth, which denoted +more than average weakness of character. The face was thin, chalk-like +in its lack of color and deeply seamed with the tell-tale lines of +dissipation. Dark circles under his eyes and a peculiar watery look +suggested late hours and over-fondness for alcoholic refreshment. His +clothes had the cut of expensive tailors, but they were shabby and +needed pressing. His linen was soiled and his necktie disarranged. His +whole appearance was careless and suggested that recklessness of mind +which comes of general demoralization.</p> + +<p>Howard Jeffries knew that he was a failure, yet like most young men +mentally weak, he insisted that he could not be held altogether to +blame. Secretly, too, he despised these sober, industrious people who +seemed contented with the crumbs of comfort thrown to them. What, he +wondered idly, was their secret of getting on? How were they able to +lead such well regulated lives when he, starting out with far greater +advantages, had failed? Oh, he knew well where the trouble lay—in his +damnable weakness of character, his love for drink. That was responsible +for everything. But was it his fault if he were born weak? These people +who behaved themselves and got on, he sneered, were calm, commonplace +temperaments who found no difficulty in controlling their baser +instincts. They did right simply because they found it easier than to do +wrong. Their virtue was nothing to brag about. It was easy to be good +when not exposed to temptation. But for those born with the devil in +them it came hard. It was all a matter of heredity and influence. One's +vices as well as one's virtues are handed down to us ready made. He had +no doubt that in the Jeffries family somewhere in the unsavory past +there had been a weak, vicious ancestor from whom he had inherited all +the traits which barred his way to success.</p> + +<p>The crowds of hungry workers grew bigger every minute. Every one was +elbowing his way into neighboring restaurants, crowding the tables and +buffets, all eating voraciously as they talked and laughed. Howard was +rudely reminded by inward pangs that he, too, was famished. Not a thing +had passed his lips since he had left home in Harlem at eight o'clock +that morning and he had told Annie that he would be home for lunch. +There was no use staying downtown any longer. For three weary hours he +had trudged from office to office seeking employment, answering +advertisements, asking for work of any kind, ready to do no matter what, +but all to no purpose. Nobody wanted him at any price. What was the good +of a man being willing to work if there was no one to employ him? A nice +look-out certainly. Hardly a dollar left and no prospect of getting any +more. He hardly had the courage to return home and face Annie. With a +muttered exclamation of impatience he spat from his mouth the +half-consumed cigarette which was hanging from his lip, and crossing +Broadway, walked listlessly in the direction of Park Place.</p> + +<p>He had certainly made a mess of things, yet at one time, not so long +ago, what a brilliant future life seemed to have in store for him! No +boy had ever been given a better start. He remembered the day he left +home to go to Yale; he recalled his father's kind words of +encouragement, his mother's tears. Ah, if his mother had only lived! +Then, maybe, everything would have been different. But she died during +his freshman year, carried off suddenly by heart failure. His father +married again, a young woman twenty years his junior, and that had +started everything off wrong. The old home life had gone forever. He had +felt like an intruder the first time he went home and from that day his +father's roof had been distasteful to him. Yes, that was the beginning +of his hard luck. He could trace all his misfortunes back to that. He +couldn't stand for mother-in-law, a haughty, selfish, supercilious, +ambitious creature who had little sympathy for her predecessor's child, +and no scruple in showing it.</p> + +<p>Then, at college, he had met Robert Underwood, the popular upper-class +man, who had professed to take a great fancy to him. He, a timid young +freshman, was naturally flattered by the friendship of the dashing, +fascinating sophomore and thus commenced that unfortunate intimacy which +had brought about the climax to his troubles. The suave, amiable +Underwood, whom he soon discovered to be a gentlemanly scoundrel, +borrowed his money and introduced him into the "sporty" set, an +exclusive circle into which, thanks to his liberal allowance from home, +he was welcomed with open arms. With a youth of his proclivities and +inherent weakness the outcome was inevitable. At no time overfond of +study, he regarded residence in college as a most desirable emancipation +from the restraint of home life. The love of books he considered a pose +and he scoffed at the men who took their reading seriously. The +university attracted him mostly by its most undesirable features, its +sports, its secret societies, its petty cliques, and its rowdyism. The +broad spirit and the dignity of the <i>alma mater</i> he ignored completely. +Directly he went to Yale he started in to enjoy himself and with the +sophisticated Underwood as guide, went to the devil faster than any man +before him in the entire history of the university.</p> + +<p>Reading, attendance at lectures, became only a convenient cloak to +conceal his turpitudes. Poker playing, automobile joy rides, hard +drinking became the daily curriculum. In town rows and orgies of every +description he was soon a recognized leader. Scandal followed scandal +until he was threatened with expulsion. Then his father heard of it and +there was a terrible scene. Jeffries, Sr., went immediately to New +Haven and there followed a stormy interview in which Howard promised to +reform, but once the parent's back was turned things went on pretty much +as before. There were fresh scandals, the smoke of which reached as far +as New York. This time Mr. Jeffries tried the plan of cutting down the +money supply and Howard found himself financially embarrassed. But this +had not quite the effect desired by the father, for, rendered desperate +by his inability to secure funds with which to carry on his sprees, the +young man started in to gamble heavily, giving notes for his losses and +pocketing the ready money when he won.</p> + +<p>Then came the supreme scandal which turned his father's heart to steel. +Jeffries, Sr., could forgive much in a young man. He had been young +himself once. None knew better than he how difficult it is when the +blood is rich and red to keep oneself in control. But there was one +offence which a man proud of his descent could not condone. He would +never forgive the staining of the family name by a degrading marriage. +The news came to the unhappy father like a thunder-clap. Howard, +probably in a drunken spree, had married secretly a waitress employed in +one of the "sporty" restaurants in New Haven, and to make the +mésalliance worse, the girl was not even of respectable parents. Her +father, Billy Delmore, the pool-room king, was a notorious gambler and +had died in convict stripes. Fine sensation that for the yellow press. +"Banker's Son Weds Convict's Daughter." So ran the "scare heads" in the +newspapers. That was the last straw for Mr. Jeffries, Sr. He sternly +told his son that he never wanted to look upon his face again. Howard +bowed his head to the decree and he had never seen his father since.</p> + +<p>All this the young man was reviewing in his mind when suddenly his +reflections were disturbed by a friendly hail.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Jeffries, old sport! Don't you know a fellow frat when you see +him?"</p> + +<p>He looked up. A young man of athletic build, with a pleasant, frank +face, was standing at the news stand under the Park Place elevated +station. Quickly Howard extended his hand.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Coxe!" he exclaimed. "What on earth are you doing in New York? +Whoever would have expected to meet you in this howling wilderness? +How's everything at Yale?"</p> + +<p>The athlete grinned.</p> + +<p>"Yale be hanged! I don't care a d—. You know I graduated last June. I'm +in business now—in a broker's office in Wall Street. Say, it's great! +We had a semi-panic last week. Prices went to the devil. Stocks broke +twenty points. You should have seen the excitement on the Exchange +floor. Our football rushes were nothing to it. I tell you, it's great. +It's got college beaten to a frazzle!" Quickly he added: "What are you +doing?"</p> + +<p>Howard averted his eyes and hung his head.</p> + +<p>"Nothing," he answered gloomily.</p> + +<p>Coxe had quickly taken note of his former classmate's shabby appearance. +He had also heard of his escapades.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you hear?" muttered Howard. "Row with governor, marriage and all +that sort of thing?</p> + +<p>"Of course," he went on, "father's damnably unjust, actuated by absurd +prejudice. Annie's a good girl and a good wife, no matter what her +father was. D—n it, this is a free country! A man can marry whom he +likes. All these ideas about family pride and family honor are +old-world notions, foreign to this soil. I'm not going to give up Annie +to please any one. I'm as fond of her now as ever. I haven't regretted a +moment that I married her. Of course, it has been hard. Father at once +shut down money supplies, making my further stay at Yale impossible, and +I was forced to come to New York to seek employment. We've managed to +fix up a small flat in Harlem and now, like Micawber, I'm waiting for +something to turn up."</p> + +<p>Coxe nodded sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"Come and have a drink," he said cheerily.</p> + +<p>Howard hesitated. Once more he remembered his promise to Annie, but as +long as he had broken it once he would get no credit for refusing now. +He was horribly thirsty and depressed. Another drink would cheer him up. +It seemed even wicked to decline when it wouldn't cost him anything.</p> + +<p>They entered a bar conveniently close at hand, and with a tremulous hand +Howard carried greedily to his lips the insidious liquor which had +undermined his health and stolen away his manhood.</p> + +<p>"Have another?" said Coxe with a smile as he saw the glass emptied at a +gulp.</p> + +<p>"I don't care if I do," replied Howard. Secretly ashamed of his +weakness, he shuffled uneasily on his feet.</p> + +<p>"Well, what are you going to do, old man?" demanded Coxe as he pushed +the whiskey bottle over.</p> + +<p>"I'm looking for a job," stammered Howard awkwardly. Hastily he went on: +"It isn't so easy. If it was only myself I wouldn't mind. I'd get along +somehow. But there's the little girl. She wants to go to work, and I +won't hear of it. I couldn't stand for that, you know."</p> + +<p>Coxe feared a "touch." Awkwardly he said:</p> + +<p>"I wish I could help you, old man. As it is, my own salary barely serves +to keep me in neckwear. Wall Street's great fun, but it doesn't pay +much; that is, not unless you play the game yourself."</p> + +<p>Howard smiled feebly as he replied:</p> + +<p>"Nonsense—I wouldn't accept help of that sort. I'm not reduced to +soliciting charity yet. I guess I'd prefer the river to that. But if you +hear of anything, keep me in mind."</p> + +<p>The athlete made no response. He was apparently lost in thought when +suddenly he blurted out:</p> + +<p>"Say, Jeffries, you haven't got any money, have you—say a couple of +thousand dollars?"</p> + +<p>Howard stared at the questioner as if he doubted his sanity.</p> + +<p>"Two thousand dollars!" he gasped. "Do you suppose that I'd be wearing +out shoe leather looking for a job, if I had two thousand dollars?"</p> + +<p>Coxe looked disappointed as he replied:</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course, I understand you haven't it on you, only I thought you +might be able to raise it."</p> + +<p>"Why do you ask?" inquired Howard, his curiosity aroused.</p> + +<p>Coxe looked around to see if any one was listening. Then in a whisper he +said:</p> + +<p>"It's a cinch. If you had $2,000, you and I could make a snug little +fortune. Don't you understand? In my office I get tips. I'm on the +inside. I know in advance what the big men are going to do. When they +start to move a certain stock up, I'm on the job. Understand? If you had +$2,000, I could raise as much, and we'd pool our capital, starting in +the business ourselves—on a small scale, of course. If we hit it right +we might make a nice income."</p> + +<p>Howard's mouth watered. Certainly that was the kind of life he liked +best. The feverish excitement of gambling, the close association with +rich men, the promise of a luxurious style of living—all this appealed +to him strongly. But what was the use? Where could he get $2,000? He +couldn't go to his father. He shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid not, old sport," he said as they left the saloon and he held +out his hand to say good-by. "But I'll bear it in mind, and if things +improve, I'll look you up. So long!"</p> + +<p>Climbing wearily up the dirty stairs of the elevated railroad, he bought +a ticket with one of the few nickels remaining in his pocket, and taking +a seat in a northbound train started on his trip back to Harlem.</p> + +<p>The day was overcast, rain threatened. A pall of mingled smoke and mist +hung over the entire city. From the car window as the train wound its +serpentine course in and out the maze of grimy offices, shops and +tenements, everything appeared drab, dirty and squalid. New York was +seen at its ugliest. Ensconced in a cross-seat, his chin leaning heavily +on his hand, Howard gazed dejectedly out of the window. The depressing +outlook was in keeping with his own state of mind.</p> + +<p>How would the adventure end? Reconciliation with his father was out of +the question. Letters sent home remained without response. He wasn't +surprised. He knew his pater too well to expect that he would relent so +soon. Besides, if the old man were so infernally proud, he'd show him he +had some pride too. He'd drown himself before he'd go down on his knees, +whining to be forgiven. His father was dead wrong, anyway. His marriage +might have been foolish; Annie might be beneath him socially. She was +not educated and her father wasn't any better than he ought to be. She +did not talk correctly, her manners left much to be desired, at times he +was secretly ashamed of her. But her bringing up was her misfortune, not +her fault. The girl herself was straight as a die. She had a heart of +gold. She was far more intelligent, far more likely to make him a happy +home than some stuck-up, idle society girl who had no thought for +anything save money, dress and show. Perhaps if he had been less +honorable and not married her, his father would have thought more +highly of him. If he'd ruined the girl, no doubt he would have been +welcomed home with open arms. Pshaw! He might be a poor, weak fool, but, +thank God, they couldn't reproach him with that. Annie had been loyal to +him throughout. He'd stick to her through thick and thin.</p> + +<p>As the train swept round the curve at 53d Street and started on its +long, straight run up the West Side, his mind reverted to Robert +Underwood. He had seen his old associate only once since leaving +college. He ran across him one day on Fifth Avenue. Underwood was coming +out of a curio shop. He explained hurriedly that he had left Yale and +when asked about his future plans talked vaguely of going in for art. +His manner was frigid and nervous—the attitude of the man who fears he +may be approached for a small loan. He was evidently well aware of the +change in his old associate's fortunes and having squeezed all he could +out of him, had no further use for him. It was only when he had +disappeared that Howard suddenly remembered a loan of $250 which +Underwood had never repaid. Some time later Howard learned that he +occupied apartments at the exclusive and expensive Astruria where he +was living in great style. He went there determined to see him and +demand his money, but the card always came back "not at home."</p> + +<p>Underwood had always been a mystery to Howard. He knew him to be an +inveterate gambler and a man entirely without principle. No one knew who +his family were or where he came from. His source of income, too, was +always a puzzle. At college he was always hard up, borrowing right and +left and forgetting to pay, yet he always succeeded in living on the fat +of the land. His apartments in the Astruria cost a small fortune; he +dressed well, drove a smart turnout and entertained lavishly. He was not +identified with any particular business or profession. On leaving +college he became interested in art. He frequented the important art +sales and soon got his name in the newspapers as an authority on art +matters. His apartment was literally a museum of European and Oriental +art. On all sides were paintings by old masters, beautiful rugs, +priceless tapestries, rare ceramics, enamels, statuary, antique +furniture, bronzes, etc. He passed for a man of wealth, and mothers with +marriageable daughters, considering him an eligible young bachelor, +hastened to invite him to their homes, none of them conscious of the +danger of letting the wolf slip into the lambs' fold.</p> + +<p>What a strange power of fascination, mused Howard as the train jogged +along, men of Underwood's bold and reckless type wield, especially over +women. Their very daring and unscrupulousness seems to render them more +attractive. He himself at college had fallen entirely under the man's +spell. There was no doubt that he was responsible for all his troubles. +Underwood possessed the uncanny gift of being able to bend people to his +will. What a fool he had made of him at the university! He had been his +evil genius, there was no question of that. But for meeting Underwood he +might have applied himself to serious study, left the university with +honors and be now a respectable member of the community. He remembered +with a smile that it was through Underwood that he had met his wife. +Some of the fellows hinted that Underwood had known her more intimately +than he had pretended and had only passed her on to him because he was +tired of her. He had nailed that as a lie. Annie, he could swear, was as +good a girl as ever breathed.</p> + +<p>He couldn't explain Underwood's influence over him. He had done with him +what he chose. He wondered why he had been so weak, why he had not tried +to resist. The truth was Underwood exercised a strange, subtle power +over him. He had the power to make him do everything he wanted him to +do, no matter how foolish or unreasonable the request. Every one at +college used to talk about it. One night Underwood invited all his +classmates to his rooms and made him cut up all kinds of capers. He at +first refused, point blank—but Underwood got up and, standing directly +in front of him, gazed steadily into his eyes. Again he commanded him to +do these ridiculous, degrading things. Howard felt himself weakening. He +was suddenly seized with the feeling that he must obey. Amid roars of +laughter he recited the entire alphabet standing on one leg, he crowed +like a rooster, he hopped like a toad, and he crawled abjectly on his +belly like a snake. One of the fellows told him afterward that he had +been hypnotized. He had laughed at it then as a good joke, but now he +came to think of it, perhaps it was true. Possibly he was a subject. +Anyway he was glad to be rid of Underwood and his uncanny influence.</p> + +<p>The train stopped with a jerk at his station and Howard rode down in the +elevator to the street Crossing Eighth Avenue, he was going straight +home when suddenly he halted. The glitter and tempting array of bottles +in a corner saloon window tempted him. He suddenly felt that if there +was one thing he needed in the world above all others it was another +drink. True, he had had more than enough already. But that was Coxe's +fault. He had invited him and made him drink. There couldn't be any harm +in taking another. He might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. By +the time he emerged from the saloon his speech was thick and his step +uncertain. A few minutes later he was painfully climbing up the rickety +stairs of a cheap-looking flat house. As he reached the top floor a +cheerful voice called out:</p> + +<p>"Is that you, Howard, dear?"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + + +<p>A young woman hurried out of one of the apartments to greet Howard. She +was a vivacious brunette of medium height, intelligent looking, with +good features and fine teeth. It was not a doll face, but the face of a +woman who had experienced early the hard knocks of the world, yet in +whom adversity had not succeeded in wholly subduing a naturally buoyant, +amiable disposition. There was determination in the lines above her +mouth. It was a face full of character, the face of a woman who by sheer +dint of dogged perseverance might accomplish any task she cared to set +herself. A smile of welcome gleamed in her eyes as she inquired eagerly:</p> + +<p>"Well, dear, anything doing?"</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head for all response and a look of disappointment +crossed the young wife's face.</p> + +<p>"Say, that's tough, ain't it?" she exclaimed. "The janitor was here +again for the rent. He says they'll serve us with a dispossess. I told +him to chase himself, I was that mad."</p> + +<p>Annie's vocabulary was emphatic, rather than choice. Entirely without +education, she made no pretense at being what she was not and therein +perhaps lay her chief charm. As Howard stooped to kiss her, she said +reproachfully:</p> + +<p>"You've been drinking again, Howard. You promised me you wouldn't."</p> + +<p>The young man made no reply. With an impatient gesture he passed on into +the flat and flung himself down in a chair in the dining room. From the +adjoining kitchen came a welcome odor of cooking.</p> + +<p>"Dinner ready?" he demanded. "I'm devilish hungry."</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear, just a minute," replied his wife from the kitchen. "There's +some nice Irish stew, just what you like."</p> + +<p>The box-like hole where Howard sat awaiting his meal was the largest +room in a flat which boasted of "five and bath." There was a bedroom of +equally diminutive proportions and a parlor with wall paper so loud that +it talked. There was scarcely enough room to swing a cat around. The +thin walls were cracked, the rooms were carpetless. Yet it showed the +care of a good housekeeper. Floors and windows were clean, the cover on +the table spotless. The furnishings were as meagre as they were +ingenious. With their slender purse they had been able to purchase only +the bare necessities—a bed, a chair or two, a dining-room table, a few +kitchen utensils. When they wanted to sit in the parlor they had to +carry a chair from the dining room; when meal times came the chairs had +to travel back again. A soap box turned upside down and neatly covered +with chintz did duty as a dresser in the bedroom, and with a few +photographs and tacks they had managed to impart an æsthetic appearance +to the parlor. This place cost the huge sum of $25 a month. It might +just as well have cost $100 for all Howard's ability to pay it. The past +month's rent was long overdue and the janitor looked more insolent every +day. But they did not care. They were young and life was still before +them.</p> + +<p>Presently Annie came in carrying a steaming dish of stew, which she laid +on the table. As she helped Howard to a plate full she said: "So you had +no luck again this morning?"</p> + +<p>Howard was too busy eating to answer. As he gulped down a huge piece of +bread, he growled:</p> + +<p>"Nothing, as usual—same old story, nothing doing."</p> + +<p>Annie sighed. She had been given this answer so often that it would have +surprised her to hear anything else. It meant that their hard +hand-to-mouth struggle must go on. She said nothing. What was the use? +It would never do to discourage Howard. She tried to make light of it.</p> + +<p>"Of course it isn't easy, I quite understand that. Never mind, dear. +Something will turn up soon. Where did you go? Whom did you see? Why +didn't you let drink alone when you promised me you would?"</p> + +<p>"That was Coxe's fault," blurted out Howard, always ready to blame +others for his own shortcomings. "You remember Coxe! He was at Yale when +I was. A big, fair fellow with blue eyes. He pulled stroke in the +'varsity boat race, you remember?"</p> + +<p>"I think I do," replied his wife, indifferently, as she helped him to +more stew. "What did he want? What's he doing in New York?"</p> + +<p>"He's got a fine place in a broker's office in Wall Street. I felt +ashamed to let him see me low down like this. He said that I could make +a good deal of money if only I had a little capital. He knows everything +going on in Wall Street. If I went in with him I'd be on Easy Street."</p> + +<p>"How much would it require?"</p> + +<p>"Two thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>The young wife gave a sigh as she answered:</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid that's a day dream. Only your father could give you such an +amount and you wouldn't go to him, would you?"</p> + +<p>"Not if we hadn't another crust in the house," snapped Howard savagely. +"You don't want me to, do you?" he asked looking up at her quickly.</p> + +<p>"No, dear," she answered calmly. "I have certainly no wish that you +should humble yourself. At the same time I am not selfish enough to want +to stand in the way of your future. Your father and stepmother hate me, +I know that. I am the cause of your separation from your folks. No doubt +your father would be very willing to help you if you would consent to +leave me."</p> + +<p>Howard laughed as he replied:</p> + +<p>"Well, if that's the price for the $2,000 I guess I'll go without it. I +wouldn't give you up for a million times $2,000!"</p> + +<p>Annie stretched her hand across the table.</p> + +<p>"Really," she said.</p> + +<p>"You know I wouldn't Annie," he said earnestly. "Not one second have I +ever regretted marrying you—that's honest to God!"</p> + +<p>A faint flush of pleasure lit up the young wife's face. For all her +assumed lightheartedness she was badly in need of this reassurance. If +she thought Howard nourished secret regrets it would break her heart. +She could stand anything, any hardship, but not that. She would leave +him at once.</p> + +<p>In a way she held herself responsible for his present predicament. She +had felt a deep sense of guilt ever since that afternoon in New Haven +when, listening to Howard's importunities and obeying an impulse she +was powerless to resist, she had flung aside her waitress's apron, +furtively left the restaurant and hurried with him to the minister who +declared them man and wife.</p> + +<p>Their marriage was a mistake, of course. Howard was in no position to +marry. They should have waited. They both realized their folly now. But +what was done could not be undone. She realized, too, that it was worse +for Howard than it was for her. It had ruined his prospects at the +outset of his career and threatened to be an irreparable blight on his +entire life. She realized that she was largely to blame. She had done +wrong to marry him and at times she reproached herself bitterly. There +were days when their union assumed in her eyes the enormity of a crime. +She should have seen what a social gulf lay between them. All these +taunts and insults from his family which she now endured she had +foolishly brought upon her own head. But she had not been able to resist +the temptation. Howard came into her life when the outlook was dreary +and hopeless. He had offered to her what seemed a haven against the +cruelty and selfishness of the world. Happiness for the first time in +her life seemed within reach and she had not the moral courage to say +"No."</p> + +<p>If Annie had no education she was not without brains. She had sense +enough to realize that her bringing up or the lack of it was an +unsurmountable barrier to her ever being admitted to the inner circle of +Howard's family. If her husband's father had not married again the +breach might have been crossed in time, but his new wife was a prominent +member of the smart set, a woman full of aristocratic notions who +recoiled with horror at having anything to do with a girl guilty of the +enormity of earning her own living. Individual merit, inherent nobility +of character, amiability of disposition, and a personal reputation +untouched by scandal—all this went for nothing—because unaccompanied +by wealth or social position. Annie had neither wealth or position. She +had not even education. They considered her common, impossible. They +were even ready to lend an ear to certain ugly stories regarding her +past, none of which were true. After their marriage, Mr. Jeffries, Sr., +and his wife absolutely refused to receive her or have any communication +with her whatsoever. As long, therefore, as Howard remained faithful to +her, the breach with his family could never be healed.</p> + +<p>"Have some more stew, dear," she said, extending her hand for her +husband's plate.</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head and threw down his knife and fork.</p> + +<p>"I've had enough," he said despondently. "I haven't much appetite."</p> + +<p>She looked at him with concern.</p> + +<p>"Poor boy, you're tired out!"</p> + +<p>As she noted how pale and dejected he appeared, her eyes filled with +sympathetic tears. She forgot the appalling number of cigarettes he +smoked a day, nor did she realize how abuse of alcohol had spoiled his +stomach for solid food.</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew where to go and get that $2,000," muttered Howard, his +mind still preoccupied with Coxe's proposition. Lighting another +cigarette, he leaned back in his chair and lapsed into silence.</p> + +<p>Annie sat and watched him, wishing she could suggest some way to solve +the problem that troubled him. She loved her husband with all her heart +and soul. His very weakness of character endeared him the more to her. +She was not blind to his faults, but she excused them. His vices, his +drinking, cigarette smoking and general shiftlessness were, she argued, +the result of bad associates. He was self-indulgent. He made good +resolutions and broke them. But he was not really vicious. He had a good +heart. With some one to watch him and keep him in the straight path, he +would still give a good account of himself to the world. She was +confident of that. She recognized many excellent qualities in him. They +only wanted fostering and bringing out. That was why she married him. +She was a few years his senior; she felt that she was the stronger +mentally. She considered it was her duty to devote her life to him, to +protect him from himself and make a man of him.</p> + +<p>It was not her fault, she mused, if she were not a lady. Literally +brought up in the gutter, what advantages had she had? Her mother died +in childbirth and her father, a professional gambler, abandoned the +little girl to the tender mercies of an indifferent neighbor. When she +was about eight years old her father was arrested. He refused to pay +police blackmail, was indicted, railroaded to prison and died soon after +in convict stripes. There was no provision for Annie's maintenance, so +at the age of nine she found herself toiling in a factory, a helpless +victim of the brutalizing system of child slavery which in spite of +prohibiting laws still disgraces the United States. Ever since that time +she had earned her own living. The road had often been hard, there were +times when she thought she would have to give up the fight, other girls +she had met had hinted at an easier way of earning one's living, but she +had kept her courage, refused to listen to evil counsel and always +managed to keep her name unsullied. She left the factory to work behind +the counter in a New York dry goods store. Then about a year ago she +drifted to New Haven and took the position of waitress at the restaurant +which the college boys patronized.</p> + +<p>Robert Underwood was among the students who came almost every day. He +made love to her from the start, and one day attempted liberties which +she was prompt to resent in a way he did not relish. After that he let +her alone. She never liked the man. She knew him to be unprincipled as +well as vicious. One night he brought Howard Jeffries to the restaurant. +They seemed the closest of cronies and she was sorry to see what bad +influence the elder sophomore had over the young freshman, to whom she +was at once attracted. Every time they came she watched them and she +noticed how under his mentor Howard became more hardened. He drank more +and more and became a reckless gambler. Underwood seemed to exercise a +baneful spell over him. She saw that he would soon be ruined with such a +man as Underwood for a constant companion. Her interest in the young +student grew. They became acquainted and Howard, not realizing that she +was older than he, was immediately captivated by her vivacious charm and +her common-sense views. They saw each other more frequently and their +friendship grew until one day Howard asked her to marry him.</p> + +<p>While she sometimes blamed herself for having listened too willingly to +Howard's pleadings, she did not altogether regret the step she had +taken. It was most unfortunate that there must be this rupture with his +family, yet something within told her that she was doing God's +work—saving a man's soul. Without her, Howard would have gone swiftly +to ruin, there was little doubt of that. His affection for her had +partly, if not wholly, redeemed him and was keeping him straight. He had +been good to her ever since their marriage and done everything to make +her comfortable. Once he took a position as guard on the elevated road, +but caught cold and was forced to give it up. She wanted to go to work +again, but he angrily refused. That alone showed that he was not +entirely devoid of character. He was unfortunate at present and they +were poor, but by dint of perseverance he would win out and make a +position for himself without his father's help. These were their darkest +days, but light was ahead. As long as they loved each other and had +their health what more was necessary?</p> + +<p>"Say, Annie, I have an idea," suddenly blurted out Howard.</p> + +<p>"What is it, dear?" she asked, her reveries thus abruptly interrupted.</p> + +<p>"I mean regarding that $2,000. You know all about that $250 which I once +lent Underwood. I never got it back, although I've been after him many +times for it. He's a slippery customer. But under the circumstances I +think it's worth another determined effort. He seems to be better fixed +now than he ever was. He's living at the Astruria, making a social +splurge and all that sort of thing. He must have money. I'll try to +borrow the $2,000 from him."</p> + +<p>"He certainly appears to be prosperous," replied Annie. "I see his name +in the newspapers all the time. There is hardly an affair at which he is +not present."</p> + +<p>"Yes," growled Howard; "I don't see how he does it. He travels on his +cheek, principally, I guess. His name was among those present at my +stepmother's musicale the other night." Bitterly he added: "That's how +the world goes. There is no place for me under my father's roof, but +that blackguard is welcomed with open arms!"</p> + +<p>"I thought your father was such a proud man," interrupted Annie. "How +does he come to associate with people like Underwood?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, pater's an old dolt!" exclaimed Howard impatiently. "There's no +fool like an old fool. Of course, he's sensible enough in business +matters. He wouldn't be where he is to-day if he weren't. But when it +comes to the woman question he's as blind as a bat. What right had a +man of his age to go and marry a woman twenty years his junior? Of +course she only married him for his money. Everybody knows that except +he. People laugh at him behind his back. Instead of enjoying a quiet, +peaceful home in the declining years of his life, he is compelled to +keep open house and entertain people who are personally obnoxious to +him, simply because that sort of life pleases his young wife."</p> + +<p>"Who was she, anyway, before their marriage?" interrupted Annie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a nobody," he replied. "She was very attractive looking, dressed +well and was clever enough to get introductions to good people. She +managed to make herself popular in the smart set and she needed money to +carry out her social ambitions. Dad—wealthy widower—came along and she +caught him in her net, that's all!"</p> + +<p>Annie listened with interest. She was human enough to feel a certain +sense of satisfaction on hearing that this woman who treated her with +such contempt was herself something of an intriguer.</p> + +<p>"How did your stepmother come to know Robert Underwood?" she asked. "He +was never in society."</p> + +<p>"No," replied Howard with a grin. "It was my stepmother who gave him the +entrée. You know she was once engaged to him, but broke it off so she +could marry Dad. He felt very sore over it at the time, but after her +marriage he was seemingly as friendly with her as ever—to serve his own +ends, of course. It is simply wonderful what influence he has with her. +He exercises over her the same fascination that he did over me at +college. He has sort of hypnotized her. I don't think it's a case of +love or anything like that, but he simply holds her under his thumb and +gets her to do anything he wants. She invites him to her house, +introduces him right and left, got people to take him up. Everybody +laughs about it in society. Underwood is known as Mrs. Howard Jeffries' +pet. Such a thing soon gets talked about. That is the secret of his +successful career in New York. As far as I know, she's as much +infatuated with him as ever."</p> + +<p>A look of surprise came into Annie's face. To this young woman, whose +one idea of matrimony was steadfast loyalty to the man whose life she +shared and whose name she bore, there was something repellent and +nauseating in a woman permitting herself to be talked about in that way.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't your father object?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Pshaw!" laughed Howard. "He doesn't see what's going on under his very +nose. He's too proud a man, too sure of his own good judgment, to +believe for a moment that the woman to whom he gave his name would be +guilty of the slightest indiscretion of that kind."</p> + +<p>Annie was silent for a minute. Then she said:</p> + +<p>"What makes you think that Underwood would let you have the money?"</p> + +<p>"Because I think he's got it. I obliged him once in the same way myself. +I would explain to him what I want it for. He will see at once that it +is a good thing. I'll offer him a good rate of interest, and he might be +very glad to let me have it. Anyhow, there's no harm trying."</p> + +<p>Annie said nothing. She did not entirely approve this idea of her +husband trying to borrow money of a man in whom his stepmother was so +much interested. On the other hand starvation stared them in the face. +If Howard could get hold of this $2,000 and start in the brokerage +business it might be the beginning of a new life for them.</p> + +<p>"Well, do as you like, dear," she said. "When will you go to him?"</p> + +<p>"The best time to catch him would be in the evening," replied Howard.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, go to-night," she suggested.</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No, not to-night. I don't think I should find him in. He's out every +night somewhere. To-night there's another big reception at my father's +house. He'll probably be there. I think I'll wait till to-morrow night. +I'm nearly sure to catch him at home then."</p> + +<p>Annie rose and began to remove the dishes from the table. Howard +nonchalantly lighted another cigarette and, leaving the table, took up +the evening newspaper. Sitting down comfortably in a rocker by the +window, he blew a cloud of blue smoke up in the air and said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's it—I'll go to-morrow night to the Astruria and strike Bob +Underwood for that $2,000."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + + +<p>The handsome town house of Howard Jeffries, the well-known banker, on +Riverside Drive, was one of the most striking among the many imposing +millionaire homes that line the city's splendid water front. Houses +there were in the immediate proximity which were more showy and had cost +more money, but none as completely satisfying from the art lover's +standpoint. It was the home of a man who studied and loved the beautiful +for its own sake and not because he wanted to astonish people with what +miracles his money could work. Occupying a large plot on slightly +elevated ground, the house commanded a fine view of the broad Hudson. +Directly opposite, across the river, busy with steam and sailing craft, +smiled the green slopes of New Jersey; in the purplish north frowned the +jagged cliffs of the precipitous Palisades.</p> + +<p>The elder Jeffries, aristocratic descendant of an old Knickerbocker +family, was proud of his home and had spent large sums of money in +beautifying it. Built in colonial style of pure white marble with long +French windows and lofty columns supporting a flat, rounded roof, +surrounded by broad lawns, wide-spreading shade trees and splashing +fountains, it was a conspicuous landmark for miles. The interior was +full of architectural beauty. The stately entrance hall, hung with +ancestral portraits, was of noble proportions and a superb staircase, +decorated with statuary led off to tastefully decorated reception rooms +above. To-night the house was brilliantly illuminated and there was +considerable activity at the front entrance, where a footman in smart +livery stood opening the doors of the carriages as they drove up in +quick succession.</p> + +<p>Mrs. Jeffries' musicales were always largely attended because she knew +the secret of making them interesting. Her husband's wealth and her fine +house enabled her to entertain on a liberal scale, and she was a tactful +and diplomatic hostess as well. She not only cultivated the right kind +of people who were congenial to each other, but she always managed to +have some guest of special distinction whom every one was eager to meet. +Her own wide acquaintance among the prominent operatic artists and her +husband's influential position in the world of finance made this policy +an easy way of furthering her social ambitions. She would always invite +some one whom she could present as the lion of the evening. One week it +would be a tenor from the opera house, another time a famous violinist. +In this way she managed to create a little artistic salon on the lines +of the famous political salons in which the brilliant women of the +eighteenth century moulded public opinion in France.</p> + +<p>Alicia knew she was clever and as she stood admiring herself in front of +a full length mirror while awaiting the arrival of her guests she +congratulated herself that she had made a success of her life. She had +won those things which most women hold dear—wealth and social position. +She had married a man she did not love, it was true, but other women had +done that before her. If she had not brought her husband love she at +least was not a wife he need be ashamed of. In her Paquin gown of gold +cloth with sweeping train and a jeweled tiara in her hair, she +considered herself handsome enough to grace any man's home. It was +indeed a beauty which she saw in the mirror—the face of a woman not +yet thirty with the features regular and refined. The eyes were large +and dark and the mouth and nose delicately moulded. The face seemed +academically perfect, all but the expression. She had a cold, +calculating look, and a cynic might have charged her with being +heartless, of stopping at nothing to gain her own ends.</p> + +<p>To-night Alicia had every reason to feel jubilant. She had secured a +social lion that all New York would talk about—no less a person than +Dr. Bernstein, the celebrated psychologist, the originator of the theory +of scientific psychology. Everything seemed to go the way she wished; +her musicales were the talk of the town; her husband had just presented +her with the jeweled tiara which now graced her head; there seemed to be +nothing in the world that she could not enjoy.</p> + +<p>Yet she was not happy, and as she gazed at the face reflected before her +in the glass she wondered if the world guessed how unhappy she was. She +knew that by her own indiscretion she was in danger of losing all she +had won, her position in society, her place in the affections of her +husband, everything.</p> + +<p>When she married Mr. Jeffries it was with deliberate calculation. She +did not love him, but, being ambitious, she did not hesitate to deceive +him. He was rich, he could give her that prominent position in society +for which she yearned. The fact that she was already engaged to a man +for whom she did care did not deter her for a moment from her set +purpose. She had met Robert Underwood years before. He was then a +college boy, tall, handsome, clever. She fell in love with him and they +became engaged. As she grew more sophisticated she saw the folly of +their youthful infatuation. Underwood was without fortune, his future +uncertain. What position could she possibly have as his wife? While in +this uncertain state of mind she met Mr. Jeffries, then a widower, at a +reception. The banker was attracted to her and being a business man he +did things quickly. He proposed and was accepted, all in the brief time +of—five minutes. Robert Underwood and the romance of her girlhood were +sacrificed without question when it came to reaching a prompt decision. +She wrote Underwood a brief letter of farewell, telling him that the +action she had taken was really for the best interests of them both. +Underwood made no reply and for months did not attempt to go near her. +Then he met her in public. There was a reconciliation. He exerted the +old spell—on the married woman. Cold and indifferent to her husband, +Alicia found it amusing to have her old lover paying her court and the +danger of discovery only gave the intrigue additional zest and charm. +She did not lead Underwood to believe that he could induce her to forget +her duty to Mr. Jeffries, but she was foolish enough to encourage a +dangerous intimacy. She thought she was strong enough to be able to call +a halt whenever she would be so disposed, but as is often the case she +overestimated her powers. The intimacy grew. Underwood became bolder, +claiming and obtaining special privileges. He soon realized that he had +the upper hand and he traded on it. Under her patronage he was invited +everywhere. He practically lived on her friends. He borrowed their money +and cheated them at cards. His real character was soon known to all, but +no one dared expose him for fear of offending the influential Mrs. +Jeffries. Realizing this, Underwood continued his depredations until he +became a sort of social highwayman. He had no legitimate source of +income, but he took a suite of apartments at the expensive Astruria and +on credit furnished them so gorgeously that they became the talk of the +town. The magazines and newspapers devoted columns to the magnificence +of their furnishings and the art treasures they contained. Art dealers +all over the country offered him liberal commissions if he would dispose +of expensive <i>objets d'art</i> to his friends. He entered in business +relation with several firms and soon his rooms became a veritable bazaar +for art curios of all kinds. Mrs. Jeffries' friends paid exorbitant +prices for some of the stuff and Underwood pocketed the money, +forgetting to account to the owners for the sums they brought. The +dealers demanded restitution or a settlement and Underwood, dreading +exposure, had to hustle around to raise enough money to make up the +deficiency in order to avoid prosecution. In this way he lived from day +to day borrowing from Peter to settle with Paul, and on one or two +occasions he had not been ashamed to borrow from Mrs. Jeffries herself.</p> + +<p>Alicia lent the money more because she feared ridicule than from any +real desire to oblige Underwood. She had long since become disgusted +with him. The man's real character was now plainly revealed to her. He +was an adventurer, little better than a common crook. She congratulated +herself on her narrow escape. Suppose she had married him—the horror of +it! Yet the next instant she was filled with consternation. She had +allowed him to become so intimate that it was difficult to break off +with him all at once. She realized that with a man of that character the +inevitable must come. There would be a disgraceful scandal. She would be +mixed up in it, her husband's eyes would be opened to her folly, it +might ruin her entire life. She must end it now—once for all. She had +already given him to understand that their intimacy must cease. Now he +must stop his visits to her house and desist from trapping her friends +into his many schemes. She had written him that morning forbidding him +to come to the house this evening. She was done with him forever.</p> + +<p>These thoughts were responsible for the frown on the beautiful Mrs. +Jeffries' bejeweled brow that particular Saturday evening. Alicia gave a +sigh and was drawing on her long kid gloves before the glass, when +suddenly a maid entered and tendered her mistress a note. Alicia knew +the handwriting only too well. She tore the letter open and read:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Dear Mrs. Jeffries</span>: I received your letter telling me that my +presence at your house to-night would be distasteful to you. As you +can imagine, it was a great shock. Don't you understand the harm +this will do me? Everybody will notice my absence. They will jump +to the conclusion that there has been a rupture, and my credit will +suffer immediately with your friends. I cannot afford to let this +happen now. My affairs are in such condition that it will be fatal +to me. I need your support and friendship more than ever. I have +noticed for some time that your manner to me has changed. Perhaps +you have believed some of the stories my enemies have circulated +about me. For the sake of our old friendship, Alicia, don't desert +me now. Remember what I once was to you and let me come to your +reception to-night. There's a reason why I must be seen in your +house.</p> + +<p>Yours devotedly,</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Robert Underwood.</span></p></div> + +<p>Alicia's face flushed with anger. Turning to the maid, she said: +"There's no answer."</p> + +<p>The girl was about to close the door when her mistress suddenly recalled +her.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute," she said; "I'll write a line."</p> + +<p>Taking from her dainty escritoire a sheet of perfumed notepaper, she +wrote hurriedly as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"If you dare to come near my house to-night, I will have you put +out by the servants."</p></div> + +<p>Quickly folding the note, she crushed it into an envelope, sealed it, +handed it to the girl, and said:</p> + +<p>"Give that to the messenger."</p> + +<p>The servant disappeared and Alicia resumed her work of drawing on her +gloves in front of her mirror. How dare he write her such a letter? Was +her house to be made the headquarters for his swindling schemes? Did he +want to cheat more of her friends? The more she thought of all he had +done, the angrier she became. Her eyes flashed and her bosom heaved with +indignation. She wondered what her husband, the soul of honor, would say +if he suspected that she had permitted a man of Underwood's character to +use his home for his dishonest practices. She was glad she had ended it +now, before it was too late. There might have been a scandal, and that +she must avoid at any cost. Mr. Jeffries, she felt certain, would not +tolerate a scandal of any kind.</p> + +<p>All at once she felt something brush her cheek. She turned quickly. It +was her husband, who had entered the room quietly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Howard," she exclaimed peevishly; "how you frightened me! You +shouldn't startle me like that."</p> + +<p>A tall, distinguished-looking man with white mustache and pointed beard +stood admiring her in silence. His erect figure, admirably set off in a +well-cut dress coat suggested the soldier.</p> + +<p>"What are doing alone here, dear?" he said. "I hear carriages outside. +Our guests are arriving."</p> + +<p>"Just thinking, that's all," she replied evasively.</p> + +<p>He noticed her preoccupied look and, with some concern, he demanded:</p> + +<p>"There's nothing to worry you, is there?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no—nothing like that," she said hastily.</p> + +<p>He looked at her closely and she averted her eyes. Mr. Jeffries often +wondered if he had made a mistake. He felt that this woman to whom he +had given his name did not love him, but his vanity as much as his pride +prevented him from acknowledging it, even to himself. After all, what +did he care? She was a companion, she graced his home and looked after +his creature comforts. Perhaps no reasonable man should expect anything +more. Carelessly, he asked:</p> + +<p>"Whom do you expect to-night?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, the usual crowd," replied Alicia languidly. "Dr. Bernstein is +coming—you know he's quite the rage just now. He has to do with +psychology and all that sort of thing."</p> + +<p>"So, he's your lion to-night, is he?" smiled the banker. Then he went +on:</p> + +<p>"By the bye, I met Brewster at the club to-night. He promised to drop +in."</p> + +<p>Now it was Alicia's turn to smile. It was not everybody who could boast +of having such a distinguished lawyer as Judge Brewster on their calling +lists. To-night would certainly be a success—two lions instead of one. +For the moment she forgot her worry.</p> + +<p>"I am delighted that the judge is coming," she exclaimed, her face +beaming. "Every one is talking about him since his brilliant speech for +the defense in that murder case."</p> + +<p>The banker noted his wife's beautiful hair and the white transparency of +her skin. His gaze lingered on the graceful lines of her neck and bosom, +glittering with precious stones. An exquisite aroma exuding from her +person reached where he stood. His eyes grew more ardent and, passing +his arm affectionately around her slender waist, he asked:</p> + +<p>"How does my little girl like her tiara?"</p> + +<p>"It's very nice. Don't you see I'm wearing it to-night?" she replied +almost impatiently and drawing herself away.</p> + +<p>Before Mr. Jeffries had time to reply there was a commotion at the other +end of the reception room, where rich tapestries screened off the main +entrance hall. The butler drew the curtains aside.</p> + +<p>"Mr. and Mrs. Cortwright," he announced loudly.</p> + +<p>Alicia went forward, followed by her husband, to greet her guests.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + + +<p>The richly decorated reception rooms, brilliantly illuminated with soft +incandescent lights artistically arranged behind banks of flowers, were +filled with people. In the air was the familiar buzz always present in a +room where each person is trying to speak at the same time. On all sides +one heard fragments of inept conversation.</p> + +<p>"So good of you to come! How well you're looking, my dear."</p> + +<p>"My husband? Oh, he's at the club, playing poker, as usual. He hates +music."</p> + +<p>"I've such a terrible cold!"</p> + +<p>"Trouble with servants? I should say so. I bounced my cook this +morning."</p> + +<p>"Aren't these affairs awefully tiresome?"</p> + +<p>"I was so glad to come. I always enjoy your musicales."</p> + +<p>"Dr. Bernstein coming? How perfectly delightful. I'll ask him for his +autograph."</p> + +<p>"What's psychology?"</p> + +<p>"Something to do with religion, I think."</p> + +<p>"Haven't we been having dreadful weather?"</p> + +<p>"I saw you at the opera."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't she look sweet?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I think it's just lovely."</p> + +<p>People now arrived in quick succession and, forming little groups, the +room soon presented an animated scene. The women in their smart gowns +and the men in their black coats made a pleasing picture.</p> + +<p>"My dear Mrs. Jeffries, how do you do this evening?" exclaimed a rich, +deep voice.</p> + +<p>The hostess turned to greet an elderly and distinguished-looking man who +had just entered. Directly he came in voices were hushed, and on every +side one heard the whisper:</p> + +<p>"There's Judge Brewster, the famous lawyer."</p> + +<p>There was a general craning of necks to catch a glimpse of the eminent +jurist whose brilliant address to the jury in a recent <i>cause célèbre</i> +had saved an innocent man from the electric chair.</p> + +<p>Richard Brewster was a fine example of the old school statesman-lawyer +of the Henry Clay type. He belonged to that small class of public men +who are independent of all coteries, whose only ambition is to serve +their country well, who know no other duty than that dictated by their +oath and conscience. A brilliant and forceful orator, there was no +office in the gift of the nation that might not have been his for the +asking, but he had no taste for politics. After serving with honor for +some years on the bench he retired into private practice, and thereafter +his name became one to conjure with in the law courts. By sheer power of +his matchless oratory and unanswerable logic he won case after case for +his clients and it is a tribute to his name to record the plain fact +that in all his career he never championed a cause of which he need be +ashamed. Powerful financial interests had attempted to secure his +services by offers of princely retainers, but without success. He fought +the trusts bitterly every time he found them oppressing the people. He +preferred to remain comparatively poor rather than enrich himself at the +price of prostituting his profession.</p> + +<p>Alicia advanced with extended hand.</p> + +<p>"This is indeed kind, Judge," she exclaimed with a gracious smile. "I +hardly dared hope that my poor musicale would be so honored."</p> + +<p>The old lawyer smiled good-humoredly as he replied gallantly:</p> + +<p>"I don't know much about music, m'm; I came to see you." Looking around +he added: "You've got a nice place here."</p> + +<p>He spoke in his characteristic manner—short, nervous, explosive +sentences, which had often terrified his opponents in court.</p> + +<p>"Lawyers are such flatterers," laughed Alicia as she nervously fanned +herself, and looked around to see if her guests were watching.</p> + +<p>"Lawyers only flatter when they want to," interrupted grimly Mr. +Jeffries, who had just joined the group.</p> + +<p>Alicia turned to greet a new arrival and the lawyer continued chatting +with his host.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you'll take a rest now, after your splendid victory," said +the banker.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster shook his head dubiously.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, we lawyers never rest. We can't. No sooner is one case +disposed of than another crops up to claim our attention. The trouble +with this country is that we have too much law. If I were to be guilty +of an epigram I would say that the country has so much law that it is +practically lawless."</p> + +<p>"So you're preparing another case, eh?" said Mr. Jeffries, interested. +"What is it—a secret?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no!" answered the lawyer, "the newspapers will be full of it in a +day or two. We are going to bring suit against the city. It's really a +test case that should interest every citizen; a protest against the +high-handed actions of the police."</p> + +<p>The banker elevated his eyebrows.</p> + +<p>"Indeed," he exclaimed. "What have the police been doing now?"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at his client in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Why, my dear sir, you must have seen by the papers what's been going on +in our city of late. The papers have been full of it. Police brutality, +illegal arrests, assaults in station houses, star-chamber methods that +would disgrace the middle ages. A state of affairs exists to-day in the +city of New York which is inconceivable. Here we are living in a +civilized country, every man's liberty is guaranteed by the +Constitution, yet citizens, as they walk our streets, are in greater +peril than the inhabitants of terror-stricken Russia. Take a police +official of Captain Clinton's type. His only notion of the law is brute +force and the night stick. A bully by nature, a man of the coarsest +instincts and enormous physical strength, he loves to play the tyrant. +In his precinct he poses as a kind of czar and fondly imagines he has +the power to administer the law itself. By his brow-beating tactics, +intolerable under Anglo-Saxon government, he is turning our police force +into a gang of ruffians who have the city terror-stricken. In order to +further his political ambitions he stops at nothing. He lets the guilty +escape when influence he can't resist is brought to bear, but in order +to keep up his record with the department he makes arrests without the +slightest justification. To secure convictions he manufactures, with the +aid of his detectives, all kinds of perjured evidence. To paraphrase a +well-known saying, his motto is: 'Convict—honestly, if you can—but +convict.'"</p> + +<p>"It is outrageous," said Mr. Jeffries. "No one can approve such methods. +Of course, in dealing with the criminal population of a great city, they +cannot wear kid gloves, but Captain Clinton certainly goes too far. What +is the specific complaint on which the suit is based?"</p> + +<p>"Captain Clinton," replied the judge, "made the mistake of persecuting a +young woman who happened to be the daughter of a wealthy client of mine. +One of his detectives arrested her on a charge of shoplifting. The girl, +mind you, is of excellent family and irreproachable character. My client +and his lawyer tried to show Captain Clinton that he had made a serious +blunder, but he brazened it out, claiming on the stand that the girl was +an old offender. Of course, he was forced at last to admit his mistake +and the girl went free, but think of the humiliation and mental anguish +she underwent! It was simply a repetition of his old tactics. A +conviction, no matter at what cost."</p> + +<p>"What do you hope to bring about by this suit?"</p> + +<p>"Arouse public indignation, and if possible get Captain Clinton +dismissed from the force. His record is none too savory. Charges of +graft have been made against him time and time again, but so far nothing +has been proved. To-day he is a man of wealth on a comparatively small +salary. Do you suppose his money could have come to him honestly?"</p> + +<p>In another corner of the salon stood Dr. Bernstein, the celebrated +psychologist, the centre of an excited crowd of enthusiastic admirers.</p> + +<p>Alicia approached a group of chattering women. Each was more elaborately +dressed than her neighbor, and loaded down with rare gems. They at once +stopped talking as their hostess came up.</p> + +<p>"It was so good of you to come!" said Alicia effusively to a fat woman +with impossible blond hair and a rouged face. "I want to introduce Dr. +Bernstein to you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I shall be delighted," smiled the blonde. Gushingly she added: "How +perfectly exquisite you look to-night, my dear."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so?" said Alicia, pleased at the clumsy flattery.</p> + +<p>"Your dress is stunning and your tiara simply gorgeous," raved another.</p> + +<p>"Your musicales are always so delightful," exclaimed a third.</p> + +<p>At that moment Mr. Jeffries caught his wife by the arm and drew her +attention to some newcomers. With a laugh she left the group and +hurried toward the door. Directly she was out of earshot, the three +women began whispering:</p> + +<p>"Isn't she terribly overdressed?" exclaimed the blonde. "The cheek of +such a <i>parvenue</i> to wear that tiara."</p> + +<p>"Her face is all made up, too," said another.</p> + +<p>"These affairs of hers are awfully stupid, don't you think so?" piped +the third.</p> + +<p>"Yes, they bore everybody to death," said the blonde. "She's ambitious +and likes to think she is a social leader. I only come here because it +amuses me to see what a fool she makes of herself. Fancy a woman of her +age marrying a man old enough to be her father. By the bye, I don't see +her <i>beau</i> here to-night."</p> + +<p>"You mean that scamp, Robert Underwood?"</p> + +<p>"Isn't it perfectly scandalous, the way he dances after her? I'm +surprised Mr. Jeffries allows him to come to the house."</p> + +<p>"Maybe there's been a row. Perhaps that explains why he's not here +to-night. It's the first time I've known him absent from one of her +musicales."</p> + +<p>"He's conspicuous by his absence. Do you know what I heard the other +day? I was told that Underwood had again been caught cheating at cards +and summarily expelled from the club—kicked out, so to speak."</p> + +<p>"I'm not at all surprised. I always had my doubts about him. He induced +a friend of mine to buy a picture, and got a tremendous price for it on +the false representation that it was a genuine Corot. My friend found +out afterward that he had been duped. Proceedings were threatened, but +Underwood managed to hush the affair by returning part of the money."</p> + +<p>In another part of the room a couple were discussing Mr. Jeffries as he +stood talking with Judge Brewster.</p> + +<p>"Did you notice how Mr. Jeffries has aged recently? He no longer seems +the same man."</p> + +<p>"No wonder, after all the trouble he's had. Of course you know what a +disappointment his son turned out?"</p> + +<p>"A scamp, I understand. Married a chorus girl and all that sort of +thing."</p> + +<p>"Not exactly, but almost as bad. The girl was a waitress or something +like that in a restaurant. She's very common; her father died in +prison. You can imagine the blow to old Jeffries. He turned the boy +adrift and left him to shift for himself."</p> + +<p>Alicia approached her husband, who was still talking with Judge +Brewster. She was leaning on the arm of a tall, handsome man with a dark +Van Dyke beard.</p> + +<p>"Who are you discussing with such interest?" she demanded, as she came +up with her escort.</p> + +<p>"We were talking of Captain Clinton and his detestable police methods," +said the banker.</p> + +<p>"Judge," said Alicia, turning to the lawyer, "allow me to introduce Dr. +Bernstein. Doctor, this is Judge Brewster."</p> + +<p>The stranger bowed low, as he replied courteously:</p> + +<p>"The fame of Judge Brewster has spread to every State in the Union."</p> + +<p>A faint smile spread over the face of the famous lawyer as he extended +his hand:</p> + +<p>"I've often heard of you, too, doctor. I've been reading with great +interest your book, 'Experimental Psychology.' Do you know," he went on +earnestly, "there's a lot in that. We have still much to learn in that +direction."</p> + +<p>"I think," said Dr. Bernstein quietly, "that we're only on the threshold +of wonderful discoveries."</p> + +<p>Pleased to find that her two distinguished guests were congenial, Alicia +left them to themselves and joined her other guests.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the lawyer musingly, "man has studied for centuries the +mechanism of the body, but he has neglected entirely the mechanism of +the mind."</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein smiled approvingly.</p> + +<p>"We are just waking up," he replied quickly. "People are beginning to +look upon psychology seriously. Up to comparatively recently the layman +has regarded psychology as the domain of the philosopher and the +dreamer. It did not seem possible that it could ever be applied to our +practical everyday life, but of late we have made remarkable strides. +Although it is a comparatively new science, you will probably be +astonished to learn that there are to-day in the United States fifty +psychological laboratories. That is to say, workshops fully +equipped with every device known for the probing of the human brain. +In my laboratory in California alone I have as many as twenty rooms +hung with electric wires and equipped with all the necessary +instruments—chronoscopes, kymographs, tachistoscopes, and ergographs, +instruments which enable us to measure and record the human brain as +accurately as the Bertillon system."</p> + +<p>"Really, you astonish me!" exclaimed the judge. "This is most +interesting. Think of laboratories solely devoted to delving into +mysteries of the human brain! It is wonderful!"</p> + +<p>He was silent for a moment, then he said:</p> + +<p>"It is quite plain, I think, that psychology can prove most useful in +medicine. It is, I take it, the very foundation of mental healing, but +what else would it do for humanity? For instance, can it help me, the +lawyer?"</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein smiled.</p> + +<p>"You gentlemen of the law have always scoffed at the very suggestion of +bringing psychology to your aid, but just think, sir, how enormously it +might aid you in cross-examining a witness. You can tell with almost +scientific accuracy if the witness is telling lies or the truth, and the +same would be clear to the judge and the jury. Just think how your +powers would be increased if by your skill in psychological observation +you could convince the jury that your client, who was about to be +convicted on circumstantial evidence alone, was really innocent of the +crime of which he was charged. Why, sir, the road which psychology opens +up to the lawyer is well-nigh boundless. Don't you use the Bertillon +system to measure the body? Don't you rely on thumb prints to identify +the hand? How do you know that we psychologists are not able to-day to +test the individual differences of men?"</p> + +<p>"In a word," laughed the judge, "you mean that any one trained to read +my mind can tell just what's passing in my brain?"</p> + +<p>"Precisely," replied the doctor with a smile; "the psychologist can tell +with almost mathematical accuracy just how your mental mechanism is +working. I admit it sounds uncanny, but it can be proved. In fact, it +has been proved, time and time again."</p> + +<p>Alicia came up and took the doctor's arm.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dr. Bernstein," she protested, "I can't allow the judge to +monopolize you in this way. Come with me. I want to introduce you to a +most charming woman who is dying to meet you. She is perfectly crazy on +psychology."</p> + +<p>"Don't introduce me to her," laughed the judge. "I see enough crazy +people in the law courts."</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein smiled and followed his hostess. Judge Brewster turned to +chat with the banker. From the distant music room came the sound of a +piano and a beautiful soprano voice. The rooms were now crowded and +newcomers were arriving each minute. Servants passed in and out serving +iced delicacies and champagne.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the butler entered the salon and, quietly approaching Alicia, +handed her a letter. In a low tone, he said:</p> + +<p>"This letter has just come, m'm. The messenger said it was very +important and I should deliver it at once."</p> + +<p>Alicia turned pale. She instantly recognized the handwriting. It was +from Robert Underwood. Was not her last message enough? How dare he +address her again and at such a time? Retiring to an inner room, she +tore open the envelope and read as follows:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Dear Mrs. Jeffries</span>: This is the last time I shall ever bore you +with my letters. You have forbidden me to see you again. +Practically you have sentenced me to a living death, but as I +prefer death shall not be partial, but full and complete oblivion, +I take this means of letting you know that unless you revoke your +cruel sentence of banishment, I shall make an end of it all. I +shall be found dead, Monday morning, and you will know who is +responsible. Yours devotedly,</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Robert Underwood.</span></p></div> + +<p>An angry exclamation escaped Alicia's lips, and crushing the note up in +her hand, she bit her lips till the blood came. It was just as she +feared. The man was desperate. He was not to be got rid of so easily. +How dare he—how dare he? The coward—to think that she could be +frightened by such a threat. What did she care if he killed himself? It +would be good riddance. Yet suppose he was in earnest, suppose he did +carry out his threat? There would be a terrible scandal, an +investigation, people would talk, her name would be mentioned. +No—no—that must be prevented at all costs.</p> + +<p>Distracted, not knowing what course to pursue, she paced the floor of +the room. Through the closed door she could hear the music and the +chatter of her guests. She must go to see Underwood at once, that was +certain, and her visit must be a secret one. There was already enough +talk. If her enemies could hear of her visiting him alone in his +apartment that would be the end.</p> + +<p>"Yes—I must see him at once. To-morrow is Sunday. He's sure to be home +in the evening. He mentions Monday morning. There will still be time. +I'll go and see him to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"Alicia! Alicia!"</p> + +<p>The door opened and Mr. Jeffries put his head in.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here, my dear?" he asked. "I was looking everywhere +for you. Judge Brewster wishes to say good night."</p> + +<p>"I was fixing my hair, that's all," replied Alicia with perfect +composure.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + + +<p>Among the many huge caravansaries that of recent years have sprung up in +New York to provide luxurious quarters regardless of cost for those who +can afford to pay for the best, none could rival the Astruria in size +and magnificence. Occupying an entire block in the very heart of the +residential district, it took precedence over all the other apartment +hotels of the metropolis as the biggest and most splendidly appointed +hostelry of its kind in the world. It was, indeed, a small city in +itself. It was not necessary for its fortunate tenants to leave it +unless they were so minded. Everything for their comfort and pleasure +was to be had without taking the trouble to go out of doors. On the +ground floor were shops of all kinds, which catered only to the +Astruria's patrons. There were also on the premises a bank, a broker's +office, a hairdresser, and a postal-telegraph office. A special feature +was the garden court, containing over 30,000 square feet of open space, +and tastefully laid out with plants and flowers. Here fountains +splashed and an orchestra played while the patrons lounged on +comfortable rattan chairs or gossiped with their friends. Up on the +sixteenth floor was the cool roof garden, an exquisite bower of palms +and roses artificially painted by a famous French artist, with its +recherché restaurant, its picturesque <i>tziganes</i>, and its superb view of +all Manhattan Island.</p> + +<p>The Astruria was the last word in expensive apartment hotel building. +Architects declared that it was as far as modern lavishness and +extravagance could go. Its interior arrangements were in keeping with +its external splendor. Its apartments were of noble dimensions, richly +decorated, and equipped with every device, new and old, that modern +science and builders' ingenuity could suggest. That the rents were on a +scale with the grandeur of the establishment goes without saying. Only +long purses could stand the strain. It was a favorite headquarters for +Westerners who had "struck it rich," wealthy bachelors, and successful +actors and opera singers who loved the limelight on and off the stage.</p> + +<p>Sunday evening was usually exceedingly quiet at the Astruria. Most of +the tenants were out of town over the week-end, and as the restaurant +and roof garden were only slimly patronized, the elevators ran less +frequently, making less chatter and bustle in corridors and stairways. +Stillness reigned everywhere as if the sobering influence of the Sabbath +had invaded even this exclusive domain of the unholy rich. The uniformed +attendants, having nothing to do, yawned lazily in the deserted halls. +Some even indulged in surreptitious naps in corners, confident that they +would not be disturbed. Callers were so rare that when some one did +enter from the street, he was looked upon with suspicion.</p> + +<p>It was shortly after seven o'clock the day following Mrs. Jeffries' +reception when a man came in by the main entrance from Broadway, and +approaching one of the hall boys, inquired for Mr. Robert Underwood.</p> + +<p>The boy gave his interlocutor an impudent stare. There was something +about the caller's dress and manner which told him instinctively that he +was not dealing with a visitor whom he must treat respectfully. No one +divines a man's or woman's social status quicker or more unerringly than +a servant. The attendant saw at once that the man did not belong to the +class which paid social visits to tenants in the Astruria. He was rather +seedy-looking, his collar was not immaculate, his boots were thick and +clumsy, his clothes cheap and ill-fitting.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Underwood in?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Not home," replied the attendant insolently, after a pause. Like most +hall boys, he took a savage pleasure in saying that the tenants were +out.</p> + +<p>The caller looked annoyed.</p> + +<p>"He must be in," he said with a frown. "I have an appointment with him."</p> + +<p>This was not strictly true, but the bluff had the desired effect.</p> + +<p>"Got an appointment! Why didn't you say so at once?"</p> + +<p>Reaching lazily over the telephone switchboard, and without rising from +his seat, he asked surlily:</p> + +<p>"What's the name?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Bennington."</p> + +<p>The boy took the transmitter and spoke into it:</p> + +<p>"A party called to see Mr. Underwood."</p> + +<p>There was a brief pause, as if the person upstairs was in doubt whether +to admit that he was home or not. Then came the answer. The boy looked +up.</p> + +<p>"He says you should go up. Apartment 165. Take the elevator."</p> + +<hr style='width: 45%;' /> + +<p>In his luxuriously appointed rooms on the fourteenth floor, Robert +Underwood sat before the fire puffing nervously at a strong cigar. All +around him was a litter of <i>objets d'art</i>, such as would have filled the +heart of any connoisseur with joy. Oil paintings in heavy gilt frames, +of every period and school, Rembrandts, Cuyps, Ruysdaels, Reynoldses, +Corots, Henners, some on easels, some resting on the floor; handsome +French bronzes, dainty china on Japanese teakwood tables, antique +furniture, gold-embroidered clerical vestments, hand-painted screens, +costly Oriental rugs, rare ceramics—all were confusedly jumbled +together. On a grand piano in a corner of the room stood two tall +cloisonné vases of almost inestimable value. On a desk close by were +piled miniatures and rare ivories. The walls were covered with +tapestries, armor, and trophies of arms. More like a museum than a +sitting room, it was the home of a man who made a business of art or +made of art a business.</p> + +<p>Underwood stared moodily at the glowing logs in the open chimneyplace. +His face was pale and determined. After coming in from the restaurant he +had changed his tuxedo for the more comfortable house coat. Nothing +called him away that particular Sunday evening, and no one was likely to +disturb him. Ferris, his man-servant, had taken his usual Sunday off and +would not return until midnight. The apartment was still as the grave. +It was so high above the street that not a sound reached up from the +noisy Broadway below. Underwood liked the quiet so that he could think, +and he was thinking hard. On the flat desk at his elbow stood a dainty +<i>demi-tasse</i> of black coffee—untasted. There were glasses and decanters +of whiskey and cordial, but the stimulants did not tempt him.</p> + +<p>He wondered if Alicia would ignore his letter or if she would come to +him. Surely she could not be so heartless as to throw him over at such a +moment. Crushed in his left hand was a copy of the <i>New York Herald</i> +containing an elaborate account of the brilliant reception and musicale +given the previous evening at her home. With an exclamation of +impatience he rose from his seat, threw the paper from him, and began to +pace the floor.</p> + +<p>Was this the end of everything? Had he reached the end of his rope? He +must pay the reckoning, if not to-day, to-morrow. As his eyes wandered +around the room and he took mental inventory of each costly object, he +experienced a sudden shock as he recalled the things that were missing. +How could he explain their absence? The art dealers were already +suspicious. They were not to be put off any longer with excuses. Any +moment they might insist either on the immediate return of their +property or on payment in full. He was in the position to do neither. +The articles had been sold and the money lost gambling. Curse the luck! +Everything had gone against him of late. The dealers would begin +criminal proceedings, disgrace and prison stripes would follow. There +was no way out of it. He had no one to whom he could turn in this +crisis.</p> + +<p>And now even Alicia had deserted him. This was the last straw. While he +was still able to boast of the friendship and patronage of the +aristocratic Mrs. Howard Jeffries he could still hold his head high in +the world. No one would dare question his integrity, but now she had +abandoned him to his fate, people would begin to talk. There was no use +keeping up a hopeless fight—suicide was the only way out!</p> + +<p>He stopped in front of a mirror, startled at what he saw there. It was +the face of a man not yet thirty, but apparently much older. The +features were drawn and haggard, and his dark hair was plentifully +streaked with gray. He looked like a man who had lived two lives in one. +To-night his face frightened him. His eyes had a fixed stare like those +of a man he had once seen in a madhouse. He wondered if men looked like +that when they were about to be executed. Was not his own hour close at +hand? He wondered why the clock was so noisy; it seemed to him that the +ticks were louder than usual. He started suddenly and looked around +fearfully. He thought he had heard a sound outside. He shuddered as he +glanced toward the little drawer on the right-hand side of his desk, in +which he knew there was a loaded revolver.</p> + +<p>If Alicia would only relent escape might yet be possible. If he did not +hear from her it must be for to-night. One slight little pressure on the +trigger and all would be over.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the bell of the telephone connecting the apartment with the +main hall downstairs rang violently. Interrupted thus abruptly in the +midst of his reflections, Underwood jumped forward, startled. His nerves +were so unstrung that he was ever apprehensive of danger. With a +tremulous hand, he took hold of the receiver and placed it to his ear. +As he listened, his already pallid face turned whiter and the lines +about his mouth tightened. He hesitated a moment before replying. Then, +with an effort, he said:</p> + +<p>"Send him up."</p> + +<p>Dropping the receiver, he began to walk nervously up and down the room. +The crisis had come sooner than he expected—exposure was at hand. This +man Bennington was the manager of the firm of dealers whose goods he +disposed of. He could not make restitution. Prosecution was inevitable. +Disgrace and prison would follow. He could not stand it; he would rather +kill himself. Trouble was very close at hand, that was certain. How +could he get out of it? Pacing the floor, he bit his lips till the blood +came.</p> + +<p>There was a sharp ring at the front door. Underwood opened it. As he +recognized his visitor on the threshold, he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Why, Bennington, this is a surprise!"</p> + +<p>The manager entered awkwardly. He had the constrained air of a man who +has come on an unpleasant errand, but wants to be as amiable as the +circumstances will permit.</p> + +<p>"You didn't expect me, did you?" he began.</p> + +<p>Shutting the front door, Underwood led the way back into the sitting +room, and making an effort to control his nerves, said:</p> + +<p>"Sit down, won't you?"</p> + +<p>But Mr. Bennington merely bowed stiffly. It was evident that he did not +wish his call to be mistaken for a social visit.</p> + +<p>"I haven't time, thank you. To be frank, my mission is rather a delicate +one, Mr. Underwood."</p> + +<p>Underwood laughed nervously. Affecting to misinterpret the other's +meaning, he said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, you're right. The art and antique business is a delicate business. +God knows it's a precarious one!" Reaching for the decanter, he added: +"Have a drink."</p> + +<p>But Mr. Bennington refused to unbend. The proffer of refreshment did +not tempt him to swerve from the object of his mission. While Underwood +was talking, trying to gain time, his eyes were taking in the contents +of the apartment.</p> + +<p>"Come, take a drink," urged Underwood again.</p> + +<p>"No, thanks," replied Mr. Bennington curtly.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he turned square around.</p> + +<p>"Let's get down to business, Mr. Underwood," he exclaimed. "My firm +insists on the immediate return of their property." Pointing around the +room, he added: "Everything, do you understand?"</p> + +<p>Underwood was standing in the shadow of the lamp so his visitor did not +notice that he had grown suddenly very white, and that his mouth +twitched painfully.</p> + +<p>"Why, what's the trouble?" he stammered. "Haven't you done a lot of +business through me? Haven't I got prices for your people that they +would never have gotten?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—we know all that," replied Mr. Bennington impatiently. "To be +frank, Mr. Underwood, we've received information that you've sold many +of the valuable articles entrusted to you for which you've made no +accounting at all."</p> + +<p>"That's not true," exclaimed Underwood hotly. "I have accounted for +almost everything. The rest of the things are here. Of course, there may +be a few things——"</p> + +<p>Taking a box of cigars from the desk, he offered it to his visitor.</p> + +<p>"No, thanks," replied Bennington coldly, pushing back the proffered box.</p> + +<p>Underwood was fast losing his self-control. Throwing away his cigar with +an angry exclamation, he began to walk up and down.</p> + +<p>"I can account for everything if you give me time. You must give me +time. I'm hard pressed by my creditors. My expenses are enormous and +collections exceedingly difficult. I have a large amount of money +outstanding. After our pleasant business relations it seems absurd and +most unfair that your firm should take this stand with me." He halted +suddenly and faced Bennington. "Of course, I'm much obliged to you, +personally, for this friendly tip."</p> + +<p>Bennington shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"The warning may give you time either to raise the money or to get the +things back."</p> + +<p>Underwood's dark eyes flashed with suppressed wrath, as he retorted:</p> + +<p>"Of course, I can get them all back in time. Damn it, you fellows don't +know what it costs to run this kind of business successfully! One has to +spend a small fortune to keep up appearances. These society people won't +buy if they think you really need the money. I've had to give expensive +dinners and spend money like water even to get them to come here and +look at the things. You must give me time to make a settlement. I need +at least a month."</p> + +<p>Bennington shook his head. There was a hard, uncompromising look in his +face as he replied caustically:</p> + +<p>"They're coming for the things to-morrow. I thought it fair to let you +know. I can do no more."</p> + +<p>Underwood stopped short.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow," he echoed faintly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Bennington grimly. "You might as well understand the +situation thoroughly. The game's up. The firm has been watching you for +some time. When you tried to sell these things to old Defries for +one-quarter their real value he instantly recognized where they came +from. He telephoned straight to our place. You've been shadowed by +detectives ever since. There's a man outside watching this place now."</p> + +<p>"My God!" exclaimed Underwood. "Why are they hounding me like this?"</p> + +<p>Approaching Bennington quickly, he grasped his hand.</p> + +<p>"Bennington," he said earnestly, "you and I've always been on the +square. Can't you tell them it's all right? Can't you get them to give +me time?"</p> + +<p>Before the manager could reply the telephone bell rang sharply. +Underwood started. An expression of fear came over his face. Perhaps the +firm had already sworn out a warrant for his arrest. He picked up the +receiver to answer the call.</p> + +<p>"What name is that?" he demanded over the telephone. The name was +repeated and with a gesture of relief he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Howard Jeffries!—what on earth does he want? I can't see him. Tell +him I'm——"</p> + +<p>Bennington took his hat and turned to go:</p> + +<p>"Well, I must be off."</p> + +<p>"Don't go," exclaimed Underwood, as he hung up the receiver +mechanically. "It's only that infernal ass Howard Jeffries!"</p> + +<p>"I must," said the manager. As he went toward the door he made a close +scrutiny of the walls as if searching for something that was not there. +Stopping short, he said:</p> + +<p>"I don't see the Velasquez."</p> + +<p>"No—no," stammered Underwood nervously. "It's out—out on probation. +Oh, it's all right. I can account for everything."</p> + +<p>Mr. Bennington continued his inspection.</p> + +<p>"I don't see the Gobelin tapestry," he said laconically.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's all right, too, if they'll only give me time," he cried +desperately. "Good God, you don't know what it means to me, Bennington! +The position I've made for myself will be swept away and——"</p> + +<p>Mr. Bennington remained distant and unsympathetic and Underwood threw +himself into a chair with a gesture of disgust.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes I think I don't care what happens," he exclaimed. "Things +haven't been going my way lately. I don't care a hang whether school +keeps or not. If they drive me to the wall I'll do something desperate. +I'll——"</p> + +<p>A ring at the front door bell interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"Who can that be?" he exclaimed startled. He looked closely at his +companion, as if trying to read in his face if he were deceiving him.</p> + +<p>"Probably your friend of the telephone," suggested Bennington.</p> + +<p>Underwood opened the door and Howard entered jauntily.</p> + +<p>"Hello, fellers, how goes it?" was his jocular greeting.</p> + +<p>He was plainly under the influence of liquor. When he left home that +evening he had sworn to Annie that he would not touch a drop, but by the +time he reached the Astruria his courage failed him. He rather feared +Underwood, and he felt the need of a stimulant to brace him up for the +"strike" he was about to make. The back door of a saloon was +conveniently open and while he was refreshing himself two other men he +knew dropped in. Before he knew it, half a dozen drinks had been +absorbed, and he had spent the whole of $5 which his wife had intrusted +to him out of her carefully hoarded savings. When he sobered up he would +realize that he had acted like a coward and a cur, but just now he was +feeling rather jolly. Addressing Underwood with impudent familiarity, he +went on:</p> + +<p>"The d—d boy didn't seem to know if you were in or not, so I came up +anyhow." Glancing at Bennington, he added: "Sorry, if I'm butting in."</p> + +<p>Underwood was not in the humor to be very gracious. Long ago young +Howard Jeffries had outgrown his usefulness as far as he was concerned. +He was at a loss to guess why he had come to see him uninvited, on this +particular Sunday night, too. It was with studied coldness, therefore, +that he said:</p> + +<p>"Sit down—I'm glad to see you."</p> + +<p>"You don't look it," grinned Howard, as he advanced further into the +room with shambling, uncertain steps.</p> + +<p>Concealing his ill humor and promising himself to get rid of his +unwelcome visitor at the first opportunity, Underwood introduced the two +men.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Bennington—Mr. Howard Jeffries, Jr."</p> + +<p>Mr. Bennington had heard of the elder Jeffries' trouble with his +scapegrace son, and he eyed, with some interest, this young man who had +made such a fiasco of his career.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know Bennington," exclaimed Howard jovially. "I bought an +elephant's tusk at his place in the days when I was somebody." With mock +sadness he added, "I'm nobody now—couldn't even buy a collar button."</p> + +<p>"Won't you sit down and stay awhile?" said Underwood sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"If you don't mind, I'll have a drink first," replied Howard, making his +way to the desk and taking up the whiskey decanter.</p> + +<p>Underwood did not conceal his annoyance, but his angry glances were +entirely lost on his new visitor, who was rapidly getting into a maudlin +condition. Addressing Bennington with familiarity, Howard went on:</p> + +<p>"Say, do you remember that wonderful set of ivory chessmen my old man +bought?"</p> + +<p>Bennington smiled and nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I do, indeed. Ah, your father is a fine art critic!"</p> + +<p>Howard burst into boisterous laughter.</p> + +<p>"Art critic!" he exclaimed. "I should say he was. He's a born critic. He +can criticise any old thing—every old thing. I don't care what it is, +he can criticise it. 'When in doubt—criticise,' is nailed on father's +escutcheon." Bowing with mock courtesy to each he raised the glass to +his lips and said: "Here's how!"</p> + +<p>Bennington laughed good humoredly, and turned to go.</p> + +<p>"Well, good night, Mr. Jeffries. Good night, Mr. Underwood."</p> + +<p>Underwood followed the manager to the door.</p> + +<p>"Good night!" he said gloomily.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + + +<p>The door slammed, and Underwood returned to the sitting room. Taking no +notice of Howard, he walked over to the desk, slowly selected a cigar +and lighted it. Howard looked up at him foolishly, not knowing what to +say. His frequent libations had so befuddled him that he had almost +forgotten the object of his visit.</p> + +<p>"Excuse my butting in, old chap," he stammered, "but——"</p> + +<p>Underwood made no answer. Howard stared at him in comic surprise. He was +not so drunk as not to be able to notice that something was wrong.</p> + +<p>"Say, old fellow," he gurgled; "you're a regular Jim Dumps. Why so +chopfallen, so——? My! what a long face! Is that the way you greet a +classmate, a fellow frat? Wait till you hear my hard-luck story. That'll +cheer you up. Who was it said: 'There's nothing cheers us up so much as +other people's money?" Reaching for the whiskey bottle, he went on, +"First, I'll pour out another drink. You see, I need courage, old man. +I've got a favor to ask. I want some money. I not only want it—I need +it."</p> + +<p>Underwood laughed, a hollow, mocking laugh of derision. His old +classmate had certainly chosen a good time to come and ask him for +money. Howard mistook the cynical gayety for good humor.</p> + +<p>"I said I'd cheer you up," he went on. "I don't want to remind you of +that little matter of two hundred and fifty bucks which you borrowed +from me two years ago. I suppose you've forgotten it, but——"</p> + +<p>A look of annoyance came over Underwood's face.</p> + +<p>"Well, what of it?" he snapped.</p> + +<p>Howard took another drink before he continued.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't remind you of the loan, old chap; but I'm up against it. +When the family kicked me out for marrying the finest girl that ever +lived, my father cut me off with a piking allowance which I told him to +put in the church plate. I told him I preferred independence. Well," he +went on with serio-comic gravity, "I got my independence, but I'm—I'm +dead broke. You might as well understand the situation plainly. I can't +find any business that I'm fitted for, and Annie threatens to go back to +work. Now, you know I can't stand for anything like that. I'm too much +of a man to be supported by any woman."</p> + +<p>He looked toward Underwood in a stupid kind of way, as if looking for +some sign of approval, but he was disappointed. Underwood's face was a +study of supreme indifference. He did not even appear to be listening. +Somewhat disconcerted, Howard again raised the glass to his lips, and +thus refreshed, went on:</p> + +<p>"Then I thought of you, old chap. You've made a rousing success of +it—got a big name as art collector—made lots of money and all +that——"</p> + +<p>Underwood impatiently interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"It's impossible, Jeffries. Things are a little hard with me, too, just +now. You'll have to wait for that $250."</p> + +<p>Howard grinned.</p> + +<p>"'Taint the $250, old man, I didn't want that. I want a couple of +thousand."</p> + +<p>Underwood could not help laughing.</p> + +<p>"A couple of thousand? Why not make it a million?"</p> + +<p>Howard's demand struck him as being so humorous that he sat down +convulsed with laughter.</p> + +<p>Looking at him stupidly, Howard helped himself to another drink.</p> + +<p>"It seems I'm a hit," he said with a grin.</p> + +<p>Underwood by this time had recovered his composure.</p> + +<p>"So you've done nothing since you left college?" he said.</p> + +<p>"No," answered Howard. "I don't seem to get down to anything. My ideas +won't stay in one place. I got a job as time-keeper, but I didn't keep +it down a week. I kept the time all right, but it wasn't the right +time," Again raising his glass to his lips, he added: "They're so +beastly particular."</p> + +<p>"You keep pretty good time with that," laughed Underwood, pointing to +the whiskey.</p> + +<p>Howard grinned in drunken fashion.</p> + +<p>"It's the one thing I do punctually," he hiccoughed. "I can row, swim, +play tennis, football, golf and polo as well as anybody, but I'll be +damned if I can do anything quite as well as I can do this."</p> + +<p>"What do you want $2,000 for?" demanded Underwood.</p> + +<p>"I've got an opportunity to go into business. I want $2,000 and I want +it deuced quick."</p> + +<p>Underwood shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you go home and ask your father?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>His visitor seemed offended at the suggestion.</p> + +<p>"What!" he exclaimed, with comic surprise, "after being turned out like +a dog with a young wife on my hands! Not much—no. I've injured their +pride. You know father married a second time, loaded me down with a +stepmother. She's all right, but she's so confoundedly aristocratic. You +know her. Say, didn't you and she—wasn't there some sort of an +engagement once? Seems to me I——"</p> + +<p>Underwood rose to his feet and abruptly turned his back.</p> + +<p>"I'd rather you wouldn't get personal," he said curtly. Sitting down at +a desk, he began to rummage with some papers and, turning impatiently to +Howard, he said:</p> + +<p>"Say, old man, I'm very busy now. You'll have to excuse me."</p> + +<p>If Howard had been sober, he would have understood that this was a +pretty strong hint for him to be gone, but in his besotted condition, he +did not propose to be disposed of so easily. Turning to Underwood, he +burst out with an air of offended dignity:</p> + +<p>"Underwood, you wouldn't go back on me now. I'm an outcast, a pariah, a +derelict on the ocean of life, as one of my highly respectable uncles +wrote me. His grandfather was an iron puddler." With a drunken laugh he +went on: "Doesn't it make you sick? I'm no good because I married the +girl. If I had ruined her life I'd still be a decent member of society."</p> + +<p>He helped himself to another drink, his hand shaking so that he could +hardly hold the decanter. He was fast approaching the state of complete +intoxication. Underwood made an attempt to interfere. Why should he care +if the young fool made a sot of himself? The sooner he drank himself +insensible the quicker he would get rid of him.</p> + +<p>"No, Howard," he said; "you'd never make a decent member of society."</p> + +<p>"P'r'aps not," hiccoughed Howard.</p> + +<p>"How does Annie take her social ostracism?" inquired Underwood.</p> + +<p>"Like a brick. She's a thoroughbred, all right. She's all to the good."</p> + +<p>"All the same I'm sorry I ever introduced you to her," replied +Underwood. "I never thought you'd make such a fool of yourself as to +marry——"</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head in a maudlin manner, as he replied:</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether I made a fool of myself or not, but she's all +right. She's got in her the makings of a great woman—very crude, but +still the makings. The only thing I object to is, she insists on going +back to work, just as if I'd permit such a thing. Do you know what I +said on our wedding day? 'Mrs. Howard Jeffries, you are entering one of +the oldest families in America. Nature has fitted you for social +leadership. You'll be a petted, pampered member of that select few +called the "400,"' and now, damn it all, how can I ask her to go back +to work? But if you'll let me have that $2,000——"</p> + +<p>By this time Howard was beginning to get drowsy. Lying back on the sofa, +he proceeded to make himself comfortable.</p> + +<p>"Two thousand dollars!" laughed Underwood. "Why, man, I'm in debt up to +my eyes."</p> + +<p>As far as his condition enabled him, Howard gave a start of surprise.</p> + +<p>"Hard up!" he exclaimed. Pointing around the room, he said: "What's all +this—a bluff?"</p> + +<p>Underwood nodded.</p> + +<p>"A bluff, that's it. Not a picture, not a vase, not a stick belongs to +me. You'll have to go to your father."</p> + +<p>"Never," said Howard despondently. The suggestion was evidently too much +for him, because he stretched out his hand for his whiskey glass. +"Father's done with me," he said dolefully.</p> + +<p>"He'll relent," suggested Underwood.</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head drowsily. Touching his brow, he said:</p> + +<p>"Too much brains, too much up here." Placing his hand on his heart, he +went on: "Too little down here. Once he gets an idea, he never lets it +go, he holds on. Obstinate. One idea—stick to it. Gee, but I've made a +mess of things, haven't I?"</p> + +<p>Underwood looked at him with contempt.</p> + +<p>"You've made a mess of your life," he said bitterly, "yet you've had +some measure of happiness. You, at least, married the woman you love. +Drunken beast as you are, I envy you. The woman I wanted married some +one else, damn her!"</p> + +<p>Howard was so drowsy from the effects of the whiskey that he was almost +asleep. As he lay back on the sofa, he gurgled:</p> + +<p>"Say, old man; I didn't come here to listen to hard-luck stories. I came +to tell one."</p> + +<p>In maudlin fashion he began to sing, <i>Oh, listen to my tale of woe</i>, +while Underwood sat glaring at him, wondering how he could put him out.</p> + +<p>As he reached the last verse his head began to nod. The words came +thickly from his lips and he sank sleepily back among the soft divan +pillows.</p> + +<p>Just at that moment the telephone bell rang. Underwood quickly picked up +the receiver.</p> + +<p>"Who's that?" he asked. As he heard the answer his face lit up and he +replied eagerly: "Mrs. Jeffries—yes. I'll come down. No, tell her to +come up."</p> + +<p>Hanging up the receiver, he hastily went over to the divan and shook +Howard.</p> + +<p>"Howard, wake up! confound you! You've got to get out—there's somebody +coming."</p> + +<p>He shook him roughly, but his old classmate made no attempt to move.</p> + +<p>"Quick, do you hear!" exclaimed Underwood impatiently. "Wake up—some +one's coming."</p> + +<p>Howard sleepily half opened his eyes. He had forgotten entirely where he +was and believed he was on the train, for he answered:</p> + +<p>"Sure, I'm sleepy. Say—porter, make up my bed."</p> + +<p>His patience exhausted, Underwood was about to pull him from the sofa by +force, when there was a ring at the front door.</p> + +<p>Bending quickly over his companion, Underwood saw that he was fast +asleep. There was no time to awaken him and get him out of the way, so, +quickly, he took a big screen and arranged it around the divan so that +Howard could not be seen. Then he hurried to the front door and opened +it.</p> + +<p>Alicia entered.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + + +<p>For a few moments Underwood was too much overcome by emotion to speak. +Alicia brushed by in haughty silence, not deigning to look at him. All +he heard was the soft rustle of her clinging silk gown as it swept along +the floor. She was incensed with him, of course, but she had come. That +was all he asked. She had come in time to save him. He would talk to her +and explain everything and she would understand. She would help him in +this crisis as she had in the past. Their long friendship, all these +years of intimacy, could not end like this. There was still hope for +him. The situation was not as desperate as he feared. He might yet avert +the shameful end of the suicide. Advancing toward her, he said in a +hoarse whisper:</p> + +<p>"Oh, this is good of you, you've come—this is the answer to my +letter."</p> + +<p>Alicia ignored his extended hand and took a seat. Then, turning on him, +she exclaimed indignantly:</p> + +<p>"The answer should be a horsewhip. How dare you send me such a message?" +Drawing from her bag the letter received from him that evening, she +demanded:</p> + +<p>"What do you expect to gain by this threat?"</p> + +<p>"Don't be angry, Alicia."</p> + +<p>Underwood spoke soothingly, trying to conciliate her. Well he knew the +seductive power of his voice. Often he had used it and not in vain, but +to-night it fell on cold, indifferent ears.</p> + +<p>"Don't call me by that name," she snapped.</p> + +<p>Underwood made no answer. He turned slightly paler and, folding his +arms, just looked at her, in silence. There was an awkward pause.</p> + +<p>At last she said:</p> + +<p>"I hope you understand that everything's over between us. Our +acquaintance is at an end."</p> + +<p>"My feelings toward you can never change," replied Underwood earnestly. +"I love you—I shall always love you."</p> + +<p>Alicia gave a little shrug of her shoulders, expressive of utter +indifference.</p> + +<p>"Love!" she exclaimed mockingly. "You love no one but yourself."</p> + +<p>Underwood advanced nearer to her and there was a tremor in his voice as +he said:</p> + +<p>"You have no right to say that. You remember what we once were. Whose +fault is it that I am where I am to-day? When you broke our engagement +and married old Jeffries to gratify your social ambition, you ruined my +life. You didn't destroy my love—you couldn't kill that. You may forbid +me everything—to see you—to speak to you—even to think of you, but I +can never forget that you are the only woman I ever cared for. If you +had married me, I might have been a different man. And now, just when I +want you most, you deny me even your friendship. What have I done to +deserve such treatment? Is it fair? Is it just?"</p> + +<p>Alicia had listened with growing impatience. It was only with difficulty +that she contained herself. Now she interrupted him hotly:</p> + +<p>"I broke my engagement with you because I found that you were deceiving +me—just as you deceived others."</p> + +<p>"It's a lie!" broke in Underwood. "I may have trifled with others, but I +never deceived you."</p> + +<p>Alicia rose and, crossing the room, carelessly inspected one of the +pictures on the wall, a study of the nude by Bouguereau.</p> + +<p>"We need not go into that," she said haughtily. "That is all over now. I +came to ask you what this letter—this threat——means. What do you +expect to gain by taking your life unless I continue to be your friend? +How can I be a friend to a man like you? You know what your friendship +for a woman means. It means that you would drag her down to your own +level and disgrace her as well as yourself. Thank God, my eyes are now +opened to your true character. No self-respecting woman could afford to +allow her name to be associated with yours. You are as incapable of +disinterested friendship as you are of common honesty." Coldly she +added: "I hope you quite understand that henceforth my house is closed +to you. If we happen to meet in public, it must be as strangers."</p> + +<p>Underwood did not speak. Words seemed to fail him. His face was set and +white. A nervous twitching about the mouth showed the terrible mental +strain which the man was under. In the excitement he had forgotten about +Howard's presence on the divan behind the screen. A listener might have +detected the heavy breathing of the sleeper, but even Alicia herself was +too preoccupied to notice it. Underwood extended his arms pleadingly:</p> + +<p>"Alicia—for the sake of Auld Lang Syne!"</p> + +<p>"Auld Lang Syne," she retorted. "I want to forget the past. The old +memories are distasteful. My only object in coming here to-night was to +make the situation plain to you and to ask you to promise me not +to—carry out your threat to kill yourself. Why should you kill +yourself? Only cowards do that. Because you are in trouble? That is the +coward's way out. Leave New York. Go where you are not known. You are +still young. Begin life over again, somewhere else." Advancing toward +him, she went on: "If you will do this I will help you. I never want to +see you again, but I'll try not to think of you unkindly. But you must +promise me solemnly not to make any attempt against your life."</p> + +<p>"I promise nothing," muttered Underwood doggedly.</p> + +<p>"But you must," she insisted. "It would be a terrible crime, not only +against yourself, but against others. You must give me your word."</p> + +<p>Underwood shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I promise nothing."</p> + +<p>"But you must," persisted Alicia. "I won't stir from here until I have +your promise."</p> + +<p>He looked at her curiously.</p> + +<p>"If my life has no interest for you, why should you care?" he asked.</p> + +<p>There was a note of scorn in his voice which aroused his visitor's +wrath. Crumpling up his letter in her hand, she confronted him angrily.</p> + +<p>"Shall I tell you why I care?" she cried. "Because you accuse me in this +letter of being the cause of your death—I, who have been your friend in +spite of your dishonesty. Oh! it's despicable, contemptible! Above all, +it's a lie——"</p> + +<p>Underwood shrugged his shoulders. Cynically he replied:</p> + +<p>"So it wasn't so much concern for me as for yourself that brought you +here."</p> + +<p>Alicia's eyes flashed as she answered:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I wished to spare myself this indignity—the shame of being +associated in any way with a suicide. I was afraid you meant what you +said."</p> + +<p>"Afraid," interrupted Underwood bitterly, "that some of the scandal +might reach as far as the aristocratic Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Sr.!"</p> + +<p>Her face flushed with anger, Alicia paced up and down the room. The +man's taunts stung her to the quick. In a way, she felt that he was +right. She ought to have guessed his character long ago and had nothing +to do with him. He seemed desperate enough to do anything, yet she +doubted if he had the courage to kill himself. She thought she would try +more conciliatory methods, so, stopping short, she said more gently:</p> + +<p>"You know how my husband has suffered through the wretched marriage of +his only son. You know how deeply we both feel this disgrace, and yet +you would add——"</p> + +<p>Underwood laughed mockingly.</p> + +<p>"Why should I consider your husband's feelings?" he cried. "He didn't +consider mine when he married you." Suddenly bending forward, every +nerve tense, he continued hoarsely: "Alicia, I tell you I'm desperate. +I'm hemmed in on all sides by creditors. You know what your +friendship—your patronage means? If you drop me now, your friends will +follow—they're a lot of sheep led by you—and when my creditors hear of +me they'll be down on me like a flock of wolves. I'm not able to make a +settlement. Prison stares me in the face."</p> + +<p>Glancing around at the handsome furnishings, Alicia replied carelessly:</p> + +<p>"I'm not responsible for your wrongdoing. I want to protect my friends. +If they are a lot of sheep as you say, that is precisely why I should +warn them. They have implicit confidence in me. You have borrowed their +money, cheated them at cards, stolen from them. Your acquaintance with +me has given them the opportunity. But now I've found you out. I refuse +any longer to sacrifice my friends, my self-respect, my sense of +decency." Angrily she continued: "You thought you could bluff me. You've +adopted this coward's way of forcing me to receive you against my will. +Well, you've failed. I will not sanction your robbing my friends. I will +not allow you to sell them any more of your high-priced rubbish, or +permit you to cheat them at cards."</p> + +<p>Underwood listened in silence. He stood motionless, watching her flushed +face as she heaped reproaches on him. She was practically pronouncing +his death sentence, yet he could not help thinking how pretty she +looked. When she had finished he said nothing, but, going to his desk, +he opened a small drawer and took out a revolver.</p> + +<p>Alicia recoiled, frightened.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?" she cried.</p> + +<p>Underwood smiled bitterly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't be afraid. I wouldn't do it while you are here. In spite of +all you've said to me, I still think too much of you for that." +Replacing the pistol in the drawer, he added: "Alicia, if you desert me +now, you'll be sorry to the day of your death."</p> + +<p>His visitor looked at him in silence. Then, contemptuously, she said:</p> + +<p>"I don't believe you intend to carry out your threat. I should have +known from the first that your object was to frighten me. The pistol +display was highly theatrical, but it was only a bluff. You've no more +idea of taking your life than I have of taking mine. I was foolish to +come here. I might have spared myself the humiliation of this +clandestine interview. Good night!"</p> + +<p>She went toward the door. Underwood made no attempt to follow her. In a +hard, strange voice, which he scarcely recognized as his own, he merely +said:</p> + +<p>"Is that all you have to say?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Alicia, as she turned at the door. "Let it be thoroughly +understood that your presence at my house is not desired. If you force +yourself upon me in any way, you must take the consequences."</p> + +<p>Underwood bowed, and was silent. She did not see the deathly pallor of +his face. Opening the door of the apartment which led to the hall, she +again turned.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, before I go—you didn't mean what you said in your letter, did +you?"</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you nothing," replied Underwood doggedly.</p> + +<p>She tossed her head scornfully.</p> + +<p>"I don't believe that a man who is coward enough to write a letter like +this has the courage to carry out his threat." Stuffing the letter back +into her bag, she added: "I should have thrown it in the waste-paper +basket, but on second thoughts, I think I'll keep it. Good night."</p> + +<p>"Good night," echoed Underwood mechanically.</p> + +<p>He watched her go down the long hallway and disappear in the elevator. +Then, shutting the door, he came slowly back into the room and sat down +at his desk. For ten minutes he sat there motionless, his head bent +forward, every limb relaxed. There was deep silence, broken only by +Howard's regular breathing and the loud ticking of the clock.</p> + +<p>"It's all up," he muttered to himself. "It's no use battling against the +tide. The strongest swimmer must go under some time. I've played my last +card and I've lost. Death is better than going to jail. What good is +life anyway without money? Just a moment's nerve and it will all be +over."</p> + +<p>Opening the drawer in the desk, he took out the revolver again. He +turned it over in his hand and regarded fearfully the polished surface +of the instrument that bridged life and death. He had completely +forgotten Howard's presence in the room. On the threshold of a terrible +deed, his thoughts were leagues away. Like a man who is drowning, and +close to death, he saw with surprising distinctness a kaleidoscopic view +of his past life. He saw himself an innocent, impulsive school boy, the +pride of a devoted mother, the happy home where he spent his childhood. +Then came the association with bad companions, the first step in +wrongdoing, stealing out of a comrade's pocket in school, the death of +his mother, leaving home—with downward progress until he gradually +drifted into his present dishonest way of living. What was the good of +regrets? He could not recall his mother to life. He could never +rehabilitate himself among decent men and women. The world had suddenly +become too small for him. He must go, and quickly.</p> + +<p>Fingering the pistol nervously, he sat before the mirror and placed it +against his temple. The cold steel gave him a sudden shock. He wondered +if it would hurt, and if there would be instant oblivion. The glare of +the electric light in the room disconcerted him. It occurred to him that +it would be easier in the dark. Reaching out his arm, he turned the +electric button, and the room was immediately plunged into darkness, +except for the moonlight which entered through the windows, imparting a +ghostly aspect to the scene. On the other side of the room, behind the +screen, a red glow from the open fire fell on the sleeping form of +Howard Jeffries.</p> + +<p>Slowly, deliberately, Underwood raised the pistol to his temple and +fired.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + + +<p>"Hello! What's that?"</p> + +<p>Startled out of his Gargantuan slumber by the revolver's loud report, +Howard sat up with a jump and rubbed his eyes. On the other side of the +screen, concealed from his observation, there was a heavy crash of a +body falling with a chair—then all was quiet.</p> + +<p>Scared, not knowing where he was, Howard jumped to his feet. For a +moment he stood still, trying to collect his senses. It was too dark to +discern anything plainly, but he could dimly make out outlines of +æsthetic furniture and bibelots. Ah, he remembered now! He was in +Underwood's apartment.</p> + +<p>Rubbing his eyes, he tried to recall how he came there, and slowly his +befuddled brain began to work. He remembered that he needed $2,000, and +that he had called on Robert Underwood to try and borrow the money. Yes, +he recalled that perfectly well. Then he and Underwood got drinking and +talking, and he had fallen asleep. He thought he had heard a woman's +voice—a voice he knew. Perhaps that was only a dream. He must have been +asleep some time, because the lights were out and, seemingly, everybody +had gone to bed. He wondered what the noise which startled him could +have been. Suddenly he heard a groan. He listened intently, but all was +still. The silence was uncanny.</p> + +<p>Now thoroughly frightened, Howard cautiously groped his way about, +trying to find the electric button. He had no idea what time it was. It +must be very late. What an ass he was to drink so much! He wondered what +Annie would say when he didn't return. He was a hound to let her sit up +and worry like that. Well, this would be a lesson to him—it was the +last time he'd ever touch a drop. Of course, he had promised her the +same thing a hundred times before, but this time he meant it. His +drinking was always getting him into some fool scrape or other.</p> + +<p>He was gradually working his way along the room, when suddenly he +stumbled over something on the floor. It was a man lying prostrate. +Stooping, he recognized the figure.</p> + +<p>"Why—it's Underwood!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>At first he believed his classmate was asleep, yet considered it strange +that he should have selected so uncomfortable a place. Then it occurred +to him that he might be ill. Shaking him by the shoulder, he cried:</p> + +<p>"Hey, Underwood, what's the matter?"</p> + +<p>No response came from the prostrate figure. Howard stooped lower, to see +better, and accidentally touching Underwood's face, found it clammy and +wet. He held his hand up in the moonlight and saw that it was covered +with blood. Horror-stricken, he cried:</p> + +<p>"My God! He's bleeding—he's hurt!"</p> + +<p>What had happened? An accident—or worse? Quickly he felt the man's +pulse. It had ceased to beat. Underwood was dead.</p> + +<p>For a moment Howard was too much overcome by his discovery to know what +to think or do. What dreadful tragedy could have happened? Carefully +groping along the mantelpiece, he at last found the electric button and +turned on the light. There, stretched out on the floor, lay Underwood, +with a bullet hole in his left temple, from which blood had flowed +freely down on his full-dress shirt. It was a ghastly sight. The man's +white, set face, covered with a crimson stream, made a repulsive +spectacle. On the floor near the body was a highly polished revolver, +still smoking.</p> + +<p>Howard's first supposition was that burglars had entered the place and +that Underwood had been killed while defending his property. He +remembered now that in his drunken sleep he had heard voices in angry +altercation. Yet why hadn't he called for assistance? Perhaps he had and +he hadn't heard him.</p> + +<p>He looked at the clock, and was surprised to find it was not yet +midnight. He believed it was at least five o'clock in the morning. It +was evident that Underwood had never gone to bed. The shooting had +occurred either while the angry dispute was going on or after the +unknown visitor had departed. The barrel of the revolver was still warm, +showing that it could only have been discharged a few moments before. +Suddenly it flashed upon him that Underwood might have committed +suicide.</p> + +<p>But it was useless to stand there theorizing. Something must be done. +He must alarm the hotel people or call the police. He felt himself turn +hot and cold by turn as he realized the serious predicament in which he +himself was placed. If he aroused the hotel people they would find him +here alone with a dead man. Suspicion would at once be directed at him, +and it might be very difficult for him to establish his innocence. Who +would believe that he could have fallen asleep in a bed while a man +killed himself in the same room? It sounded preposterous. The wisest +course for him would be to get away before anybody came.</p> + +<p>Quickly he picked up his hat and made for the door. Just as he was about +to lay his hand on the handle there was the click of a latchkey. Thus +headed off, and not knowing what to do, he halted in painful suspense. +The door opened and a man entered.</p> + +<p>He looked as surprised to see Howard as the latter was to see him. He +was clean-shaven and neatly dressed, yet did not look the gentleman. His +appearance was rather that of a servant. All these details flashed +before Howard's mind before he blurted out:</p> + +<p>"Who the devil are you?"</p> + +<p>The man looked astounded at the question and eyed his interlocutor +closely, as if in doubt as to his identity. In a cockney accent he said +loftily:</p> + +<p>"I am Ferris, Mr. Underwood's man, sir." Suspiciously, he added: "Are +you a friend of Mr. Underwood's, sir?"</p> + +<p>He might well ask the question, for Howard's disheveled appearance and +ghastly face, still distorted by terror, was anything but reassuring. +Taken by surprise, Howard did not know what to say, and like most people +questioned at a disadvantage, he answered foolishly:</p> + +<p>"Matter? No. What makes you think anything is the matter?"</p> + +<p>Brushing past the man, he added: "It's late. I'm going."</p> + +<p>"Stop a minute!" cried the man-servant. There was something in Howard's +manner that he did not like. Passing quickly into the sitting room, he +called out: "Stop a minute!" But Howard did not stop. Terror gave him +wings and, without waiting for the elevator, he was already half way +down the first staircase when he heard shouts behind him.</p> + +<p>"Murder! Stop thief! Stop that man! Stop that man!"</p> + +<p>There was a rush of feet and hum of voices, which made Howard run all +the faster. He leaped down four steps at a time in his anxiety to get +away. But it was no easy matter descending so many flights of stairs. It +took him several minutes to reach the main floor.</p> + +<p>By this time the whole hotel was aroused. Telephone calls had quickly +warned the attendants, who had promptly sent for the police. By the time +Howard reached the main entrance he was intercepted by a mob too +numerous to resist.</p> + +<p>Things certainly looked black for him. As he sat, white and trembling, +under guard in a corner of the entrance hall, waiting for the arrival of +the police, the valet breathlessly gave the sensational particulars to +the rapidly growing crowd of curious onlookers. He had taken his usual +Sunday out and on returning home at midnight, as was his custom, he had +let himself in with his latchkey. To his astonishment he had found this +man, the prisoner, about to leave the premises. His manner and remarks +were so peculiar that they at once aroused his suspicion. He hurried +into the apartment and found his master lying dead on the floor in a +pool of blood. In his hurry the assassin had dropped his revolver, which +was lying near the corpse. As far as he could see, nothing had been +taken from the apartment. Evidently the man was disturbed at his work +and, when suddenly surprised, had made the bluff that he was calling on +Mr. Underwood. They had got the right man, that was certain. He was +caught red-handed, and in proof of what he said, the valet pointed to +Howard's right hand, which was still covered with blood.</p> + +<p>"How terrible!" exclaimed a woman bystander, averting her face. "So +young, too!"</p> + +<p>"It's all a mistake, I tell you. It's all a mistake," cried Howard, +almost panic-stricken. "I'm a friend of Mr. Underwood's."</p> + +<p>"Nice friend!" sneered an onlooker.</p> + +<p>"Tell that to the police," laughed another.</p> + +<p>"Or to the marines!" cried a third.</p> + +<p>"It's the chair for his'n!" opined a fourth.</p> + +<p>By this time the main entrance hall was crowded with people, tenants and +passers-by attracted by the unwonted commotion. A scandal in high life +is always caviare to the sensation seeker. Everybody excitedly inquired +of his neighbor:</p> + +<p>"What is it? What's the matter?"</p> + +<p>Presently the rattle of wheels was heard and a heavy vehicle, driven +furiously, drew up at the sidewalk with a jerk. It was the police patrol +wagon, and in it were the captain of the precinct and a half dozen +policemen and detectives. The crowd pushed forward to get a better view +of the burly representatives of the law as, full of authority, they +elbowed their way unceremoniously through the throng. Pointing to the +leader, a big man in plain clothes, with a square, determined jaw and a +bulldog face, they whispered one to another:</p> + +<p>"That's Captain Clinton, chief of the precinct. He's a terror. It'll go +hard with any prisoner he gets in his clutches!"</p> + +<p>Followed by his uniformed myrmidons, the police official pushed his way +to the corner where sat Howard, dazed and trembling, and still guarded +by the valet and elevator boys.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter here?" demanded the captain gruffly, and looking +from Ferris to the white-faced Howard. The valet eagerly told his story:</p> + +<p>"I came home at midnight, sir, and found my master, Mr. Robert +Underwood, lying dead in the apartment, shot through the head." Pointing +to Howard, he added: "This man was in the apartment trying to get away. +You see his hand is still covered with blood."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton chuckled, and expanding his mighty chest to its fullest, +licked his chops with satisfaction. This was the opportunity he had been +looking for—a sensational murder in a big apartment hotel, right in the +very heart of his precinct! Nothing could be more to his liking. It was +a rich man's murder, the best kind to attract attention to himself. The +sensational newspapers would be full of the case. They would print +columns of stuff every day, together with his portrait. That was just +the kind of publicity he needed now that he was wire-pulling for an +inspectorship. They had caught the man "with the goods"—that was very +clear. He promised himself to attend to the rest. Conviction was what he +was after. He'd see that no tricky lawyer got the best of him. +Concealing, as well as he could, his satisfaction, he drew himself up +and, with blustering show of authority, immediately took command of the +situation. Turning to a police sergeant at his side, he said:</p> + +<p>"Maloney, this fellow may have had an accomplice. Take four officers and +watch every exit from the hotel. Arrest anybody attempting to leave the +building. Put two officers to watch the fire escapes. Send one man on +the roof. Go!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied the sergeant, as he turned away to execute the +orders.</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton gave two strides forward, and catching Howard by the +collar, jerked him to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Now, young feller, you come with me! We'll go upstairs and have a look +at the dead man."</p> + +<p>Howard was at no time an athlete, and now, contrasted with the burly +policeman, a colossus in strength, he seemed like a puny boy. His +cringing, frightened attitude, as he looked up in the captain's bulldog +face, was pathetic. The crowd of bystanders could hardly contain their +eagerness to take in every detail of the dramatic situation. The +prisoner was sober by this time, and thoroughly alarmed.</p> + +<p>"What do you want me for?" he cried. "I haven't done anything. The man's +dead, but I didn't kill him."</p> + +<p>"Shut your mouth!" growled the captain.</p> + +<p>Dragging Howard after him, he made his way to the elevator. Throwing his +prisoner into the cage, he turned to give orders to his subordinate.</p> + +<p>"Maloney, you come up with me and bring Officer Delaney." Addressing the +other men, he said: "You other fellers look after things down here. +Don't let any of these people come upstairs," Then, turning to the +elevator boy, he gave the command: "Up with her."</p> + +<p>The elevator, with its passengers, shot upward, stopped with a jerk at +the fourteenth floor, and the captain, once more laying a brutal hand on +Howard, pushed him out into the corridor.</p> + +<p>If it could be said of Captain Clinton that he had any system at all, it +was to be as brutal as possible with everybody unlucky enough to fall +into his hands. Instead of regarding his prisoners as innocent until +found guilty, as they are justly entitled to be regarded under the law, +he took the direct opposite stand. He considered all his prisoners as +guilty as hell until they had succeeded in proving themselves innocent. +Even then he had his doubts. When a jury brought in a verdict of +acquittal, he shook his head and growled. He had the greatest contempt +for a jury that would acquit and the warmest regard for a jury which +convicted. He bullied and maltreated his prisoners because he firmly +believed in undermining their moral and physical resistance. When by +depriving them of sleep and food, by choking them, clubbing them and +frightening them he had reduced them to a state of nervous terror, to +the border of physical collapse, he knew by experience that they would +no longer be in condition to withstand his merciless cross-examinations. +Demoralized, unstrung, they would blurt out the truth and so convict +themselves. The ends of justice would thus be served.</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton prided himself on the thorough manner in which he +conducted these examinations of persons under arrest. It was a laborious +ordeal, but always successful. He owed his present position on the force +to the skill with which he brow-beat his prisoners into "confessions." +With his "third degree" seances he arrived at results better and more +quickly than in any other way. All his convictions had been secured by +them. The press and meddling busy-bodies called his system barbarous, a +revival of the old-time torture chamber. What did he care what the +people said as long as he convicted his man? Wasn't that what he was +paid for? He was there to find the murderer, and he was going to do it.</p> + +<p>He pushed his way into the apartment, followed closely by Maloney and +the other policemen, who dragged along the unhappy Howard. The dead man +still lay where he had fallen. Captain Clinton stooped down, but made no +attempt to touch the corpse, merely satisfying himself that Underwood +was dead. Then, after a casual survey of the room, he said to his +sergeant:</p> + +<p>"We won't touch a thing, Maloney, till the coroner arrives. He'll be +here any minute, and he'll give the order for the undertaker. You can +call up headquarters so the newspaper boys get the story."</p> + +<p>While the sergeant went to the telephone to carry out these orders, +Captain Clinton turned to look at Howard, who had collapsed, white and +trembling, into a chair.</p> + +<p>"What do you want with me?" cried Howard appealingly. "I assure you I've +had nothing to do with this. My wife's expecting me home. Can't I go?"</p> + +<p>"Shut up!" thundered the captain.</p> + +<p>His arms folded, his eyes sternly fixed upon him, Captain Clinton stood +confronting the unfortunate youth, staring at him without saying a word. +The persistence of his stare made Howard squirm. It was decidedly +unpleasant. He did not mind the detention so much as this man's +overbearing, bullying manner. He knew he was innocent, therefore he had +nothing to fear. But why was this police captain staring at him so? +Whichever way he sat, whichever way his eyes turned, he saw this +bulldog-faced policeman staring silently at him. Unknown to him, Captain +Clinton had already begun the dreaded police ordeal known as the "third +degree."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + + +<p>Fifteen minutes passed without a word being spoken. There was deep +silence in the room. It was so quiet that one could have heard a pin +drop. Had a disinterested spectator been there to witness it, he would +have been at once impressed by the dramatic tableau presented—the dead +man on the floor, his white shirt front spattered with blood, the +cringing, frightened boy crouching in the chair, the towering figure of +the police captain sitting sternly eyeing his hapless prisoner, and at +the far end of the room Detective Sergeant Maloney busy sending hurried +messages through the telephone.</p> + +<p>"What did you do it for?" thundered the captain suddenly.</p> + +<p>Howard's tongue clove to his palate. He could scarcely articulate. He +was innocent, of course, but there was something in this man's manner +which made him fear that he might, after all, have had something to do +with the tragedy. Yet he was positive that he was asleep on the bed all +the time. The question is, Would anybody believe him? He shook his head +pathetically.</p> + +<p>"I didn't do it. Really, I didn't."</p> + +<p>"Shut your mouth! You're lying, and you know you're lying. Wait till the +coroner comes. We'll fix you."</p> + +<p>Again there was silence, and now began a long, tedious wait, both men +retaining the same positions, the captain watching his prisoner as a cat +watches a mouse.</p> + +<p>Howard's mental anguish was almost unendurable. He thought of his poor +wife who must be waiting up for him all this time, wondering what had +become of him. She would imagine the worst, and there was no telling +what she might do. If only he could get word to her. Perhaps she would +be able to explain things. Then he thought of his father. They had +quarreled, it was true, but after all it was his own flesh and blood. At +such a critical situation as this, one forgets. His father could hardly +refuse to come to his assistance. He must get a lawyer, too, to protect +his interests. This police captain had no right to detain him like +this. He must get word to Annie without delay. Summoning up all his +courage, he said boldly:</p> + +<p>"You are detaining me here without warrant in law. I know my rights. I +am the son of one of the most influential men in the city."</p> + +<p>"What's your name?" growled the captain.</p> + +<p>"Howard Jeffries."</p> + +<p>"Son of Howard Jeffries, the banker?"</p> + +<p>Howard nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>The captain turned to his sergeant.</p> + +<p>"Maloney, this feller says he's the son of Howard Jeffries, the banker."</p> + +<p>Maloney leaned over and whispered something in the captain's ear. The +captain smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>"So, you're a bad character, eh? Father turned you out of doors, eh? +Where's that girl you ran away with?" Sharply he added: "You see I know +your record."</p> + +<p>"I've done nothing I'm ashamed of," replied Howard calmly. "I married +the girl. She's waiting my return now. Won't you please let me send her +a message?"</p> + +<p>The captain eyed Howard suspiciously for a moment, then he turned to his +sergeant:</p> + +<p>"Maloney, telephone this man's wife. What's the number?"</p> + +<p>"Eighty-six Morningside."</p> + +<p>Maloney again got busy with the telephone and the wearying wait began +once more. The clock soon struck two. For a whole hour he had been +subjected to this gruelling process, and still the lynx-eyed captain sat +there watching his quarry.</p> + +<p>If Captain Clinton had begun to have any doubts when Howard told him who +his father was, Maloney's information immediately put him at his ease. +It was all clear to him now. The youth had never been any good. His own +father had kicked him out. He was in desperate financial straits. He had +come to this man's rooms to make a demand for money. Underwood had +refused and there was a quarrel, and he shot him. There was probably a +dispute over the woman. Ah, yes, he remembered now. This girl he married +was formerly a sweetheart of Underwood's. Jealousy was behind it as +well. Besides, wasn't he caught red-handed, with blood on his hands, +trying to escape from the apartment? Oh, they had him dead to rights, +all right. Any magistrate would hold him on such evidence.</p> + +<p>"It's the Tombs for him, all right, all right," muttered the captain to +himself; "and maybe promotion for me."</p> + +<p>Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. The coroner entered, +followed by the undertaker. The two men advanced quickly into the room, +and took a look at the body. After making a hasty examination, the +coroner turned to Captain Clinton.</p> + +<p>"Well, Captain, I guess he's dead, all right."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and we've got our man, too."</p> + +<p>The coroner turned to look at the prisoner.</p> + +<p>"Caught him red-handed, eh? Who is he?"</p> + +<p>Howard was about to blurt out a reply, when the captain thundered:</p> + +<p>"Silence!"</p> + +<p>To the coroner, the captain explained:</p> + +<p>"He's the scapegrace son of Howard Jeffries, the banker. No good—bad +egg. His father turned him out of doors. There is no question about his +guilt. Look at his hands. We caught him trying to get away."</p> + +<p>The coroner rose. He believed in doing things promptly.</p> + +<p>"I congratulate you, captain. Quick work like this ought to do your +reputation good. The community owes a debt to the officers of the law if +they succeed in apprehending criminals quickly. You've been getting some +pretty hard knocks lately, but I guess you know your business."</p> + +<p>The captain grinned broadly.</p> + +<p>"I guess I do. Don't we, Maloney?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, cap.," said Maloney quietly.</p> + +<p>The coroner turned to go.</p> + +<p>"Well, there's nothing more for me to do here. The man is dead. Let +justice take its course." Addressing the undertaker, he said:</p> + +<p>"You can remove the body."</p> + +<p>The men set about the work immediately. Carrying the corpse into the +inner room, they commenced the work of laying it out.</p> + +<p>"I suppose," said the coroner, "that you'll take your prisoner +immediately to the station house, and before the magistrate to-morrow +morning?"</p> + +<p>"Not just yet," grinned the captain. "I want to put a few questions to +him first."</p> + +<p>The coroner smiled.</p> + +<p>"You're going to put him through the 'third degree,' eh? Every one's +heard of your star-chamber ordeals. Are they really so dreadful?"</p> + +<p>"Nonsense!" laughed the captain. "We wouldn't harm a baby, would we +Maloney?"</p> + +<p>The sergeant quickly endorsed his chief's opinion.</p> + +<p>"No, cap."</p> + +<p>Turning to go, the coroner said:</p> + +<p>"Well, good night, captain."</p> + +<p>"Good night, Mr. Coroner."</p> + +<p>Howard listened to all this like one transfixed. They seemed to be +talking about him. They were discussing some frightful ordeal of which +he was to be the victim. What was this "third degree" they were talking +about? Now he remembered. He had heard of innocent men being bullied, +maltreated, deprived of food and sleep for days, in order to force them +to tell what the police were anxious to find out. He had heard of secret +assaults, of midnight clubbings, of prisoners being choked and brutally +kicked by a gang of ruffianly policemen, in order to force them into +some damaging admission. A chill ran down his spine as he realized his +utter helplessness. If he could only get word to a lawyer. Just as the +coroner was disappearing through the door, he darted forward and laid a +hand on his arm.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Coroner, won't you listen to me?" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>The coroner, startled, drew back.</p> + +<p>"I cannot interfere," he said coldly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Underwood was a friend of mine," explained Howard. "I came here to +borrow money. I fell asleep on that sofa. When I woke up he was dead. I +was frightened. I tried to get away. That's the truth, so help me God!"</p> + +<p>The coroner looked at him sternly and made no reply. No one could ever +reproach him with sympathizing with criminals. Waving his hand at +Captain Clinton, he said:</p> + +<p>"Good night, captain."</p> + +<p>"Good night, Mr. Coroner."</p> + +<p>The door slammed and Captain Clinton, with a twist of his powerful arm, +yanked his prisoner back into his seat. Howard protested.</p> + +<p>"You've got no right to treat me like this. You exceed your powers. I +demand to be taken before a magistrate at once."</p> + +<p>The captain grinned, and pointed to the clock.</p> + +<p>"Say, young feller, see what time it is? Two-thirty A. M. Our good +magistrates are all comfy in their virtuous beds. We'll have to wait +till morning."</p> + +<p>"But what's the good of sitting here in this death house?" protested +Howard. "Take me to the station if I must go. It's intolerable to sit +any longer here."</p> + +<p>The captain beckoned to Maloney.</p> + +<p>"Not so fast, young man. Before we go to the station we want to ask you +a few questions. Don't we Maloney?"</p> + +<p>The sergeant came over, and the captain whispered something in his ear. +Howard shivered. Suddenly turning to his prisoner, the captain shouted +in the stern tone of command:</p> + +<p>"Get up!"</p> + +<p>Howard did as he was ordered. He felt he must. There was no resisting +that powerful brute's tone of authority. Pointing to the other side of +the table, the captain went on:</p> + +<p>"Stand over there where I can look at you!"</p> + +<p>The two men now faced each other, the small table alone separating them. +The powerful electrolier overhead cast its light full on Howard's +haggard face and on the captain's scowling features. Suddenly Maloney +turned off every electric light except the lights in the electrolier, +the glare of which was intensified by the surrounding darkness. The rest +of the room was in shadow. One saw only these two figures standing +vividly out in the strong light—the white-faced prisoner and his +stalwart inquisitor. In the dark background stood Policeman Delaney. +Close at hand was Maloney taking notes.</p> + +<p>"You did it, and you know you did it!" thundered the captain, fixing his +eyes on his trembling victim.</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="illus2" id="illus2"></a> +<img src="images/illus2.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>"YOU DID IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU DID IT."</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + +<p>"I did not do it," replied Howard slowly and firmly, returning the +policeman's stare.</p> + +<p>"You're lying!" shouted the captain.</p> + +<p>"I'm not lying," replied Howard calmly.</p> + +<p>The captain glared at him for a moment and then suddenly tried new +tactics.</p> + +<p>"Why did you come here?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"I came to borrow money."</p> + +<p>"Did you get it?"</p> + +<p>"No—he said he couldn't give it to me."</p> + +<p>"Then you killed him."</p> + +<p>"I did not kill him," replied Howard positively.</p> + +<p>Thus the searching examination went on, mercilessly, tirelessly. The +same questions, the same answers, the same accusations, the same +denials, hour after hour. The captain was tired, but being a giant in +physique, he could stand it. He knew that his victim could not. It was +only a question of time when the latter's resistance would be weakened. +Then he would stop lying and tell the truth. That's all he wanted—the +truth.</p> + +<p>"You shot him!"</p> + +<p>"I did not."</p> + +<p>"You're lying!"</p> + +<p>"I'm not lying—it's the truth."</p> + +<p>So it went on, hour after hour, relentlessly, pitilessly, while the +patient Maloney, in the obscure background, took notes.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + + +<p>The clock ticked on, and still the merciless brow-beating went on. They +had been at it now five long, weary hours. Through the blinds the gray +daylight outside was creeping its way in. All the policemen were +exhausted. The prisoner was on the verge of collapse. Maloney and +Patrolman Delaney were dozing on chairs, but Captain Clinton, a marvel +of iron will and physical strength, never relaxed for a moment. Not +allowing himself to weaken or show signs of fatigue, he kept pounding +the unhappy youth with searching questions.</p> + +<p>By this time Howard's condition was pitiable to witness. His face was +white as death. His trembling lips could hardly articulate. It was with +the greatest difficulty that he kept on his feet. Every moment he seemed +about to fall. At times he clutched the table nervously, for fear he +would stumble. Several times, through sheer exhaustion, he sat down. +The act was almost involuntary. Nature was giving way.</p> + +<p>"I can't stand any more," he murmured. "What's the good of all these +questions? I tell you I didn't do it."</p> + +<p>He sank helplessly on to a chair. His eyes rolled in his head. He looked +as if he would faint.</p> + +<p>"Stand up!" thundered the captain angrily.</p> + +<p>Howard obeyed mechanically, although he reeled in the effort. To steady +himself, he caught hold of the table. His strength was fast ebbing. He +was losing his power to resist. The captain saw he was weakening, and he +smiled with satisfaction. He'd soon get a confession out of him. +Suddenly bending forward, so that his fierce, determined stare glared +right into Howard's half-closed eyes, he shouted:</p> + +<p>"You did it and you know you did!"</p> + +<p>"No—I——" replied Howard weakly.</p> + +<p>"These repeated denials are useless!" shouted the captain. "There's +already enough evidence to send you to the chair!"</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head helplessly. Weakly he replied:</p> + +<p>"This constant questioning is making me dizzy. Good God! What's the use +of questioning me and questioning me? I know nothing about it."</p> + +<p>"Why did you come here?" thundered the captain.</p> + +<p>"I've told you over and over again. We're old friends. I came to borrow +money. He owed me a few hundred dollars when we were at college +together, and I tried to get it. I've told you so many times. You won't +believe me. My brain is tired. I'm thoroughly exhausted. Please let me +go. My poor wife won't know what's the matter."</p> + +<p>"Never mind about your wife," growled the captain. "We've sent for her. +How much did you try to borrow?"</p> + +<p>Howard was silent a moment, as if racking his brain, trying to remember.</p> + +<p>"A thousand—two thousand. I forget. I think one thousand."</p> + +<p>"Did he say he'd lend you the money?" demanded the inquisitor.</p> + +<p>"No," replied the prisoner, with hesitation. "He couldn't—he—poor +chap—he——"</p> + +<p>"Ah!" snapped the captain. "He refused—that led to words. There was a +quarrel, and——" Suddenly leaning forward until his face almost touched +Howard's, he hissed rather than spoke: "You shot him!"</p> + +<p>Howard gave an involuntary step backward, as if he realized the trap +being laid for him.</p> + +<p>"No, no!" he cried.</p> + +<p>Quickly following up his advantage, Captain Clinton shouted +dramatically:</p> + +<p>"You lie! He was found on the floor in this room—dead. You were trying +to get out of the house without being seen. You hadn't even stopped to +wash the blood off your hands. All you fellers make mistakes. You relied +on getting away unseen. You never stopped to think that the blood on +your hands would betray you." Gruffly he added: "Now, come, what's the +use of wasting all this time? It won't go so hard with you if you own +up. You killed Robert Underwood!"</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head. There was a pathetic expression of helplessness +on his face.</p> + +<p>"I didn't kill him," he faltered. "I was asleep on that sofa. I woke up. +It was dark. I went out. I wanted to get home. My wife was waiting for +me."</p> + +<p>"Now I've caught you lying," interrupted the captain quickly. "You told +the coroner you saw the dead man and feared you would be suspected of +his murder, and so tried to get away unseen." Turning to his men, he +added: "How is that, Maloney? Did the prisoner say that?"</p> + +<p>The sergeant consulted his back notes, and replied:</p> + +<p>"Yes, Cap', that's what he said."</p> + +<p>Suddenly Captain Clinton drew from his hip pocket the revolver which he +had found on the floor, near the dead man's body. The supreme test was +about to be made. The wily police captain would now play his trump card. +It was not without reason that his enemies charged him with employing +unlawful methods in conducting his inquisitorial examinations.</p> + +<p>"Stop your lying!" he said fiercely. "Tell the truth, or we'll keep you +here until you do. The motive is clear. You came for money. You were +refused, and you did the trick."</p> + +<p>Suddenly producing the revolver, and holding it well under the light, +so that the rays from the electrolier fell directly on its highly +polished surface, he shouted:</p> + +<p>"Howard Jeffries, you shot Robert Underwood, and you shot him with this +pistol!"</p> + +<p>Howard gazed at the shining surface of the metal as if fascinated. He +spoke not a word, but his eyes became riveted on the weapon until his +face assumed a vacant stare. From the scientific standpoint, the act of +hypnotism had been accomplished. In his nervous and overfatigued state, +added to his susceptibility to quick hypnosis, he was now directly under +the influence of Captain Clinton's stronger will, directing his weaker +will. He was completely receptive. The past seemed all a blur on his +mind. He saw the flash of steel and the police captain's angry, +determined-looking face. He felt he was powerless to resist that will +any longer. He stepped back and gave a shudder, averting his eyes from +the blinding steel. Captain Clinton quickly followed up his advantage:</p> + +<p>"You committed this crime, Howard Jeffries!" he shouted, fixing him with +a stare. To his subordinate he shouted: "Didn't he, Maloney?"</p> + +<p>"He killed him all right," echoed Maloney.</p> + +<p>His eyes still fixed on those of his victim, and approaching his face +close to his, the captain shouted:</p> + +<p>"You did it, Jeffries! Come on, own up! Let's have the truth! You shot +Robert Underwood with this revolver. You did it, and you can't deny it! +You know you can't deny it! Speak!" he thundered. "You did it!"</p> + +<p>Howard, his eyes still fixed on the shining pistol, repeated, as if +reciting a lesson:</p> + +<p>"I did it!"</p> + +<p>Quickly Captain Clinton signaled to Maloney to approach nearer with his +notebook. The detective sergeant took his place immediately back of +Howard. The captain turned to his prisoner:</p> + +<p>"You shot Robert Underwood!"</p> + +<p>"I shot Robert Underwood," repeated Howard mechanically.</p> + +<p>"You quarreled!"</p> + +<p>"We quarreled."</p> + +<p>"You came here for money!"</p> + +<p>"I came here for money."</p> + +<p>"He refused to give it to you!"</p> + +<p>"He refused to give it to me."</p> + +<p>"There was a quarrel!"</p> + +<p>"There was a quarrel."</p> + +<p>"You drew that pistol!"</p> + +<p>"I drew that pistol."</p> + +<p>"And shot him!"</p> + +<p>"And shot him."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton smiled triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"That's all," he said.</p> + +<p>Howard collapsed into a chair. His head dropped forward on his breast, +as if he were asleep. Captain Clinton yawned and looked at his watch. +Turning to Maloney, he said with a chuckle:</p> + +<p>"By George! it's taken five hours to get it out of him!"</p> + +<p>Maloney turned out the electric lights and went to pull up the window +shades, letting the bright daylight stream into the room. Suddenly there +was a ring at the front door. Officer Delaney opened, and Dr. Bernstein +entered. Advancing into the room, he shook hands with the captain.</p> + +<p>"I'm sorry I couldn't come before, captain. I was out when I got the +call. Where's the body?"</p> + +<p>The captain pointed to the inner room.</p> + +<p>"In there."</p> + +<p>After glancing curiously at Howard, the doctor disappeared into the +inner room.</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton turned to Maloney.</p> + +<p>"Well, Maloney, I guess our work is done here. We want to get the +prisoner over to the station, then make out a charge of murder, and +prepare the full confession to submit to the magistrate. Have everything +ready by nine o'clock. Meantime, I'll go down and see the newspaper +boys. I guess there's a bunch of them down there. Of course, it's too +late for the morning papers, but it's a bully good story for the +afternoon editions. Delaney, you're responsible for the prisoner. Better +handcuff him."</p> + +<p>The patrolman was just putting the manacles on Howard's wrists when Dr. +Bernstein reentered from the inner room. The captain turned.</p> + +<p>"Well, have you seen your man?" he asked.</p> + +<p>The doctor nodded.</p> + +<p>"Found a bullet wound in his head," he said. "Flesh all burned—must +have been pretty close range. It might have been a case of suicide."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton frowned. He didn't like suggestions of that kind after a +confession which had cost him five hours' work to procure.</p> + +<p>"Suicide?" he sneered. "Say, doctor, did you happen to notice what side +of the head the wound was on?"</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein reflected a moment.</p> + +<p>"Ah, yes. Now I come to think of it, it was the left side."</p> + +<p>"Precisely," sneered the captain. "I never heard of a suicide shooting +himself in the left temple. Don't worry, doctor, it's murder, all +right." Pointing with a jerk of his finger toward Howard, he added: "And +we've got the man who did the job."</p> + +<p>Officer Delaney approached his chief and spoke to him in a low tone. The +captain frowned and looked toward his prisoner. Then, turning toward the +officer, he said:</p> + +<p>"Is the wife downstairs?"</p> + +<p>The officer nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, they just telephoned."</p> + +<p>"Then let her come up," said the captain. "She may know something."</p> + +<p>Delaney returned to the telephone and Dr. Bernstein turned to the +captain:</p> + +<p>"Say what you will, captain, I'm not at all sure that Underwood did not +do this himself."</p> + +<p>"Ain't you? Well, I am," replied the captain with a sneer. Pointing +again to Howard, he said:</p> + +<p>"This man has just confessed to the shooting."</p> + +<p>At that moment the front door opened and Annie Jeffries came in escorted +by an officer. She was pale and frightened, and looked timidly at the +group of strange and serious-looking men present. Then her eyes went +round the room in search of her husband. She saw him seemingly asleep in +an armchair, his wrists manacled in front of him. With a frightened +exclamation she sprang forward, but Officer Delaney intercepted her. +Captain Clinton turned around angrily at the interruption:</p> + +<p>"Keep the woman quiet till she's wanted!" he growled.</p> + +<p>Annie sat timidly on a chair in the background and the captain turned +again to the doctor.</p> + +<p>"What's that you were saying, doctor?"</p> + +<p>"You tell me the man confessed?"</p> + +<p>Crossing the room to where Howard sat, Dr. Bernstein looked closely at +him. Apparently the prisoner was asleep. His eyes were closed and his +head drooped forward on his chest. He was ghastly pale.</p> + +<p>The captain grinned.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, confessed—in the presence of three witnesses. Eh, sergeant?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," replied Maloney.</p> + +<p>"You heard him, too, didn't you, Delaney?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, captain."</p> + +<p>Squaring his huge shoulders, the captain said with a self-satisfied +chuckle:</p> + +<p>"It took us five hours to get him to own up, but we got it out of him at +last."</p> + +<p>The doctor was still busy with his examination.</p> + +<p>"He seems to be asleep. Worn out, I guess. Five hours, yes—that's your +method, captain." Shaking his head, he went on: "I don't believe in +these all-night examinations and your 'third degree' mental torture. It +is barbarous. When a man is nervous and frightened his brain gets so +benumbed at the end of two or three hours' questioning on the same +subject that he's liable to say anything, or even believe anything. Of +course you know, captain, that after a certain time the law of +suggestion commences to operate and——"</p> + +<p>The captain turned to his sergeant and laughed:</p> + +<p>"The law of suggestion? Ha, ha! That's a good one! You know, doctor, +them theories of yours may make a hit with college students and amateur +professors, but they don't go with us. You can't make a man say 'yes' +when he wants to say 'no'."</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein smiled.</p> + +<p>"I don't agree with you," he said. "You can make him say anything, or +believe anything—or do anything if he is unable to resist your will."</p> + +<p>The captain burst into a hearty peal of laughter.</p> + +<p>"Ha, ha! What's the use of chinnin'? We've got him to rights. I tell +you, doctor, no newspaper can say that my precinct ain't cleaned up. My +record is a hundred convictions to one acquittal. I catch 'em with the +goods when I go after 'em!"</p> + +<p>A faint smile hovered about the doctor's face.</p> + +<p>"I know your reputation," he said sarcastically.</p> + +<p>The captain thought the doctor was flattering him, so he rubbed his +hands with satisfaction, as he replied:</p> + +<p>"That's right. I'm after results. None of them <i>Psyche</i> themes for +mine." Striding over to the armchair where sat Howard, he laid a rough +hand on his shoulder:</p> + +<p>"Hey, Jeffries, wake up!"</p> + +<p>Howard opened his eyes and stared stupidly about him. The captain took +him by the collar of his coat.</p> + +<p>"Come—stand up! Brace up now!" Turning to Sergeant Maloney, he added, +"Take him over to the station. Write out that confession and make him +sign it before breakfast. I'll be right over."</p> + +<p>Howard struggled to his feet and Maloney helped him arrange his collar +and tie. Officer Delaney clapped his hat on his head. Dr. Bernstein +turned to go.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, captain. I'll make out my report"</p> + +<p>"Good morning, doctor."</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein disappeared and Captain Clinton turned to look at Annie, +who had been waiting patiently in the background. Her anguish on seeing +Howard's condition was unspeakable. It was only with difficulty that she +restrained herself from crying out and rushing to his side. But these +stern, uniformed men intimidated her. It seemed to her that Howard was +on trial—a prisoner—perhaps his life was in danger. What could he have +done? Of course, he was innocent, whatever the charge was. He wouldn't +harm a fly. She was sure of that. But every one looked so grave, and +there was a big crowd gathered in front of the hotel when she came up. +She thought she had heard the terrible word "murder," but surely there +was some mistake. Seeing Captain Clinton turn in her direction, she +darted eagerly forward.</p> + +<p>"May I speak to him, sir? He is my husband."</p> + +<p>"Not just now," replied the captain, not unkindly. "It's against the +rules. Wait till we get him to the Tombs. You can see him all you want +there."</p> + +<p>Annie's heart sank. Could she have heard aright?</p> + +<p>"The Tombs!" she faltered. "Is the charge so serious?"</p> + +<p>"Murder—that's all!" replied the captain laconically.</p> + +<p>Annie nearly swooned. Had she not caught the back of a chair she would +have fallen.</p> + +<p>The captain turned to Maloney and, in a low tone, said:</p> + +<p>"Quick! Get him over to the station. We don't want any family scenes +here."</p> + +<p>Manacled to Officer Delaney and escorted on the other side by Maloney, +Howard made his way toward the door. Just as he reached it he caught +sight of his wife who, with tears streaming down her cheeks, was +watching him as if in a dream. To her it seemed like some hideous +nightmare from which both would soon awaken. Howard recognized her, yet +seemed too dazed to wonder how she came there. He simply blurted out as +he passed:</p> + +<p>"Something's happened, Annie, dear. I—Underwood—I don't quite +know——"</p> + +<p>The policemen pushed him through the door, which closed behind him.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + + +<p>Unable to control herself any longer, Annie broke down completely and +burst into tears. When the door opened and she saw her husband led away, +pale and trembling, between those two burly policemen, it was as if all +she cared for on earth had gone out of her life forever. Captain Clinton +laid his hand gently on her shoulder. With more sympathy in his face +than was his custom to display, he said:</p> + +<p>"Now, little woman—t'ain't no kind of use carrying on like that! If you +want to help your husband and get him out of his trouble you want to get +busy. Sitting there crying your eyes out won't do him any good."</p> + +<p>Annie threw up her head. Her eyes were red, but they were dry now. Her +face was set and determined. The captain was right. Only foolish women +weep and wail when misfortune knocks at their door. The right sort of +women go bravely out and make a fight for liberty and honor. Howard was +innocent. She was convinced of that, no matter how black things looked +against him. She would not leave a stone unturned till she had regained +for him his liberty. With renewed hope in her heart and resolution in +her face, she turned to confront the captain.</p> + +<p>"What has he done?" she demanded.</p> + +<p>"Killed his friend, Robert Underwood."</p> + +<p>He watched her face closely to see what effect his words would have on +her.</p> + +<p>"Robert Underwood dead!" exclaimed Annie with more surprise than +emotion.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the captain sternly, "and your husband, Howard Jeffries, +killed him."</p> + +<p>"That's not true! I'd never believe that," said Annie promptly.</p> + +<p>"He's made a full confession," went on the captain.</p> + +<p>"A confession!" she echoed uneasily. "What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Just what I say. Your husband has made a full confession, in the +presence of witnesses, that he came here to Underwood's rooms to ask for +money. They quarreled. Your husband drew a pistol and shot him. He has +signed a confession which will be presented to the magistrate this +morning."</p> + +<p>Annie looked staggered for a moment, but her faith in her husband was +unshakable. Almost hysterically she cried:</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it. I don't believe it. You may have tortured him into +signing something. Everybody knows your methods, Captain Clinton. But +thank God there is a law in the United States which protects the +innocent as well as punishes the guilty. I shall get the most able +lawyers to defend him even if I have to sell myself into slavery for the +rest of my life."</p> + +<p>"Bravo, little woman!" said the captain mockingly. "That's the way to +talk. I like your spunk, but before you go I'd like to ask you a few +questions. Sit down."</p> + +<p>He waved her to a chair and he sat opposite her.</p> + +<p>"Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he began encouragingly, "tell me—did you ever +hear your husband threaten Howard Underwood?"</p> + +<p>By this time Annie had recovered her self-possession. She knew that the +best way to help Howard was to keep cool and to say nothing which was +likely to injure his cause. Boldly, therefore, she answered:</p> + +<p>"You've no right to ask me that question."</p> + +<p>The captain shifted uneasily in his seat. He knew she was within her +legal rights. He couldn't bully her into saying anything that would +incriminate her husband.</p> + +<p>"I merely thought you would like to assist the authorities, to——" he +stammered awkwardly.</p> + +<p>"To convict my husband," she said calmly. "Thank you, I understand my +position."</p> + +<p>"You can't do him very much harm, you know," said the captain with +affected jocularity. "He has confessed to the shooting."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it," she said emphatically.</p> + +<p>Trying a different tack, he asked carelessly:</p> + +<p>"Did you know Mr. Underwood?"</p> + +<p>She hesitated before replying, then indifferently she said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I knew him at one time. He introduced me to my husband."</p> + +<p>"Where was that?"</p> + +<p>"In New Haven, Conn."</p> + +<p>"Up at the college, eh? How long have you known Mr. Underwood?"</p> + +<p>Annie looked at her Inquisitor and said nothing. She wondered what he +was driving at, what importance the question had to the case. Finally +she said:</p> + +<p>"I met him once or twice up at New Haven, but I've never seen him since +my marriage to Mr. Jeffries. My husband and he were not very good +friends. That is——"</p> + +<p>She stopped, realizing that she had made a mistake. How foolish she had +been! The police, of course, were anxious to show that there was ill +feeling between the two men. Her heart misgave her as she saw the look +of satisfaction in the captain's face.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" he exclaimed. "Not very good friends, eh? In fact, your husband +didn't like him, did he?"</p> + +<p>"He didn't like him well enough to run after him," she replied +hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>The captain now started off in another direction.</p> + +<p>"Was your husband ever jealous of Underwood?"</p> + +<p>By this time Annie had grown suspicious of every question. She was on +her guard.</p> + +<p>"Jealous? What do you mean? No, he was not jealous. There was never any +reason. I refuse to answer any more questions."</p> + +<p>The captain rose and began to pace the floor.</p> + +<p>"There's one little thing more, Mrs. Jeffries, and then you can go. You +can help your husband by helping us. I want to put one more question to +you and be careful to answer truthfully. Did you call at these rooms +last night to see Mr. Underwood?"</p> + +<p>"I!" exclaimed Annie with mingled astonishment and indignation. "Of +course not."</p> + +<p>"Sure?" demanded the captain, eyeing her narrowly.</p> + +<p>"Positive," said Annie firmly.</p> + +<p>The captain looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"A woman called here last night to see him," he said thoughtfully, "and +I thought that perhaps——"</p> + +<p>Interrupting himself, he went quickly to the door of the apartment and +called to some one who was waiting in the corridor outside. A boy about +eighteen years of age, in the livery of an elevator attendant, entered +the room. The captain pointed to Annie.</p> + +<p>"Is that the lady?"</p> + +<p>The boy looked carefully, and then shook his head:</p> + +<p>"Don't think so—no, sir. The other lady was a great swell."</p> + +<p>"You're sure, eh?" said the captain.</p> + +<p>"I—think so," answered the boy.</p> + +<p>"Do you remember the name she gave?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir," replied the boy. "Ever since you asked me——"</p> + +<p>Annie arose and moved toward the door. She had no time to waste there. +Every moment now was precious. She must get legal assistance at once. +Turning to Captain Clinton, she said:</p> + +<p>"If you've no further use for me, captain, I think I'll go."</p> + +<p>"Just one moment, Mrs. Jeffries," he said.</p> + +<p>The face of the elevator boy suddenly brightened up.</p> + +<p>"That's it," he said eagerly. "That's it—Jeffries. I think that was the +name she gave, sir."</p> + +<p>"Who?" demanded the captain.</p> + +<p>"Not this lady," said the boy. "The other lady. I think she said +Jeffries, or Jenkins, or something like that."</p> + +<p>The captain waved his hand toward the door.</p> + +<p>"That's all right—go. We'll find her all right."</p> + +<p>The boy went out and the captain turned round to Annie.</p> + +<p>"It'll be rather a pity if it isn't you," he said, with a suggestive +smile.</p> + +<p>"How so?" she demanded.</p> + +<p>The captain laughed.</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, a woman always gets the jury mixed up. Nothing fools a +man like a pretty face, and twelve times one is twelve. You see if they +quarreled about you—your husband would stand some chance." +Patronizingly he added, "Come, Mrs. Jeffries, you'd better tell the +truth and I can advise you who to go to."</p> + +<p>Annie drew herself up, and with dignity said:</p> + +<p>"Thanks, I'm going to the best lawyer I can get. Not one of those +courtroom politicians recommended by a police captain. I am going to +Richard Brewster. He's the man. He'll soon get my husband out of the +Tombs." Reflectively she added: "If my father had had Judge Brewster to +defend him instead of a legal shark, he'd never have been railroaded to +jail. He'd be alive to-day."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton guffawed loudly. The idea of ex-Judge Brewster taking +the case seemed to amuse him hugely.</p> + +<p>"Brewster?" he laughed boisterously. "You'd never be able to get +Brewster. Firstly, he's too expensive. Secondly, he's old man Jeffries' +lawyer. He wouldn't touch your case with a ten-foot pole. Besides," he +added in a tone of contempt, "Brewster's no good in a case of this kind. +He's a constitution lawyer—one of them international fellers. He don't +know nothing——"</p> + +<p>"He's the only lawyer I want," she retorted determinedly. Then she went +on: "Howard's folks must come to his rescue. They must stand by +him—they must——"</p> + +<p>The captain grinned.</p> + +<p>"From what I hear," he said, "old man Jeffries won't raise a finger to +save his scapegrace son from going to the chair. He's done with him for +good and all."</p> + +<p>Chuckling aloud and talking to himself rather than to his vis-à-vis, he +muttered:</p> + +<p>"That alone will convince the jury. They'll argue that the boy can't be +much good if his own go back on him."</p> + +<p>Annie's eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>"Precisely!" she exclaimed. "But his own won't go back on him. I'll see +to it that they don't." Rising and turning toward the door, she asked: +"Have you anything more to say to me, captain?"</p> + +<p>"No," replied the captain hesitatingly. "You can go. Of course you'll be +called later for the trial You can see your husband in the Tombs when +you wish."</p> + +<p>No man is so hard that he has not a soft spot somewhere. At heart +Captain Clinton was not an unkind man. Long service in the police force +and a mistaken notion of the proper method of procedure in treating his +prisoners had hardened him and made him brutal. Secretly he felt sorry +for this plucky, energetic little woman who had such unbounded faith in +her good-for-nothing husband, and was ready to fight all alone in his +defense. Eyeing her with renewed interest, he demanded:</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do now?"</p> + +<p>Annie reached the door, and drawing herself up to her full height, +turned and said:</p> + +<p>"I'm going to undo all you have done, Captain Clinton. I'm going to free +my husband and prove his innocence before the whole world. I don't know +how I'm going to do it, but I'll do it. I'll fight you, captain, to the +last ditch, and I'll rescue my poor husband from your clutches if it +takes everything I possess in the world."</p> + +<p>Quickly she opened the door and disappeared.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + + +<p>The American dearly loves a sensation, and the bigger and more +blood-curdling it is the better. Nothing is more gratifying on arising +in the morning and sitting down to partake of a daintily served +breakfast than to glance hurriedly over the front page of one's favorite +newspaper and see it covered with startling headlines. It matters little +what has happened during the night to shock the community, so long as it +satisfies one's appetite for sensational news. It can be a fatal +conflagration, a fearful railroad wreck, a gigantic bank robbery, a +horrible murder, or even a scandalous divorce case. All one asks is that +it be something big, with column after column of harrowing details. The +newspapers are fully alive to what is expected of them, but it is not +always easy to supply the demand. There are times when the metropolis +languishes for news of any description. There are no disastrous fires, +trains run without mishap, burglars go on a vacation, society leaders +act with decorum—in a word the city is deadly dull. Further +consideration of the tariff remains the most thrilling topic the +newspapers can find to write about.</p> + +<p>The murder at the aristocratic Astruria, therefore, was hailed by the +editors as a unmixed journalistic blessing, and they proceeded to play +it up for all it was worth. All the features of a first-class sensation +were present. The victim, Robert Underwood, was well known in society +and a prominent art connoisseur. The place where the crime was committed +was one of the most fashionable of New York's hostelries. The presumed +assassin was a college man and the son of one of the most wealthy and +influential of New York's citizens.</p> + +<p>True, this Howard Jeffries, the son, was a black sheep. He had been +mixed up in all kinds of scandals before. His own father had turned him +out of doors, and he was married to a woman whose father died in prison. +Could a better combination of circumstances for a newspaper be +conceived? The crime was discovered too late for the morning papers to +make mention of it, but the afternoon papers fired a broadside that +shook the town. All the evening papers had big scare heads stretching +across the entire front page, with pictures of the principals involved +and long interviews with the coroner and Captain Clinton. There seemed +to be no doubt that the police had arrested the right man, and in all +quarters of the city there was universal sympathy for Mr. Howard +Jeffries, Sr. It was terrible to think that this splendid, upright man, +whose whole career was without a single stain, who had served his +country gallantly through the civil war, should have such disgrace +brought upon him in his old age.</p> + +<p>Everything pointed to a speedy trial and quick conviction. Public +indignation was aroused almost to a frenzy, and a loud clamor went up +against the law's delay. Too many crimes of this nature, screamed the +yellow press, had been allowed to sully the good name of the city. A +fearful example must be made, no matter what the standing and influence +of the prisoner's family. Thus goaded on, the courts acted with +promptness. Taken before a magistrate, Howard was at once committed to +the Tombs to await trial, and the district attorney set to work +impaneling a jury. Justice, he promised, would be swiftly done. One +newspaper stated positively that the family would not interfere, but +would abandon the scapegrace son to his richly deserved fate. Judge +Brewster, the famous lawyer, it was said, had already been approached by +the prisoner's wife, but had declined to take the case. Banker Jeffries +also was quoted as saying that the man under arrest was no longer a son +of his.</p> + +<p>As one paper pointed out, it seemed a farce and a waste of money to have +any trial at all. The assassin had not only been caught red-handed, but +had actually confessed. Why waste time over a trial? True, one paper +timidly suggested that it might have been a case of suicide. Robert +Underwood's financial affairs, it went on to say, were in a critical +condition, and the theory of suicide was borne out to some extent by an +interview with Dr. Bernstein, professor of psychology at one of the +universities, who stated that he was by no means convinced of the +prisoner's guilt, and hinted that the alleged confession might have been +forced from him by the police, while in a hypnotic state. This theory, +belittling as it did their pet sensation, did not suit the policy of +the yellow press, so the learned professor at once became the target for +editorial attack.</p> + +<p>The sensation grew in importance as the day for the trial approached. +All New York was agog with excitement. The handsome Jeffries mansion on +Riverside Drive was besieged by callers. The guides on the sight-seeing +coaches shouted through their megaphones:</p> + +<p>"That's the house where the murderer of Robert Underwood lived."</p> + +<p>The immediate vicinity of the house the day that the crime was made +public was thronged with curious people. The blinds of the house were +drawn down as if to shield the inmates from observation, but there were +several cabs in front of the main entrance and passers by stopped on the +sidewalk, pointing at the house. A number of newspaper men stood in a +group, gathering fresh material for the next edition. A reporter +approached rapidly from Broadway and joined his colleagues.</p> + +<p>"Well, boys," he said cheerily. "Anything doing? Say, my paper is going +to have a bully story to-morrow! Complete account by Underwood's valet. +He tells how he caught the murderer just as he was escaping from the +apartment We'll have pictures and everything. It's fine. Anything doing +here?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Naw," grunted the others in disgruntled tones.</p> + +<p>"We saw the butler," said one reporter, "and tried to get a story from +him, but he flatly refused to talk. All he would say was that Howard +Jeffries was nothing to the family, that his father didn't care a straw +what became of him."</p> + +<p>"That's pretty tough!" exclaimed another reporter. "He's his son, after +all."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you don't know old Jeffries," chimed in a third. "When once he +makes up his mind you might as well try to move a house."</p> + +<p>The afternoon was getting on; if their papers were to print anything +more that day they must hasten downtown.</p> + +<p>"Let's make one more attempt to get a talk out of the old man," +suggested one enterprising scribe.</p> + +<p>"All right," cried the others in chorus. "You go ahead. We'll follow in +a body and back you up."</p> + +<p>Passing through the front gate, they rang the bell, and after a brief +parley were admitted to the house. They had hardly disappeared when a +cab drove hurriedly up and stopped at the curb. A young woman, heavily +veiled, descended, paid the driver, and walked quickly through the gates +toward the house.</p> + +<p>Annie tried to feel brave, but her heart misgave her when she saw this +splendid home with all its evidence of wealth, culture, and refinement. +It was the first time she had ever entered its gates, although, in a +measure, she was entitled to look upon it as her own home. Perhaps never +so much as now she realized what a deep gulf lay between her husband's +family and herself. This was a world she had never known—a world of +opulence and luxury. She did not know how she had summoned up courage +enough to come. Yet there was no time to be lost. Immediate action was +necessary. Howard must have the best lawyers that money could procure. +Judge Brewster had been deaf to her entreaties. He had declined to take +the case. She had no money. Howard's father must come to his assistance. +She would plead with him and insist that it was his duty to stand by his +son. She wondered how he would receive her, if he would put her out or +be rude to her. Perhaps he would not even receive her. He might tell the +servants to shut the door in her face. Timidly she rang the bell. The +butler opened the door, and summoning up all her courage, she asked:</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Jeffries in?"</p> + +<p>To her utter amazement the butler offered no objection to her entering. +Mistaking her for a woman reporter, several of whom had already called +that morning, he said:</p> + +<p>"Go right in the library, madam; the other newspaper folk are there."</p> + +<p>She passed through the splendid reception hall, marveling inwardly at +the beautiful statuary and pictures, no little intimidated at finding +herself amid such splendid surroundings. On the left there was a door +draped with handsome tapestry.</p> + +<p>"Right in there, miss," said the butler.</p> + +<p>She went in, and found herself in a room of noble proportions, the walls +of which were lined with bookshelves filled with tomes in rich bindings. +The light that entered through the stained-glass windows cast a subdued +half-light, warm and rich in color, on the crimson plush furnishings. +Near the heavy flat desk in the centre of the room a tall, distinguished +man was standing listening deprecatingly to the half dozen reporters +who were bombarding him with questions. As Annie entered the room she +caught the words of his reply:</p> + +<p>"The young man who has inherited my name has chosen his own path in +life. I am grieved to say that his conduct at college, his marriage, has +completely separated him from his family, and I have quite made up my +mind that in no way or manner can his family become identified with any +steps he may take to escape the penalty of his mad act. I am his father, +and I suppose, under the circumstances, I ought to say something. But I +have decided not to. I don't wish to give the American public any excuse +to think that I am paliating or condoning his crime. Gentlemen, I wish +you good-day."</p> + +<p>Annie, who had been listening intently, at once saw her opportunity. Mr. +Jeffries had taken no notice of her presence, believing her to be a +newspaper writer like the others. As the reporters took their departure +and filed out of the room, she remained behind. As the last one +disappeared she turned to the banker and said:</p> + +<p>"May I speak to you a moment?"</p> + +<p>He turned quickly and looked at her in surprise. For the first time he +was conscious of her presence. Bowing courteously, he shook his head:</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I can do nothing for you, madam—as I've just explained to +your confrères of the press."</p> + +<p>Annie looked up at him, and said boldly:</p> + +<p>"I am not a reporter, Mr. Jeffries. I am your son's wife."</p> + +<p>The banker started back in amazement. This woman, whom he had taken for +a newspaper reporter, was an interloper, an impostor, the very last +woman in the world whom he would have permitted to be admitted to his +house. He considered that she, as much as anybody else, had contributed +to his son's ruin. Yet what could he do? She was there, and he was too +much of a gentleman to have her turned out bodily. Wondering at his +silence, she repeated softly:</p> + +<p>"I'm your son's wife, Mr. Jeffries."</p> + +<p>The banker looked at her a moment, as if taking her in from head to +foot. Then he said coldly:</p> + +<p>"Madam, I have no son." He hesitated, and added:</p> + +<p>"I don't recognize——"</p> + +<p>She looked at him pleadingly.</p> + +<p>"But I want to speak to you, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries shook his head, and moved toward the door.</p> + +<p>"I repeat, I have nothing to say."</p> + +<p>Annie planted herself directly in his path. He could not reach the door +unless he removed her forcibly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Jeffries," she said earnestly, "please don't refuse to hear +me—please——"</p> + +<p>He halted, looking as if he would like to escape, but there was no way +of egress. This determined-looking young woman had him at a +disadvantage.</p> + +<p>"I do not think," he said icily, "that there is any subject which can be +of mutual interest——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, there is," she replied eagerly. She was quick to take +advantage of this entering wedge into the man's mantle of cold reserve.</p> + +<p>"Flesh and blood," she went on earnestly, "is of mutual interest. Your +son is yours whether you cast him off or not. You've got to hear me. I +am not asking anything for myself. It's for him, your son. He's in +trouble. Don't desert him at a moment like this. Whatever he may have +done to deserve your anger—don't—don't deal him such a blow. You +cannot realize what it means in such a critical situation. Even if you +only pretend to be friendly with him—you don't need to really be +friends with him. But don't you see what the effect will be if you, his +father, publicly withdraw from his support? Everybody will say he's no +good, that he can't be any good or his father wouldn't go back on him. +You know what the world is. People will condemn him because you condemn +him. They won't even give him a hearing. For God's sake, don't go back +on him now!"</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries turned and walked toward the window, and stood there gazing +on the trees on the lawn. She did not see his face, but by the nervous +twitching of his hands behind his back, she saw that her words had not +been without effect. She waited in silence for him to say something. +Presently he turned around, and she saw that his face had changed. The +look of haughty pride had gone. She had touched the chords of the +father's heart. Gravely he said:</p> + +<p>"Of course you realize that you, above all others, are responsible for +his present position."</p> + +<p>She was about to demur, but she checked herself. What did she care what +they thought of her? She was fighting to save her husband, not to make +the Jeffries family think better of her. Quickly she answered:</p> + +<p>"Well, all right—I'm responsible—but don't punish him because of me."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries looked at her.</p> + +<p>Who was this young woman who championed so warmly his own son? She was +his wife, of course. But wives of a certain kind are quick to desert +their husbands when they are in trouble. There must be some good in the +girl, after all, he thought. Hesitatingly, he said:</p> + +<p>"I could have forgiven him everything, everything but——"</p> + +<p>"But me," she said promptly. "I know it. Don't you suppose I feel it +too, and don't you suppose it hurts?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries stiffened up. This woman was evidently trying to excite his +sympathies. The hard, proud expression came back into his face, as he +answered curtly:</p> + +<p>"Forgive me for speaking plainly, but my son's marriage with such a +woman as you has made it impossible to even consider the question of +reconciliation."</p> + +<p>With all her efforts at self-control, Annie would have been more than +human had she not resented the insinuation in this cruel speech. For a +moment she forgot the importance of preserving amicable relations, and +she retorted:</p> + +<p>"Such a woman as me? That's pretty plain——. But you'll have to speak +even more plainly. What do you mean when you say such a woman as me? +What have I done?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries looked out of the window without answering, and she went +on:</p> + +<p>"I worked in a factory when I was nine years old, and I've earned my +living ever since. There's no disgrace in that, is there? There's +nothing against me personally—nothing disgraceful, I mean. I know I'm +not educated. I'm not a lady in your sense of the word, but I've led a +decent life. There isn't a breath of scandal against me—not a breath. +But what's the good of talking about me? Never mind me. I'm not asking +for anything. What are you going to do for him? He must have the best +lawyer that money can procure—none of those bar-room orators. Judge +Brewster, your lawyer, is the man. We want Judge Brewster."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I repeat—my son's marriage with the daughter of a man who died in +prison——"</p> + +<p>She interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"That was hard luck—nothing but hard luck. You're not going to make me +responsible for that, are you? Why, I was only eight years old when that +happened. Could I have prevented it?" Recklessly she went on: "Well, +blame it on me if you want to, but don't hold it up against Howard. He +didn't know it when he married me. He never would have known it but for +the detectives employed by you to dig up my family history, and the +newspapers did the rest. God! what they didn't say! I never realized I +was of so much importance. They printed it in scare-head lines. It made +a fine sensation for the public, but it destroyed my peace of mind."</p> + +<p>"A convict's daughter!" said Mr. Jeffries contemptuously.</p> + +<p>"He was a good man at that!" she answered hotly. "He kept the squarest +pool room in Manhattan, but he refused to pay police blackmail, and he +was railroaded to prison." Indignantly she went on: "If my father's +shingle had been up in Wall Street, and he'd made fifty dishonest +millions, you'd forget it next morning, and you'd welcome me with open +arms. But he was unfortunate. Why, Billy Delmore was the best man in the +world. He'd give away the last dollar he had to a friend. I wish to God +he was alive now! He'd help to save your son. I wouldn't have to come +here to ask you."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries shifted uneasily on his feet and looked away.</p> + +<p>"You don't seem to understand," he said impatiently. "I've completely +cut him off from the family. It's as if he were dead."</p> + +<p>She approached nearer and laid her hand gently on the banker's arm.</p> + +<p>"Don't say that, Mr. Jeffries. It's wicked to say that about your own +son. He's a good boy at heart, and he's been so good to me. Ah, if you +only knew how hard he's tried to get work I'm sure you'd change your +opinion of him. Lately he's been drinking a little because he was +disappointed in not getting anything to do. But he tried so hard. He +walked the streets night and day. Once he even took a position as guard +on the elevated road. Just think of it, Mr. Jeffries, your son—to such +straits were we reduced—but he caught cold and had to give it up. I +wanted to go to work and help him out. I always earned my living before +I married him, but he wouldn't let me. You don't know what a good heart +he's got. He's been weak and foolish, but you know he's only a boy."</p> + +<p>She watched his face to see if her words were having any effect, but Mr. +Jeffries showed no sign of relenting. Sarcastically, he said:</p> + +<p>"And you took advantage of the fact and married him?"</p> + +<p>For a moment she made no reply. She felt the reproach was not unmerited, +but why should they blame her for seeking happiness? Was she not +entitled to it as much as any other woman? She had not married Howard +for his social position or his money. In fact, she had been worse off +since her marriage than she was before. She married him because she +loved him, and because she thought she could redeem him, and she was +ready to go through any amount of suffering to prove her disinterested +devotion. Quietly, she said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know—I did wrong. But I—I love him, Mr. Jeffries. Believe me +or not—I love him. It's my only excuse. I thought I could take care of +him. He needed some one to look after him, he's too easily influenced. +You know his character is not so strong as it might be. He told me that +his fellow students at college used to hypnotize him and make him do all +kinds of things to amuse the other boys. He says that somehow he's never +been the same since. I—I just loved him because I was strong and he was +weak. I thought I could protect him. But now this terrible thing has +happened, and I find I am powerless. It's too much for me. I can't fight +this battle alone. Won't you help me, Mr. Jeffries?" she added +pleadingly. "Won't you help me?"</p> + +<p>The banker was thoughtful a minute, then suddenly he turned on her.</p> + +<p>"Will you consent to a divorce if I agree to help him?"</p> + +<p>She looked at him with dismay. There was tragic tenseness in this +dramatic situation—a father fighting for his son, a woman fighting for +her husband.</p> + +<p>"A divorce?" she stammered. "Why, I never thought of such a thing as +that."</p> + +<p>"It's the only way to save him," said the banker coldly.</p> + +<p>"The only way?" she faltered.</p> + +<p>"The only way," said Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Do you consent?" he asked.</p> + +<p>Annie threw up her head. Her pale face was full of determination, as she +replied resignedly, catching her breath as she spoke:</p> + +<p>"Yes, if it must be. I will consent to a divorce—to save him!"</p> + +<p>"You will leave the country and go abroad to live?" continued the banker +coldly.</p> + +<p>She listened as in a dream. That she would be confronted by such an +alternative as this had never entered her mind. She wondered why the +world was so cruel and heartless. Yet if the sacrifice must be made to +save Howard she was ready to make it.</p> + +<p>"You will leave America and never return—is that understood?" repeated +the banker.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," she replied falteringly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries paced nervously up and down the room. For the first time he +seemed to take an interest in the interview. Patronizingly he said:</p> + +<p>"You will receive a yearly allowance through my lawyer."</p> + +<p>Annie tossed up her chin defiantly. She would show the aristocrat that +she could be as proud as he was.</p> + +<p>"Thanks," she exclaimed. "I don't accept charity. I'm used to earning my +own living."</p> + +<p>"Oh, very well," replied the banker quickly. "That's as you please. But +I have your promise—you will not attempt to see him again?"</p> + +<p>"What! Not see him once more? To say good-by?" she exclaimed. A broken +sob half checked her utterance. "Surely you can't mean that, Mr. +Jeffries."</p> + +<p>The banker shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I don't want the newspapers filled with sensational articles about the +heartrending farewell interview between Howard Jeffries, Jr., and his +wife—with your picture on the front page."</p> + +<p>She was not listening to his sarcasm.</p> + +<p>"Not even to say good-by?" she sobbed.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Not even to say good-by."</p> + +<p>"But what will he say? What will he think?" she cried.</p> + +<p>"He will see it is for the best," answered the banker. "He himself will +thank you for your action."</p> + +<p>There was a long silence, broken only by the sound of the girl's +sobbing. Finally she said:</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir. I'll do as you say." She looked up. Her eyes were dry, +the lines about her mouth set and determined. "Now," she said, "what are +you going to do for him?"</p> + +<p>The banker made a gesture of impatience as if such considerations were +not important.</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet," he said haughtily. "I shall think the matter over +carefully."</p> + +<p>Annie was fast losing patience. She was willing to sacrifice herself and +give up everything she held dear in life to save the man she loved, but +the cold, deliberate, calculating attitude of this unnatural father +exasperated her.</p> + +<p>"But I want to know," she said boldly. "I want to consider the matter +carefully, too."</p> + +<p>"You?" sneered Mr. Jeffries.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," she retorted. "I'm paying dearly for it—with my—with all I +have. I want to know just what you're going to give him for it."</p> + +<p>He was lost in reflection for a moment, then he said pompously:</p> + +<p>"I shall furnish the money for the employment of such legal talent as +may be necessary. That's as far as I wish to go in the case. It must not +be known—I cannot allow it to be known that I am helping him."</p> + +<p>"Must not be known?" cried Annie in astonishment. "You mean you won't +stand by him? You'll only just pay for the lawyer?"</p> + +<p>The banker nodded:</p> + +<p>"That is all I can promise."</p> + +<p>She laughed hysterically.</p> + +<p>"Why," she exclaimed, "I—I could do that myself if I—I tried hard +enough."</p> + +<p>"I can promise nothing more," replied Mr. Jeffries coldly.</p> + +<p>"But that is not enough," she protested. "I want you to come forward and +publicly declare your belief in your son's innocence. I want you to put +your arms around him and say to the world: 'My boy is innocent! I know +it and I'm going to stand by him.' You won't do that?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries shook his head.</p> + +<p>"It is impossible."</p> + +<p>The wife's pent-up feelings now gave way. The utter indifference of this +aristocratic father aroused her indignation to such a pitch that she +became reckless of the consequences. They wanted her to desert him, just +as they deserted him, but she wouldn't. She would show them the kind of +woman she was.</p> + +<p>"So!" she cried in an outburst of mingled anger and grief. "So his +family must desert him, and his wife must leave him! The poor boy must +stand absolutely alone in the world, and face a trial for his life! Is +that your idea?"</p> + +<p>The banker made no reply. Snapping her fingers, she went on:</p> + +<p>"Well, it isn't mine, Mr. Jeffries! I won't consent to a divorce! I +won't leave America! And I'll see him just as often as I can, even if I +have to sit in the Tombs prison all day. As for his defense, I'll find +some one. I'll go to Judge Brewster again, and if he still refuses, I'll +go to some one else. There must be some good, big-hearted lawyer in +this great city who'll take up his case."</p> + +<p>Trembling with emotion she readjusted her veil and with her handkerchief +dried her tear-stained face. Going toward the door, she said:</p> + +<p>"You needn't trouble yourself any more, Mr. Jeffries. We shan't need +your help. Thank you very much for the interview. It was very kind of +you to listen so patiently. Good afternoon, sir."</p> + +<p>Before the astonished banker could stop her, she had thrown back the +tapestry and disappeared through the door.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + + +<p>In the very heart of Manhattan, right in the centre of the city's most +congested district, an imposing edifice of gray stone, mediæval in its +style of architecture, towered high above all the surrounding dingy +offices and squalid tenements. Its massive construction, steep walls, +pointed turrets, raised parapets and long, narrow, slit-like windows, +heavily barred, gave it the aspect of a feudal fortress incongruously +set down plumb in the midst of twentieth-century New York. The dull roar +of Broadway hummed a couple of blocks away; in the distance loomed the +lofty, graceful spans of Brooklyn Bridge, jammed with its opposing +streams of busy inter-urban traffic. The adjacent streets were filled +with the din of hurrying crowds, the rattle of vehicles, the cries of +vendors, the clang of street cars, the ugh! ugh! of speeding +automobiles. The active, pulsating life of the metropolis surged like a +rising flood about the tall gray walls, yet there was no response +within. Grim, silent, sinister, the City Prison, popularly known as "the +Tombs," seemed to have nothing in common with the daily activities of +the big town in which, notwithstanding, it unhappily played an important +part.</p> + +<p>The present prison is a vastly different place to the old jail from +which it got its melancholy cognomen. To-day there is not the slightest +justification for the lugubrious epithet applied to it, but in the old +days, when man's inhumanity to man was less a form of speech than a +cold, merciless fact, the term "Tombs" described an intolerable and +disgraceful condition fairly accurately. Formerly the cells in which the +unfortunate prisoners were confined while awaiting trial were situated +deep under ground and had neither light nor ventilation. A man might be +guiltless of the offense with which he was charged, yet while awaiting +an opportunity to prove his innocence he was condemned to spend days, +sometimes months, in what was little better than a grave. Literally, he +was buried alive. A party of foreigners visiting the prison one day were +startled at seeing human beings confined in such holes. "They look like +tombs!" cried some one. New York was amused at the singularly +appropriate appelative, and it has stuck to the prison ever since.</p> + +<p>But times change, and institutions with them. As man becomes more +civilized he treats the law-breaker with more humanity. Probably society +will always need its prisons, but as we become more enlightened we +insist on treating our criminals more from the physiological and +psychological standpoints than in the cruel, brutal, barbarous manner of +the dark ages. In other words the sociologist insists that the +law-breaker has greater need of the physician than he has of the jailer.</p> + +<p>To-day the City Prison is a tomb in name only. It is admirably +constructed, commodious, well ventilated. The cells are large and well +lighted, with comfortable cots and all the modern sanitary arrangements. +There are roomy corridors for daily exercise and luxurious shower baths +can be obtained free for the asking. There are chapels for the +religiously inclined and a library for the studious. The food is +wholesome and well prepared in a large, scrupulously clean kitchen +situated on the top floor. Carping critics have, indeed, declared the +Tombs to be too luxurious, declaring that habitual criminals enjoy a +stay at the prison and actually commit crime so that they may enjoy some +of its hotel-like comforts.</p> + +<p>It was with a sinking heart and a dull, gnawing sense of apprehension +that Annie descended from a south-bound Madison Avenue car in Centre +Street and approached the small portal under the forbidding gray walls. +She had visited a prison once before, when her father died. She +remembered the depressing ride in the train to Sing Sing, the formidable +steel doors and ponderous bolts, the narrow cells, each with its +involuntary occupant in degrading stripes and closely cropped hair, and +the uniformed guards armed with rifles. She remembered how her mother +wept and how she had wondered why they kept her poor da-da in such an +ugly place. To think that after all these years she was again to go +through a similar experience.</p> + +<p>She had nerved herself for this ordeal. Anxious as she was to see Howard +and learn from his lips all that had happened, she feared that she would +never be able to see him behind the bars without breaking down. Yet she +must be strong so she could work to set him free. So much had happened +in the last two days. It seemed a month since the police had sent for +her at midnight to hurry down to the Astruria, yet it was only two days +ago. The morning following her trying interview with Captain Clinton in +the dead man's apartment she had tried to see Howard, but without +success. The police held him a close prisoner, pretending that he might +make an attempt upon his life. There was nothing for her to do but wait.</p> + +<p>Intuitively she realized the necessity of immediately securing the +services of an able lawyer. There was no doubt of Howard's innocence, +but she recalled with a shiver that even innocent persons have suffered +capital punishment because they were unable to establish their +innocence, so overwhelming were the appearances against them. He must +have the best lawyer to be had, regardless of expense. Only one name +occurred to her, the name of a man of international reputation, the mere +mention of whose name in a courtroom filled the hearts of the innocent +with hope and the guilty with dread. That man was Judge Brewster. She +hurried downtown to his office and waited an hour before he could see +her. Then he told her politely, but coldly, that he must decline to +take her case. He knew well who she was, and he eyed her with some +curiosity, but his manner was frigid and discouraging. There were plenty +of lawyers in New York, he said. She must go elsewhere. Politely he +bowed her out. Half of a precious day was already lost. Judge Brewster +refused the case. To whom could she turn now? In despair, almost +desperate, she drove up-town to Riverside Drive and forced an entrance +into the Jeffries home. Here, again, she was met with a rebuff. Still +not discouraged, she returned to Judge Brewster's office. He was out and +she sat there an hour waiting to see him. Night came and he did not +return. Almost prostrated with nervous exhaustion, she returned to their +deserted little flat in Harlem.</p> + +<p>It was going to be a hard fight, she saw that. But she would keep right +on, no matter at what cost. Howard could not be left alone to perish +without a hand to save him. Judge Brewster must come to his rescue. He +could not refuse. She would return again to his office this afternoon +and sit there all day long, if necessary, until he promised to take the +case. He alone could save him. She would go to the lawyer and beg him +on her knees if necessary, but first she must see Howard and bid him +take courage.</p> + +<p>A low doorway from Centre Street gave access to the gray fortress. At +the heavy steel gate stood a portly policeman armed with a big key. Each +time before letting people in or out he inserted this key in the +ponderous lock. The gate would not open merely by turning the handle. +This was to prevent the escape of prisoners, who might possibly succeed +in reaching so far as the door, but could not open the steel gate +without the big key. When once any one entered the prison he was not +permitted to go out again except on a signal from a keeper.</p> + +<p>When Annie entered, she found the reception room filled with visitors, +men and women of all ages and nationalities who, like herself, had come +to see some relative or friend in trouble. It was a motley and +interesting crowd. There were fruit peddlers, sweat-shop workers, +sporty-looking men, negroes and flashy-looking women. All seemed callous +and indifferent as if quite at home amid the sinister surroundings of a +prison. One or two others appeared to belong to a more respectable +class, their sober manner and care-worn faces reflecting silently the +humiliation and shame they felt at their kinsman's disgrace.</p> + +<p>The small barred windows did not permit of much ventilation and, as the +day was warm, the odor was sickening. Annie looked around fearfully, and +humbly took her place at the end of the long line which slowly worked +its way to the narrow inner grating where credentials were closely +scrutinized. The horror of the place seized upon her. She wondered who +all these poor people were and what the prisoners whom they came to see +had done to offend the majesty of the law. The prison was filled with +policemen and keepers, and running in and out with messages and packages +were a number of men in neat linen suits. She asked a woman who they +were.</p> + +<p>"Them's trusties—prisoners that has special privileges in return for +work they does about the prison."</p> + +<p>The credentials were passed upon slowly and Annie, being the twentieth +in line, found it a tedious wait. In front of her was a bestial-looking +negro, behind her a woman whose cheap jewelry, rouged face and +extravagant dress proclaimed her profession to be the most ancient in +the world. But at last the gate was reached. As the doorkeeper examined +her ticket he looked up at her with curiosity. A murderer is rare enough +even in the Tombs to excite interest, and as she passed on the +attendants whispered among themselves. She knew they were talking about +her, but she steeled herself not to care. It was only a foretaste of +other humiliations which she must expect.</p> + +<p>A keeper now took charge of her and led her to a room where she was +searched by a matron for concealed weapons, a humiliating ordeal to +which even the richest and most influential visitors must submit with as +good grace as possible. The matron was a hard-looking woman of about +fifty years of age, in whom every spark of human pity and sympathy had +been killed during her many years of constant association with +criminals. The word "prison" had lost its meaning to her. She saw +nothing undesirable in jail life, but looked upon the Tombs rather as a +kind of boarding house in which people made short or long sojourns, +according to their luck. She treated Annie unceremoniously, yet not +unkindly.</p> + +<p>"So you're the wife of Jeffries, whom they've got for murder, eh?" she +said, as she rapidly ran her hands through the visitor's clothing.</p> + +<p>"Yes," faltered Annie, "but it's all a mistake, I assure you. My +husband's perfectly innocent. He wouldn't hurt a fly."</p> + +<p>The woman grinned.</p> + +<p>"They all say that, m'm." Lugubriously she added: "I hope you'll be more +lucky than some others were."</p> + +<p>Annie felt herself grow cold. Was this a sinister prophecy? She +shuddered and, hastily taking a dollar from her purse, slipped it into +the matron's hand.</p> + +<p>"May I go now?" she said.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my dear; I guess you've got nothing dangerous on you. We have to +be very careful. I remember once when we had that Hoboken murderer here. +He's the feller that cut his wife's head off and stuffed the body in a +barrel. His mother came here to see him one day and what did I find +inside her stocking but an innocent-looking little round pill, and if +you please, it was nothing less than prussic acid. He would have +swallowed it and the electric chair would have been cheated. So you see +how careful we has to be."</p> + +<p>Annie could not listen to any more. The horror of having Howard classed +with fiends of that description sickened her. To the keeper she said +quickly:</p> + +<p>"Please take me to my husband."</p> + +<p>Taking another dollar from her purse, she slipped the bill into the +man's hand, feeling that, here as everywhere else, one must pay for +privileges and courtesies. Her guide led the way and ushered her into an +elevator, which, at a signal, started slowly upwards.</p> + +<p>The cells in the Tombs are arranged in rows in the form of an ellipse in +the centre of each of the six floors. There is room to accommodate nine +hundred prisoners of both sexes. The men are confined in the new prison; +the women, fewer in number, in what remains of the old building. Only +the centre of each floor being taken up with the rows of narrow cells, +there remains a broad corridor, running all the way round and flanked on +the right by high walls with small barred windows. An observer from the +street glancing up at the windows might conclude that they were those +of the cells in which prisoners were confined. As a matter of fact, the +cells have no windows, only a grating which looks directly out into the +circular corridor.</p> + +<p>At the fourth floor the elevator stopped and the heavy iron door swung +back.</p> + +<p>"This way," said the keeper, stepping out and quickly walking along the +corridor. "He's in cell No. 456."</p> + +<p>A lump rose in Annie's throat. The place was well ventilated, yet she +thought she would faint from a choking feeling of restraint. All along +the corridor to the left were iron doors painted yellow. In the upper +part of the door were half a dozen broad slits through which one could +see what was going on inside.</p> + +<p>"Those are the cells," volunteered her guide.</p> + +<p>Annie shuddered as, mentally, she pictured Howard locked up in such a +dreadful place. She peered through one of the slits and saw a narrow +cell about ten feet long by six wide. The only furnishings were a +folding cot with blanket, a wash bowl and lavatory. Each cell had its +occupant, men and youths of all ages. Some were reading, some playing +cards. Some were lying asleep on their cots, perhaps dreaming of home, +but most of them leaning dejectedly against the iron bars wondering when +they would regain their liberty.</p> + +<p>"Where are the women?" asked Annie, trying to keep down the lump that +rose chokingly in her throat.</p> + +<p>"They're in a separate part of the prison," replied the keeper.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it dreadful?" she murmured.</p> + +<p>"Not at all," he exclaimed cheerfully. "These prisoners fare better in +prison than they do outside. I wager some of them are sorry to leave."</p> + +<p>"But it's dreadful to be cooped up in those little cells, isn't it?" she +said.</p> + +<p>"Not so bad as it looks," he laughed. "They are allowed to come out in +the corridor to exercise twice a day for an hour and there is a splendid +shower bath they can take."</p> + +<p>"Where is my husband's cell?" she whispered, almost dreading to hear the +reply.</p> + +<p>"There it is," he said, pointing to a door. "No. 456."</p> + +<p>Walking rapidly ahead of her and stopping at one of the cell doors, he +rapped loudly on the iron grating and cried:</p> + +<p>"Jeffries, here's a lady come to see you. Wake up there!"</p> + +<p>A white, drawn face approached the grating. Annie sprang forward.</p> + +<p>"Howard!" she sobbed.</p> + +<p>"Is it you, Annie?" came a weak voice through the bars.</p> + +<p>"Can't I go in to him?" she asked pleadingly.</p> + +<p>The keeper shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No, m'm, you must talk through the bars, but I won't disturb you."</p> + +<p>He walked away and the husband and wife were left facing each other. The +tears were streaming down Annie's cheeks. It was dreadful to be standing +there so close and yet not be able to throw her arms around him. Her +heart ached as she saw the distress in his wan, pale face.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you come before?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I could not. They wouldn't let me. Oh, Howard," she gasped. "What a +dreadful thing this is! Tell me how you got into such a scrape!"</p> + +<p>He put his hand to his head as if it hurt him, and she noticed that his +eyes looked queer. For a moment the agony of a terrible suspicion +crossed her mind. Was it possible that in a moment of drunken +recklessness he had shot Underwood? Quickly, almost breathlessly, she +whispered to him:</p> + +<p>"Tell me quickly, 'tis not true, is it? You did not kill Robert +Underwood."</p> + +<p>He shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No," he said.</p> + +<p>"Thank God for that!" she exclaimed. "But your confession—what does +that mean?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know. They told me I did it. They insisted I did it. He was +sure I did it. He told me he knew I did it. He showed me the pistol. He +was so insistent that I thought he was right—that I had done it." In a +deep whisper he added earnestly, "But you know I didn't, don't you?"</p> + +<p>"Who is <i>he</i>?" demanded Annie.</p> + +<p>"The police captain."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Captain Clinton told you you did it?"</p> + +<p>Howard nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes, he told me he <i>knew</i> I did it. He kept me standing there six +hours, questioning and questioning until I was ready to drop. I tried to +sit down; he made me stand up. I did not know what I was saying or +doing. He told me I killed Robert Underwood. He showed me the pistol +under the strong light. The reflection from the polished nickel flashed +into my eyes, everything suddenly became a blank. A few moments later +the coroner came in and Captain Clinton told him I confessed. But it +isn't true, Annie. You know I am as innocent of that murder as you are."</p> + +<p>"Thank God, thank God!" exclaimed Annie. "I see it all now."</p> + +<p>Her tears were dried. Her brain was beginning to work rapidly. She +already saw a possible line of defense.</p> + +<p>"I don't know how it all happened," went on Howard. "I don't know any +more about it than you do. I left you to go to Underwood's apartment. On +the way I foolishly took a drink. When I got there I took more whiskey. +Before I knew it I was drunk. While talking I fell asleep. Suddenly I +heard a woman's voice."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" interrupted Annie. "You, too, heard a woman's voice. Captain +Clinton said there was a woman in it." Thoughtfully, as if to herself, +she added: "We must find that woman."</p> + +<p>"When I woke up," continued Howard, "it was dark. Groping around for the +electric light, I stumbled over something. It was Underwood's dead body. +How he came by his death I have not the slightest idea. I at once +realized the dangerous position I was in and I tried to leave the +apartment unobserved. Just as I was going, Underwood's man-servant +arrived and he handed me over to the police. That's the whole story. +I've been here since yesterday and I'll be devilish glad to get out."</p> + +<p>"You will get out," she cried. "I'm doing everything possible to get you +free. I've been trying to get the best lawyer in the country—Richard +Brewster."</p> + +<p>"Richard Brewster!" exclaimed Howard. "He's my father's lawyer."</p> + +<p>"I saw your father yesterday afternoon," she said quietly.</p> + +<p>"You did!" he exclaimed, surprised. "Was he willing to receive you?"</p> + +<p>"He had to," she replied. "I gave him a piece of my mind."</p> + +<p>Howard looked at her in mingled amazement and admiration. That she +should have dared to confront a man as proud and obstinate as his father +astounded him.</p> + +<p>"What did he say?" he asked eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I asked him to come publicly to your support and to give you legal +assistance. He refused, saying he could not be placed in a position of +condoning such a crime and that your behavior and your marriage had made +him wash his hands of you forever."</p> + +<p>Tears filled Howard's eyes and his mouth quivered.</p> + +<p>"Then my father believes me guilty of this horrible crime?" he +exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"He insisted that you must be guilty as you had confessed. He offered, +though, to give you legal assistance, but only on one condition."</p> + +<p>"What was that condition?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"That I consent to a divorce," replied Annie quietly.</p> + +<p>"What did you say?"</p> + +<p>"I said I'd consent to anything if it would help you, but when he told +me that even then he would not come personally to your support I told +him we would worry along without his assistance. On that I left him."</p> + +<p>"You're a brave little woman!" cried Howard. Noticing her pale, anxious +face, he said:</p> + +<p>"You, too, must have suffered."</p> + +<p>"Oh, never mind me," she rejoined quickly. "What we must do now is to +get you out of this horrid place and clear your name before the world. +We must show that your alleged confession is untrue; that it was dragged +from you involuntarily. We must find that mysterious woman who came to +Underwood's rooms while you lay on the couch asleep. Do you know what my +theory is, Howard?"</p> + +<p>"What?" demanded her husband.</p> + +<p>"I believe you were hypnotized into making that confession. I've read of +such things before. You know the boys in college often hypnotized you. +You told me they made you do all kinds of things against your will. That +big brute, Captain Clinton, simply forced his will on yours."</p> + +<p>"By Jove—I never thought of that!" he exclaimed. "I know my head ached +terribly after he got through all that questioning. When he made me +look at that pistol I couldn't resist any more. But how are we going to +break through the net which the police have thrown around me?"</p> + +<p>"By getting the best lawyer we can procure. I shall insist on Judge +Brewster taking the case. He declines, but I shall go to his office +again this afternoon. He must——"</p> + +<p>Howard shook his head.</p> + +<p>"You'll not be able to get Brewster. He would never dare offend my +father by taking up my case without his permission. He won't even see +you."</p> + +<p>"We'll see," she said quietly. "He'll see me if I have to sit in his +office all day for weeks. I have decided to have Judge Brewster defend +you because I believe it would mean acquittal. He will build up a +defense that will defeat all the lies that the police have concocted. +The police have a strong case because of your alleged confession. It +will take a strong lawyer to fight them." Earnestly she added: "Howard, +if your life is to be saved we must get Judge Brewster."</p> + +<p>"All right, dear," he replied. "I can only leave it in your hands. I +know that whatever you do will be for the best. I'll try to be as +patient as I can. My only comfort is thinking of you, dear."</p> + +<p>A heavy step resounded in the corridor. The keeper came up.</p> + +<p>"Time's up, m'm," he said civilly.</p> + +<p>Annie thrust her hand through the bars; Howard carried it reverently to +his lips.</p> + +<p>"Good-by, dear," she said. "Keep up your courage. You'll know that I am +working for your release every moment. I won't leave a stone unturned."</p> + +<p>"Good-by, darling," he murmured.</p> + +<p>He looked at her longingly and there were tears in her eyes as she +turned away.</p> + +<p>"I'll be back very soon," she said.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later they were in the elevator and she passed through the +big steel gate once more into the sunlit street.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + + +<p>Outwardly, at least, Judge Brewster's offices at 83 Broadway in no way +differed from the offices of ten thousand other lawyers who strive to +eke out a difficult living in the most overcrowded of all the +professions. They consisted of a modest suite of rooms on the sixth +floor. There was a small outer office with a railed-off inclosure, +behind which sat a half dozen stenographers busy copying legal +documents; as many men clerks were writing at desks, and the walls were +fitted with shelves filled with ponderous law books. In one corner was a +room with glass door marked "Mr. Brewster, Private."</p> + +<p>Assuredly no casual visitor could guess from the appearance of the place +that this was the headquarters of one of the most brilliant legal minds +in the country, yet in this very office had been prepared some of the +most sensational victories ever recorded in the law courts.</p> + +<p>Visitors to Judge Brewster's office were not many. A man of such renown +was naturally expensive. Few could afford to retain his services and in +fact he was seldom called upon except to act in the interest of wealthy +corporations. In these cases, of course, his fees were enormous. He had +very few private clients; in fact, he declined much private practice +that was offered to him. He had been the legal adviser of Howard +Jeffries, Sr., for many years. The two men had known each other in their +younger days and practically had won success together—the one in the +banking business, the other in the service of the law. An important +trust company, of which Mr. Jeffries was president, was constantly +involved in all kinds of litigation of which Judge Brewster had +exclusive charge. As the lawyer found this highly remunerative, it was +only natural that he had no desire to lose Mr. Jeffries as a client.</p> + +<p>Secluded in his private office, the judge was busy at his desk, +finishing a letter. He folded it up, addressed an envelope, then lit a +cigar and looked at the time. It was three o'clock. The day's work was +about over and he smiled with satisfaction as he thought of the +automobile ride in the park he would enjoy before dressing and going to +his club for dinner. He felt in singularly good spirits that afternoon. +He had just won in the court a very complicated case which meant not +only a handsome addition to his bank account, but a signal triumph over +his legal opponents. Certainly, fortune smiled on him. He had no other +immediate cases on hand to worry about. He could look forward to a few +weeks of absolute rest. He struck a bell on his desk and a clerk +entered. Handing him the note he had just written, he said:</p> + +<p>"Have this sent at once by messenger."</p> + +<p>"Very well, judge," answered the clerk.</p> + +<p>"By the bye," frowned the lawyer, "has that woman been in to-day?"</p> + +<p>"Yes—she sat in the outer office all morning, trying to see you. We +said you were out of town, but she did not believe it. She sat there +till she got tired. She had no idea that you went out by another +stairway."</p> + +<p>"Humph," growled the lawyer; "a nice thing to be besieged in this +manner. If she annoys me much longer, I shall send for the police."</p> + +<p>At that moment another clerk entered the room.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Mr. Jones?" demanded the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"A lady to see you, judge," said the clerk, handing him a card.</p> + +<p>The lawyer glanced at the bit of pasteboard, and said immediately:</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, show her in."</p> + +<p>The two clerks left the room and Judge Brewster, after a glance in the +mirror to re-adjust his cravat, turned to greet his visitor. The door +opened and Alicia entered. She was faultlessly gowned, as usual, but her +manner was flurried and agitated. Evidently something had happened to +upset her, and she had come to make her husband's lawyer the confidant +of her troubles. The judge advanced gallantly and pointed to a chair.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, my dear Mrs. Jeffries, how do you do?"</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Jeffries here?" asked Alicia hurriedly.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," he replied, smiling. "This is an unexpected pleasure. I think +it is the first time you have graced my office with your presence."</p> + +<p>"How quiet it is here!" she exclaimed, looking around nervously. "It is +hard to believe this is the very centre of the city." Taking the seat +offered to her, she went on:</p> + +<p>"Oh, judge, we are dreadfully worried."</p> + +<p>"You mean about the Underwood case?"</p> + +<p>Alicia nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Mr. Jeffries is terribly upset. As if the coming trial and all the +rest of the scandal were not enough. But now we have to face something +even worse, something that affects me even more than my husband. Really, +I'm frantic about it."</p> + +<p>"What's happened now?" asked the lawyer calmly.</p> + +<p>"That woman is going on the stage, that's all!" she snapped.</p> + +<p>"H'm," said the lawyer calmly.</p> + +<p>"Just think!" she cried, "the name, 'Mrs. Howard Jeffries'—my +name—paraded before the public! At a time when everything should be +done to keep it out of the papers this woman is going to flaunt herself +on the stage!"</p> + +<p>She fanned herself indignantly, while the lawyer rapped his desk +absent-mindedly with a paper cutter. Alicia went on:</p> + +<p>"You know I have never met the woman. What is she like? I understand +she's been bothering you to take the case of that worthless husband of +hers. Do you know she had the impertinence to come to our house and ask +Mr. Jeffries to help them? I asked my husband to describe her, but all I +could get from him was that she was impertinent and impossible." She +hesitated a moment, then she added: "Is she as pretty as her pictures in +the paper? You've seen her, of course?"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster frowned.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied. "She comes here every day regularly. She literally +compels me to see her and refuses to go till I've told her I haven't +changed my decision about taking her case."</p> + +<p>"What insolence!" exclaimed Alicia. "I should think that you would have +her put out of the office."</p> + +<p>The lawyer was silent and toyed somewhat nervously with the paper +cutter, as if not quite decided as to what response to make. He coughed +and fussed with the papers on the desk.</p> + +<p>"Why don't you have her put out of the office?" she repeated.</p> + +<p>The judge looked up. There was an expression in his face that might +have been interpreted as one of annoyance, as if he rather resented this +intrusion into his business affairs, but Mrs. Jeffries, Sr., was too +important a client to quarrel with, so he merely said:</p> + +<p>"Frankly, Mrs. Jeffries, if it were not for the fact that Mr. Jeffries +has exacted from me a promise not to take up this case, I should be +tempted to—consider the matter. In the first place, you know I always +liked Howard. I saw a good deal of him before your marriage to Mr. +Jeffries. He was always a wild, unmanageable boy, weak in character, but +he had many lovable traits. I am very sorry indeed, to see him in such a +terrible position. It was hard for me to realize it and I should never +have believed him guilty had he not confessed to the crime."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she assented. "It is an awful thing and a terrible blow to his +father. Of course, he has had nothing to do with Howard for months. As +you know, he turned him out of doors long ago, but the disgrace is none +the less overwhelming."</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked out of the window and drummed his fingers on the arm +of his chair. Suddenly wheeling round, and facing his client, he said:</p> + +<p>"You know this girl he married is no ordinary woman."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" she exclaimed sarcastically. "She has succeeded in arousing your +sympathy."</p> + +<p>The judge bowed coldly.</p> + +<p>"No," he replied. "I would hardly say that. But she has aroused my +curiosity. She is a very peculiar girl, evidently a creature of impulse +and determination. I certainly feel sorry for her. Her position is a +very painful one. She has been married only a few months, and now her +husband has to face the most awful accusation that can be brought +against a man. She is plucky in spite of it all, and is moving heaven +and earth in Howard's defense. She believes herself to be in some +measure responsible for his misfortune. Apart from that, the case +interests me from a purely professional point of view. There are several +strange features connected with the case. Sometimes, in spite of +Howard's confession, I don't believe he committed that crime."</p> + +<p>Alicia changed color and, shifting uneasily on her chair, scrutinized +the lawyer's face. What was behind that calm, inscrutable mask? What +theory had he formed? One newspaper had suggested suicide. She might +herself come forward and declare that Robert Underwood had threatened to +take his own life, but how could she face the scandal which such a +course would involve? She would have to admit visiting Underwood's rooms +at midnight alone. That surely would ruin her in the eyes not only of +her husband, but of the whole world. If this sacrifice of her good name +were necessary to save an innocent man's life, perhaps she might summon +up enough courage to make it. But, after all, she was by no means sure +herself that Underwood had committed suicide. Howard had confessed, so +why should she jeopardize her good name uselessly?</p> + +<p>"No," repeated the judge, shaking his head, "there's something strange +in the whole affair. I don't believe Howard had any hand in it."</p> + +<p>"But he confessed!" exclaimed Alicia.</p> + +<p>The judge shook his head.</p> + +<p>"That's nothing," he said. "There have been many instances of untrue +confessions. A famous affair of the kind was the Boorn case in Vermont. +Two brothers confessed having killed their brother-in-law and described +how they destroyed the body, yet some time afterward the murdered man +turned up alive and well. The object of the confession, of course, was +to turn the verdict from murder to manslaughter, the circumstantial +evidence against them having been so strong. In the days of witchcraft +the unfortunate women accused of being witches were often urged by +relatives to confess as being the only way of escape open to them. Ann +Foster, at Salem, in 1692, confessed that she was a witch. She said the +devil appeared to her in the shape of a bird, and that she attended a +meeting of witches at Salem village. She was not insane, but the horror +of the accusation brought against her had been too much for a weak mind. +Howard's confession may possibly be due to some such influence."</p> + +<p>"I hope for his poor father's sake," said Alicia, "that you may be right +and that he may be proved innocent, but everything is overwhelmingly +against him. I think you are the only one in New York to express such a +doubt."</p> + +<p>"Don't forget his wife," remarked the judge dryly.</p> + +<p>"No," she replied. "I really feel sorry for the girl myself. Will you +give her some money if I——"</p> + +<p>The lawyer shook his head.</p> + +<p>"She won't take it. I tried it. She wants me to defend her husband—I +tried to bribe her to go to some other lawyer, but it wouldn't work."</p> + +<p>"Well, something ought to be done to stop her annoying us!" exclaimed +Alicia indignantly. "Mr. Jeffries suffers terribly. I can hear him +pacing up and down the library till three or four in the morning. Poor +man, he suffers so keenly and he won't let any one sympathize with him. +He won't let me mention his son's name. I feel we ought to do something. +Try and persuade him to let me see this girl and—you are his friend as +well as his legal adviser."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster bowed.</p> + +<p>"Your husband is a very old friend, Mrs. Jeffries. I can't disregard his +wishes entirely——"</p> + +<p>There was a knock at the door of the private office.</p> + +<p>"Come in," called the judge.</p> + +<p>The door opened and the head clerk entered, ushering in Howard Jeffries, +Sr. The banker, still aristocratic and dignified, but looking tired and +care-worn, advanced into the room and shook hands with the judge, who +greeted him with a cordial smile. There was no response on the banker's +face. Querulously he demanded:</p> + +<p>"Brewster, what's that woman doing out there again? It's not the first +time I've met her in this office."</p> + +<p>Alicia looked up eagerly. "Is she out there now?" she cried.</p> + +<p>"What right has she to come here? What's her object?" went on the banker +irritatedly.</p> + +<p>The lawyer shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"The same old thing," he replied. "She wants me to take her case."</p> + +<p>The banker frowned.</p> + +<p>"Didn't you tell her it was impossible?"</p> + +<p>"That makes no difference," laughed the judge. "She comes just the same. +I've sent her away a dozen times. What am I to do if she insists on +coming? We can't have her arrested. She doesn't break the furniture or +beat the office boy. She simply sits and waits."</p> + +<p>"Have you told her that I object to her coming here?" demanded the +banker haughtily.</p> + +<p>"I have," replied the judge calmly, "but she has overruled your +objection." With a covert smile he added, "You know we can't use force."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries shrugged his shoulders impatiently.</p> + +<p>"You can certainly use moral force," he said.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean by moral force?" demanded the lawyer.</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries threw up his hands as if utterly disgusted with the whole +business. Almost angrily he answered:</p> + +<p>"Moral force is moral force. I mean persuasion, of course. Good God, why +can't people understand these things as I do?"</p> + +<p>The judge said nothing, but turned to examine some papers on his desk. +He hardly liked the inference that he could not see things as plainly as +other people, but what was the use of getting irritated? He couldn't +afford to quarrel with one of his best clients.</p> + +<p>Alicia looked at her husband anxiously. Laying her hand on his arm, she +said soothingly:</p> + +<p>"Perhaps if I were to see her——"</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries turned angrily.</p> + +<p>"How can you think of such a thing? I can't permit my wife to come in +contact with a woman of that character."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster, who was listening in spite of the fact that he was +seemingly engrossed in his papers, pursed his lips.</p> + +<p>"Oh, come," he said with a forced laugh, "she's not as bad as all that!"</p> + +<p>"I'm sure she isn't," said Alicia emphatically. "She must be amenable to +reason."</p> + +<p>The banker's wife was not altogether bad. Excessive vanity and ambition +had steeled her heart and stifled impulses that were naturally good, but +otherwise she was not wholly devoid of feeling. She was really sorry for +this poor little woman who was fighting so bravely to save her husband. +No doubt she had inveigled Howard into marrying her, but +she—Alicia—had no right to sit in judgment on her for that. If the +girl had been ambitious to marry above her, in what way was she more +guilty than she herself had been in marrying a man she did not love, +simply for his wealth and social position? Besides, Alicia was herself +sorely troubled. Her conscience told her that a word from her might set +the whole matter right. She might be able to prove that Underwood +committed suicide. She knew she was a coward and worse than a coward +because she dare not speak that word. The more she saw her husband's +anger the less courage she had to do it. In any case, she argued to +herself, Howard had confessed. If he shot Underwood there was no +suicide, so why should she incriminate herself needlessly? But there was +no reason why she should not show some sympathy for the poor girl who, +after all, was only doing what any good wife should do. Aloud she +repeated:</p> + +<p>"I'll see the girl and talk to her. She must listen to reason."</p> + +<p>"Reason!" exploded the banker angrily. "How can you expect reason from a +woman who hounds us, dogs our footsteps, tries to compel us to—take her +up?"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster, who had apparently paid no attention to the banker's +remarks, now turned around. Hesitatingly he said:</p> + +<p>"I think you do her an injustice, Jeffries. She comes every day in the +hope that your feelings toward your son have changed. She wishes to give +color to the belief that his father's lawyers are championing his +cause. She was honest enough to tell me so. You know her movements are +closely watched by the newspapers and she takes good care to let the +reporters think that she comes here to discuss with me the details of +her husband's defense."</p> + +<p>The banker shifted impatiently on his chair. Contemptuously he said:</p> + +<p>"The newspapers which I read don't give her the slightest attention. If +they did I should refuse to read them." With growing irritation he went +on:</p> + +<p>"It's no use talking about her any more. What are we going to do about +this latest scandal? This woman is going on the stage to be exhibited +all over the country and she proposes to use the family name."</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to prevent her," said the lawyer dryly.</p> + +<p>The banker jumped to his feet and exclaimed angrily:</p> + +<p>"There must be! Good God, Brewster, surely you can obtain an injunction +restraining her from using the family name! You must do something. What +do you advise?"</p> + +<p>"I advise patience," replied the judge calmly.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Jeffries had no patience. He was a man who was not accustomed to +have his wishes thwarted. He did not understand why there should be the +slightest difficulty in carrying out his instructions.</p> + +<p>"Any one can advise patience!" he exclaimed hotly, "but that's not doing +anything." Banging the desk angrily with his fist, he shouted: "I want +something done!"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster looked up at his client with surprise. The judge never +lost his temper. Even in the most acrimonious wrangles in the courtroom +he was always the suave, polished gentleman. There was a shade of +reproach in his tone as he replied:</p> + +<p>"Come, come, don't lose your temper! I'll do what I can, but there is +nothing to be done in the way you suggest. The most I can do is to +remain loyal to you, although—to be quite candid—I confess it goes +against the grain to keep my hands off this case. As I told your wife, +there are certain features about it which interest me keenly. I feel +that you are wrong to——"</p> + +<p>"No, Brewster!" interrupted Mr. Jeffries explosively. "I'm right! I'm +right! You know it, but you won't admit it."</p> + +<p>The lawyer shrugged his shoulders and turned to his desk again. +Laconically, he said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I won't argue the matter with you. You refuse to be advised by me +and——"</p> + +<p>The banker looked up impatiently.</p> + +<p>"What is your advice?"</p> + +<p>The lawyer, without looking up from his papers, said quietly:</p> + +<p>"You know what my feelings in the matter are."</p> + +<p>"And you know what mine are!" exclaimed the banker hotly. "I refuse to +be engulfed in this wave of hysterical sympathy with criminals. I will +not be stamped with the same hall mark as the man who takes the life of +his fellow being—though the man be my own son. I will not set the seal +of approval on crime by defending it."</p> + +<p>The lawyer bowed and said calmly:</p> + +<p>"Then, sir, you must expect exactly what is happening. This girl, +whatever she may be, is devoted to your son. She is his wife. She'll go +to any extreme to help him—even to selling her name for money to pay +for his defense."</p> + +<p>The banker threw up his hands with impatience.</p> + +<p>"It's a matter of principle with me. Her devotion is not the question." +With a mocking laugh he went on: "Sentimentality doesn't appeal to me. +The whole thing is distasteful and hideous to me. My instructions to you +are to prevent her using the family name on the stage, to buy her off on +her own terms, to get rid of her at any price."</p> + +<p>"Except the price she asks," interposed the lawyer dryly. Shaking his +head, he went on:</p> + +<p>"You'll find that a wife's devotion is a very strong motive power, +Jeffries. It will move irresistibly forward in spite of all the barriers +you and I can erect to stay its progress. That may sound like a +platitude, but it's a fact nevertheless."</p> + +<p>Alicia, who had been listening with varied emotions to the conversation, +now interrupted timidly:</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Judge Brewster is right, dear. After all, the girl is working +to save your son. Public opinion may think it unnatural——"</p> + +<p>The banker turned on his wife. Sternly he said:</p> + +<p>"Alicia, I cannot permit you to interfere. That young man is a +self-confessed murderer and therefore no son of mine. I've done with him +long ago. I cannot be moved by maudlin sentimentality. Please let that +be final." Turning to the lawyer, he said coldly:</p> + +<p>"So, in the matter of this stage business, you can take no steps to +restrain her?"</p> + +<p>The lawyer shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No, there is nothing I can do." Quickly he added: "Of course, you don't +doubt my loyalty to you?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No, no, Brewster."</p> + +<p>The lawyer laughed as he said:</p> + +<p>"Right or wrong, you know—'my country'—that is, my client—''tis of +thee.'" Turning to Alicia, he added laughingly: "That's the painful part +of a lawyer's profession, Mrs. Jeffries. The client's weakness is the +lawyer's strength. When men hate each other and rob each other we +lawyers don't pacify them. We dare not, because that is our profession. +We encourage them. We pit them against each other for profit. If we +didn't they'd go to some lawyer who would."</p> + +<p>Alicia gave a feeble smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she replied; "I'm afraid we all love to be advised to do what we +want to do."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries made an impatient gesture of dissent. Scoffingly he +remarked:</p> + +<p>"That may apply to the great generality of people, but not to me."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster looked skeptical, but made no further comment. The banker +rose and Alicia followed suit. As he moved toward the door, he turned +and said:</p> + +<p>"Drop in and see me this evening, Brewster. Mrs. Jeffries will be +delighted if you will dine with us."</p> + +<p>Alicia smiled graciously. "Do come, judge; we shall be all alone."</p> + +<p>The lawyer bent low over her hand as he said good-by. Mr. Jeffries had +already reached the door, when he turned again and said:</p> + +<p>"Are you sure a very liberal offer wouldn't induce her to drop the +name?"</p> + +<p>The lawyer shook his head doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"Well, see what you can do," cried the banker. To his wife he said: "Are +you coming, Alicia?"</p> + +<p>"Just a moment, dear," she replied. "I want to say a word to the +judge."</p> + +<p>"All right," replied the banker. "I'll be outside." He opened the door, +and as he did so he turned to the lawyer:</p> + +<p>"If there are any new developments let me know at once."</p> + +<p>He left the office and Alicia breathed a sigh of relief. She did not +love her husband, but she feared him. He was not only twenty years her +senior, but his cold, aristocratic manner intimidated her. Her first +impulse had been to tell him everything, but she dare not. His manner +discouraged her. He would begin to ask questions, questions which she +could not answer without seriously incriminating herself. But her +conscience would not allow her to stand entirely aloof from the tragedy +in which her husband's scapegrace son was involved. She felt a strange, +unaccountable desire to meet this girl Howard had married. In a quick +undertone to the lawyer, she said:</p> + +<p>"I must see that woman, judge. I think I can persuade her to change her +course of action. In any case I must see her, I must——" Looking at him +questioningly, she said: "You don't think it inadvisable, do you?"</p> + +<p>The judge smiled grimly.</p> + +<p>"I think I'd better see her first," he said. "Suppose you come back a +little later. It's more than probable that she'll be here this +afternoon. I'll see her and arrange for an interview."</p> + +<p>There was a knock at the door, and Alicia started guiltily, thinking her +husband might have overheard their conversation. The head clerk entered +and whispered something to the judge, after which he retired. The lawyer +turned to Alicia with a smile.</p> + +<p>"It's just as I thought," he said pleasantly, "she's out there now. +You'd better go and leave her to me."</p> + +<p>The door opened again unceremoniously, and Mr. Jeffries put in his head:</p> + +<p>"Aren't you coming, Alicia?" he demanded impatiently. In a lower voice +to the lawyer, he added: "Say, Brewster, that woman is outside in your +office. Now is your opportunity to come to some arrangement with her."</p> + +<p>Again Mrs. Jeffries held out her hand.</p> + +<p>"Good-by, judge; you're so kind! It needs a lot of patience to be a +lawyer, doesn't it?"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster laughed, and added in an undertone:</p> + +<p>"Come back by and by."</p> + +<p>The door closed, and the lawyer went back to his desk. For a few moments +he sat still plunged in deep thought. Suddenly, he touched a bell. The +head clerk entered.</p> + +<p>"Show Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Jr., in."</p> + +<p>The clerk looked surprised. Strict orders hitherto had been to show the +unwelcome visitor out. He believed that he had not heard aright.</p> + +<p>"Did you say Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., judge?"</p> + +<p>"I said Mrs. Jeffries, Jr.," replied the lawyer grimly.</p> + +<p>"Very well, judge," said the clerk, as he left the room.</p> + +<p>Presently there was a timid knock at the door.</p> + +<p>"Come in!" called out the lawyer.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + + +<p>Annie entered the presence of the famous lawyer pale and ill at ease. +This sudden summons to Judge Brewster's private office was so unexpected +that it came like a shock. For days she had haunted the premises, +sitting in the outer office for hours at a time exposed to the stare and +covert smiles of thoughtless clerks and office boys. Her requests for an +interview had been met with curt refusals. They either said the judge +was out of town or else that he was too busy to be seen. At last, +evidently acting upon orders, they flatly refused to even send in her +name, and she had about abandoned hope when, all at once, a clerk +approached her, and addressing her more politely than usual, said that +the judge would see her in a few minutes.</p> + +<p>Her heart gave a great throb. Almost speechless from surprise, she +stammered a faint thanks and braced herself for the interview on which +so much depended. For the first time since the terrible affair had +happened, there was a faint glimmer of hope ahead. If only she could +rush over to the Tombs and tell Howard the joyful news so he might keep +up his courage! It was eight days now since Howard's arrest, and the +trial would take place in six weeks. There was still time to prepare a +strong defense if the judge would only consent to take the case. She was +more sure than ever that a clever lawyer would have no difficulty in +convincing a jury that Howard's alleged "confession" was untrue and +improperly obtained.</p> + +<p>In the intervals of waiting to see the lawyer, she had consulted every +one she knew, and among others she had talked with Dr. Bernstein, the +noted psychologist, whom she had seen once at Yale. He received her +kindly and listened attentively to her story. When she had finished he +had evinced the greatest interest. He told her that he happened to be +the physician called in on the night of the tragedy, and at that time he +had grave doubts as to it being a case of murder. He believed it was +suicide, and he had told Captain Clinton so, but the police captain had +made up his mind, and that was the end of it. Howard's "confession," he +went on, really meant nothing. If called to the stand he could show the +jury that a hypnotic subject can be made to "confess" to anything. In +the interest of truth, justice, and science, he said, he would gladly +come to her aid.</p> + +<p>All this she would tell Judge Brewster. It would be of great help to +him, no doubt. Suddenly, a cold shiver ran through her. How did she know +he would take the case? Perhaps this summons to his office was only to +tell her once more that he would have nothing to do with her and her +husband. She wondered why he had decided so suddenly to see her and, +like a flash, an idea came to her. She had seen Mr. Jeffries, Sr., enter +the inner sanctum and, instinctively, she felt that she had something to +do with his visit. The banker had come out accompanied by a richly +dressed woman whom she guessed to be his wife.</p> + +<p>She looked with much interest at Howard's stepmother. She had heard so +much about her that it seemed to her that she knew her personally. As +Alicia swept proudly by, the eyes of the two women met, and Annie was +surprised to see in the banker's wife's face, instead of the cold, +haughty stare she expected, a wistful, longing look, as if she would +like to stop and talk with her, but dare not. In another instant she was +gone, and, obeying a clerk, who beckoned her to follow him, she entered +Judge Brewster's office.</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked up as she came in, but did not move from his seat. +Gruffly he said:</p> + +<p>"How long do you intend to keep up this system of—warfare? How long are +you going to continue forcing your way into this office?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't force my way in," she said quietly. "I didn't expect to come +in. The clerk said you wanted to see me."</p> + +<p>The lawyer frowned and scrutinized her closely. After a pause, he said:</p> + +<p>"I want to tell you for the fiftieth time I can do nothing for you."</p> + +<p>"Fifty?" she echoed. "Fifty did you say? Really, it doesn't seem that +much."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster looked at her quickly to see if she was laughing at him. +Almost peevishly, he said:</p> + +<p>"For the last time, I repeat I can do nothing for you."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="illus3" id="illus3"></a> +<img src="images/illus3.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>"I CAN DO NOTHING FOR YOU," SAID THE JUDGE.</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<p>"Not the last time, judge," she replied, shaking her head. "I shall come +again to-morrow."</p> + +<p>The lawyer swung around in his chair with indignation.</p> + +<p>"You will——?"</p> + +<p>Annie nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," she said quietly.</p> + +<p>"You're determined to force your way in here?" exclaimed the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>The judge banged the desk with his fist.</p> + +<p>"But I won't allow it! I have something to say, you know! I can't permit +this to go on. I represent my client, Mr. Howard Jeffries, Sr., and he +won't consent to my taking up your husband's case."</p> + +<p>There was a shade of sarcasm in Annie's voice as she asked calmly:</p> + +<p>"Can't you do it without his consent?"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at her grimly.</p> + +<p>"I can," he blurted out, "but—I won't."</p> + +<p>Her eyes flashed as she replied quickly.</p> + +<p>"Well, you ought to——"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked up in amazement.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"It's your duty to do it," she said quietly. "Your duty to his son, to +me, and to Mr. Jeffries himself. Why, he's so eaten up with his family +pride and false principles that he can't see the difference between +right and wrong. You're his lawyer. It's your duty to put him right. +It's downright wicked of you to refuse—you're hurting him. Why, when I +was hunting around for a lawyer one of them actually refused to take up +the case because he said old Brewster must think Howard was guilty or +he'd have taken it up himself. You and his father are putting the whole +world against him, and you know it."</p> + +<p>The judge was staggered. No one in his recollection had ever dared to +speak to him like that. He was so astonished that he forgot to resent +it, and he hid his confusion by taking out his handkerchief and mopping +his forehead.</p> + +<p>"I do know it," he admitted.</p> + +<p>"Then why do you do it?" she snapped.</p> + +<p>The lawyer hesitated, and then he said:</p> + +<p>"I—that's not the question."</p> + +<p>Annie leaped quickly forward, and she replied:</p> + +<p>"It's my question—and as you say, I've asked it fifty times."</p> + +<p>The lawyer sat back in his chair and looked at her for a moment without +speaking. He surveyed her critically from head to foot, and then, as if +satisfied with his examination, said:</p> + +<p>"You're going on the stage?"</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>"I've had a very big offer."</p> + +<p>The judge leaned forward, and in a low voice, so that no one in the +outer office might hear, he said:</p> + +<p>"Well, I'll give you twice as much if you refuse the engagement."</p> + +<p>She laughed ironically.</p> + +<p>"You mean that my father-in-law will give it," she said lightly. Then +she went on:</p> + +<p>"You know it's no use your asking me to concede anything unless you +agree to defend Howard."</p> + +<p>The lawyer shook his head.</p> + +<p>"I can't—it's impossible."</p> + +<p>"Then neither can I," she exclaimed defiantly.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster could not refrain from smiling. This young woman had +actually inveigled him into an argument. Almost mockingly, he said:</p> + +<p>"So you're determined to have me."</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said simply.</p> + +<p>"But I don't argue criminal cases."</p> + +<p>"That's just it," she exclaimed eagerly; "my husband is not a criminal. +He is innocent. I don't want a lawyer who is always defending criminals. +I want one who defends a man because he isn't a criminal."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster waved his hand contemptuously.</p> + +<p>"Go and see some other lawyer—there are plenty of 'em."</p> + +<p>She leaned eagerly forward. Her face was flushed from excitement, her +eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>"There's only one Judge Brewster," she exclaimed. "He's the greatest +lawyer in the world, and he's going to help us. He is going to save +Howard's life."</p> + +<p>The judge shifted uneasily on his chair. He didn't like this forceful, +persistent young woman. Almost fretfully, he said:</p> + +<p>"You always say that. Upon my word, I shall begin to believe it soon."</p> + +<p>"I shall say it again," she exclaimed, "and again every time I see +you."</p> + +<p>The lawyer turned round. There was a comic look of despair in his face +which would have amused his visitor had her errand not been so serious.</p> + +<p>"How often do you intend that shall be?"</p> + +<p>"Every day," she replied calmly. "I shall say it and think it +until—until it comes true."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster tried to feel angry, although inwardly he had hard work +to keep from smiling. With pretended indignation, he said:</p> + +<p>"You mean that you intend to keep at me until I give way—through sheer +exhaustion?"</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>"That's it exactly," she said.</p> + +<p>The lawyer gasped.</p> + +<p>"Well, I must say you—you—you're very brave."</p> + +<p>Annie shook her head.</p> + +<p>"No, I'm not," she said earnestly. "I'm an awful coward, but I'm +fighting for him. Howard Jeffries lifted me up when I was way down in +the world. He gave me his name. He gave me all he had, to make me a +better woman, and I'm grateful. Why, even a dog has gratitude, even a +dog will lick the hand that feeds him. Why should I hesitate to express +my gratitude? That's all I'm doing—just paying him back a bit of the +debt I owe him, and I'm going to move Heaven and earth to bring his +father around to my way of thinking. I've got you already——"</p> + +<p>The judge bounded to his feet. Could his ears have heard aright?</p> + +<p>"Got me already?" he exclaimed. "What do you mean by that?"</p> + +<p>Annie returned his angry look with the utmost calm. She was playing her +cards well, and she knew it. She had hit the old man in a sensitive +place. Quietly, she went on:</p> + +<p>"You'd say 'yes' in a minute if it wasn't for Mr. Jeffries."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you think so, do you?" he gasped.</p> + +<p>"I'm sure of it," she replied confidently. Boldly she went on: "You're +afraid of him."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster laughed heartily.</p> + +<p>"Afraid of him?" he echoed.</p> + +<p>"It isn't so funny," she went on. "You're afraid of opposing him. I'm +not surprised. I'm afraid of him myself."</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at her in an amused kind of way.</p> + +<p>"Then why do you oppose him in everything?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>Annie laughed as she replied:</p> + +<p>"That's the only way I can get his attention. Why, when he met me out +there to-day he actually looked at me. For the first time in his life he +recognized that he has a daughter-in-law. He looked at me—and I'm not +sure, but I think he wanted to bow to me. He's kind of beginning to sit +up and take notice."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster frowned. He did not like the insinuation that he was +afraid to do the right thing because it might interfere with his +emoluments. Yet, secretly, he had to admit to himself that she had +almost guessed right. Now he came to think of it, he had taken this +stand in the matter because he knew that any other course would +displease his wealthy client. After all, was he doing right? Was he +acting in conformance with his professional oath? Was he not letting his +material interests interfere with his duty? He was silent for several +minutes, and then, in an absent-minded kind of way, he turned to his +visitor.</p> + +<p>"So you think I'm afraid of him, do you?"</p> + +<p>"I'm sure of it," she said quickly. "You liked my husband, and you'd +just love to rush in and fight for him. His father thinks he is guilty +and, well—you don't like to disobey him. It's very natural. He's an +influential man, a personal friend of the President and all that. You +know on which side your bread is buttered, and—oh, it's very +natural—you're looking out for your own interests——"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster interrupted her impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Circumstances are against Howard. Your father judges him guilty from +his own confession. It's the conclusion I'm compelled to come to myself. +Now, how do you propose to change that conclusion?"</p> + +<p>"You don't have to change it," she said quietly, "You don't believe +Howard guilty."</p> + +<p>"I don't?" exclaimed the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"No, at the bottom of your heart. You knew Howard when he was a boy, and +you know he is as incapable of that crime as you are."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster lapsed into silence, and there followed a perfect quiet, +broken only by the suppressed chatter of the clerks and clicking of the +typewriters in the outer office. Annie watched him closely, wondering +what was passing in his mind, fearing in her heart that she might have +prejudiced him against her husband only the more. Suddenly he turned on +her.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Jeffries, how do you know that your husband did not kill Robert +Underwood?"</p> + +<p>"I know it," she said confidently.</p> + +<p>"Yes," persisted the judge, "but how do you know it?"</p> + +<p>Annie looked steadily at him, and then she said solemnly:</p> + +<p>"I know there's a God, but I can't tell you how I know it. I just know +it, that's all! Howard didn't do it. I know he didn't."</p> + +<p>The lawyer smiled.</p> + +<p>"That's a very fair sample of feminine logic."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's all I have," she retorted, with a toss of her head. "And +it's a mighty comfort, too, because when you know a thing you know it +and it makes you happy."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster laughed outright.</p> + +<p>"Feminine deduction!" he cried. "Think a thing, believe it, and then you +know it!" Looking up at her, he asked:</p> + +<p>"Haven't you any relatives to whom you can go?"</p> + +<p>She shook her head.</p> + +<p>"No," she said sadly. "My father died in—Sing Sing—and the rest are +not worth——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, I know," replied the judge hastily. "I got your family +history from Mr. Jeffries after your marriage. It is filed away among +the family archives."</p> + +<p>She smiled sadly.</p> + +<p>"It's a wonder you don't burn 'em up—my folks were not a very brilliant +lot." Earnestly she went on: "But my father was all right, judge. Blood +was thicker than water with him. He'd never have gone back on me in the +way Howard's father has on him."</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at her fixedly without speaking. Their eyes met, and +the silence continued until it became embarrassing. Judge Brewster shook +his head.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad. I'm sorry for you, really, I——"</p> + +<p>Annie laughed, and he asked:</p> + +<p>"Why do you laugh?"</p> + +<p>"What's the use of crying?" she said. "Ha! Ha! It's almost a joke. +You're sorry, my father-in-law is sorry, and I suppose my mother-in-law +is shedding tears for me, too. You're all sorry and you're all wearing +crape for us, but why can't some of you <i>do</i> something?"</p> + +<p>The lawyer said nothing. He still stared at her in a strange, +absent-minded kind of way, until finally she lost patience. Boldly she +said:</p> + +<p>"Well, you sent for me. What do you want to see me about, judge?"</p> + +<p>"I want to tell you that you mustn't come here again," he answered.</p> + +<p>"Anything else?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>The judge began to fuss with the papers on his desk, as he usually did +when embarrassed for words.</p> + +<p>"Of course," he stammered, "you will be amply compensated."</p> + +<p>"Of course," she cried. Rising from her chair, she shrugged her +shoulders, and said:</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, this is not my lucky day. They wouldn't let me into the +prison to see Howard to-day. Captain Clinton doesn't like me. He has +always tried to prevent my seeing Howard, but I'll see him to-morrow, +captain or no captain. He can make up his mind to that!"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked up at her.</p> + +<p>"Poor girl—you are having a hard time, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>"Things have been better," she replied, with a tremor in her voice. +"Howard and I were very happy when we first——" A sob choked her +utterance, and she forced a laugh, saying: "Here, I must keep off that +subject——"</p> + +<p>"Why do you laugh?" demanded the lawyer.</p> + +<p>Already hysterical, Annie had great difficulty in keeping back her +tears.</p> + +<p>"Well, if I don't laugh," she sobbed, "I'll cry; and as I don't want to +cry—why—I just laugh. It's got to be one or the other—see——?"</p> + +<p>He said nothing, and she continued:</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess I'll go home—home—that's the worst part of +it—home——"</p> + +<p>She stopped short, she could go no further. Her bosom was heaving, the +hot tears were rolling down her cheeks. The old lawyer turned away his +head so that she might not see the suspicious redness in his eyes. +Moving toward the door, she turned around.</p> + +<p>"Well, you have your own troubles, judge. I'll go now, but I'll come +again to-morrow. Perhaps you'll have better news for me."</p> + +<p>The lawyer waved her back to her seat with a commanding gesture she +could not resist. There was determination around his mouth; in his face +was an expression she had not seen there before.</p> + +<p>"Sit down again for a moment," he said sharply. "I want to ask you a +question. How do you account for Howard's confessing to the shooting?"</p> + +<p>"I don't account for it," she replied, as she resumed her seat. "He says +he didn't confess. I don't believe he did."</p> + +<p>"But three witnesses——"</p> + +<p>"Who are the witnesses?" she interrupted contemptuously. "Policemen!"</p> + +<p>"That makes no difference," he said. "He made a confession and +signed——"</p> + +<p>Annie leaned forward. What did this questioning mean? Was the judge +becoming interested after all? Her heart gave a leap as she answered +eagerly:</p> + +<p>"He confessed against his will. I mean—he didn't know what he was doing +at the time. I've had a talk with the physician who was called in—Dr. +Bernstein. He says that Captain Clinton is a hypnotist, that he can +compel people to say what he wants them to say. Well, Howard is—what +they call a subject—they told him he did it till he believed he did."</p> + +<p>She looked narrowly at the lawyer to see what effect her words were +having, but to her great disappointment the judge was apparently paying +not the slightest attention. He was gazing out of the window and +drumming his fingers absent-mindedly on the desk. Utterly discouraged, +she again rose.</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, what's the use——?"</p> + +<p>The judge quickly put out his hand and partly pushed her back in the +chair.</p> + +<p>"Don't go," he said. Then he added:</p> + +<p>"Who told you he was a hypnotic subject?"</p> + +<p>Her hopes revived once more. Quickly she said:</p> + +<p>"Dr. Bernstein. Besides, Howard told me so himself. A friend of his at +college used to make him cut all sorts of capers."</p> + +<p>"A friend at college, eh? Do you remember his name?"</p> + +<p>"Howard knows it."</p> + +<p>"Um!" ejaculated the lawyer. He took up a pad and wrote a memorandum on +it. Then aloud he said: "I'd like to have a little talk with Dr. +Bernstein. I think I'll ask him to come and see me. Let me see. His +address is——"</p> + +<p>"342 Madison Avenue," she exclaimed eagerly.</p> + +<p>The lawyer jotted the address down, and then he looked up.</p> + +<p>"So you think I'm afraid of Mr. Jeffries, do you?"</p> + +<p>She smiled.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, not really afraid," she answered, "but just—scared. I didn't +mean——"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster was enjoying the situation hugely. He had quite made up +his mind what to do, but he liked to quiz this bold young woman who had +not been afraid to show him where his duty lay. Striving to keep a +serious face, he said:</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, you did, and I want you to understand I'm not afraid of any +man. As to allowing my personal interests to interfere with my duty——"</p> + +<p>Annie took alarm. She was really afraid she had offended him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I didn't say that, did I?" she exclaimed timidly.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster forced his face into a frown.</p> + +<p>"You said I knew on which side my bread was buttered!"</p> + +<p>"Did I?" she exclaimed in consternation.</p> + +<p>"You say a great many things, Mrs. Jeffries," said the lawyer solemnly. +"Of course, I realize how deeply you feel, and I make excuses for you. +But I'm not afraid. Please understand that——"</p> + +<p>He rapped the table with his eyeglasses as if he were very much offended +indeed.</p> + +<p>"Of course not," she said apologetically. "If you were you wouldn't even +see me—let alone talk to me—and—and——" Pointing to the piece of +paper he held in his hand, she added: "And——"</p> + +<p>"And what?" demanded the judge, amused.</p> + +<p>Half hysterical, now laughing, now crying, she went on:</p> + +<p>"And—and take the names and addresses of witnesses for the +defense—and—think out how you're going to defend Howard—and—and all +that——"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at her and laughed.</p> + +<p>"So you think I'm going to help Howard?" he said. "You take too much for +granted."</p> + +<p>"You're not afraid to help him," she said. "I know that—you just said +so."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster raised his fist and brought it down on the desk with a +bang which raised in a cloud the accumulated dust of weeks. His face set +and determined, he said:</p> + +<p>"You're quite right! I'm going to take your case!"</p> + +<p>Annie felt herself giving way. It was more than she could stand. For +victory to be hers when only a moment before defeat seemed certain was +too much for her nerves. All she could gasp was:</p> + +<p>"Oh, judge!"</p> + +<p>The lawyer adjusted his eyeglasses, blew his nose with suspicious +energy, and took up a pen.</p> + +<p>"Now don't pretend to be surprised—you knew I would. And please don't +thank me. I hate to be thanked for doing what I want to do. If I didn't +want to do it, I wouldn't——"</p> + +<p>Through her tears she murmured:</p> + +<p>"I'd like to say 'thank you'."</p> + +<p>"Well, please don't," he snapped.</p> + +<p>But she persisted. Tenderly, she said:</p> + +<p>"May I say you're the dearest, kindest——"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster shook his head.</p> + +<p>"No—no—nothing of the kind."</p> + +<p>"Most gracious—noble-hearted—courageous," she went on.</p> + +<p>The judge struck the table another formidable blow.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Jeffries!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>She turned away her head to hide her feelings.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how I'd like to have a good cry," she murmured. "If Howard only +knew!"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster touched an electric button, and his head clerk entered.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Jones," said the lawyer quickly, "get a stenographic report of the +case of the People against Howard Jeffries, Junior; get the coroner's +inquest, the grand jury indictment, and get a copy of the Jeffries +confession—get everything—right away!"</p> + +<p>The clerk looked inquiringly, first at Annie and then at his employer. +Then respectfully he asked:</p> + +<p>"Do we, sir?"</p> + +<p>"We do," said the lawyer laconically.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + + +<p>"Now, my dear young woman," said Judge Brewster, when the astonished +head clerk had withdrawn, "if we are going to set your husband free we +must get to work, and you must help me."</p> + +<p>His visitor looked up eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I'll do anything in my power," she said quickly. "What can I do?"</p> + +<p>"Well—first of all," said the lawyer with some hesitation, "I want you +to see a certain lady and to be exceedingly nice to her."</p> + +<p>"Lady?" echoed Annie surprised. "What lady?"</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," he replied slowly.</p> + +<p>"Howard's stepmother!" she ejaculated.</p> + +<p>A clerk entered and handed his employer a card. The lawyer nodded and +said in an undertone:</p> + +<p>"Show her in." Turning round again, he went on: "Yes—Howard's +stepmother. She's out there now. She wants to see you. She wishes to be +of service to you. Now, you must conciliate her. She may be of great use +to us."</p> + +<p>Annie's face expressed considerable doubt.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps so," she said, "but the door was slammed in my face when I +called to see her."</p> + +<p>"That's nothing," answered the judge. "She probably knows nothing about +it. In any case, please remember that she is my client——"</p> + +<p>She bowed her head and murmured obediently:</p> + +<p>"I'll remember."</p> + +<p>The door of the office opened and Alicia entered. She stopped short on +seeing who was there, and an awkward pause followed. Judge Brewster +introduced them.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Jeffries, may I present Mrs. Howard, Junior?"</p> + +<p>Alicia bowed stiffly and somewhat haughtily. Annie remained +self-possessed and on the defensive. Addressing the banker's wife, the +lawyer said:</p> + +<p>"I told Mrs. Howard that you wished to speak to her." After a pause he +added: "I think, perhaps, I'll leave you together. Excuse me."</p> + +<p>He left the office and there was another embarrassing silence. Annie +waited for Mrs. Jeffries to begin. Her attitude suggested that she +expected something unpleasant and was fully prepared for it. At last +Alicia broke the silence:</p> + +<p>"You may think it strange that I have asked for this interview," she +began, "but you know, Annie——" Interrupting herself, she asked: "You +don't mind my calling you Annie, do you?"</p> + +<p>The young woman smiled.</p> + +<p>"I don't see why I should. It's my name and we're relatives—by +marriage." There was an ironical ring in her voice as she went on: +"Relatives! It seems funny, doesn't it, but we don't pick and choose our +relatives. We must take them as they come."</p> + +<p>Alicia made an effort to appear conciliatory.</p> + +<p>"As we are—what we are—let's try to make the best of it."</p> + +<p>"Make the best of it?" echoed Annie. "God knows I'm willing, but I've +had mighty little encouragement, Mrs. Jeffries. When I called to see you +the other day, to beg you to use your influence with Mr. Jeffries, 'not +at home' was handed to me by the liveried footman and the door was +slammed in my face. Ten minutes later you walked out to your carriage +and were driven away."</p> + +<p>"I knew nothing of this—believe me," murmured Alicia apologetically.</p> + +<p>"It's what I got just the same," said the other dryly. Quickly she went +on: "But I'm not complaining, understand—I'm not complaining. Only I +did think that at such a time one woman might have held out a helping +hand to another."</p> + +<p>Alicia held up her hand protestingly.</p> + +<p>"How could I?" she exclaimed. "Now, be reasonable. You are held +responsible for Howard's present position."</p> + +<p>"Yes—by the police," retorted Annie grimly, "and by a couple of yellow +journals. I didn't think you'd believe all the gossip and scandal that's +been printed about me. I didn't believe what was said about you."</p> + +<p>Alicia started and changed color.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" she exclaimed haughtily. "What was said about me?"</p> + +<p>"Well, it has been said that you married old Jeffries for his money and +his social position."</p> + +<p>"'Old Jeffries!'" protested Alicia indignantly, "Have you no respect +for your husband's father?"</p> + +<p>"Not a particle," answered the other coolly, "and I never will have till +he acts like a father. I only had one interview with him and it finished +him with me for all time. He ain't a father—he's a fish."</p> + +<p>"A fish!" exclaimed Alicia, scandalized at such <i>lèse majesté</i>.</p> + +<p>Annie went on recklessly:</p> + +<p>"Yes—a cold-blooded——"</p> + +<p>"But surely," interrupted Alicia, "you respect his position—his——"</p> + +<p>"No, m'm; I respect a man because he behaves like a man, not because he +lives in a marble palace on Riverside Drive."</p> + +<p>Alicia looked pained. This girl was certainly impossible.</p> + +<p>"But surely," she said, "you realized that when you married Howard +you—you made a mistake—to say the least?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, that part of it has been made pretty plain. It was a mistake—his +mistake—my mistake. But now it's done and it can't be undone. I don't +see why you can't take it as it is and—and——"</p> + +<p>She stopped short and Alicia completed the sentence for her:</p> + +<p>"—and welcome you into our family——"</p> + +<p>"Welcome me? No, ma'am. I'm not welcome and nothing you or your set +could say would ever make me believe that I was welcome. All I ask is +that Howard's father do his duty by his son."</p> + +<p>"I do not think—pardon my saying so," interrupted Alicia stiffly, "that +you are quite in a position to judge of what constitutes Mr. Jeffries' +duty to his son."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not. I only know what I would do—what my father would have +done—what any one would do if they had a spark of humanity in them. But +they do say that after three generations of society life red blood turns +into blue."</p> + +<p>Alicia turned to look out of the window. Her face still averted she +said:</p> + +<p>"What is there to do? Howard has acknowledged his guilt—any sacrifices +we may make will be thrown away."</p> + +<p>Annie eyed her companion with contempt. Her voice quivering with +indignation, she burst out:</p> + +<p>"What is there to do! Try and save him, of course. Must we sit and do +nothing because things look black? Ah! I wasn't brought up that way. No, +ma'am, I'm going to make a fight!"</p> + +<p>"It's useless," murmured Alicia, shaking her head.</p> + +<p>"Judge Brewster doesn't think so," replied the other calmly.</p> + +<p>The banker's wife gave a start of surprise. Quickly she demanded:</p> + +<p>"You mean that Judge Brewster has encouraged you to—to——"</p> + +<p>"He's done more than encourage me—God bless him!—he's going to take up +the case."</p> + +<p>Alicia was so thunderstruck that for a moment she could find no answer.</p> + +<p>"What!" she exclaimed, "without consulting Mr. Jeffries?"</p> + +<p>She put her handkerchief to her face to conceal her agitation. Could it +be possible that the judge was going to act, after all, in defiance of +her husband's wishes? If that were true, what would become of her? +Concealment would be no longer possible. Discovery of her clandestine +visit to Underwood's apartment that fatal night must come. Howard might +still be the murderer, Underwood might not have committed suicide, but +her visit to his rooms at midnight would become known. Judge Brewster +was not the man to be deterred by difficulties once he took up a case. +He would see the importance of finding the mysterious woman who went +secretly to Underwood's rooms that night of the tragedy.</p> + +<p>"He consulted only his own feelings," went on Annie. "He believes in +Howard, and he's going to defend him."</p> + +<p>Alicia looked at her anxiously as if trying to read what might be in her +mind. Indifferently she went on:</p> + +<p>"The papers say there was a quarrel about you, that you and Mr. +Underwood were too friendly. They implied that Howard was jealous. Is +this true?"</p> + +<p>"It's all talk," cried Annie indignantly—"nothing but scandal—lies! +There's not a word of truth in it. Howard never had a jealous thought of +me—and as for me—why—I've always worshiped the ground he walked on. +Didn't he sacrifice everything for my sake? Didn't he quarrel with his +father for me? Didn't he marry me? Didn't he try to educate and make a +lady of me? My God!—do you suppose I'd give a man like that cause for +jealousy? What do the newspapers care? They print cruel statements that +cut into a woman's heart, without giving it a thought, without knowing +or caring whether it's true or not, as long as it interests and amuses +their readers. You—you don't really believe I'm the cause of his +misfortunes, do you?"</p> + +<p>Alicia shook her head as she answered kindly:</p> + +<p>"No, I don't. Believe me, I don't. You were right when you said that at +such a time as this one woman should stand by another. I'm going to +stand by you. Let me be your friend, let me help you." Extending her +hand, she said: "Will you?"</p> + +<p>Annie grasped the proffered hand. It was the first that had been held +out to her in her present trouble. A lump rose in her throat. Much +affected, she said:</p> + +<p>"It's the first kind word that——" She stopped and looked closely for a +moment at Alicia. Then she went on:</p> + +<p>"It's the queerest thing, Mrs. Jeffries, but it keeps coming into my +mind. Howard told me that while he was at Underwood's that dreadful +night he thought he heard your voice. It must have been a dream, of +course, yet he thought he was sure of it. Your voice—that's queer, +isn't it? Why—what's the matter?"</p> + +<p>Alicia had grown deathly pale and staggered against a chair. Annie ran +to her aid, thinking she was ill.</p> + +<p>"It's nothing—nothing!" stammered Alicia, recovering herself.</p> + +<p>Fearing she had said something to hurt her feelings, Annie said +sympathetically:</p> + +<p>"I haven't said anything—anything out of the way—have I? If I have I'm +sorry—awfully sorry. I'm afraid—I—I've been very rude and you've been +so kind!"</p> + +<p>"No, no!" interrupted Alicia quickly. "You've said nothing—done +nothing—you've had a great deal to bear—a great deal to bear. I +understand that perfectly." Taking her companion's hand in hers, she +went on, "Tell me, what do they say about the woman who went to see +Robert Underwood the night of the tragedy?"</p> + +<p>"The police can't find her—we don't know who she is." Confidently she +went on: "But Judge Brewster will find her. We have a dozen detectives +searching for her. Captain Clinton accused me of being the woman—you +know he doesn't like me."</p> + +<p>The banker's wife was far too busy thinking of the number of detectives +employed to find the missing witness to pay attention to the concluding +sentence. Anxiously she demanded:</p> + +<p>"Supposing the woman is found, what can she prove? What difference will +it make?"</p> + +<p>"All the difference in the world," replied Annie. "She is a most +important witness." Firmly she went on: "She must be found. If she +didn't shoot Robert Underwood, she knows who did."</p> + +<p>"But how can she know?" argued Alicia. "Howard confessed that he did it +himself. If he had not confessed it would be different."</p> + +<p>"He did not confess," replied the other calmly. "Mrs. Jeffries—he never +confessed. If he did, he didn't know what he was saying."</p> + +<p>Alicia was rapidly losing her self-possession.</p> + +<p>"Did he tell you that?" she gasped.</p> + +<p>Annie nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Dr. Bernstein says the police forced it out of his tired brain. I +made Howard go over every second of his life that night from the time he +left me to the moment he was arrested. There wasn't a harsh word between +them." She stopped short and looked with alarm at Alicia, who had turned +ashen white. "Why, what's the matter? You're pale as death—you——"</p> + +<p>Alicia could contain herself no longer. Her nerves were on the point of +giving way. She felt that if she could not confide her secret to some +one she must go mad. Pacing the floor, she cried:</p> + +<p>"What am I to do? What am I to do? I believed Howard guilty. Why +shouldn't I? I had no reason to doubt his own confession! Every one +believed it—his own father included. Why should I doubt it. But I see +it all now! Underwood must have shot himself as he said he would!"</p> + +<p>Annie started. What did Mrs. Jeffries mean? Did she realize the +tremendous significance of the words she was uttering?</p> + +<p>"As he said he would?" she repeated slowly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Alicia weakly.</p> + +<p>Annie bounded forward and grasped her companion's arm. Her face flushed, +almost unable to speak from suppressed emotion, she cried:</p> + +<p>"Ah! I begin to understand. You knew Robert Underwood? Howard knows your +voice—he heard you—talking to him——Oh, Mrs. Jeffries! Are you the +woman who visited his apartment that night?"</p> + +<p>The banker's wife bowed her head and collapsed on a chair.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she murmured in a low tone.</p> + +<p>Annie looked at her in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Why didn't you come forward at once?" she cried. "Think of the pain +which you might have spared us!"</p> + +<p>Alicia covered her face with her handkerchief. She was crying now.</p> + +<p>"The disgrace—the disgrace!" she moaned.</p> + +<p>"Disgrace!" echoed Annie, stupefied. Indignantly, she went on: +"Disgrace—to you? But what of me and Howard?"</p> + +<p>Alicia looked up.</p> + +<p>"Can't you realize what it means to be associated with such a crime?" +she wailed.</p> + +<p>"Disgrace!" cried Annie contemptuously. "What is disgrace when a human +life is at stake?"</p> + +<p>"It seemed so useless," moaned Alicia—"a useless sacrifice in the face +of Howard's confession. Of course—if I'd known—if I'd suspected what +you tell me—I'd have come forward and told everything—no matter at +what cost." Tearfully she added: "Surely you realize the position it +puts me in?"</p> + +<p>A new light shone in Annie's eyes. What was this woman's misery to her? +Her duty was to the poor fellow who was counting the hours until she +could set him free. His stepmother deserved no mercy. Utterly selfish, +devoid of a spark of humanity, she would have left them both to perish +in order to protect herself from shame and ridicule. Her face was set +and determined as she said calmly:</p> + +<p>"It must be done now."</p> + +<p>"Yes," murmured Alicia in a low tone that sounded like a sob, "it must +be done now! Oh, if I'd only done it before—if I'd only told Mr. +Jeffries the whole truth! You speak of Howard's sufferings. If he didn't +do it, he has at least the consciousness of his own innocence, but +I—the constant fear of being found out is worse than any hell the +imagination can conjure up. I dreaded it—I dread it now—it means +disgrace—social ostracism—my husband must know—the whole world will +know."</p> + +<p>Annie was not listening. Still bewildered, she gazed with the utmost +astonishment at her companion. To think that this mysterious woman they +had been seeking was Howard's stepmother.</p> + +<p>"So you're the missing witness we've all been hunting for!" she said; "I +can't believe it even now. How did it happen?"</p> + +<p>Alicia explained in short, broken sentences:</p> + +<p>"He and I were once engaged. I broke it off when I found him out. After +I married Mr. Jeffries I met Underwood again. Foolishly, I allowed the +old intimacy to be renewed. He took advantage and preyed on my friends. +I forbade him my house. He wrote me a letter in which he threatened to +kill himself. I was afraid he meant it—I wanted to prevent him. I went +to his rooms that night. I—didn't tell Mr. Jeffries. When the truth is +known and I acknowledge that I visited this man—can you see what it +means?—what a fuss there'll be? Everybody will put the worst +construction on it——"</p> + +<p>"Trust them for that!" said Annie grimly. She was sorry for the woman's +distress, yet, being only human, she felt a certain sense of +satisfaction in seeing her suffer a little of what she had been made to +suffer.</p> + +<p>"They'll say that I—God knows what they'll say!" went on Alicia +distractedly. "My husband will be dragged through the mire of another +public scandal—his social prestige will—oh, I dare not think of it—I +know—I know—my duty is to that unfortunate boy. I mustn't think of +myself."</p> + +<p>"Have you the letter that Mr. Underwood wrote you?" demanded her +companion.</p> + +<p>"Yes—I've never been able to destroy it. I don't know why I kept it, +but thank God I have it!" Moaning, she went on:</p> + +<p>"The disgrace!—the disgrace!—it's ruin!—degradation! It's the end of +everything!—the end of everything!"</p> + +<p>Annie regarded with contempt this poor, weak, wailing creature who +lacked the moral courage to do what was merely right. Yet her voice was +not unkind as she said:</p> + +<p>"I don't want to disgrace you—or ruin you. But what am I to do—tell +me, what am I to do?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," moaned her companion helplessly.</p> + +<p>"Howard must be saved."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Will you tell Judge Brewster or shall I?"</p> + +<p>"Judge Brewster! Why should he know?" cried Alicia, startled. More +composedly and as if resigned to the inevitable, she went on: "Yes, I +suppose he must know sooner or later, but, I——"</p> + +<p>She broke down again and burst into tears. Annie watched her in silence.</p> + +<p>"It's tough—isn't it?" she said sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"Yes," sobbed Alicia through her tears, "it's—it's tough!" Rising, she +dried her eyes and said hastily: "Don't say anything now. Give me a few +hours. Then I can think what is best to be done."</p> + +<p>Annie was about to reply when the office door suddenly opened and Judge +Brewster entered. Addressing Alicia, he said:</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, Mrs. Jeffries, I hope I haven't kept you waiting." Noticing +her agitation and traces of tears, he looked surprised. He made no +comment but turned to Annie:</p> + +<p>"I have been talking to Dr. Bernstein over the 'phone."</p> + +<p>Annie approached him softly and said in a whisper:</p> + +<p>"I've told Mrs. Jeffries that you have undertaken Howard's defense."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster smiled at his wealthy client, almost apologetically, +Annie thought. Then addressing her, he said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, I've been quite busy since I saw you. I have put three of the best +detectives we have on the trail of the woman who visited Underwood that +night. I don't think the police have been trying very hard to find her. +They're satisfied with Howard's confession. But we want her and we'll +get her——"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" gasped Alicia.</p> + +<p>The judge was proceeding to tell of other steps he had taken when the +door opened and the head clerk entered, followed by Mr. Jeffries.</p> + +<p>"I told Mr. Jeffries that Mrs. Jeffries was here," said the clerk.</p> + +<p>"You might have told him that there were two Mrs. Jeffries here," +laughed the judge.</p> + +<p>The clerk retired and the banker, completely ignoring the presence of +his daughter-in-law, turned to his wife and said:</p> + +<p>"I regret, my dear, that you should be subjected to these family +annoyances."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster came forward and cleared his throat as if preliminary to +something important he had to say. Addressing the banker, he said +boldly:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Jeffries, I have decided to undertake Howard's defense."</p> + +<p>His aristocratic client was taken completely by surprise. For a moment +he could say nothing, but simply stared at the lawyer as if unable to +believe his ears. With an effort, he at last exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Indeed!—then you will please consider our business relations to have +ceased from this moment."</p> + +<p>The lawyer bowed.</p> + +<p>"As you please," he said suavely.</p> + +<p>The banker turned to his wife.</p> + +<p>"Alicia—come."</p> + +<p>He offered his arm and turned toward the door. Alicia, in distress, +looked back at Annie, who nodded reassuringly to her. Judge Brewster +rose and, going to the door, opened it. The banker bowed stiffly and +said:</p> + +<p>"Pray don't trouble. Good morning, sir."</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Mr. Jeffries," replied the judge.</p> + +<p>As Alicia followed her husband out, she turned and whispered to Annie:</p> + +<p>"Come and see me at my home."</p> + +<p>When she had disappeared the judge came back into the room and sat down +at his desk.</p> + +<p>"Well, that's done!" he exclaimed with a sigh of relief. Rummaging for a +moment among his papers, he looked up and said with an encouraging +smile:</p> + +<p>"Now, if you please, we will go over that evidence—bit by bit."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + + +<p>The news that Judge Brewster would appear for the defendant at the +approaching trial of Howard Jeffries went through the town like +wildfire, and caused an immediate revival in the public interest, which +was beginning to slacken for want of hourly stimulation. Rumor said that +there had been a complete reconciliation in the Jeffries family, that +the banker was now convinced of his son's innocence and was determined +to spend a fortune, if necessary, to save him. This and other reports of +similar nature were all untrue, but the judge let them pass without +contradiction. They were harmless, he chuckled, and if anything, helped +Howard's cause.</p> + +<p>Meantime, he himself had not been idle. When once he made up his mind to +do a thing he was not content with half measures. Night and day he +worked on the case, preparing evidence, seeing witnesses and experts, +until he had gradually built up a bulwark of defense which the police +would find difficult to tear down. Yet he was not wholly reassured as to +the outcome until Annie, the day following the interview in his office, +informed him breathlessly that she had found the mysterious woman. The +judge was duly elated; now it was plain sailing, indeed! There had +always been the possibility that Howard's confession to the police was +true, that he had really killed Underwood. But now they had found the +one important witness, the mysterious woman who was in the apartment a +few minutes before the shooting and who was in possession of a letter in +which Underwood declared his intention of shooting himself, doubt was no +longer possible. Acquittal was a foregone conclusion. So pleased was the +judge at Annie's find that he did not insist on knowing the woman's +name. He saw that Annie preferred, for some reason, not to give it—even +to her legal adviser—and he let her have her way, exacting only that +the woman should be produced the instant he needed her. The young woman +readily assented. Of course, there remained the "confession," but that +had been obtained unfairly, illegally, fraudulently. The next important +step was to arrange a meeting at the judge's house at which Dr. +Bernstein, the hypnotic expert, would be present and to which should be +invited both Captain Clinton and Howard's father. In front of all these +witnesses the judge would accuse the police captain of brow-beating his +prisoner into making an untrue confession. Perhaps the captain could be +argued into admitting the possibility of a mistake having been made. If, +further, he could be convinced of the existence of documentary evidence +showing that Underwood really committed suicide he might be willing to +recede from his position in order to protect himself. At any rate it was +worth trying. The judge insisted, also, that to this meeting the +mysterious woman witness should also come, to be produced at such a +moment as the lawyer might consider opportune. Annie merely demanded a +few hours' time so she could make the appointment and soon reappeared +with a solemn promise that the woman would attend the meeting and come +forward at whatever moment called upon.</p> + +<p>Three evenings later there was an impressive gathering at Judge +Brewster's residence. In the handsomely appointed library on the second +floor were seated Dr. Bernstein, Mr. Jeffries and the judge. Each was +absorbed in his own thoughts. Dr. Bernstein was puffing at a big black +cigar; the banker stared vacantly into space. The judge, at his desk, +examined some legal papers. Not a word was spoken. They seemed to be +waiting for a fourth man who had not yet arrived. Presently Judge +Brewster looked up and said:</p> + +<p>"Gentlemen, I expect Captain Clinton in a few minutes, and the matter +will be placed before you."</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries frowned. It was greatly against his will that he had been +dragged to this conference. Peevishly, he said:</p> + +<p>"I've no wish to be present at the meeting. You know that and yet you +sent for me."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster looked up at him quickly and said quietly yet decisively:</p> + +<p>"Mr. Jeffries, it is absolutely necessary that you be present when I +tell Captain Clinton that he has either willfully or ignorantly forced +your son to confess to having committed a crime of which I am persuaded +he is absolutely innocent."</p> + +<p>The banker shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"If I can be of service, of course, I—I am only too glad—but what can +I say—what can I do?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing," replied the Judge curtly. "But the moral effect of your +presence is invaluable." More amiably he went on: "Believe me, Jeffries, +I wouldn't have taken this step unless I was absolutely sure of my +position. I have been informed that Underwood committed suicide, and +to-night evidence confirming this statement is to be placed in my hands. +The woman who paid him that mysterious visit just before his death has +promised to come here and tell us what she knows. Now, if Captain +Clinton can be got to admit the possibility of his being mistaken it +means that your son will be free in a few days."</p> + +<p>"Who has given you this information?" demanded the banker skeptically.</p> + +<p>"Howard's wife," answered the judge quietly. The banker started and the +lawyer went on: "She knows who the woman is, and has promised to bring +her here to-night with documentary proof of Underwood's suicide."</p> + +<p>"You are depending on her?" he sneered.</p> + +<p>"Why not?" demanded the judge. "She has more at stake than any of us. +She has worked day and night on this case. It was she who aroused Dr. +Bernstein's interest and persuaded him to collect the evidence against +Captain Clinton."</p> + +<p>The banker frowned.</p> + +<p>"She is the cause of the whole miserable business," he growled.</p> + +<p>The door opened and the butler, entering, handed his master a card.</p> + +<p>"Ah!" ejaculated the judge. "Here's our man! Show him up."</p> + +<p>When the servant had disappeared Mr. Jeffries turned to his host. With a +show of irritation he said:</p> + +<p>"I think you put too much faith in that woman, but you'll find +out—you'll find out."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster smiled.</p> + +<p>"That's our object, isn't it, Mr. Jeffries—to find out?" he said +sarcastically.</p> + +<p>"What's the name of this mysterious witness?" exclaimed the banker +testily. "If the police haven't been able to find her why should +Howard's wife be able to do so? There was a report that she herself +was——" He paused and added, "Did she tell you who it was?"</p> + +<p>"No," said the judge dryly, "she will tell us to-night."</p> + +<p>The banker bounded in his seat.</p> + +<p>"You'll see," he cried. "Another flash in the pan. I don't like being +mixed up in this matter—it's a disagreeable—most disagreeable."</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein puffed a thick cloud of smoke into the air and said +quietly:</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; it is disagreeable—but—unfortunately it is life."</p> + +<p>Suddenly the door opened and Captain Clinton appeared, followed by his +<i>fidus Achates</i>, Detective Sergeant Maloney. Both men were in plain +clothes. The captain's manner was condescendingly polite, the attitude +of a man so sure of his own position that he had little respect for the +opinion of any one else. With an effort at amiability he began:</p> + +<p>"Got your message, judge—came as soon as I could. Excuse my bringing +the sergeant with me. Sit over there, Maloney." Half apologetically, he +added: "He keeps his eyes open and his mouth shut, so he won't +interfere. How do, doctor?"</p> + +<p>Maloney took a position at the far end of the room, while Dr. Bernstein +introduced the captain to Mr. Jeffries.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know the gentleman. How do, sir?"</p> + +<p>The banker nodded stiffly. He did not relish having to hobnob in this +way with such a vulgarian as a grafting police captain. Captain Clinton +turned to Judge Brewster.</p> + +<p>"Now, judge, explode your bomb! But I warn you I've made up my mind."</p> + +<p>"I've made up my mind, too," retorted the judge, "so at least we start +even."</p> + +<p>"Yes," growled the other.</p> + +<p>"As I stated in my letter, captain," went on the judge coolly, "I don't +want to use your own methods in this matter. I don't want to spread +reports about you, or accuse you in the papers. That's why I asked you +to come over and discuss the matter informally with me. I want to give +you a chance to change your attitude."</p> + +<p>"Don't want any chance," growled the policeman.</p> + +<p>"You mean," said the judge, peering at his <i>vis à vis</i> over his +spectacles, "that you <i>don't want</i> to change your attitude."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton settled himself more firmly in his chair, as if getting +ready for hostilities. Defiantly he replied:</p> + +<p>"That's about what I mean, I suppose."</p> + +<p>"In other words," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you have found +this—this boy guilty and you refuse to consider evidence which may tend +to prove otherwise."</p> + +<p>"'Tain't my business to consider evidence," snapped the chief. "That's +up to the prosecuting attorney."</p> + +<p>"It will be," replied the lawyer sharply, "but at present it's up to +you."</p> + +<p>"Me?" exclaimed the other in genuine surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you were instrumental in +obtaining a confession from him. I'm raising a question as to the truth +of that confession."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton showed signs of impatience. Shrugging his massive +shoulders deprecatingly, said:</p> + +<p>"Are we going over all that? What's the use? A confession is a +confession and that settles it. I suppose the doctor has been working +his pet theory off on you and it's beginning to sprout."</p> + +<p>"Yes," retorted the judge quickly, "it's beginning to sprout, captain!"</p> + +<p>There was a sudden interruption caused by the entrance of the butler, +who approached his master and whispered something to him. Aloud the +judge said:</p> + +<p>"Ask her to wait till we are ready."</p> + +<p>The servant retired and Captain Clinton turned to the judge. With mock +deference, he said:</p> + +<p>"Say, Mr. Brewster, you're a great constitutional lawyer—the greatest +in this country—and I take off my hat to you, but I don't think +criminal law is in your line."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster pursed his lips and his eyes flashed as he retorted +quickly:</p> + +<p>"I don't think it's constitutional to take a man's mind away from him +and substitute your own, Captain Clinton."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?" demanded the chief.</p> + +<p>"I mean that instead of bringing out of this man his own true thoughts +of innocence, you have forced into his consciousness your own false +thoughts of his guilt."</p> + +<p>The judge spoke slowly and deliberately, making each word tell. The +police bully squirmed uneasily on his chair.</p> + +<p>"I don't follow you, judge. Better stick to international law. This +police court work is beneath you."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it is," replied the lawyer quickly without losing his temper. +Then he asked: "Captain, will you answer a few questions?"</p> + +<p>"It all depends," replied the other insolently.</p> + +<p>"If you don't," cried the judge sharply, "I'll ask them through the +medium of your own weapon—the press. Only my press will not consist of +the one or two yellow journals you inspire, but the independent, +dignified press of the United States."</p> + +<p>The captain reddened.</p> + +<p>"I don't like the insinuation, judge."</p> + +<p>"I don't insinuate, Captain Clinton," went on the lawyer severely, "I +accuse you of giving an untruthful version of this matter to two +sensational newspapers in this city. These scurrilous sheets have tried +this young man in their columns and found him guilty, thus prejudicing +the whole community against him before he comes to trial. In no other +country in the civilized world would this be tolerated, except in a +country overburdened with freedom."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton laughed boisterously.</p> + +<p>"The early bird catches the worm," he grinned. "They asked me for +information and got it."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster went on:</p> + +<p>"You have so prejudiced the community against him that there is scarcely +a man who doesn't believe him guilty. If this matter ever comes to trial +how can we pick an unprejudiced jury? Added to this foul injustice you +have branded this young man's wife with every stigma that can be put on +womanhood. You have hinted that she is the mysterious female who visited +Underwood on the night of the shooting and openly suggested that she is +the cause of the crime."</p> + +<p>"Well, it's just possible," said the policeman with effrontery.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster was fast losing his temper. The man's insolent demeanor +was intolerable. Half rising from his chair and pointing his finger at +him, he continued:</p> + +<p>"You have besmirched her character with stories of scandal. You have +linked her name with that of Underwood. The whole country rings with +falsities about her. In my opinion, Captain Clinton, your direct object +is to destroy the value of any evidence she may give in her husband's +favor."</p> + +<p>The chief looked aggrieved.</p> + +<p>"Why, I haven't said a word." Turning to his sergeant, he asked, "Have +I, Maloney?"</p> + +<p>"But these sensation-mongers have!" cried the judge angrily. "You are +the only source from whom they could obtain the information."</p> + +<p>"But what do I gain?" demanded the captain with affected innocence.</p> + +<p>"Advertisement—promotion," replied the judge sternly. "These same +papers speak of you as the greatest living chief—the greatest public +official—oh, you know the political value of that sort of thing as well +as I do."</p> + +<p>The captain shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I can't help what they say about me," he growled.</p> + +<p>"They might add that you are also the richest," added the judge quickly, +"but I won't go into that."</p> + +<p>Again Captain Clinton reddened and shifted restlessly on his chair. He +did not relish the trend of the conversation.</p> + +<p>"I don't like all this, Judge Brewster—'tain't fair—I ain't on trial."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster picked up some papers from his desk and read from one of +them.</p> + +<p>"Captain, in the case of the People against Creedon—after plying the +defendant with questions for six hours, you obtained a confession from +him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he told me he set the place on fire."</p> + +<p>"Exactly—but it afterward developed that he was never near the place."</p> + +<p>"Well, he told me."</p> + +<p>"Yes. He told you, but it turned out that he was mistaken."</p> + +<p>"Yes," admitted the captain reluctantly.</p> + +<p>The judge took another document, and read:</p> + +<p>"In the case of the People against Bentley."</p> + +<p>"That was Bentley's own fault—I didn't ask him," interrupted the +captain. "He owned up himself." Turning to the sergeant, he said, "You +were there, Maloney."</p> + +<p>"But you believed him guilty," interposed Judge Brewster quickly.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You thought him guilty and after a five-hour session you impressed this +thought on his mind and he—he confessed."</p> + +<p>"I didn't impress anything—I just simply——"</p> + +<p>"You just simply convinced him that he was guilty—though as it turned +out he was in prison at the time he was supposed to have committed the +burglary——"</p> + +<p>"It wasn't burglary," corrected the captain sullenly.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster again consulted the papers in his hand.</p> + +<p>"You're quite right, captain—my mistake—it was homicide, but—it was +an untrue confession."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"It was the same thing in the Callahan case," went on the judge, picking +up another document. "In the case of the People against +Tuthill—and—Cosgrove—Tuthill confessed and died in prison, and +Cosgrove afterward acknowledged that he and not Tuthill was the guilty +man."</p> + +<p>"Well," growled the captain, "mistakes sometimes happen."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster stopped and laid down his eyeglasses.</p> + +<p>"Ah, that is precisely the point of view we take in this matter! Now, +captain, in the present case, on the night of the confession did you +show young Mr. Jeffries the pistol with which he was supposed to have +shot Robert Underwood?"</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton screwed up his eyes as if thinking hard. Then, turning +to his sergeant, he said:</p> + +<p>"Yes. I think I did. Didn't I, Maloney?"</p> + +<p>"Your word is sufficient," said the judge quickly. "Did you hold it up?"</p> + +<p>"Think I did."</p> + +<p>"Do you know if there was a light shining on it?" asked the judge +quickly.</p> + +<p>At this point, Dr. Bernstein, who had been an attentive listener, bent +eagerly forward. Much depended on Captain Clinton's answer—perhaps a +man's life.</p> + +<p>"Don't know—might have been," replied the chief carelessly.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster turned to Dr. Bernstein.</p> + +<p>"Were there electric lights on the wall?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"What difference does that make?" demanded the policeman.</p> + +<p>"Quite a little," replied the judge quietly. "The barrel of the revolver +was bright—shining steel. From the moment that Howard Jeffries' eyes +rested on the shining steel barrel of that revolver he was no longer a +conscious personality. As he himself said to his wife, 'They said I did +it—and I knew I didn't, but after I looked at that shining pistol I +don't know what I said or did—everything became a blur and a blank.' +Now, I may tell you, captain, that this condition fits in every detail +the clinical experiences of nerve specialists and the medical +experiences of the psychologists. After five hours' constant +cross-questioning while in a semi-dazed condition, you impressed on him +your own ideas—you suggested to him what he should say—you extracted +from him not the thoughts that were in his own consciousness, but those +that were in yours. Is that the scientific fact, doctor?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Dr. Bernstein, "the optical captivation of Howard +Jeffries' attention makes the whole case complete and clear to the +physician."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton laughed loudly.</p> + +<p>"Optical captivation is good!" Turning to his sergeant he asked, "What +do you think of it, Maloney?"</p> + +<p>Sergeant Maloney chuckled.</p> + +<p>"It's a new one, eh?"</p> + +<p>"No, captain—it's a very old one," interrupted the lawyer sternly, "but +it's new to us. We're barely on the threshold of the discovery. It +certainly explains these other cases, doesn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know that it does," objected the captain, shaking his head. "I +don't acknowledge——"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster sat down. Looking the policeman squarely in the face, he +said slowly and deliberately:</p> + +<p>"Captain Clinton, whether you acknowledge it or not, I can prove that +you obtained these confessions by means of hypnotic suggestion, and that +is a greater crime against society than any the State punishes or pays +you to prevent."</p> + +<p>The captain laughed and shrugged his shoulders. Indifferently he said:</p> + +<p>"I guess the boys up at Albany can deal with that question."</p> + +<p>"The boys up at Albany," retorted the lawyer, "know as little about the +laws of psychology as you do. This will be dealt with at Washington!"</p> + +<p>The captain yawned.</p> + +<p>"I didn't come here to hear about that—you were going to produce the +woman who called on Underwood the night of the murder—that was what I +came here for—not to hear my methods criticised—where is she?"</p> + +<p>"One thing at a time," replied the judge. "First, I wanted to show you +that we know Howard Jeffries' confession is untrue. Now we'll take up +the other question." Striking a bell on his desk, he added: "This woman +can prove that Robert Underwood committed suicide."</p> + +<p>"She can, eh?" exclaimed the captain sarcastically. "Maybe she did it +herself. Some one did it, that's sure!"</p> + +<p>The library door opened and the butler entered.</p> + +<p>"Yes, some one did it!" retorted the judge; "we agree there!" To the +servant he said: "Ask Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., to come here."</p> + +<p>The servant left the room and the captain turned to the judge with a +laugh:</p> + +<p>"Is she the one? Ha! ha!—that's easy——"</p> + +<p>The judge nodded.</p> + +<p>"She has promised to produce the missing witness to-night."</p> + +<p>"She has, eh?" exclaimed the captain.</p> + +<p>Rising quickly from his chair, he crossed the room and talked in an +undertone with his sergeant. This new turn in the case seemed to +interest him. Meantime Mr. Jeffries, who had followed every phase of the +questioning with close attention, left his seat and went over to Judge +Brewster.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible," he exclaimed, "is it possible that Underwood shot +himself? I never dreamed of doubting Howard's confession!" More +cordially he went on: "Brewster, if this is true, I owe you a debt of +gratitude—you've done splendid work—I—I'm afraid I've been just a +trifle obstinate."</p> + +<p>"Just a trifle," said the judge dryly.</p> + +<p>Sergeant Maloney took his hat.</p> + +<p>"Hurry up!" said the captain, "you can telephone from the corner drug +store."</p> + +<p>"All right, Cap'."</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein also rose to depart.</p> + +<p>"I must go, Mr. Brewster; I have an appointment at the hospital."</p> + +<p>The judge grasped his hand warmly.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, doctor!" he exclaimed, "I don't know what I should have done +without you."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir!" chimed in the banker, "I am greatly indebted to you."</p> + +<p>"Don't mention it," replied the psychologist almost ironically.</p> + +<p>He went out and the banker impatiently took out his watch.</p> + +<p>"It's getting late!" he exclaimed; "where is this girl. I have no faith +in her promises!"</p> + +<p>As he spoke the library door opened and Annie appeared.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + + +<p>As Annie entered the room and caught sight of Mr. Jeffries, she +instinctively drew back. Just at that moment the banker was, perhaps, +the one man in the world whom she was most anxious to avoid. Captain +Clinton no longer had any terror for her. Now that the missing witness +had been found and the precious "suicide letter" was as good as in their +possession there was nothing more to fear. It was only a question of +time when Howard would be set free. But it was not in this girl's nature +to be concerned only with herself. If she possessed a single womanly +virtue, it was supreme unselfishness. There was some one beside herself +to take into consideration—a poor, vacillating, weak, miserable woman +who wished to do what was right and had agreed to do so, but who, in the +privacy of her own apartments, had gone down on her knees and begged +Annie to protect her from the consequences of her own folly. Her husband +must not know. Annie had promised that if there was any way possible +the knowledge of that clandestine midnight visit to Underwood's rooms +should be kept from him. Yet there stood the banker! She was afraid that +if they began questioning her in his presence she might be betrayed into +saying something that would instantly arouse his suspicions.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster went quickly forward as she came in and led her to a +chair. Captain Clinton and Mr. Jeffries eyed her in stolid silence. +Looking around in a nervous kind of way, Annie said quietly to the +judge:</p> + +<p>"May I speak to you alone, judge?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly," replied the lawyer.</p> + +<p>He was about to draw her aside when Captain Clinton interfered.</p> + +<p>"One moment!" he said gruffly, "if this is all open and above board, as +you say it is, judge—I'd like to ask the young lady a few questions."</p> + +<p>"Certainly, by all means," said the judge quickly.</p> + +<p>The captain turned and confronted Annie. Addressing her in his customary +aggressive manner, he said:</p> + +<p>"You promised Judge Brewster that you'd produce the woman who called at +Underwood's apartment the night of the shooting?" Annie made no reply, +but looked at the lawyer. The captain grinned as he added: "The witness +wants instructions, judge."</p> + +<p>"You can be perfectly frank, Mrs. Jeffries," said the lawyer +reassuringly. "We have no desire to conceal anything from Captain +Clinton."</p> + +<p>Annie bowed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said slowly; "I promised Judge Brewster that she would come +here to-night."</p> + +<p>"Did she promise you to come?" growled the captain.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, where is she?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"She hasn't come yet," she replied, "but she will, I'm sure—I know she +will."</p> + +<p>"How did you come to find her?" demanded the captain suspiciously.</p> + +<p>Annie hesitated a moment and glanced at Mr. Jeffries. Then she said +hesitatingly:</p> + +<p>"That I—I cannot say—now."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton's massive bulldog jaw closed with an ominous click.</p> + +<p>"Decline to answer, eh? What's her name?"</p> + +<p>She remained silent.</p> + +<p>"What's her name?" he repeated impatiently.</p> + +<p>"I cannot tell you," she said firmly.</p> + +<p>"Do you know it?" he bellowed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she answered quietly.</p> + +<p>"Know it, but can't say, eh? Hum!"</p> + +<p>He folded his arms and glared at her. Mr. Jeffries now interfered. +Addressing Annie angrily, he said:</p> + +<p>"But you must speak! Do you realize that my son's life is at stake?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," she replied quickly. "I'm glad to see that you are +beginning to realize it, too. But I can't tell you yet——"</p> + +<p>The judge turned to the police captain.</p> + +<p>"I may tell you, captain, that even I myself have not succeeded in +learning the name of this mysterious personage." Addressing Annie, he +said: "I think you had better tell us. I see no advantage in concealing +it any further."</p> + +<p>Annie shook her head.</p> + +<p>"Not yet," she murmured; "she will tell you herself when she comes."</p> + +<p>"Ha! I thought as much!" exclaimed the banker incredulously.</p> + +<p>The captain rose and drew himself up to his full height, a favorite +trick of his when about to assert his authority.</p> + +<p>"Well, when she does come!" he exclaimed, "I think you may as well +understand she will be taken to headquarters and held as a witness."</p> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + +<div class="figcenter"> +<a name="illus4" id="illus4"></a> +<img src="images/illus4.jpg" alt=""/> +</div> + +<h3>"WHEN THIS MYSTERIOUS WITNESS DOES COME I SHALL PLACE HER UNDER ARREST."</h3> + +<hr style="width: 45%;" /> + + + +<p>"You'll arrest her!" cried the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"That's what I said, judge. She a material witness—the most important +one the State has. I don't intend that she shall get away——"</p> + +<p>"Arrest her! Oh, judge, don't let him do that!" exclaimed Annie in +dismay.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster grew red in the face. Wrathfully he said:</p> + +<p>"She is coming to my house of her own free will. She has trusted to my +honor——"</p> + +<p>"Yes—yes!" cried Annie. "She trusts to your honor, judge."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton grinned.</p> + +<p>"Honor cuts mighty little ice in this matter. There's no use talking. I +shall place her under arrest."</p> + +<p>"I will not permit such a disgraceful proceeding!" cried the lawyer.</p> + +<p>"With all due respect, judge," retorted the policeman impudently, "you +won't be consulted. You have declared yourself counsel for the man who +has been indicted for murder—I didn't ask you to take me into your +confidence—you invited me here, treated me to a lecture on psychology, +for which I thank you very much, but I don't feel that I need any +further instruction. If this woman ever does get here, the moment she +leaves the house Maloney has instructions to arrest her, but I guess we +needn't worry. She has probably forgotten her appointment. Some people +are very careless in that respect." Moving toward the door, he added: +"Well, if it's all the same to you, I'll wait downstairs. Good night."</p> + +<p>He went out, his hat impudently tilted back on his head, a sneer on his +lips. The banker turned to the judge.</p> + +<p>"I told you how it would be," he said scornfully. "A flash in the pan!"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked askance at Annie.</p> + +<p>"You are sure she will come?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am sure!" With concern she added: "But the disgrace of arrest! +It will kill her! Oh, judge, don't let them arrest her!"</p> + +<p>"Tell me who she is!" commanded the lawyer sternly.</p> + +<p>It was the first time he had spoken to her harshly and Annie, to her +dismay, thought she detected a note of doubt in his voice. Looking +toward the banker, she replied:</p> + +<p>"I can't tell you just now—she'll be here soon——"</p> + +<p>"Tell me now—I insist," said the lawyer with growing impatience.</p> + +<p>"Please—please don't ask me!" she pleaded.</p> + +<p>Mr. Jeffries made an angry gesture.</p> + +<p>"As I told you, Brewster, her whole story is a fabrication trumped up +for some purpose—God knows what object she has in deceiving us! I only +know that I warned you what you always may expect from people of her +class."</p> + +<p>The judge said nothing for a moment. Then quietly he whispered to the +banker:</p> + +<p>"Go into my study for a few moments, will you, Jeffries?"</p> + +<p>The banker made a gesture, as if utterly disgusted with the whole +business.</p> + +<p>"I am going home," he said testily. "I've had a most painful +evening—most painful. Let me know the result of your investigation as +soon as possible. Good night. Don't disturb me to-night, Brewster. +To-morrow will do."</p> + +<p>He left the room in high dudgeon, banging the door behind him. Annie +burst into a laugh.</p> + +<p>"Don't disturb him!" she mimicked. "He's going to get all that's coming +to him."</p> + +<p>Shocked at her levity, the lawyer turned on her severely.</p> + +<p>"Do you want me to lose all faith in you?" he asked sternly.</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," she answered contritely.</p> + +<p>"Then tell me," he demanded, "why do you conceal this woman's name from +me?"</p> + +<p>"Because I don't want to be the one to expose her. She shall tell you +herself."</p> + +<p>"That's all very well," he replied, "but meantime you are directing +suspicion against yourself. Your father-in-law believes you are the +woman; so does Captain Clinton."</p> + +<p>"The captain suspects everybody," she laughed. "It's his business to +suspect. As long as you don't believe that I visited Underwood that +night——"</p> + +<p>The judge shook his head as if puzzled.</p> + +<p>"Candidly, I don't know what to think." Seriously, he added: "I want to +think the very best of you, Annie, but you won't let me."</p> + +<p>She hesitated a moment and then, quickly, she said:</p> + +<p>"I suppose I'd better tell you and have done with it—but I don't like +to——"</p> + +<p>At that moment a servant entered and handed the lawyer a card.</p> + +<p>"The lady wants to see you at once, sir."</p> + +<p>"To see me," asked the lawyer in surprise: "are you sure she hasn't come +for Mr. Jeffries?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; she asked for you."</p> + +<p>Annie sprang forward.</p> + +<p>"Is it Mrs. Jeffries?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Yes," he replied.</p> + +<p>"Let me see her, judge," she exclaimed eagerly; "I'll tell her who it is +and she can tell you—she's a woman—and I'd rather. Let me speak to +her, please!"</p> + +<p>Addressing the servant, the lawyer said:</p> + +<p>"Ask Mrs. Jeffries to come up." Turning to his client, he went on:</p> + +<p>"I see no objection to your speaking to Mrs. Jeffries. After all, she is +your husband's stepmother. But I am free to confess that I don't +understand you. I am more than disappointed in your failure to keep your +word. You promised definitely that you would bring the witness here +to-night. On the strength of that promise I made statements to Captain +Clinton which I have not been able to substantiate. The whole story +looks like an invention on your part."</p> + +<p>She held out her hands entreatingly.</p> + +<p>"It's not an invention! Really, judge! Just a little while longer! +You've been so kind, so patient!"</p> + +<p>There was a trace of anger in the lawyer's voice as he went on:</p> + +<p>"I believed you implicitly. You were so positive this woman would come +forward."</p> + +<p>"She will—she will. Give me only a few minutes more!" she cried.</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at her as if puzzled.</p> + +<p>"A few minutes?" he said. Again he looked at her and then shook his +head resignedly. "Well, it's certainly infectious!" he exclaimed. "I +believe you again."</p> + +<p>The door opened and Alicia appeared. The lawyer advanced politely to +greet her.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, Mrs. Jeffries."</p> + +<p>Alicia shook hands with him, at the same time looking inquiringly at +Annie, who, by a quick gesture, told her that the judge knew nothing of +her secret. The lawyer went on:</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., wishes to speak to you. I said I thought there'd be +no objection if you don't mind. May she?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," murmured Alicia.</p> + +<p>"Your husband was here," said the judge.</p> + +<p>"My husband!" she cried, startled. Again she glanced inquiringly at +Annie and tried to force a smile.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the lawyer; "he'll be glad to know you're here. I'll tell +him." Turning to Annie, he said: "When you're ready, please send +and——"</p> + +<p>"Very well, judge."</p> + +<p>The lawyer went out and Alicia turned round breathlessly.</p> + +<p>"My husband was here?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You've told Mr. Brewster nothing?"</p> + +<p>Annie shook her head.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't!" she said. "I tried to, but I couldn't. It seems so hard, +doesn't it?" Alicia laughed bitterly and Annie went on: "I was afraid +you weren't coming!"</p> + +<p>"The train was late!" exclaimed Alicia evasively, "I went up to Stamford +to say good-by to my mother."</p> + +<p>"To say good-by?" echoed her companion in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the other tearfully. "I have said good-by to her—I have +said good-by to everybody—to everything—to myself—I must give them +all up—I must give myself up."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it isn't as bad as that, surely?"</p> + +<p>Alicia shook her head sadly.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said; "I've reckoned it all up. It's a total loss. Nothing +will be saved—husband, home, position, good name—all will go. You'll +see. I shall be torn into little bits of shreds. They won't leave +anything unsaid. But it's not that I care for so much. It's the +injustice of it all. The injustice of the power of evil. This man +Underwood never did a good action in all his life. And now even after he +is dead he has the power to go on destroying—destroying—destroying!"</p> + +<p>"That's true," said Annie; "he was no good."</p> + +<p>The banker's wife drew from her bosom the letter Underwood wrote her +before he killed himself.</p> + +<p>"When he sent me this letter," she went on, "I tried to think myself +into his condition of mind, so that I could decide whether he intended +to keep his word and kill himself or not. I tried to reason out just how +he felt and how he thought. Now I know. It's hopeless, dull, sodden +desperation. I haven't even the ambition to defend myself from Mr. +Jeffries."</p> + +<p>Annie shrugged her shoulders.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't lose any sleep on his account," she said with a laugh. More +seriously she added: "Surely he won't believe——"</p> + +<p>"He may not believe anything himself," said Alicia. "It's what other +people are thinking that will make him suffer. If the circumstances were +only a little less disgraceful—a suicide's last letter to the woman he +loved. They'll say I drove him to it. They won't think of his miserable, +dishonest career. They'll only think of my share in his death——"</p> + +<p>Annie shook her head sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"Yes," she said; "it's tough! The worst of it is they are going to +arrest you."</p> + +<p>Alicia turned ashen pale.</p> + +<p>"Arrest me!" she cried.</p> + +<p>"That's what Captain Clinton says," replied the other gravely. "He was +here—he is here now—with two men, waiting for you." Apologetically she +went on: "It wasn't my fault, Mrs. Jeffries—I didn't mean to. What +could I do? When I told Judge Brewster, he sent for Captain Clinton. The +police are afraid you'll run away or something——"</p> + +<p>"And my husband!" gasped Alicia; "he doesn't know, does he?"</p> + +<p>"No, I didn't tell them. I said you'd tell them yourself, but they won't +trust you when they know who you are. Let's tell the judge—he may think +of a plan. Suppose you go away until——" Puzzled herself to find a way +out of the dilemma, Annie paced the floor nervously. "Oh, this is +awful!" she exclaimed. "What are we to do??"</p> + +<p>She looked toward Alicia, as if expecting some suggestion from her, but +her companion was too much overwhelmed to take any initiative.</p> + +<p>"It does stun one, doesn't it?" went on Annie. "You can't think when it +comes all of a sudden like this. It's just the way I felt the morning +they showed me Howard's confession."</p> + +<p>"Prison! Prison!" wailed Alicia.</p> + +<p>Annie tried to console her.</p> + +<p>"Not for long," she said soothingly; "you can get bail. It's only a +matter of favor—Judge Brewster would get you out right away."</p> + +<p>"Get me out!" cried Alicia distractedly. "My God! I can't go to prison! +I can't! That's too much. I've done nothing! Look—read this!" Handing +over Underwood's letter, she went on: "You can see for yourself. The +wretch frightened me into such a state of mind that I hardly knew what I +was doing—I went to his rooms to save him. That's the truth, I swear to +God! But do you suppose anybody will believe me on oath? +They'll—they'll——"</p> + +<p>Almost hysterical, she no longer knew what she was saying or doing. She +collapsed utterly, and sinking down in a chair, gave way to a +passionate fit of sobbing. Annie tried to quiet her:</p> + +<p>"Hush!" she said gently, "don't go on like that. Be brave. Perhaps it +won't be so bad as you think." She unfolded the letter Alicia had given +her and carefully read it through. When she had finished her face lit up +with joy. Enthusiastically she cried:</p> + +<p>"This is great for Howard! What a blessing you didn't destroy it! What a +wretch, what a hound to write you like that! Poor soul, of course, you +went and begged him not to do it! I'd have gone myself, but I think I'd +have broken an umbrella over his head or something——Gee! these kind of +fellows breed trouble, don't they? Alive or dead, they breed trouble! +What can we do?"</p> + +<p>Alicia rose. Her tears had disappeared. There was a look of fixed +resolve in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Howard must be cleared," she said, "and I must face it—alone!"</p> + +<p>"You'll be alone all right," said Annie thoughtfully. "Mr. Jeffries will +do as much for you as he did for his son."</p> + +<p>Noticing that her companion seemed hurt by her frankness, she changed +the topic.</p> + +<p>"Honest to God!" she exclaimed, good-naturedly, "I'm +broken-hearted—I'll do anything to save you from this—this public +disgrace. I know what it means—I've had my dose of it. But this thing +has got to come out, hasn't it?"</p> + +<p>The banker's wife wearily nodded assent.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I realize that," she said, "but the disgrace of arrest—I can't +stand it, Annie! I can't go to prison even if it's only for a minute." +Holding out a trembling hand, she went on: "Give me back the letter. +I'll leave New York to-night—I'll go to Europe—I'll send it to Judge +Brewster from Paris." Looking anxiously into her companion's face, she +pleaded: "You'll trust me to do that, won't you? Give it to me, +please—you can trust me."</p> + +<p>Her hand was still extended, but Annie ignored it.</p> + +<p>"No—no," she said, shaking her head, "I can't give it to you—how can +I? Don't you understand what the letter means to me?"</p> + +<p>"Have pity!" cried the banker's wife, almost beside herself. "You can +tell them when I'm out of the country. Don't ask me to make this +sacrifice now—don't ask me—don't!"</p> + +<p>Annie was beginning to lose patience. The woman's selfishness angered +her. With irritation, she said:</p> + +<p>"You've lost your nerve, and you don't know what you're saying. Howard's +life comes before you—me—or anybody. You know that!"</p> + +<p>"Yes—yes," cried Alicia desperately, "I know that. I'm only asking you +to wait. I—I ought to have left this morning—that's what I should have +done—gone at once. Now it's too late, unless you help me——"</p> + +<p>"I'll help you all I can," replied the other doggedly, "but I've +promised Judge Brewster to clear up this matter to-night."</p> + +<p>Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. Captain Clinton entered, +followed by Detective Sergeant Maloney. Alicia shrank back in alarm.</p> + +<p>"I thought Judge Brewster was here," said the captain, glancing +suspiciously round the room.</p> + +<p>"I'll send for him," said Annie, touching a bell.</p> + +<p>"Well, where's your mysterious witness?" demanded the captain +sarcastically.</p> + +<p>He looked curiously at Alicia.</p> + +<p>"This is Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," said Annie, "my husband's +stepmother."</p> + +<p>The captain made a deferential salute. Bully as he was, he knew how to +be courteous when it suited his purpose. He had heard enough of the +wealthy banker's aristocratic wife to treat her with respect.</p> + +<p>"Beg pardon, m'm; I wanted to tell the judge I was going."</p> + +<p>The servant entered.</p> + +<p>"Tell Judge Brewster that Captain Clinton is going," said Annie.</p> + +<p>Alicia, meantime, was once more on the verge of collapse. The long +threatened <i>exposé</i> 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.</p> + +<p>"No, no," whispered Annie quickly, "don't thank me; keep it."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton turned round with a jeer. Insolently, he said to Annie:</p> + +<p>"You might as well own up—you've played a trick on us all."</p> + +<p>"No, Captain Clinton," she replied with quiet dignity; "I told you the +simple truth. Naturally you don't believe it."</p> + +<p>"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."</p> + +<p>"Begging your pardon for disputing your word, captain," she retorted, +mimicking him, "there <i>is</i> such a person."</p> + +<p>"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:</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you where she is! She's right here in this room!" Pointing +his finger at Annie in theatrical fashion, 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?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, you told the newspapers so," retorted Annie dryly.</p> + +<p>Taking no notice of her remark, the captain blustered:</p> + +<p>"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 constitutional law for +yours after this."</p> + +<p>"You don't say so?" exclaimed Annie, irritated at the man's intolerable +insolence.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster held up a restraining hand.</p> + +<p>"Please say nothing," he said with dignity.</p> + +<p>"No, I guess I'll let him talk. Go on, captain," she said with a smile, +as if thoroughly enjoying the situation.</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>"The truth must come out sooner or later."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>"No, no, not yet," she whispered.</p> + +<p>But Alicia brushed her aside and, thrusting the letter into the hand of +the astonished police captain, she said:</p> + +<p>"Yes, now! Read that, captain!"</p> + +<p>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:</p> + +<p>"'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!"</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster quickly snatched the letter from his hand and, glancing +over it quickly, said:</p> + +<p>"Permit me. This belongs to my client."</p> + +<p>Captain Clinton's prognathous jaw snapped to with a click, and he +squared his massive shoulders, as he usually did when preparing for +hostilities:</p> + +<p>"Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he said sharply, "I'll trouble you to go with me +to headquarters."</p> + +<p>Annie and Alicia both stood up. Judge Brewster quickly objected.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Jeffries will not go with you," he said quietly. "She has made no +attempt to leave the State."</p> + +<p>"She's wanted at police headquarters," said the captain doggedly.</p> + +<p>"She'll be there to-morrow morning."</p> + +<p>"She'll be there to-night."</p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>"The moment she attempts to leave the house," he growled, "I shall +arrest her. Good night, judge."</p> + +<p>"Good night, captain!" cried Annie mockingly.</p> + +<p>"I'll see you later," he muttered. "Come on, Maloney."</p> + +<p>The door banged to. They were alone.</p> + +<p>"What a sweet disposition!" laughed Annie.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster looked sternly at her. Holding up the letter, he said:</p> + +<p>"What is the meaning of this? You are not the woman to whom this letter +is addressed?"</p> + +<p>"No," stammered Annie, "that is——"</p> + +<p>The judge interrupted her. Sternly he asked:</p> + +<p>"Is it your intention to go on the witness stand and commit perjury?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I never thought of that," she faltered.</p> + +<p>The judge turned to Alicia.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to allow her to do so, Mrs. Jeffries?"</p> + +<p>"No, no," cried Alicia quickly, "I never thought of such a thing."</p> + +<p>"Then I repeat—is it your intention to perjure yourself?" Annie was +silent, and he went on: "I assume it is, but let me ask you: Do you +expect me, as your counsel, to become <i>participes criminis</i> to this +tissue of lies? Am I expected to build up a false structure for you to +swear to? Am I?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; I haven't thought of it," replied Annie. "If it can be +done, why not? I'm glad you suggested it."</p> + +<p>"<i>I</i> suggest it?" exclaimed the lawyer, scandalized.</p> + +<p>"Yes," cried Annie with growing exaltation; "it never occurred to me +till you spoke. Everybody says I'm the woman who called on Robert +Underwood that night. Well, that's all right. Let them continue to think +so. What difference does it make so long as Howard is set free?" Going +toward the door, she said: "Good night, Mrs. Jeffries!"</p> + +<p>The judge tried to bar her way.</p> + +<p>"Don't go," he said; "Captain Clinton's men are waiting outside."</p> + +<p>"That doesn't matter!" she cried.</p> + +<p>"But you must not go!" exclaimed the lawyer in a tone of command. "I +won't allow it. They'll arrest you! Mrs. Jeffries, you'll please remain +here."</p> + +<p>But Annie was already at the door.</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't keep Captain Clinton waiting for the world," she cried. +"Good night, Judge Brewster, and God bless you!"</p> + +<p>The door slammed, and she was gone.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + + +<p>The Jeffries case suddenly entered into an entirely new phase, and once +more was deemed of sufficient public interest to warrant column after +column of spicy comment in the newspapers. The town awoke one morning to +learn that the long-sought-for witness, the mysterious woman on whose +testimony everything hinged, had not only been found, but proved to be +the prisoner's own wife, who had been so active in his defense. This +announcement was stupefying enough to over-shadow all other news of the +day, and satisfied the most jaded palate for sensationalism.</p> + +<p>The first question asked on all sides was: Why had not the wife come +forward before? The reason, as glibly explained by an evening journal of +somewhat yellow proclivities, was logical enough. The telling of her +midnight visit to a single man's rooms involved a shameful admission +which any woman might well hesitate to make unless forced to it as a +last extremity. Confronted, however, with the alternative of either +seeing her husband suffer for a crime of which he was innocent or making +public acknowledgment of her own frailty, she had chosen the latter +course. Naturally, it meant divorce from the banker's son, and +undoubtedly this was the solution most wished for by the family. The +whole unsavory affair conveyed a good lesson to reckless young men of +wealth to avoid entangling themselves in undesirable matrimonial +adventures. But it was no less certain, went on this journalistic +mentor, that this wife, unfaithful as she had proved herself to be, had +really rendered her husband a signal service in his present scrape. The +letter she had produced, written to her by Underwood the day before his +death, in which he stated his determination to kill himself, was, of +course, a complete vindication for the man awaiting trial. His +liberation now depended only on how quickly the ponderous machinery of +the law could take cognizance of this new and most important evidence.</p> + +<p>The new turn of affairs was naturally most distasteful to the police. If +there was one thing more than another which angered Captain Clinton it +was to take the trouble to build up a case only to have it suddenly +demolished. He scoffed at the "suicide letter," safely committed to +Judge Brewster's custody, and openly branded it as a forgery concocted +by an immoral woman for the purpose of defeating the ends of justice. He +kept Annie a prisoner and defied the counsel for the defence to do their +worst. Judge Brewster, who loved the fray, accepted the challenge. He +acted promptly. He secured Annie's release on <i>habeas corpus</i> +proceedings and, his civil suit against the city having already begun in +the courts, he suddenly called Captain Clinton to the stand and gave him +a grilling which more than atoned for any which the police tyrant had +previously made his victims suffer. In the limelight of a sensational +trial, in which public servants were charged with abusing positions of +trust, he showed Captain Clinton up as a bully and a grafter, a +bribe-taker, working hand and glove with dishonest politicians, not +hesitating even to divide loot with thieves and dive-keepers in his +greed for wealth. He proved him to be a consummate liar, a man who would +stop at nothing to gain his own ends. What jury would take the word of +such a man as this? Yet this was the man who still insisted that Howard +Jeffries was guilty of the shooting of Robert Underwood!</p> + +<p>But public opinion was too intelligent to be hoodwinked for any length +of time by a brutal and ignorant policeman. There was a clamor for the +prisoner's release. The evidence was such that further delay was +inexcusable. The district attorney, thus urged, took an active interest +in the case, and after going over the new evidence with Judge Brewster, +went before the court and made formal application for the dismissal of +the complaint. A few days later Howard Jeffries left the Tombs amid the +cheers of a crowd assembled outside. At his side walked his wife, now +smiling through tears of joy.</p> + +<p>It was a glad home-coming to the little flat in Harlem. To Howard, after +spending so long a time in the narrow prison quarters, it seemed like +paradise, and Annie walked on air, so delighted was she to have him with +her again. Yet there were still anxieties to cloud their happiness. The +close confinement, with its attendant worry, had seriously undermined +Howard's health. He was pale and attenuated, and so weak that he had +several fainting spells. Much alarmed, Annie summoned Dr. Bernstein, +who administered a tonic. There was nothing to cause anxiety, he said +reassuringly. It was a natural reaction after what her husband had +undergone. But it was worry as much as anything else. Howard worried +about his father, with whom he was only partially reconciled; he worried +about his future, which was as precarious as ever, and most of all he +worried about his wife. He was not ignorant of the circumstances which +had brought about his release, and while liberty was sweet to him, it +had been a terrible shock when he first heard that she was the woman who +had visited Underwood's rooms. He refused to believe her sworn evidence. +How was it possible? Why should she go to Underwood's rooms knowing he +was there? It was preposterous. Still the small voice rang in his +ears—perhaps she's untrue! It haunted him till one day he asked +point-blank for an explanation. Then she told that she had perjured +herself. She was not the woman. Who she really was she could not say. He +must be satisfied for the present with the assurance that it was not his +wife. With that he was content. What did he care for the opinion of +others? He knew—that was enough! In their conversation on the subject +Annie did not even mention Alicia's name. Why should she?</p> + +<p>Weeks passed, and Howard's health did not improve. He had tried to find +a position, but without success, yet every day brought its obligations +which had to be met. One morning Annie was bustling about their tiny +dining room preparing the table for their frugal luncheon. She had just +placed the rolls and butter on the table, and arranged the chairs, when +there came a ring at the front doorbell. Early visitors were not so +unfrequent as to cause surprise, so, without waiting to remove her +apron, she went to the door and opened it. Dr. Bernstein entered.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Mrs. Jeffries," he said cheerily. Putting down his +medical bag, he asked: "How is our patient this morning?"</p> + +<p>"All right, doctor. He had a splendid night's rest. I'll call him."</p> + +<p>"Never mind, I want to talk to you." Seriously, he went on: "Mrs. +Jeffries, your husband needs a change of scene. He's worrying. That +fainting spell the other day was only a symptom. I'm afraid he'll break +down unless——"</p> + +<p>"Unless what?" she demanded anxiously.</p> + +<p>He hesitated for a moment, as if unwilling to give utterance to words he +knew must inflict pain. Then quickly he continued:</p> + +<p>"Your husband is under a great mental strain. His inability to support +you, his banishment from his proper sphere in the social world is mental +torture to him. He feels his position keenly. There is nothing else to +occupy his mind but thoughts of his utter and complete failure in life. +I was talking to his father last night, and——"</p> + +<p>"And what?" she demanded, drawing herself up. She suspected what was +coming, and nerved herself to meet it.</p> + +<p>"Now, don't regard me as an enemy," said the doctor in a conciliatory +tone. "Mr. Jeffries inquired after his son. Believe me, he's very +anxious. He knows he did the boy a great injustice, and he wants to make +up for it."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he does?" she exclaimed sarcastically.</p> + +<p>Dr. Bernstein hesitated for a moment before replying. Then he said +lightly:</p> + +<p>"Suppose Howard goes abroad for a few months with his father and +mother?"</p> + +<p>"Is that the proposition?" she demanded.</p> + +<p>The doctor nodded.</p> + +<p>"I believe Mr. Jeffries has already spoken about it to his son," he +said.</p> + +<p>Annie choked back a sob and, crossing the room to conceal her emotion, +stood with her back turned, looking out of the window. Her voice was +trembling as she said:</p> + +<p>"He wants to separate us, I know. He'd give half his fortune to do it. +Perhaps he's not altogether wrong. Things do look pretty black for me, +don't they? Everybody believes that my going to see Underwood that night +had something to do with his suicide and led to my husband being falsely +accused. The police built up a fine romance about Mr. Underwood and +me—and the newspapers! Every other day a reporter comes and asks us +when the divorce is going to take place—and who is going to institute +the proceedings, Howard or me. If everybody would only mind their own +business and let us alone he might forget. Oh, I don't mean you, doctor. +You're my friend. You made short work of Captain Clinton and his +'confession.' I mean people—outsiders—strangers—who don't know us, +and don't care whether we're alive or dead; those are the people I +mean. They buy a one-cent paper and they think it gives them the right +to pry into every detail of our lives." She paused for a moment, and +then went, on: "So you think Howard is worrying? I think so, too. At +first I thought it was because of the letter Mr. Underwood wrote me, but +I guess it's what you say. His old friends won't have anything to do +with him and—he's lonely. Well, I'll talk it over with him——"</p> + +<p>"Yes—talk it over with him."</p> + +<p>"Did you promise his father you'd ask me?" she demanded.</p> + +<p>"No—not exactly," he replied hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>Annie looked at him frankly.</p> + +<p>"Howard's a pretty good fellow to stand by me in the face of all that's +being said about my character, isn't he, doctor? And I'm not going to +stand in his light, even if it doesn't exactly make me the happiest +woman in the world, but don't let it trickle into your mind that I'm +doing it for his father's sake."</p> + +<p>At that moment Howard entered from the inner room. He was surprised to +see Dr. Bernstein.</p> + +<p>"How do you feel to-day?" asked the doctor.</p> + +<p>"First rate! Oh, I'm all right. You see, I'm just going to eat a bite. +Won't you join us?"</p> + +<p>He sat down at the table and picked up the newspaper, while Annie busied +herself with carrying in the dishes.</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," laughed the doctor. "It's too early for me. I've only +just had breakfast. I dropped in to see how you were." Taking up his +bag, he said: "Good-by! Don't get up. I can let myself out."</p> + +<p>But Annie had already opened the door for him, and smiled a farewell. +When she returned to her seat at the head of the table, and began to +pour out the coffee, Howard said:</p> + +<p>"He's a pretty decent fellow, isn't he?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," she replied absent-mindedly, as she passed a cup of coffee.</p> + +<p>"He made a monkey of Captain Clinton all right," went on Howard. "What +did he come for?"</p> + +<p>"To see you—of course," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm all right now," he replied. Looking anxiously at his wife +across the table, he said: "You're the one that needs tuning up. I heard +you crying last night. You thought I was asleep, but I wasn't. I didn't +say anything because—well—I felt kind of blue myself."</p> + +<p>Annie sighed and leaned her head on her hand. Wearily she said:</p> + +<p>"I was thinking over all what we've been through together, and what +they're saying about us——"</p> + +<p>Howard threw down his newspaper impatiently.</p> + +<p>"Let them say what they like. Why should we care as long as we're +happy?"</p> + +<p>His wife smiled sadly.</p> + +<p>"Are we happy?" she asked gently.</p> + +<p>"Of course we are," replied Howard.</p> + +<p>She looked up and smiled. It was good to hear him say so, but did he +mean it? Was she doing right to stand in the way of his career? Would he +not be happier if she left him? He was too loyal to suggest it, but +perhaps in his heart he desired it. Looking at him tenderly, she went +on:</p> + +<p>"I don't question your affection for me, Howard. I believe you love me, +but I'm afraid that, sooner or later, you'll ask yourself the question +all your friends are asking now, the question everybody seems to be +asking."</p> + +<p>"What question?" demanded Howard.</p> + +<p>"Yesterday the bell rang and a gentleman said he wanted to see you. I +told him you were out, and he said I'd do just as well. He handed me a +card. On it was the name of the newspaper he represented."</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>"He asked me if it were true that proceedings for a divorce were about +to be instituted. If so, when? And could I give him any information on +the subject? I asked him who wanted the information, and he said the +readers of his paper—the people—I believe he said over a million of +them. Just think, Howard! Over a million people, not counting your +father, your friends and relations, all waiting to know why you don't +get rid of me, why you don't believe me to be as bad as they think I +am——"</p> + +<p>Howard raised his hand for her to desist.</p> + +<p>"Annie—please!" he pleaded.</p> + +<p>"That's the fact, isn't it?" she laughed.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>His wife's head dropped on the table. She was crying now.</p> + +<p>"I've made a hard fight, Howard," she sobbed, "but I'm going to give up. +I'm through—I'm through!"</p> + +<p>Howard took hold of her hand and carried it to his lips.</p> + +<p>"Annie, old girl," he said with some feeling, "I may be weak, I may be +blind, but nobody on top of God's green earth can tell me that you're +not the squarest, straightest little woman that ever lived! I don't care +a damn what one million or eighty million think. Supposing you had +received letters from Underwood, supposing you had gone to his rooms to +beg him not to kill himself—what of it? It would be for a good motive, +wouldn't it? Let them talk all the bad of you they want. I don't believe +a word of it—you know I don't."</p> + +<p>She looked up and smiled through her tears.</p> + +<p>"You're so good, dear," she exclaimed. "Yes, I know you believe in me." +She stopped and continued sadly: "But you're only a boy, you know. What +of the future, the years to come?" Howard's face became serious, and she +went on: "You see you've thought about it, too, and you're trying to +hide it from me. But you can't. Your father wants you to go abroad with +the family."</p> + +<p>"Well?"</p> + +<p>He waited and looked at her curiously as if wondering what her answer +would be. He waited some time, and then slowly she said:</p> + +<p>"I think—you had better go!"</p> + +<p>"You don't mean that!" he exclaimed, in genuine surprise.</p> + +<p>She shook her head affirmatively.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do," she said; "your father wants you to take your position in +the world, the position you are entitled to, the position your +association with me prevents you from taking——"</p> + +<p>Howard drummed his fingers on the tablecloth and looked out of the +window. It seemed to her that his voice no longer had the same candid +ring as he replied:</p> + +<p>"Yes, father has spoken to me about it. He wants to be friends, and +I——" He paused awkwardly, and then added: "I admit I've—I've promised +to consider it, but——"</p> + +<p>Annie finished his sentence for him:</p> + +<p>"You're going to accept his offer, Howard. You owe it to yourself, to +your family, and to——" She laughed as she added: "I was going to say +to a million anxious readers."</p> + +<p>Howard looked at her curiously. He did not know if she were jesting or +in earnest. Almost impatiently he exclaimed:</p> + +<p>"Why do you talk in this way against your own interests? You know I'd +like to be friendly with my family, and all that. But it wouldn't be +fair to you."</p> + +<p>"I'm not talking against myself, Howard. I want you to be happy, and +you're not happy. You can't be happy under these conditions. Now be +honest with me—can you?"</p> + +<p>"Can you?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"No," she answered frankly, "not unless you are." Slowly, she went on: +"Whatever happiness I've had in life I owe to you, and God knows you've +had nothing but trouble from me. I did wrong to marry you, and I'm +willing to pay the penalty. I've evened matters up with your family; now +let me try and square up with you."</p> + +<p>"Evened up matters with my family?" he exclaimed in surprise. "What do +you mean?"</p> + +<p>With a smile she replied ambiguously:</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's a little private matter of my own!" He stared at her, unable +to comprehend, and she went on gravely: "Howard, you must do what's best +for yourself. I'll pack your things. You can go when you please——"</p> + +<p>He stared gloomily out of the window without replying. After all, he +thought to himself, it was perhaps for the best. Shackled as he was now, +he would never be able to accomplish anything. If they separated, his +father would take him at once into his business. Life would begin for +him all over again. It would be better for her, too. Of course, he would +never forget her. He would provide for her comfort. His father would +help him arrange for that. Lighting a cigarette, he said carelessly:</p> + +<p>"Well—perhaps you're right. Maybe a little trip through Europe won't do +me any harm."</p> + +<p>"Of course not," she said simply.</p> + +<p>Busy with an obstinate match, he did not hear the sigh that accompanied +her words or see the look of agony that crossed her face.</p> + +<p>"But what are you going to do?" he inquired after a silence.</p> + +<p>With an effort, she controlled her voice. Not for all the world would +she betray the fact that her heart was breaking. With affected +indifference, she replied:</p> + +<p>"Oh, I shall be all right. I shall go and live somewhere in the country +for a few months. I'm tired of the city."</p> + +<p>"So am I," he rejoined, with a gesture of disgust. "But I hate like the +deuce to leave you alone."</p> + +<p>"That's nothing," she said hastily. "A trip abroad is just what you +need." Looking up at him, she added: "Your face has brightened up +already!"</p> + +<p>He stared at her, unable to understand.</p> + +<p>"I wish you could go with me."</p> + +<p>She smiled.</p> + +<p>"Your father's society doesn't make quite such an appeal to me as it +does to you." Carelessly, she added: "Where are you going—Paris or +London?"</p> + +<p>He sent a thick cloud of smoke curling to the ceiling. A European trip +was something he had long looked forward to.</p> + +<p>"London—Vienna—Paris," he replied gayly. With a laugh, he went on: +"No, I think I'll cut out Paris. I'm a married man. I mustn't forget +that!"</p> + +<p>Annie looked up at him quickly.</p> + +<p>"You've forgotten it already," she said quietly. There was reproach in +her voice as she continued: "Ah, Howard, you're such a boy! A little +pleasure trip and the past is forgotten!"</p> + +<p>A look of perplexity came over his face. Being only a man, he did not +grasp quickly the finer shades of her meaning. With some irritation, he +demanded:</p> + +<p>"Didn't you say you wanted me to go and forget?"</p> + +<p>She nodded.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I do, Howard. You've made me happy. I want you to be happy."</p> + +<p>He looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"You say you love me?" he said, "and yet you're happy because I'm going +away. I don't follow that line of reasoning."</p> + +<p>"It isn't reason," she said with a smile, "it's what I feel. I guess a +man wants to have what he loves and a woman is satisfied to love just +what she wants. Anyway, I'm glad. I'm glad you're going. Go and tell +your father."</p> + +<p>Taking his hat, he said:</p> + +<p>"I'll telephone him."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's right," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Where's my cane?" he asked, looking round the room.</p> + +<p>She found it for him, and as he opened the door, she said:</p> + +<p>"Don't be long, will you?"</p> + +<p>He laughed.</p> + +<p>"I'll come right back. By George!" he exclaimed, "I feel quite excited +at the prospect of this trip!" Regarding her fondly, he went on: "It's +awfully good of you, old girl, to let me go. I don't think there are +many women like you."</p> + +<p>Annie averted her head.</p> + +<p>"Now, don't spoil me," she said, lifting the tray as if about to go into +the kitchen.</p> + +<p>"Wait till I kiss you good-by," he said effusively.</p> + +<p>Taking the tray from her, he placed it on the table, and folding her in +his arms, he pressed his lips to hers.</p> + +<p>"Good-by," he murmured; "I won't be long."</p> + +<p>As soon as he disappeared she gave way completely, and sinking into a +chair, leaned her head on the table and sobbed as if her heart would +break. This, then, was the end! He would go away and soon forget her. +She would never see him again! But what was the use of crying? It was +the way of the world. She couldn't blame him. He loved her—she was sure +of that. But the call of his family and friends was too strong to +resist. Alternately laughing and crying hysterically, she picked up the +tray, and carrying it into the kitchen began washing the dishes. +Suddenly there was a ring at the bell. Hastily putting on a clean apron, +she opened the door. Judge Brewster stood smiling on the threshold. +Annie uttered a cry of pleasure. Greeting the old lawyer affectionately, +she invited him in. As he entered, he looked questioningly at her red +eyes, but made no remark.</p> + +<p>"I'm delighted to see you, judge," she stammered.</p> + +<p>As he took a seat in the little parlor, he said:</p> + +<p>"Your husband passed me on the stairs and didn't know me."</p> + +<p>"The passage is so dark!" she explained apologetically.</p> + +<p>He looked at her for a moment without speaking, and for a moment there +was an awkward pause. Then he said:</p> + +<p>"When does Howard leave you?"</p> + +<p>Annie started in surprise.</p> + +<p>"How do you know that?" she exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"We lawyers know everything," he smiled. Gravely he went on: "His +father's attorneys have asked me for all the evidence I have. They want +to use it against you. The idea is that he shall go abroad with his +father, and that proceedings will be begun during his absence."</p> + +<p>"Howard knows nothing about it," said Annie confidently.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?" demanded the lawyer skeptically.</p> + +<p>"Quite sure," she answered positively.</p> + +<p>"But he is going away?" persisted the judge.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I want him to go—I am sending him away," she replied.</p> + +<p>The lawyer was silent. He sat and looked at her as if trying to read her +thoughts. Then quietly he said:</p> + +<p>"Do you know they intend to make Robert Underwood the ground for the +application for divorce, and to use your own perjured testimony as a +weapon against you? You see what a lie leads to. There's no end to it, +and you are compelled to go on lying to support the original lie, and +that's precisely what I won't permit."</p> + +<p>Annie nodded acquiescence.</p> + +<p>"I knew you were going to scold me," she smiled.</p> + +<p>"Scold you?" he said kindly. "No—it's myself I'm scolding. You did what +you thought was right, and I allowed you to do what I knew was wrong."</p> + +<p>"You made two miserable women happy," she said quietly.</p> + +<p>The lawyer tried to suppress a smile.</p> + +<p>"I try to excuse myself on that ground," he said, "but it won't work. I +violated my oath as a lawyer, my integrity as a man, my honor, my +self-respect, all upset, all gone. I've been a very unpleasant companion +for myself lately." Rising impatiently, he strode up and down the room. +Then turning on her, he said angrily: "But I'll have no more lies. +That's what brings me here this morning. The first move they make +against you and I'll tell the whole truth!"</p> + +<p>Annie gazed pensively out of the window without making reply.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear?" he said, raising his voice. "I shall let the world know +that you sacrificed yourself for that woman."</p> + +<p>She turned and shook her head.</p> + +<p>"No, judge," she said, "I do not wish it. If they do succeed in +influencing Howard to bring a suit against me I shall not defend it."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster was not a patient man, and if there was anything that +angered him it was rank injustice. He had no patience with this young +woman who allowed herself to be trampled on in this outrageous way. Yet +he could not be angry with her. She had qualities which compelled his +admiration and respect, and not the least of these was her willingness +to shield others at her own expense.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not," he retorted, "but I will. It's unjust, it's unrighteous, +it's impossible!"</p> + +<p>"But you don't understand," she said gently; "I am to blame."</p> + +<p>"You're too ready to blame yourself," he said testily.</p> + +<p>Annie went up to him and laid her hand affectionately on his shoulder. +With tears in her eyes, she said:</p> + +<p>"Let me tell you something, judge. His father was right when he said I +took advantage of him. I did. I saw that he was sentimental and +self-willed, and all that. I started out to attract him. I was tired of +the life I was living, the hard work, the loneliness, and all the rest +of it, and I made up my mind to catch him if I could. I didn't think it +was wrong then, but I do now. Besides," she went on, "I'm older than he +is—five years older. He thinks I'm three years younger, and that he's +protecting me from the world. I took advantage of his ignorance of +life."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster shrugged his shoulders impatiently.</p> + +<p>"If boys of twenty-five are not men they never will be." Looking down at +her kindly, he went on: "'Pon my word! if I was twenty-five, I'd let +this divorce go through and marry you myself."</p> + +<p>"Oh, judge!"</p> + +<p>That's all she could say, but there was gratitude in the girl's eyes. +These were the first kind words any one had yet spoken to her. It was +nice to know that some one saw some good in her. She was trying to think +of something to say, when suddenly there was the click of a key being +inserted in a Yale lock. The front door opened, and Howard appeared.</p> + +<p>"Well, judge!" he exclaimed, "this is a surprise!"</p> + +<p>The lawyer looked at him gravely.</p> + +<p>"How do you do, young man?" he said. Quizzingly he added: "You look very +pleased with yourself!"</p> + +<p>"This is the first opportunity I've had to thank you for your kindness," +said Howard cordially.</p> + +<p>"You can thank your wife, my boy, not me!" Changing the topic, he said: +"So you're going abroad, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, did Annie tell you? It's only for a few months."</p> + +<p>The lawyer frowned. Tapping the floor impatiently with his cane, he +said:</p> + +<p>"Why are you going away?"</p> + +<p>Taken aback at the question, Howard stammered:</p> + +<p>"Because—because——"</p> + +<p>"Because I want him to go," interrupted Annie quickly.</p> + +<p>The lawyer shook his head, and looking steadily at Howard, he said +sternly:</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, Howard, my boy. You're going to escape from the +scandalmongers and the gossiping busy-bodies. Forgive me for speaking +plainly, but you're going away because your wife's conduct is a topic of +conversation among your friends——"</p> + +<p>Howard interrupted him.</p> + +<p>"You're mistaken, judge; I don't care a hang what people say——"</p> + +<p>"Then why do you leave her here to fight the battle alone?" demanded the +judge angrily.</p> + +<p>Annie advanced, and raised her hand deprecatingly. Howard looked at her +as if now for the first time he realized the truth.</p> + +<p>"To fight the battle alone?" he echoed.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said the judge, "you are giving the world a weapon with which to +strike at your wife!"</p> + +<p>Howard was silent. The lawyer's words had struck home. Slowly he said:</p> + +<p>"I never thought of that. You're right! I wanted to get away from it +all. Father offered me the chance and Annie told me to go——"</p> + +<p>Annie turned to the judge.</p> + +<p>"Please, judge," she said, "don't say any more." Addressing her husband, +she went on: "He didn't mean what he said, Howard."</p> + +<p>Howard hung his head.</p> + +<p>"He's quite right, Annie," he said shamefacedly. "I never should have +consented to go; I was wrong."</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster advanced and patted him kindly on the back.</p> + +<p>"Good boy!" he said. "Now, Mrs. Jeffries, I'll tell your husband the +truth."</p> + +<p>"No!" she cried.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll tell him without your permission," he retorted. Turning to +the young man, he went on: "Howard, your wife is an angel! She's too +good a woman for this world. She has not hesitated to sacrifice her good +name, her happiness to shield another woman. And that woman—the woman +who called at Underwood's room that night—was Mrs. Jeffries, your +stepmother!"</p> + +<p>Howard started back in amazement.</p> + +<p>"It's true, then, I did recognize her voice!" he cried.</p> + +<p>Turning to his wife, he said: "Oh, Annie, why didn't you tell me? You +saved my stepmother from disgrace, you spared my father! Oh, that was +noble of you!" In a low tone he whispered: "Don't send me away from +you, Annie! Let me stay and prove that I'm worthy of you!"</p> + +<p>To the young wife it all seemed like a dream, almost too good to be +real. The dark, troubled days were ended. A long life, bright with its +promise of happiness, was before them.</p> + +<p>"But what of the future, Howard?" she demanded gently.</p> + +<p>Judge Brewster answered the question.</p> + +<p>"I've thought of that," he said. "Howard, will you come into my office +and study law? You can show your father what you can do with a good wife +to second your efforts."</p> + +<p>Howard grasped his outstretched hand.</p> + +<p>"Thanks, judge, I accept," he replied heartily.</p> + +<p>Turning to his wife, he took her in his arms. Her head fell on his +shoulder. Looking up at him shyly and smiling through her tears, she +murmured softly:</p> + +<p>"I am happy now—at last!"</p> + + +<h3>THE END.</h3> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BOOKS_ON_NATURE_STUDY_BY_CHARLES_G_D_ROBERTS" id="BOOKS_ON_NATURE_STUDY_BY_CHARLES_G_D_ROBERTS"></a>BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY BY CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS</h2> + +<h4>Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid.</h4> + +<h3>THE KINDRED OF THE WILD. A Book of Animal Life.</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations by Charles Livingston Bull.</h4> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Appeals alike to the young and to the merely youthful-hearted. +Close observation. Graphic description. We get a sense of the great +wild and its denizens. Out of the common. Vigorous and full of +character. The book is one to be enjoyed; all the more because it +smacks of the forest instead of the museum. John Burroughs says: +"The volume is in many ways the most brilliant collection of Animal +Stories that has appeared. It reaches a high order of literary +merit."</p></div> + +<h3>THE HEART OF THE ANCIENT WOOD. Illustrated.</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>This book strikes a new note in literature. It is a realistic +romance of the folk of the forest—a romance of the alliance of +peace between a pioneer's daughter in the depths of the ancient +wood and the wild beasts who felt her spell and became her friends. +It is not fanciful, with talking beasts; nor is it merely an +exquisite idyl of the beasts themselves. It is an actual romance, +in which the animal characters play their parts as naturally as do +the human. The atmosphere of the book is enchanting. The reader +feels the undulating, whimpering music of the forest, the power of +the shady silences, the dignity of the beasts who live closest to +the heart of the wood.</p></div> + +<h3>THE WATCHERS OF THE TRAILS. A companion volume to the "Kindred of the +Wild." With 48 full page plates and decorations from drawings by Charles +Livingston Bull.</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>These stories are exquisite in their refinement, and yet robust in +their appreciation of some of the rougher phases of woodcraft. +"This is a book full of delight. An additional charm lies in Mr. +Bull's faithful and graphic illustrations, which in fashion all +their own tell the story of the wild life, illuminating and +supplementing the pen pictures of the authors."—<i>Literary Digest.</i></p></div> + +<h3>RED FOX. The Story of His Adventurous Career in the Ringwaak Wilds, and +His Triumphs over the Enemies of His Kind. With 50 illustrations, +including frontispiece in color and cover design by Charles Livingston +Bull.</h3> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>A brilliant chapter in natural history. Infinitely more wholesome +reading than the average tale of sport, since it gives a glimpse of +the hunt from the point of view of the hunted. "True in substance +but fascinating as fiction. It will interest old and young, +city-bound and free-footed, those who know animals and those who do +not."—<i>Chicago Record-Herald.</i></p></div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="FAMOUS_COPYRIGHT_BOOKS_IN_POPULAR_PRICED_EDITIONS" id="FAMOUS_COPYRIGHT_BOOKS_IN_POPULAR_PRICED_EDITIONS"></a>FAMOUS COPYRIGHT BOOKS IN POPULAR PRICED EDITIONS</h2> + +<h4>Re-issues of the great literary successes of the time, library size, +printed on excellent paper—most of them finely illustrated. Full and +handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents a volume, postpaid.</h4> + +<h3>NEDRA, by George Barr McCutcheon, with color frontispiece, and other +illustrations by Harrison Fisher.</h3> + +<p>The story of an elopement of a young couple from Chicago, who decide to +go to London, travelling as brother and sister. Their difficulties +commence in New York and become greatly exaggerated when they are +shipwrecked in mid-ocean. The hero finds himself stranded on the island +of Nedra with another girl, whom he has rescued by mistake. The story +gives an account of their finding some of the other passengers, and the +circumstances which resulted from the strange mix-up.</p> + +<h3>POWER LOT, by Sarah P. McLean Greene. Illustrated.</h3> + +<p>The story of the reformation of a man and his restoration to +self-respect through the power of honest labor, the exercise of honest +independence, and the aid of clean, healthy, out-of-door life and +surroundings. The characters take hold of the heart and win sympathy. +The dear old story has never been more lovingly and artistically told.</p> + +<h3>MY MAMIE ROSE. The History of My Regeneration, by Owen Kildare. +Illustrated.</h3> + +<p>This <i>autobiography</i> is a powerful book of love and sociology. Reads +like the strangest fiction. Is the strongest truth and deals with the +story of a man's redemption through a woman's love and devotion.</p> + +<h3>JOHN BURT, by Frederick Upham Adams, with illustrations.</h3> + +<p>John Burt, a New England lad, goes West to seek his fortune and finds it +in gold mining. He becomes one of the financial factors and pitilessly +crushes his enemies. The story of the Stock Exchange manipulations was +never more vividly and engrossingly told. A love story runs through the +book, and is handled with infinite skill.</p> + +<h3>THE HEART LINE, by Gelett Burgess, with halftone illustrations by Lester +Ralph, and inlay cover in colors.</h3> + +<p>A great dramatic story of the city that was. A story of Bohemian life in +San Francisco, before the disaster, presented with mirror-like accuracy. +Compressed into it are all the sparkle, all the gayety, all the wild, +whirling life of the glad, mad, bad, and most delightful city of the +Golden Gate.</p> + +<h3>CAROLINA LEE. By Lillian Bell. With frontispiece by Dora Wheeler Keith.</h3> + +<p>Carolina Lee is the Uncle Tom's Cabin of Christian Science. Its keynote +is "Divine Love" in the understanding of the knowledge of all good +things which may be obtainable. When the tale is told, the sick healed, +wrong changed to right, poverty of purse and spirit turned into riches, +lovers made worthy of each other and happily united, including Carolina +Lee and her affinity, it is borne upon the reader that he has been +giving rapid attention to a free lecture on Christian Science; that the +working out of each character is an argument for "Faith;" and that the +theory is persuasively attractive.</p> + +<p>A Christian Science novel that will bring delight to the heart of every +believer in that faith. It is a well told story, entertaining, and +cleverly mingles art, humor and sentiment.</p> + +<h3>HILMA, by William Tillinghast Eldridge, with illustrations by Harrison +Fisher and Martin Justice, and inlay cover.</h3> + +<p>It is a rattling good tale, written with charm, and full of remarkable +happenings, dangerous doings, strange events, jealous intrigues and +sweet love making. The reader's interest is not permitted to lag, but is +taken up and carried on from incident to incident with ingenuity and +contagious enthusiasm. The story gives us the <i>Graustark</i> and <i>The +Prisoner of Zenda</i> thrill, but the tale is treated with freshness, +ingenuity, and enthusiasm, and the climax is both unique and satisfying. +It will hold the fiction lover close to every page.</p> + +<h3>THE MYSTERY OF THE FOUR FINGERS, by Fred M. White, with halftone +illustrations by Will Grefe.</h3> + +<p>A fabulously rich gold mine in Mexico is known by the picturesque and +mysterious name of <i>The Four Fingers</i>. It originally belonged to an +Aztec tribe, and its location is known to one surviving descendant—a +man possessing wonderful occult power. Should any person unlawfully +discover its whereabouts, four of his fingers are mysteriously removed, +and one by one returned to him. The appearance of the final fourth +betokens his swift and violent death.</p> + +<p>Surprises, strange and startling, are concealed in every chapter of this +completely engrossing detective story. The horrible fascination of the +tragedy holds one in rapt attention to the end. And through it runs the +thread of a curious love story.</p> + +<h3>THE CATTLE BARON'S DAUGHTER. A Novel. By Harold Bindloss. With +illustrations by David Ericson.</h3> + +<p>A story of the fight for the cattle-ranges of the West. Intense interest +is aroused by its pictures of life in the cattle country at that +critical moment of transition when the great tracts of land used for +grazing were taken up by the incoming homesteaders, with the inevitable +result of fierce contest, of passionate emotion on both sides, and of +final triumph of the inevitable tendency of the times.</p> + +<h3>WINSTON OF THE PRAIRIE. With illustrations in color by W. Herbert +Dunton.</h3> + +<p>A man of upright character, young and clean, but badly worsted in the +battle of life, consents as a desperate resort to impersonate for a +period a man of his own age—scoundrelly in character but of an +aristocratic and moneyed family. The better man finds himself barred +from resuming his old name. How, coming into the other man's +possessions, he wins the respect of all men, and the love of a +fastidious, delicately nurtured girl, is the thread upon which the story +hangs. It is one of the best novels of the West that has appeared for +years.</p> + +<h3>THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR. By A. Maynard Barbour. With illustrations by E. +Plaisted Abbott.</h3> + +<p>A novel with a most intricate and carefully unraveled plot. A naturally +probable and excellently developed story and the reader will follow the +fortunes of each character with unabating interest * * * the interest is +keen at the close of the first chapter and increases to the end.</p> + +<h3>AT THE TIME APPOINTED. With a frontispiece in colors by J. H. Marchand.</h3> + +<p>The fortunes of a young mining engineer who through an accident loses +his memory and identity. In his new character and under his new name, +the hero lives a new life of struggle and adventure. The volume will be +found highly entertaining by those who appreciate a thoroughly good +story.</p> + +<h3>THE CIRCULAR STAIRCASE, By Mary Roberts Reinhart With illustrations by +Lester Ralph.</h3> + +<p>In an extended notice the <i>New York Sun</i> says: "To readers who care for +a really good detective story 'The Circular Staircase' can be +recommended without reservation." The <i>Philadelphia Record</i> declares that +"The Circular Staircase" deserves the laurels for thrills, for weirdness +and things unexplained and inexplicable.</p> + +<h3>THE RED YEAR, By Louis Tracy</h3> + +<p>"Mr. Tracy gives by far the most realistic and impressive pictures of +the horrors and heroisms of the Indian Mutiny that has been available in +any book of the kind * * * There has not been in modern times in the +history of any land scenes so fearful, so picturesque, so dramatic, and +Mr. Tracy draws them as with the pencil of a Verestschagin of the pen of +a Sienkiewics."</p> + +<h3>ARMS AND THE WOMAN, By Harold MacGrath With inlay cover in colors by +Harrison Fisher.</h3> + +<p>The story is a blending of the romance and adventure of the middle ages +with nineteenth century men and women; and they are creations of flesh +and blood, and not mere pictures of past centuries. The story is about +Jack Winthrop, a newspaper man. Mr. MacGrath's finest bit of character +drawing is seen in Hillars, the broken down newspaper man, and Jack's +chum.</p> + +<h3>LOVE IS THE SUM OF IT ALL, By Geo. Cary Eggleston With illustrations by +Hermann Heyer.</h3> + +<p>In this "plantation romance" Mr. Eggleston has resumed the manner and +method that made his "Dorothy South" one of the most famous books of its +time.</p> + +<p>There are three tender love stories embodied in it, and two unusually +interesting heroines, utterly unlike each other, but each possessed of a +peculiar fascination which wins and holds the reader's sympathy. A +pleasing vein of gentle humor runs through the work, but the "sum of it +all" is an intensely sympathetic love story.</p> + +<h3>HEARTS AND THE CROSS, By Harold Morton Cramer With illustrations by +Harold Matthews Brett.</h3> + +<p>The hero is an unconventional preacher who follows the line of the Man +of Galilee, associating with the lowly, and working for them in the ways +that may best serve them. He is not recognized at his real value except +by the one woman who saw clearly. Their love story is one of the +refreshing things in recent fiction.</p> + +<h3>SIX-CYLINDER COURTSHIP, By Edw. Salisbury Field</h3> + +<h4>With a color frontispiece by Harrison Fisher, and illustrations by +Clarence F. Underwood, decorated pages and end sheets. Harrison Fisher +head in colors on cover. Boxed.</h4> + +<p>A story of cleverness. It is a jolly good romance of love at first sight +that will be read with undoubted pleasure. Automobiling figures in the +story which is told with light, bright touches, while a happy gift of +humor permeates it all.</p> + +<p>"The book is full of interesting folks. The patois of the garage is used +with full comic and realistic effect, and effervescently, culminating in +the usual happy finish."—<i>St. Louis Mirror.</i></p> + +<h3>AT THE FOOT OF THE RAINBOW, By Gene Stratton-Porter Author of "FRECKLES"</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations in color by Oliver Kemp, decorations by Ralph +Fletcher Seymour and inlay cover in colors.</h4> + +<p>The story is one of devoted friendship, and tender self-sacrificing +love; the friendship that gives freely without return, and the love that +seeks first the happiness of the object. The novel is brimful of the +most beautiful word painting of nature and its pathos and tender +sentiment will endear it to all.</p> + +<h3>JUDITH OF THE CUMBERLANDS, By Alice MacGowan</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations in colors, and inlay cover by George Wright.</h4> + +<p>No one can fail to enjoy this moving tale with its lovely and ardent +heroine, its frank, fearless hero, its glowing love passages, and its +variety of characters, captivating or engaging humorous or saturnine, +villains, rascals, and men of good will. A tale strong and interesting +in plot, faithful and vivid as a picture of wild mountain life, and in +its characterization full of warmth and glow.</p> + +<h3>A MILLION A MINUTE, By Hudson Douglas.</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations by Will Grefe.</h4> + +<p>Has the catchiest of titles, and it is a ripping good tale from Chapter +I to Finis—no weighty problems to be solved, but just a fine running +story, full of exciting incidents, that never seemed strained or +improbable. It is a dainty love yarn involving three men and a girl. +There is not a dull or trite situation in the book.</p> + +<h3>CONJUROR'S HOUSE, By Stewart Edward White Dramatized under the title of +"THE CALL OF THE NORTH."</h3> + +<h4>Illustrated from Photographs of Scenes from the Play.</h4> + +<p><i>Conjuror's House</i> is a Hudson Bay trading port where the Fur Trading +Company tolerated no rivalry. Trespassers were sentenced to "La Longue +Traverse"—which meant official death. How Ned Trent entered the +territory, took <i>la longue traverse</i>, and the journey down the river of +life with the factor's only daughter is admirably told. It is a warm, +vivid, and dramatic story, and depicts the tenderness and mystery of a +woman's heart.</p> + +<h3>ARIZONA NIGHTS, By Stewart Edward White.</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations by N. C. Wyeth, and beautiful inlay cover.</h4> + +<p>A series of spirited tales emphasizing some phase of the life of the +ranch, plains and desert, and all, taken together, forming a single +sharply-cut picture of life in the far Southwest. All the tonic of the +West is in this masterpiece of Stewart Edward White.</p> + +<h3>THE MYSTERY, By Stewart Edward White and Samuel Hopkins Adams</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations by Will Crawford.</h4> + +<p>For breathless interest, concentrated excitement and extraordinarily +good story telling on all counts, no more completely satisfying romance +has appeared for years. It has been voted the best story of its kind +since <i>Treasure Island</i>.</p> + +<h3>LIGHT-FINGERED GENTRY. By David Graham Phillips</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations.</h4> + +<p>Mr. Phillips has chosen the inside workings of the great insurance +companies as his field of battle; the salons of the great Fifth Avenue +mansions as the antechambers of his field of intrigue: and the two +things which every natural, big man desires, love and success, as the +goal of his leading character. The book is full of practical philosophy, +which makes it worth careful reading.</p> + +<h3>THE SECOND GENERATION, By David Graham Phillips</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations by Fletcher C. Ramson, and inlay cover.</h4> + +<p>"It is a story that proves how, in some cases, the greatest harm a rich +man may do his children, is to leave them his money. A strong, wholsome +story of contemporary American life—thoughtful, well-conceived and +admirably written; forceful, sincere, and true; and intensely +interesting."—<i>Boston Herald.</i></p> + +<h3>NEW CHRONICLES OF REBECCA, By Kate Douglas Wiggin With illustrations by +F. C. Yohn</h3> + +<p>Additional episodes in the girlhood of the delightful little heroine at +Riverboro which were not included in the story of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook +Farm," and they are as characteristic and delightful as any part of that +famous story. Rebecca is as distinct a creation in the second volume as +in the first.</p> + +<h3>THE SILVER BUTTERFLY, By Mrs. Wilson Woodrow</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations in colors by Howard Chandler Christy.</h4> + +<p>A story of love and mystery, full of color, charm, and vivacity, dealing +with a South American mine, rich beyond dreams, and of a New York +maiden, beyond dreams beautiful—both known as the Silver Butterfly. +Well named is <i>The Silver Butterfly</i>! There could not be a better symbol +of the darting swiftness, the eager love plot, the elusive mystery and +the flashing wit.</p> + +<h3>BEATRIX OF CLARE, By John Reed Scott</h3> + +<h4>With illustrations by Clarence F. Underwood.</h4> + +<p>A spirited and irresistibly attractive historical romance of the +fifteenth century, boldly conceived and skilfully carried out. In the +hero and heroine Mr. Scott has created a pair whose mingled emotions and +alternating hopes and fears will find a welcome in many lovers of the +present hour. Beatrix is a fascinating daughter of Eve.</p> + +<h3>A LITTLE BROTHER OF THE RICH, By Joseph Medill Patterson</h3> + +<h4>Frontispiece by Hazel Martyn Trudeau, and illustrations by Walter Dean +Goldbeck.</h4> + +<p>Tells the story of the idle rich, and is a vivid and truthful picture of +society and stage life written by one who is himself a conspicuous +member of the Western millionaire class. Full of grim satire, caustic +wit and flashing epigrams. "Is sensational to a degree in its theme, +daring in its treatment, lashing society as it was never scourged +before."—<i>New York Sun.</i></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h2>MEREDITH NICHOLSON'S FASCINATING ROMANCES</h2> + +<h4>Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid.</h4> + +<h3>THE HOUSE OF A THOUSAND CANDLES. With a frontispiece in colors by Howard +Chandler Christy.</h3> + +<p>A novel of romance and adventure, of love and valor, of mystery and +hidden treasure. The hero is required to spend a whole year in the +isolated house, which according to his grandfather's will shall then +become his. If the terms of the will be violated the house goes to a +young woman whom the will, furthermore, forbids him to marry. Nobody can +guess the secret, and the whole plot moves along with an exciting zip.</p> + +<h3>THE PORT OF MISSING MEN. With illustrations by Clarence F. Underwood.</h3> + +<p>There is romance of love, mystery, plot, and fighting, and a breathless +dash and go about the telling which makes one quite forget about the +improbabilities of the story; and it all ends in the old-fashioned +healthy American way. Shirley is a sweet, courageous heroine whose +shining eyes lure from page to page.</p> + +<h3>ROSALIND AT REDGATE. Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller.</h3> + +<p>The author of "The House of a Thousand Candles" has here given us a +bouyant romance brimming with lively humor and optimism; with mystery +that breeds adventure and ends in love and happiness. A most +entertaining and delightful book.</p> + +<h3>THE MAIN CHANCE. With illustrations by Harrison Fisher.</h3> + +<p>A "traction deal" in a Western city is the pivot about which the action +of this clever story revolves. But it is in the character-drawing of the +principals that the author's strength lies. Exciting incidents develop +their inherent strength and weakness, and if virtue wins in the end, it +is quite in keeping with its carefully-planned antecedents. The N. Y. +<i>Sun</i> says: "We commend it for its workmanship—for its smoothness, its +sensible fancies, and for its general charm."</p> + +<h3>ZELDA DAMERON. With portraits of the characters by John Cecil Clay.</h3> + +<p>"A picture of the new West, at once startlingly and attractively true. * +* * The heroine is a strange, sweet mixture of pride, wilfulness and +lovable courage. The characters are superbly drawn; the atmosphere is +convincing. There is about it a sweetness, a wholesomeness and a +sturdiness that commends it to earnest, kindly and wholesome +people."—<i>Boston Transcript.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="BRILLIANT_AND_SPIRITED_NOVELS_AGNES_AND_EGERTON_CASTLE" id="BRILLIANT_AND_SPIRITED_NOVELS_AGNES_AND_EGERTON_CASTLE"></a>BRILLIANT AND SPIRITED NOVELS AGNES AND EGERTON CASTLE</h2> + +<h4>Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid.</h4> + +<h3>THE PRIDE OF JENNICO. Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico.</h3> + +<p>"What separates it from most books of its class is its distinction of +manner, its unusual grace of diction, its delicacy of touch, and the +fervent charm of its love passages. It is a very attractive piece of +romantic fiction relying for its effect upon character rather than +incident, and upon vivid dramatic presentation."—<i>The Dial.</i> "A +stirring, brilliant and dashing story."—<i>The Outlook.</i></p> + +<h3>THE SECRET ORCHARD. Illustrated by Charles D. Williams.</h3> + +<p>The "Secret Orchard" is set in the midst of the ultra modern society. +The scene is in Paris, but most of the characters are English speaking. +The story was dramatized in London, and in it the Kendalls scored a +great theatrical success.</p> + +<p>"Artfully contrived and full of romantic charm * * * it possesses +ingenuity of incident, a figurative designation of the unhallowed scenes +in which unlicensed love accomplishes and wrecks faith and +happiness."—<i>Athenaeum.</i></p> + +<h3>YOUNG APRIL. With illustrations by A. B. Wenzell.</h3> + +<p>"It is everything that a good romance should be, and it carries about it +an air of distinction both rare and delightful."—<i>Chicago Tribune.</i> +"With regret one turns to the last page of this delightful novel, so +delicate in its romance, so brilliant in its episodes, so sparkling in +its art, and so exquisite in its diction."—<i>Worcester Spy.</i></p> + +<h3>FLOWER O' THE ORANGE. With frontispiece.</h3> + +<p>We have learned to expect from these fertile authors novels graceful in +form, brisk in movement, and romantic in conception. This Carries the +reader back to the days of the bewigged and beruffled gallants of the +seventeenth century and tells him of feats of arms and adventures in +love as thrilling and picturesque, yet delicate, as the utmost seeker of +romance may ask.</p> + +<h3>MY MERRY ROCKHURST. Illustrated by Arthur E. Becher.</h3> + +<p>"In the eight stories of a courtier of King Charles Second, which are +here gathered together, the Castles are at their best, reviving all the +fragrant charm of those books, like <i>The Pride of Jennico</i>, in which +they first showed an instinct, amounting to genius, for sunny romances. +The book is absorbing * * * and is as spontaneous in feeling as it is +artistic in execution."—<i>New York Tribune.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="THE_MASTERLY_AND_REALISTIC_NOVELS_OF_FRANK_NORRIS" id="THE_MASTERLY_AND_REALISTIC_NOVELS_OF_FRANK_NORRIS"></a>THE MASTERLY AND REALISTIC NOVELS OF FRANK NORRIS</h2> + +<h4>Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid.</h4> + +<h3>THE OCTOPUS. A Story of California</h3> + +<p>Mr. Norris conceived the ambitious idea of writing a trilogy of novels +which, taken together, shall symbolize American life as a whole, with +all its hopes and aspirations and its tendencies, throughout the length +and breadth of the continent. And for the central symbol he has taken +wheat, as being quite literally the ultimate source of American power +and prosperity. <i>The Octopus</i> is a story of wheat raising and railroad +greed in California. It immediately made a place for itself.</p> + +<p>It is full of enthusiasm and poetry and conscious strength. One cannot +read it without a responsive thrill of sympathy for the earnestness, the +breadth of purpose, the verbal power of the man.</p> + +<h3>THE PIT. A Story of Chicago.</h3> + +<p>This powerful novel is the fictitious narrative of a deal in the Chicago +wheat pit and holds the reader from the beginning. In a masterly way the +author has grasped the essential spirit of the great city by the lakes. +The social existence, the gambling in stocks and produce, the +characteristic life in Chicago, form a background for an exceedingly +vigorous and human tale of modern life and love.</p> + +<h3>A MAN'S WOMAN.</h3> + +<p>A story which has for a heroine a girl decidedly out of the ordinary run +of fiction. It is most dramatic, containing some tremendous pictures of +the daring of the men who are trying to reach the Pole * * * but it is +at the same time essentially a <i>woman's</i> book, and the story works +itself out in the solution of a difficulty that is continually presented +in real life—the wife's attitude in relation to her husband when both +have well-defined careers.</p> + +<h3>McTEAGUE. A Story of San Francisco.</h3> + +<p>"Since Bret Harte and the Forty-niner no one has written of California +life with the vigor and accuracy of Mr. Norris. His 'McTeague' settled +his right to a place in American literature; and he has now presented a +third novel, 'Blix,' which is in some respects the finest and likely to +be the most popular of the three."—<i>Washington Times.</i></p> + +<h3>BLIX.</h3> + +<p>"Frank Norris has written in 'Blix' just what such a woman's name would +imply—a story of a frank, fearless girl comrade to all men who are true +and honest because she is true and honest. How she saved the man she +fishes and picnics with in a spirit of outdoor platonic friendship, +makes a pleasant story, and a perfect contrast to the author's +'McTeague.' A splendid and successful story."—<i>Washington Times.</i></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="NEW_EDITIONS_OF_THE_MOST_POPULAR_NOVELS_Of_HALLIE_ERMINIE_RIVES" id="NEW_EDITIONS_OF_THE_MOST_POPULAR_NOVELS_Of_HALLIE_ERMINIE_RIVES"></a>NEW EDITIONS OF THE MOST POPULAR NOVELS Of HALLIE ERMINIE RIVES</h2> + +<h4>Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid.</h4> + +<h3>SATAN SANDERSON. With halftone illustrations by A. B. Wenzell, and inlay +cover in colors.</h3> + +<p>From the heroic figures of the American Revolution and the romantic +personage of Byron's day, Miss Rives has turned to the here and now. And +in the present she finds for her immense and brilliant talent a tale as +dramatic and enthralling as any of the storied past. The career of the +Rev. Harry Sanderson, known as "Satan" in his college days, who sowed +the wind to reap the whirlwind and won at last through strangest penance +the prize of love, seizes the reader in the strait grip of its feverish +interest. Miss Rives has outdone herself in the invention of a love +story that rings with lyric feeling and touches every fiber of the heart +with strength and beauty.</p> + +<h3>THE CASTAWAY. With illustrations in colors by Howard Chandler Christy.</h3> + +<p>The book takes its title from a saying of Lord Byron's: "Three great men +ruined in one year—a king, a cad, and a castaway." The king was +Napoleon. The cad was Beau Brummel. And the castaway, crowned with +genius, smutched with slander, illumined by fame—was Lord Byron +himself! This is the romance of his loves—the strange marriage and +still stranger separation, the riotous passions, the final ennobling +affection—from the day when he awoke to find himself the most famous +man in England, till, a self-exiled castaway, he played out his splendid +death-scene in the struggle for Greek freedom.</p> + +<p>"Suffused with the rosy light of romance."—<i>New York Times.</i></p> + +<h3>HEARTS COURAGEOUS. With illustrations by A. B. Wenzell.</h3> + +<p>"Hearts Courageous" is made of new material, a picturesque yet delicate +style, good plot and very dramatic situations. The best in the book are +the defense of George Washington by the Marquis; the duel between the +English officer and the Marquis; and Patrick Henry flinging the brand of +war into the assembly of the burgesses of Virginia. Williamsburgh, +Virginia, the country round about, and the life led in that locality +just before the Revolution, form an attractive setting for the action of +the story.</p> + + +<h3>THE RECKONING. By Robert W. Chambers. With illustrations by Henry Hutt.</h3> + +<p>Mr. Chambers has surpassed himself in telling the tale of the love of +Carus Renault and Lady Elsin Grey in this historical novel of the last +days of the Revolutionary War. Never was there daintier heroine or more +daring hero. Never did the honor of a great-hearted gentleman triumph to +such an extent over the man. Never were there daintier love passages in +the midst of war. It is a book to make the pulses throb and the heart +beat high.</p> + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE THIRD DEGREE***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 28505-h.txt or 28505-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/0/28505">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/8/5/0/28505</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Third Degree + A Narrative of Metropolitan Life + + +Author: Charles Klein and Arthur Hornblow + + + +Release Date: April 5, 2009 [eBook #28505] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE THIRD DEGREE*** + + +E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Mary Meehan, and the Project +Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (https://www.pgdp.net) + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 28505-h.htm or 28505-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/0/28505/28505-h/28505-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/0/28505/28505-h.zip) + + + + + +THE THIRD DEGREE + +A Narrative of Metropolitan Life + +by + +CHARLES KLEIN and ARTHUR HORNBLOW + +Authors of the novel _The Lion and the Mouse_ + +Illustrations by Clarence Rowe + + + + + + + +Grosset & Dunlap Publishers :: New York + +Copyright, 1909, by +G. W. Dillingham Company + +_The Third Degree._ + + + + +[Illustration: "I ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICING THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE +PRISONER BEFORE HE COMES TO TRIAL."] + + + + +CONTENTS + +I + +II + +III + +IV + +V + +VI + +VII + +VIII + +IX + +X + +XI + +XII + +XIII + +XIV + +XV + +XVI + +XVII + +XVIII + +XIX + + + + +List of Illustrations + + +"I ACCUSE YOU OF PREJUDICING THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE PRISONER BEFORE +HE COMES TO TRIAL." + +"YOU DID IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU DID IT." + +"I CAN DO NOTHING FOR YOU," SAID THE JUDGE. + +"WHEN THIS MYSTERIOUS WITNESS DOES COME I SHALL PLACE HER UNDER ARREST." + + + + +The Third Degree + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +"I'm N. G.--that's a cinch! The sooner I chuck it the better!" + +Caught in the swirl of the busy city's midday rush, engulfed in +Broadway's swift moving flood of hustling humanity, jostled +unceremoniously by the careless, indifferent crowds, discouraged from +stemming further the tide of pushing, elbowing men and women who hurried +up and down the great thoroughfare, Howard Jeffries, tired and hungry +and thoroughly disgusted with himself, stood still at the corner of +Fulton street, cursing the luck which had brought him to his present +plight. + +It was the noon hour, the important time of day when nature loudly +claims her due, when business affairs, no matter how pressing, must be +temporarily interrupted so that the human machine may lay in a fresh +store of nervous energy. From under the portals of precipitous office +buildings, mammoth hives of human industry, which to right and left +soared dizzily from street to sky, swarmed thousands of employees of +both sexes--clerks, stenographers, shop-girls, messenger boys, all moved +by a common impulse to satisfy without further delay the animal cravings +of their physical natures. They strode along with quick, nervous step, +each chatting and laughing with his fellow, interested for the nonce in +the day's work, making plans for well-earned recreation when five +o'clock should come and the up-town stampede for Harlem and home begin. + +The young man sullenly watched the scene, envious of the energy and +activity of all about him. Each one in these hurrying throngs, he +thought bitterly to himself, was a valuable unit in the prosperity and +welfare of the big town. No matter how humble his or her position, each +played a part in the business life of the great city, each was an +unseen, unknown, yet indispensable cog in the whirling, complicated +mechanism of the vast world-metropolis. Intuitively he felt that he was +not one of them, that he had no right even to consider himself their +equal. He was utterly useless to anybody. He was without position or +money. He was destitute even of a shred of self-respect. Hadn't he +promised Annie not to touch liquor again before he found a job? Yet he +had already imbibed all the whiskey which the little money left in his +pocket would buy. + +Involuntarily, instinctively, he shrank back into the shadow of a +doorway to let the crowds pass. The pavements were now filled to +overflowing and each moment newcomers from the side streets came to +swell the human stream. He tried to avoid observation, fearing that some +one might recognize him, thinking all could read on his face that he was +a sot, a self-confessed failure, one of life's incompetents. In his +painful self-consciousness he believed himself the cynosure of every eye +and he winced as he thought he detected on certain faces side glances of +curiosity, commiseration and contempt. + +Nor was he altogether mistaken. More than one passer-by turned to look +in his direction, attracted by his peculiar appearance. His was a type +not seen every day in the commercial district--the post-graduate college +man out at elbows. He was smooth-faced and apparently about twenty-five +years of age. His complexion was fair and his face refined. It would +have been handsome but for a drooping, irresolute mouth, which denoted +more than average weakness of character. The face was thin, chalk-like +in its lack of color and deeply seamed with the tell-tale lines of +dissipation. Dark circles under his eyes and a peculiar watery look +suggested late hours and over-fondness for alcoholic refreshment. His +clothes had the cut of expensive tailors, but they were shabby and +needed pressing. His linen was soiled and his necktie disarranged. His +whole appearance was careless and suggested that recklessness of mind +which comes of general demoralization. + +Howard Jeffries knew that he was a failure, yet like most young men +mentally weak, he insisted that he could not be held altogether to +blame. Secretly, too, he despised these sober, industrious people who +seemed contented with the crumbs of comfort thrown to them. What, he +wondered idly, was their secret of getting on? How were they able to +lead such well regulated lives when he, starting out with far greater +advantages, had failed? Oh, he knew well where the trouble lay--in his +damnable weakness of character, his love for drink. That was responsible +for everything. But was it his fault if he were born weak? These people +who behaved themselves and got on, he sneered, were calm, commonplace +temperaments who found no difficulty in controlling their baser +instincts. They did right simply because they found it easier than to do +wrong. Their virtue was nothing to brag about. It was easy to be good +when not exposed to temptation. But for those born with the devil in +them it came hard. It was all a matter of heredity and influence. One's +vices as well as one's virtues are handed down to us ready made. He had +no doubt that in the Jeffries family somewhere in the unsavory past +there had been a weak, vicious ancestor from whom he had inherited all +the traits which barred his way to success. + +The crowds of hungry workers grew bigger every minute. Every one was +elbowing his way into neighboring restaurants, crowding the tables and +buffets, all eating voraciously as they talked and laughed. Howard was +rudely reminded by inward pangs that he, too, was famished. Not a thing +had passed his lips since he had left home in Harlem at eight o'clock +that morning and he had told Annie that he would be home for lunch. +There was no use staying downtown any longer. For three weary hours he +had trudged from office to office seeking employment, answering +advertisements, asking for work of any kind, ready to do no matter what, +but all to no purpose. Nobody wanted him at any price. What was the good +of a man being willing to work if there was no one to employ him? A nice +look-out certainly. Hardly a dollar left and no prospect of getting any +more. He hardly had the courage to return home and face Annie. With a +muttered exclamation of impatience he spat from his mouth the +half-consumed cigarette which was hanging from his lip, and crossing +Broadway, walked listlessly in the direction of Park Place. + +He had certainly made a mess of things, yet at one time, not so long +ago, what a brilliant future life seemed to have in store for him! No +boy had ever been given a better start. He remembered the day he left +home to go to Yale; he recalled his father's kind words of +encouragement, his mother's tears. Ah, if his mother had only lived! +Then, maybe, everything would have been different. But she died during +his freshman year, carried off suddenly by heart failure. His father +married again, a young woman twenty years his junior, and that had +started everything off wrong. The old home life had gone forever. He had +felt like an intruder the first time he went home and from that day his +father's roof had been distasteful to him. Yes, that was the beginning +of his hard luck. He could trace all his misfortunes back to that. He +couldn't stand for mother-in-law, a haughty, selfish, supercilious, +ambitious creature who had little sympathy for her predecessor's child, +and no scruple in showing it. + +Then, at college, he had met Robert Underwood, the popular upper-class +man, who had professed to take a great fancy to him. He, a timid young +freshman, was naturally flattered by the friendship of the dashing, +fascinating sophomore and thus commenced that unfortunate intimacy which +had brought about the climax to his troubles. The suave, amiable +Underwood, whom he soon discovered to be a gentlemanly scoundrel, +borrowed his money and introduced him into the "sporty" set, an +exclusive circle into which, thanks to his liberal allowance from home, +he was welcomed with open arms. With a youth of his proclivities and +inherent weakness the outcome was inevitable. At no time overfond of +study, he regarded residence in college as a most desirable emancipation +from the restraint of home life. The love of books he considered a pose +and he scoffed at the men who took their reading seriously. The +university attracted him mostly by its most undesirable features, its +sports, its secret societies, its petty cliques, and its rowdyism. The +broad spirit and the dignity of the _alma mater_ he ignored completely. +Directly he went to Yale he started in to enjoy himself and with the +sophisticated Underwood as guide, went to the devil faster than any man +before him in the entire history of the university. + +Reading, attendance at lectures, became only a convenient cloak to +conceal his turpitudes. Poker playing, automobile joy rides, hard +drinking became the daily curriculum. In town rows and orgies of every +description he was soon a recognized leader. Scandal followed scandal +until he was threatened with expulsion. Then his father heard of it and +there was a terrible scene. Jeffries, Sr., went immediately to New +Haven and there followed a stormy interview in which Howard promised to +reform, but once the parent's back was turned things went on pretty much +as before. There were fresh scandals, the smoke of which reached as far +as New York. This time Mr. Jeffries tried the plan of cutting down the +money supply and Howard found himself financially embarrassed. But this +had not quite the effect desired by the father, for, rendered desperate +by his inability to secure funds with which to carry on his sprees, the +young man started in to gamble heavily, giving notes for his losses and +pocketing the ready money when he won. + +Then came the supreme scandal which turned his father's heart to steel. +Jeffries, Sr., could forgive much in a young man. He had been young +himself once. None knew better than he how difficult it is when the +blood is rich and red to keep oneself in control. But there was one +offence which a man proud of his descent could not condone. He would +never forgive the staining of the family name by a degrading marriage. +The news came to the unhappy father like a thunder-clap. Howard, +probably in a drunken spree, had married secretly a waitress employed in +one of the "sporty" restaurants in New Haven, and to make the +mesalliance worse, the girl was not even of respectable parents. Her +father, Billy Delmore, the pool-room king, was a notorious gambler and +had died in convict stripes. Fine sensation that for the yellow press. +"Banker's Son Weds Convict's Daughter." So ran the "scare heads" in the +newspapers. That was the last straw for Mr. Jeffries, Sr. He sternly +told his son that he never wanted to look upon his face again. Howard +bowed his head to the decree and he had never seen his father since. + +All this the young man was reviewing in his mind when suddenly his +reflections were disturbed by a friendly hail. + +"Hello, Jeffries, old sport! Don't you know a fellow frat when you see +him?" + +He looked up. A young man of athletic build, with a pleasant, frank +face, was standing at the news stand under the Park Place elevated +station. Quickly Howard extended his hand. + +"Hello, Coxe!" he exclaimed. "What on earth are you doing in New York? +Whoever would have expected to meet you in this howling wilderness? +How's everything at Yale?" + +The athlete grinned. + +"Yale be hanged! I don't care a d----. You know I graduated last June. I'm +in business now--in a broker's office in Wall Street. Say, it's great! +We had a semi-panic last week. Prices went to the devil. Stocks broke +twenty points. You should have seen the excitement on the Exchange +floor. Our football rushes were nothing to it. I tell you, it's great. +It's got college beaten to a frazzle!" Quickly he added: "What are you +doing?" + +Howard averted his eyes and hung his head. + +"Nothing," he answered gloomily. + +Coxe had quickly taken note of his former classmate's shabby appearance. +He had also heard of his escapades. + +"Didn't you hear?" muttered Howard. "Row with governor, marriage and all +that sort of thing? + +"Of course," he went on, "father's damnably unjust, actuated by absurd +prejudice. Annie's a good girl and a good wife, no matter what her +father was. D----n it, this is a free country! A man can marry whom he +likes. All these ideas about family pride and family honor are +old-world notions, foreign to this soil. I'm not going to give up Annie +to please any one. I'm as fond of her now as ever. I haven't regretted a +moment that I married her. Of course, it has been hard. Father at once +shut down money supplies, making my further stay at Yale impossible, and +I was forced to come to New York to seek employment. We've managed to +fix up a small flat in Harlem and now, like Micawber, I'm waiting for +something to turn up." + +Coxe nodded sympathetically. + +"Come and have a drink," he said cheerily. + +Howard hesitated. Once more he remembered his promise to Annie, but as +long as he had broken it once he would get no credit for refusing now. +He was horribly thirsty and depressed. Another drink would cheer him up. +It seemed even wicked to decline when it wouldn't cost him anything. + +They entered a bar conveniently close at hand, and with a tremulous hand +Howard carried greedily to his lips the insidious liquor which had +undermined his health and stolen away his manhood. + +"Have another?" said Coxe with a smile as he saw the glass emptied at a +gulp. + +"I don't care if I do," replied Howard. Secretly ashamed of his +weakness, he shuffled uneasily on his feet. + +"Well, what are you going to do, old man?" demanded Coxe as he pushed +the whiskey bottle over. + +"I'm looking for a job," stammered Howard awkwardly. Hastily he went on: +"It isn't so easy. If it was only myself I wouldn't mind. I'd get along +somehow. But there's the little girl. She wants to go to work, and I +won't hear of it. I couldn't stand for that, you know." + +Coxe feared a "touch." Awkwardly he said: + +"I wish I could help you, old man. As it is, my own salary barely serves +to keep me in neckwear. Wall Street's great fun, but it doesn't pay +much; that is, not unless you play the game yourself." + +Howard smiled feebly as he replied: + +"Nonsense--I wouldn't accept help of that sort. I'm not reduced to +soliciting charity yet. I guess I'd prefer the river to that. But if you +hear of anything, keep me in mind." + +The athlete made no response. He was apparently lost in thought when +suddenly he blurted out: + +"Say, Jeffries, you haven't got any money, have you--say a couple of +thousand dollars?" + +Howard stared at the questioner as if he doubted his sanity. + +"Two thousand dollars!" he gasped. "Do you suppose that I'd be wearing +out shoe leather looking for a job, if I had two thousand dollars?" + +Coxe looked disappointed as he replied: + +"Oh, of course, I understand you haven't it on you, only I thought you +might be able to raise it." + +"Why do you ask?" inquired Howard, his curiosity aroused. + +Coxe looked around to see if any one was listening. Then in a whisper he +said: + +"It's a cinch. If you had $2,000, you and I could make a snug little +fortune. Don't you understand? In my office I get tips. I'm on the +inside. I know in advance what the big men are going to do. When they +start to move a certain stock up, I'm on the job. Understand? If you had +$2,000, I could raise as much, and we'd pool our capital, starting in +the business ourselves--on a small scale, of course. If we hit it right +we might make a nice income." + +Howard's mouth watered. Certainly that was the kind of life he liked +best. The feverish excitement of gambling, the close association with +rich men, the promise of a luxurious style of living--all this appealed +to him strongly. But what was the use? Where could he get $2,000? He +couldn't go to his father. He shook his head. + +"I'm afraid not, old sport," he said as they left the saloon and he held +out his hand to say good-by. "But I'll bear it in mind, and if things +improve, I'll look you up. So long!" + +Climbing wearily up the dirty stairs of the elevated railroad, he bought +a ticket with one of the few nickels remaining in his pocket, and taking +a seat in a northbound train started on his trip back to Harlem. + +The day was overcast, rain threatened. A pall of mingled smoke and mist +hung over the entire city. From the car window as the train wound its +serpentine course in and out the maze of grimy offices, shops and +tenements, everything appeared drab, dirty and squalid. New York was +seen at its ugliest. Ensconced in a cross-seat, his chin leaning heavily +on his hand, Howard gazed dejectedly out of the window. The depressing +outlook was in keeping with his own state of mind. + +How would the adventure end? Reconciliation with his father was out of +the question. Letters sent home remained without response. He wasn't +surprised. He knew his pater too well to expect that he would relent so +soon. Besides, if the old man were so infernally proud, he'd show him he +had some pride too. He'd drown himself before he'd go down on his knees, +whining to be forgiven. His father was dead wrong, anyway. His marriage +might have been foolish; Annie might be beneath him socially. She was +not educated and her father wasn't any better than he ought to be. She +did not talk correctly, her manners left much to be desired, at times he +was secretly ashamed of her. But her bringing up was her misfortune, not +her fault. The girl herself was straight as a die. She had a heart of +gold. She was far more intelligent, far more likely to make him a happy +home than some stuck-up, idle society girl who had no thought for +anything save money, dress and show. Perhaps if he had been less +honorable and not married her, his father would have thought more +highly of him. If he'd ruined the girl, no doubt he would have been +welcomed home with open arms. Pshaw! He might be a poor, weak fool, but, +thank God, they couldn't reproach him with that. Annie had been loyal to +him throughout. He'd stick to her through thick and thin. + +As the train swept round the curve at 53d Street and started on its +long, straight run up the West Side, his mind reverted to Robert +Underwood. He had seen his old associate only once since leaving +college. He ran across him one day on Fifth Avenue. Underwood was coming +out of a curio shop. He explained hurriedly that he had left Yale and +when asked about his future plans talked vaguely of going in for art. +His manner was frigid and nervous--the attitude of the man who fears he +may be approached for a small loan. He was evidently well aware of the +change in his old associate's fortunes and having squeezed all he could +out of him, had no further use for him. It was only when he had +disappeared that Howard suddenly remembered a loan of $250 which +Underwood had never repaid. Some time later Howard learned that he +occupied apartments at the exclusive and expensive Astruria where he +was living in great style. He went there determined to see him and +demand his money, but the card always came back "not at home." + +Underwood had always been a mystery to Howard. He knew him to be an +inveterate gambler and a man entirely without principle. No one knew who +his family were or where he came from. His source of income, too, was +always a puzzle. At college he was always hard up, borrowing right and +left and forgetting to pay, yet he always succeeded in living on the fat +of the land. His apartments in the Astruria cost a small fortune; he +dressed well, drove a smart turnout and entertained lavishly. He was not +identified with any particular business or profession. On leaving +college he became interested in art. He frequented the important art +sales and soon got his name in the newspapers as an authority on art +matters. His apartment was literally a museum of European and Oriental +art. On all sides were paintings by old masters, beautiful rugs, +priceless tapestries, rare ceramics, enamels, statuary, antique +furniture, bronzes, etc. He passed for a man of wealth, and mothers with +marriageable daughters, considering him an eligible young bachelor, +hastened to invite him to their homes, none of them conscious of the +danger of letting the wolf slip into the lambs' fold. + +What a strange power of fascination, mused Howard as the train jogged +along, men of Underwood's bold and reckless type wield, especially over +women. Their very daring and unscrupulousness seems to render them more +attractive. He himself at college had fallen entirely under the man's +spell. There was no doubt that he was responsible for all his troubles. +Underwood possessed the uncanny gift of being able to bend people to his +will. What a fool he had made of him at the university! He had been his +evil genius, there was no question of that. But for meeting Underwood he +might have applied himself to serious study, left the university with +honors and be now a respectable member of the community. He remembered +with a smile that it was through Underwood that he had met his wife. +Some of the fellows hinted that Underwood had known her more intimately +than he had pretended and had only passed her on to him because he was +tired of her. He had nailed that as a lie. Annie, he could swear, was as +good a girl as ever breathed. + +He couldn't explain Underwood's influence over him. He had done with him +what he chose. He wondered why he had been so weak, why he had not tried +to resist. The truth was Underwood exercised a strange, subtle power +over him. He had the power to make him do everything he wanted him to +do, no matter how foolish or unreasonable the request. Every one at +college used to talk about it. One night Underwood invited all his +classmates to his rooms and made him cut up all kinds of capers. He at +first refused, point blank--but Underwood got up and, standing directly +in front of him, gazed steadily into his eyes. Again he commanded him to +do these ridiculous, degrading things. Howard felt himself weakening. He +was suddenly seized with the feeling that he must obey. Amid roars of +laughter he recited the entire alphabet standing on one leg, he crowed +like a rooster, he hopped like a toad, and he crawled abjectly on his +belly like a snake. One of the fellows told him afterward that he had +been hypnotized. He had laughed at it then as a good joke, but now he +came to think of it, perhaps it was true. Possibly he was a subject. +Anyway he was glad to be rid of Underwood and his uncanny influence. + +The train stopped with a jerk at his station and Howard rode down in the +elevator to the street Crossing Eighth Avenue, he was going straight +home when suddenly he halted. The glitter and tempting array of bottles +in a corner saloon window tempted him. He suddenly felt that if there +was one thing he needed in the world above all others it was another +drink. True, he had had more than enough already. But that was Coxe's +fault. He had invited him and made him drink. There couldn't be any harm +in taking another. He might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb. By +the time he emerged from the saloon his speech was thick and his step +uncertain. A few minutes later he was painfully climbing up the rickety +stairs of a cheap-looking flat house. As he reached the top floor a +cheerful voice called out: + +"Is that you, Howard, dear?" + + + + +CHAPTER II. + + +A young woman hurried out of one of the apartments to greet Howard. She +was a vivacious brunette of medium height, intelligent looking, with +good features and fine teeth. It was not a doll face, but the face of a +woman who had experienced early the hard knocks of the world, yet in +whom adversity had not succeeded in wholly subduing a naturally buoyant, +amiable disposition. There was determination in the lines above her +mouth. It was a face full of character, the face of a woman who by sheer +dint of dogged perseverance might accomplish any task she cared to set +herself. A smile of welcome gleamed in her eyes as she inquired eagerly: + +"Well, dear, anything doing?" + +Howard shook his head for all response and a look of disappointment +crossed the young wife's face. + +"Say, that's tough, ain't it?" she exclaimed. "The janitor was here +again for the rent. He says they'll serve us with a dispossess. I told +him to chase himself, I was that mad." + +Annie's vocabulary was emphatic, rather than choice. Entirely without +education, she made no pretense at being what she was not and therein +perhaps lay her chief charm. As Howard stooped to kiss her, she said +reproachfully: + +"You've been drinking again, Howard. You promised me you wouldn't." + +The young man made no reply. With an impatient gesture he passed on into +the flat and flung himself down in a chair in the dining room. From the +adjoining kitchen came a welcome odor of cooking. + +"Dinner ready?" he demanded. "I'm devilish hungry." + +"Yes, dear, just a minute," replied his wife from the kitchen. "There's +some nice Irish stew, just what you like." + +The box-like hole where Howard sat awaiting his meal was the largest +room in a flat which boasted of "five and bath." There was a bedroom of +equally diminutive proportions and a parlor with wall paper so loud that +it talked. There was scarcely enough room to swing a cat around. The +thin walls were cracked, the rooms were carpetless. Yet it showed the +care of a good housekeeper. Floors and windows were clean, the cover on +the table spotless. The furnishings were as meagre as they were +ingenious. With their slender purse they had been able to purchase only +the bare necessities--a bed, a chair or two, a dining-room table, a few +kitchen utensils. When they wanted to sit in the parlor they had to +carry a chair from the dining room; when meal times came the chairs had +to travel back again. A soap box turned upside down and neatly covered +with chintz did duty as a dresser in the bedroom, and with a few +photographs and tacks they had managed to impart an aesthetic appearance +to the parlor. This place cost the huge sum of $25 a month. It might +just as well have cost $100 for all Howard's ability to pay it. The past +month's rent was long overdue and the janitor looked more insolent every +day. But they did not care. They were young and life was still before +them. + +Presently Annie came in carrying a steaming dish of stew, which she laid +on the table. As she helped Howard to a plate full she said: "So you had +no luck again this morning?" + +Howard was too busy eating to answer. As he gulped down a huge piece of +bread, he growled: + +"Nothing, as usual--same old story, nothing doing." + +Annie sighed. She had been given this answer so often that it would have +surprised her to hear anything else. It meant that their hard +hand-to-mouth struggle must go on. She said nothing. What was the use? +It would never do to discourage Howard. She tried to make light of it. + +"Of course it isn't easy, I quite understand that. Never mind, dear. +Something will turn up soon. Where did you go? Whom did you see? Why +didn't you let drink alone when you promised me you would?" + +"That was Coxe's fault," blurted out Howard, always ready to blame +others for his own shortcomings. "You remember Coxe! He was at Yale when +I was. A big, fair fellow with blue eyes. He pulled stroke in the +'varsity boat race, you remember?" + +"I think I do," replied his wife, indifferently, as she helped him to +more stew. "What did he want? What's he doing in New York?" + +"He's got a fine place in a broker's office in Wall Street. I felt +ashamed to let him see me low down like this. He said that I could make +a good deal of money if only I had a little capital. He knows everything +going on in Wall Street. If I went in with him I'd be on Easy Street." + +"How much would it require?" + +"Two thousand dollars." + +The young wife gave a sigh as she answered: + +"I'm afraid that's a day dream. Only your father could give you such an +amount and you wouldn't go to him, would you?" + +"Not if we hadn't another crust in the house," snapped Howard savagely. +"You don't want me to, do you?" he asked looking up at her quickly. + +"No, dear," she answered calmly. "I have certainly no wish that you +should humble yourself. At the same time I am not selfish enough to want +to stand in the way of your future. Your father and stepmother hate me, +I know that. I am the cause of your separation from your folks. No doubt +your father would be very willing to help you if you would consent to +leave me." + +Howard laughed as he replied: + +"Well, if that's the price for the $2,000 I guess I'll go without it. I +wouldn't give you up for a million times $2,000!" + +Annie stretched her hand across the table. + +"Really," she said. + +"You know I wouldn't Annie," he said earnestly. "Not one second have I +ever regretted marrying you--that's honest to God!" + +A faint flush of pleasure lit up the young wife's face. For all her +assumed lightheartedness she was badly in need of this reassurance. If +she thought Howard nourished secret regrets it would break her heart. +She could stand anything, any hardship, but not that. She would leave +him at once. + +In a way she held herself responsible for his present predicament. She +had felt a deep sense of guilt ever since that afternoon in New Haven +when, listening to Howard's importunities and obeying an impulse she +was powerless to resist, she had flung aside her waitress's apron, +furtively left the restaurant and hurried with him to the minister who +declared them man and wife. + +Their marriage was a mistake, of course. Howard was in no position to +marry. They should have waited. They both realized their folly now. But +what was done could not be undone. She realized, too, that it was worse +for Howard than it was for her. It had ruined his prospects at the +outset of his career and threatened to be an irreparable blight on his +entire life. She realized that she was largely to blame. She had done +wrong to marry him and at times she reproached herself bitterly. There +were days when their union assumed in her eyes the enormity of a crime. +She should have seen what a social gulf lay between them. All these +taunts and insults from his family which she now endured she had +foolishly brought upon her own head. But she had not been able to resist +the temptation. Howard came into her life when the outlook was dreary +and hopeless. He had offered to her what seemed a haven against the +cruelty and selfishness of the world. Happiness for the first time in +her life seemed within reach and she had not the moral courage to say +"No." + +If Annie had no education she was not without brains. She had sense +enough to realize that her bringing up or the lack of it was an +unsurmountable barrier to her ever being admitted to the inner circle of +Howard's family. If her husband's father had not married again the +breach might have been crossed in time, but his new wife was a prominent +member of the smart set, a woman full of aristocratic notions who +recoiled with horror at having anything to do with a girl guilty of the +enormity of earning her own living. Individual merit, inherent nobility +of character, amiability of disposition, and a personal reputation +untouched by scandal--all this went for nothing--because unaccompanied +by wealth or social position. Annie had neither wealth or position. She +had not even education. They considered her common, impossible. They +were even ready to lend an ear to certain ugly stories regarding her +past, none of which were true. After their marriage, Mr. Jeffries, Sr., +and his wife absolutely refused to receive her or have any communication +with her whatsoever. As long, therefore, as Howard remained faithful to +her, the breach with his family could never be healed. + +"Have some more stew, dear," she said, extending her hand for her +husband's plate. + +Howard shook his head and threw down his knife and fork. + +"I've had enough," he said despondently. "I haven't much appetite." + +She looked at him with concern. + +"Poor boy, you're tired out!" + +As she noted how pale and dejected he appeared, her eyes filled with +sympathetic tears. She forgot the appalling number of cigarettes he +smoked a day, nor did she realize how abuse of alcohol had spoiled his +stomach for solid food. + +"I wish I knew where to go and get that $2,000," muttered Howard, his +mind still preoccupied with Coxe's proposition. Lighting another +cigarette, he leaned back in his chair and lapsed into silence. + +Annie sat and watched him, wishing she could suggest some way to solve +the problem that troubled him. She loved her husband with all her heart +and soul. His very weakness of character endeared him the more to her. +She was not blind to his faults, but she excused them. His vices, his +drinking, cigarette smoking and general shiftlessness were, she argued, +the result of bad associates. He was self-indulgent. He made good +resolutions and broke them. But he was not really vicious. He had a good +heart. With some one to watch him and keep him in the straight path, he +would still give a good account of himself to the world. She was +confident of that. She recognized many excellent qualities in him. They +only wanted fostering and bringing out. That was why she married him. +She was a few years his senior; she felt that she was the stronger +mentally. She considered it was her duty to devote her life to him, to +protect him from himself and make a man of him. + +It was not her fault, she mused, if she were not a lady. Literally +brought up in the gutter, what advantages had she had? Her mother died +in childbirth and her father, a professional gambler, abandoned the +little girl to the tender mercies of an indifferent neighbor. When she +was about eight years old her father was arrested. He refused to pay +police blackmail, was indicted, railroaded to prison and died soon after +in convict stripes. There was no provision for Annie's maintenance, so +at the age of nine she found herself toiling in a factory, a helpless +victim of the brutalizing system of child slavery which in spite of +prohibiting laws still disgraces the United States. Ever since that time +she had earned her own living. The road had often been hard, there were +times when she thought she would have to give up the fight, other girls +she had met had hinted at an easier way of earning one's living, but she +had kept her courage, refused to listen to evil counsel and always +managed to keep her name unsullied. She left the factory to work behind +the counter in a New York dry goods store. Then about a year ago she +drifted to New Haven and took the position of waitress at the restaurant +which the college boys patronized. + +Robert Underwood was among the students who came almost every day. He +made love to her from the start, and one day attempted liberties which +she was prompt to resent in a way he did not relish. After that he let +her alone. She never liked the man. She knew him to be unprincipled as +well as vicious. One night he brought Howard Jeffries to the restaurant. +They seemed the closest of cronies and she was sorry to see what bad +influence the elder sophomore had over the young freshman, to whom she +was at once attracted. Every time they came she watched them and she +noticed how under his mentor Howard became more hardened. He drank more +and more and became a reckless gambler. Underwood seemed to exercise a +baneful spell over him. She saw that he would soon be ruined with such a +man as Underwood for a constant companion. Her interest in the young +student grew. They became acquainted and Howard, not realizing that she +was older than he, was immediately captivated by her vivacious charm and +her common-sense views. They saw each other more frequently and their +friendship grew until one day Howard asked her to marry him. + +While she sometimes blamed herself for having listened too willingly to +Howard's pleadings, she did not altogether regret the step she had +taken. It was most unfortunate that there must be this rupture with his +family, yet something within told her that she was doing God's +work--saving a man's soul. Without her, Howard would have gone swiftly +to ruin, there was little doubt of that. His affection for her had +partly, if not wholly, redeemed him and was keeping him straight. He had +been good to her ever since their marriage and done everything to make +her comfortable. Once he took a position as guard on the elevated road, +but caught cold and was forced to give it up. She wanted to go to work +again, but he angrily refused. That alone showed that he was not +entirely devoid of character. He was unfortunate at present and they +were poor, but by dint of perseverance he would win out and make a +position for himself without his father's help. These were their darkest +days, but light was ahead. As long as they loved each other and had +their health what more was necessary? + +"Say, Annie, I have an idea," suddenly blurted out Howard. + +"What is it, dear?" she asked, her reveries thus abruptly interrupted. + +"I mean regarding that $2,000. You know all about that $250 which I once +lent Underwood. I never got it back, although I've been after him many +times for it. He's a slippery customer. But under the circumstances I +think it's worth another determined effort. He seems to be better fixed +now than he ever was. He's living at the Astruria, making a social +splurge and all that sort of thing. He must have money. I'll try to +borrow the $2,000 from him." + +"He certainly appears to be prosperous," replied Annie. "I see his name +in the newspapers all the time. There is hardly an affair at which he is +not present." + +"Yes," growled Howard; "I don't see how he does it. He travels on his +cheek, principally, I guess. His name was among those present at my +stepmother's musicale the other night." Bitterly he added: "That's how +the world goes. There is no place for me under my father's roof, but +that blackguard is welcomed with open arms!" + +"I thought your father was such a proud man," interrupted Annie. "How +does he come to associate with people like Underwood?" + +"Oh, pater's an old dolt!" exclaimed Howard impatiently. "There's no +fool like an old fool. Of course, he's sensible enough in business +matters. He wouldn't be where he is to-day if he weren't. But when it +comes to the woman question he's as blind as a bat. What right had a +man of his age to go and marry a woman twenty years his junior? Of +course she only married him for his money. Everybody knows that except +he. People laugh at him behind his back. Instead of enjoying a quiet, +peaceful home in the declining years of his life, he is compelled to +keep open house and entertain people who are personally obnoxious to +him, simply because that sort of life pleases his young wife." + +"Who was she, anyway, before their marriage?" interrupted Annie. + +"Oh, a nobody," he replied. "She was very attractive looking, dressed +well and was clever enough to get introductions to good people. She +managed to make herself popular in the smart set and she needed money to +carry out her social ambitions. Dad--wealthy widower--came along and she +caught him in her net, that's all!" + +Annie listened with interest. She was human enough to feel a certain +sense of satisfaction on hearing that this woman who treated her with +such contempt was herself something of an intriguer. + +"How did your stepmother come to know Robert Underwood?" she asked. "He +was never in society." + +"No," replied Howard with a grin. "It was my stepmother who gave him the +entree. You know she was once engaged to him, but broke it off so she +could marry Dad. He felt very sore over it at the time, but after her +marriage he was seemingly as friendly with her as ever--to serve his own +ends, of course. It is simply wonderful what influence he has with her. +He exercises over her the same fascination that he did over me at +college. He has sort of hypnotized her. I don't think it's a case of +love or anything like that, but he simply holds her under his thumb and +gets her to do anything he wants. She invites him to her house, +introduces him right and left, got people to take him up. Everybody +laughs about it in society. Underwood is known as Mrs. Howard Jeffries' +pet. Such a thing soon gets talked about. That is the secret of his +successful career in New York. As far as I know, she's as much +infatuated with him as ever." + +A look of surprise came into Annie's face. To this young woman, whose +one idea of matrimony was steadfast loyalty to the man whose life she +shared and whose name she bore, there was something repellent and +nauseating in a woman permitting herself to be talked about in that way. + +"Doesn't your father object?" she asked. + +"Pshaw!" laughed Howard. "He doesn't see what's going on under his very +nose. He's too proud a man, too sure of his own good judgment, to +believe for a moment that the woman to whom he gave his name would be +guilty of the slightest indiscretion of that kind." + +Annie was silent for a minute. Then she said: + +"What makes you think that Underwood would let you have the money?" + +"Because I think he's got it. I obliged him once in the same way myself. +I would explain to him what I want it for. He will see at once that it +is a good thing. I'll offer him a good rate of interest, and he might be +very glad to let me have it. Anyhow, there's no harm trying." + +Annie said nothing. She did not entirely approve this idea of her +husband trying to borrow money of a man in whom his stepmother was so +much interested. On the other hand starvation stared them in the face. +If Howard could get hold of this $2,000 and start in the brokerage +business it might be the beginning of a new life for them. + +"Well, do as you like, dear," she said. "When will you go to him?" + +"The best time to catch him would be in the evening," replied Howard. + +"Well, then, go to-night," she suggested. + +Howard shook his head. + +"No, not to-night. I don't think I should find him in. He's out every +night somewhere. To-night there's another big reception at my father's +house. He'll probably be there. I think I'll wait till to-morrow night. +I'm nearly sure to catch him at home then." + +Annie rose and began to remove the dishes from the table. Howard +nonchalantly lighted another cigarette and, leaving the table, took up +the evening newspaper. Sitting down comfortably in a rocker by the +window, he blew a cloud of blue smoke up in the air and said: + +"Yes, that's it--I'll go to-morrow night to the Astruria and strike Bob +Underwood for that $2,000." + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + +The handsome town house of Howard Jeffries, the well-known banker, on +Riverside Drive, was one of the most striking among the many imposing +millionaire homes that line the city's splendid water front. Houses +there were in the immediate proximity which were more showy and had cost +more money, but none as completely satisfying from the art lover's +standpoint. It was the home of a man who studied and loved the beautiful +for its own sake and not because he wanted to astonish people with what +miracles his money could work. Occupying a large plot on slightly +elevated ground, the house commanded a fine view of the broad Hudson. +Directly opposite, across the river, busy with steam and sailing craft, +smiled the green slopes of New Jersey; in the purplish north frowned the +jagged cliffs of the precipitous Palisades. + +The elder Jeffries, aristocratic descendant of an old Knickerbocker +family, was proud of his home and had spent large sums of money in +beautifying it. Built in colonial style of pure white marble with long +French windows and lofty columns supporting a flat, rounded roof, +surrounded by broad lawns, wide-spreading shade trees and splashing +fountains, it was a conspicuous landmark for miles. The interior was +full of architectural beauty. The stately entrance hall, hung with +ancestral portraits, was of noble proportions and a superb staircase, +decorated with statuary led off to tastefully decorated reception rooms +above. To-night the house was brilliantly illuminated and there was +considerable activity at the front entrance, where a footman in smart +livery stood opening the doors of the carriages as they drove up in +quick succession. + +Mrs. Jeffries' musicales were always largely attended because she knew +the secret of making them interesting. Her husband's wealth and her fine +house enabled her to entertain on a liberal scale, and she was a tactful +and diplomatic hostess as well. She not only cultivated the right kind +of people who were congenial to each other, but she always managed to +have some guest of special distinction whom every one was eager to meet. +Her own wide acquaintance among the prominent operatic artists and her +husband's influential position in the world of finance made this policy +an easy way of furthering her social ambitions. She would always invite +some one whom she could present as the lion of the evening. One week it +would be a tenor from the opera house, another time a famous violinist. +In this way she managed to create a little artistic salon on the lines +of the famous political salons in which the brilliant women of the +eighteenth century moulded public opinion in France. + +Alicia knew she was clever and as she stood admiring herself in front of +a full length mirror while awaiting the arrival of her guests she +congratulated herself that she had made a success of her life. She had +won those things which most women hold dear--wealth and social position. +She had married a man she did not love, it was true, but other women had +done that before her. If she had not brought her husband love she at +least was not a wife he need be ashamed of. In her Paquin gown of gold +cloth with sweeping train and a jeweled tiara in her hair, she +considered herself handsome enough to grace any man's home. It was +indeed a beauty which she saw in the mirror--the face of a woman not +yet thirty with the features regular and refined. The eyes were large +and dark and the mouth and nose delicately moulded. The face seemed +academically perfect, all but the expression. She had a cold, +calculating look, and a cynic might have charged her with being +heartless, of stopping at nothing to gain her own ends. + +To-night Alicia had every reason to feel jubilant. She had secured a +social lion that all New York would talk about--no less a person than +Dr. Bernstein, the celebrated psychologist, the originator of the theory +of scientific psychology. Everything seemed to go the way she wished; +her musicales were the talk of the town; her husband had just presented +her with the jeweled tiara which now graced her head; there seemed to be +nothing in the world that she could not enjoy. + +Yet she was not happy, and as she gazed at the face reflected before her +in the glass she wondered if the world guessed how unhappy she was. She +knew that by her own indiscretion she was in danger of losing all she +had won, her position in society, her place in the affections of her +husband, everything. + +When she married Mr. Jeffries it was with deliberate calculation. She +did not love him, but, being ambitious, she did not hesitate to deceive +him. He was rich, he could give her that prominent position in society +for which she yearned. The fact that she was already engaged to a man +for whom she did care did not deter her for a moment from her set +purpose. She had met Robert Underwood years before. He was then a +college boy, tall, handsome, clever. She fell in love with him and they +became engaged. As she grew more sophisticated she saw the folly of +their youthful infatuation. Underwood was without fortune, his future +uncertain. What position could she possibly have as his wife? While in +this uncertain state of mind she met Mr. Jeffries, then a widower, at a +reception. The banker was attracted to her and being a business man he +did things quickly. He proposed and was accepted, all in the brief time +of--five minutes. Robert Underwood and the romance of her girlhood were +sacrificed without question when it came to reaching a prompt decision. +She wrote Underwood a brief letter of farewell, telling him that the +action she had taken was really for the best interests of them both. +Underwood made no reply and for months did not attempt to go near her. +Then he met her in public. There was a reconciliation. He exerted the +old spell--on the married woman. Cold and indifferent to her husband, +Alicia found it amusing to have her old lover paying her court and the +danger of discovery only gave the intrigue additional zest and charm. +She did not lead Underwood to believe that he could induce her to forget +her duty to Mr. Jeffries, but she was foolish enough to encourage a +dangerous intimacy. She thought she was strong enough to be able to call +a halt whenever she would be so disposed, but as is often the case she +overestimated her powers. The intimacy grew. Underwood became bolder, +claiming and obtaining special privileges. He soon realized that he had +the upper hand and he traded on it. Under her patronage he was invited +everywhere. He practically lived on her friends. He borrowed their money +and cheated them at cards. His real character was soon known to all, but +no one dared expose him for fear of offending the influential Mrs. +Jeffries. Realizing this, Underwood continued his depredations until he +became a sort of social highwayman. He had no legitimate source of +income, but he took a suite of apartments at the expensive Astruria and +on credit furnished them so gorgeously that they became the talk of the +town. The magazines and newspapers devoted columns to the magnificence +of their furnishings and the art treasures they contained. Art dealers +all over the country offered him liberal commissions if he would dispose +of expensive _objets d'art_ to his friends. He entered in business +relation with several firms and soon his rooms became a veritable bazaar +for art curios of all kinds. Mrs. Jeffries' friends paid exorbitant +prices for some of the stuff and Underwood pocketed the money, +forgetting to account to the owners for the sums they brought. The +dealers demanded restitution or a settlement and Underwood, dreading +exposure, had to hustle around to raise enough money to make up the +deficiency in order to avoid prosecution. In this way he lived from day +to day borrowing from Peter to settle with Paul, and on one or two +occasions he had not been ashamed to borrow from Mrs. Jeffries herself. + +Alicia lent the money more because she feared ridicule than from any +real desire to oblige Underwood. She had long since become disgusted +with him. The man's real character was now plainly revealed to her. He +was an adventurer, little better than a common crook. She congratulated +herself on her narrow escape. Suppose she had married him--the horror of +it! Yet the next instant she was filled with consternation. She had +allowed him to become so intimate that it was difficult to break off +with him all at once. She realized that with a man of that character the +inevitable must come. There would be a disgraceful scandal. She would be +mixed up in it, her husband's eyes would be opened to her folly, it +might ruin her entire life. She must end it now--once for all. She had +already given him to understand that their intimacy must cease. Now he +must stop his visits to her house and desist from trapping her friends +into his many schemes. She had written him that morning forbidding him +to come to the house this evening. She was done with him forever. + +These thoughts were responsible for the frown on the beautiful Mrs. +Jeffries' bejeweled brow that particular Saturday evening. Alicia gave a +sigh and was drawing on her long kid gloves before the glass, when +suddenly a maid entered and tendered her mistress a note. Alicia knew +the handwriting only too well. She tore the letter open and read: + + DEAR MRS. JEFFRIES: I received your letter telling me that my + presence at your house to-night would be distasteful to you. As you + can imagine, it was a great shock. Don't you understand the harm + this will do me? Everybody will notice my absence. They will jump + to the conclusion that there has been a rupture, and my credit will + suffer immediately with your friends. I cannot afford to let this + happen now. My affairs are in such condition that it will be fatal + to me. I need your support and friendship more than ever. I have + noticed for some time that your manner to me has changed. Perhaps + you have believed some of the stories my enemies have circulated + about me. For the sake of our old friendship, Alicia, don't desert + me now. Remember what I once was to you and let me come to your + reception to-night. There's a reason why I must be seen in your + house. + + Yours devotedly, + ROBERT UNDERWOOD. + +Alicia's face flushed with anger. Turning to the maid, she said: +"There's no answer." + +The girl was about to close the door when her mistress suddenly recalled +her. + +"Wait a minute," she said; "I'll write a line." + +Taking from her dainty escritoire a sheet of perfumed notepaper, she +wrote hurriedly as follows: + + "If you dare to come near my house to-night, I will have you put + out by the servants." + +Quickly folding the note, she crushed it into an envelope, sealed it, +handed it to the girl, and said: + +"Give that to the messenger." + +The servant disappeared and Alicia resumed her work of drawing on her +gloves in front of her mirror. How dare he write her such a letter? Was +her house to be made the headquarters for his swindling schemes? Did he +want to cheat more of her friends? The more she thought of all he had +done, the angrier she became. Her eyes flashed and her bosom heaved with +indignation. She wondered what her husband, the soul of honor, would say +if he suspected that she had permitted a man of Underwood's character to +use his home for his dishonest practices. She was glad she had ended it +now, before it was too late. There might have been a scandal, and that +she must avoid at any cost. Mr. Jeffries, she felt certain, would not +tolerate a scandal of any kind. + +All at once she felt something brush her cheek. She turned quickly. It +was her husband, who had entered the room quietly. + +"Oh, Howard," she exclaimed peevishly; "how you frightened me! You +shouldn't startle me like that." + +A tall, distinguished-looking man with white mustache and pointed beard +stood admiring her in silence. His erect figure, admirably set off in a +well-cut dress coat suggested the soldier. + +"What are doing alone here, dear?" he said. "I hear carriages outside. +Our guests are arriving." + +"Just thinking, that's all," she replied evasively. + +He noticed her preoccupied look and, with some concern, he demanded: + +"There's nothing to worry you, is there?" + +"Oh, no--nothing like that," she said hastily. + +He looked at her closely and she averted her eyes. Mr. Jeffries often +wondered if he had made a mistake. He felt that this woman to whom he +had given his name did not love him, but his vanity as much as his pride +prevented him from acknowledging it, even to himself. After all, what +did he care? She was a companion, she graced his home and looked after +his creature comforts. Perhaps no reasonable man should expect anything +more. Carelessly, he asked: + +"Whom do you expect to-night?" + +"Oh, the usual crowd," replied Alicia languidly. "Dr. Bernstein is +coming--you know he's quite the rage just now. He has to do with +psychology and all that sort of thing." + +"So, he's your lion to-night, is he?" smiled the banker. Then he went +on: + +"By the bye, I met Brewster at the club to-night. He promised to drop +in." + +Now it was Alicia's turn to smile. It was not everybody who could boast +of having such a distinguished lawyer as Judge Brewster on their calling +lists. To-night would certainly be a success--two lions instead of one. +For the moment she forgot her worry. + +"I am delighted that the judge is coming," she exclaimed, her face +beaming. "Every one is talking about him since his brilliant speech for +the defense in that murder case." + +The banker noted his wife's beautiful hair and the white transparency of +her skin. His gaze lingered on the graceful lines of her neck and bosom, +glittering with precious stones. An exquisite aroma exuding from her +person reached where he stood. His eyes grew more ardent and, passing +his arm affectionately around her slender waist, he asked: + +"How does my little girl like her tiara?" + +"It's very nice. Don't you see I'm wearing it to-night?" she replied +almost impatiently and drawing herself away. + +Before Mr. Jeffries had time to reply there was a commotion at the other +end of the reception room, where rich tapestries screened off the main +entrance hall. The butler drew the curtains aside. + +"Mr. and Mrs. Cortwright," he announced loudly. + +Alicia went forward, followed by her husband, to greet her guests. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + + +The richly decorated reception rooms, brilliantly illuminated with soft +incandescent lights artistically arranged behind banks of flowers, were +filled with people. In the air was the familiar buzz always present in a +room where each person is trying to speak at the same time. On all sides +one heard fragments of inept conversation. + +"So good of you to come! How well you're looking, my dear." + +"My husband? Oh, he's at the club, playing poker, as usual. He hates +music." + +"I've such a terrible cold!" + +"Trouble with servants? I should say so. I bounced my cook this +morning." + +"Aren't these affairs awefully tiresome?" + +"I was so glad to come. I always enjoy your musicales." + +"Dr. Bernstein coming? How perfectly delightful. I'll ask him for his +autograph." + +"What's psychology?" + +"Something to do with religion, I think." + +"Haven't we been having dreadful weather?" + +"I saw you at the opera." + +"Doesn't she look sweet?" + +"Oh, I think it's just lovely." + +People now arrived in quick succession and, forming little groups, the +room soon presented an animated scene. The women in their smart gowns +and the men in their black coats made a pleasing picture. + +"My dear Mrs. Jeffries, how do you do this evening?" exclaimed a rich, +deep voice. + +The hostess turned to greet an elderly and distinguished-looking man who +had just entered. Directly he came in voices were hushed, and on every +side one heard the whisper: + +"There's Judge Brewster, the famous lawyer." + +There was a general craning of necks to catch a glimpse of the eminent +jurist whose brilliant address to the jury in a recent _cause celebre_ +had saved an innocent man from the electric chair. + +Richard Brewster was a fine example of the old school statesman-lawyer +of the Henry Clay type. He belonged to that small class of public men +who are independent of all coteries, whose only ambition is to serve +their country well, who know no other duty than that dictated by their +oath and conscience. A brilliant and forceful orator, there was no +office in the gift of the nation that might not have been his for the +asking, but he had no taste for politics. After serving with honor for +some years on the bench he retired into private practice, and thereafter +his name became one to conjure with in the law courts. By sheer power of +his matchless oratory and unanswerable logic he won case after case for +his clients and it is a tribute to his name to record the plain fact +that in all his career he never championed a cause of which he need be +ashamed. Powerful financial interests had attempted to secure his +services by offers of princely retainers, but without success. He fought +the trusts bitterly every time he found them oppressing the people. He +preferred to remain comparatively poor rather than enrich himself at the +price of prostituting his profession. + +Alicia advanced with extended hand. + +"This is indeed kind, Judge," she exclaimed with a gracious smile. "I +hardly dared hope that my poor musicale would be so honored." + +The old lawyer smiled good-humoredly as he replied gallantly: + +"I don't know much about music, m'm; I came to see you." Looking around +he added: "You've got a nice place here." + +He spoke in his characteristic manner--short, nervous, explosive +sentences, which had often terrified his opponents in court. + +"Lawyers are such flatterers," laughed Alicia as she nervously fanned +herself, and looked around to see if her guests were watching. + +"Lawyers only flatter when they want to," interrupted grimly Mr. +Jeffries, who had just joined the group. + +Alicia turned to greet a new arrival and the lawyer continued chatting +with his host. + +"I suppose you'll take a rest now, after your splendid victory," said +the banker. + +Judge Brewster shook his head dubiously. + +"No, sir, we lawyers never rest. We can't. No sooner is one case +disposed of than another crops up to claim our attention. The trouble +with this country is that we have too much law. If I were to be guilty +of an epigram I would say that the country has so much law that it is +practically lawless." + +"So you're preparing another case, eh?" said Mr. Jeffries, interested. +"What is it--a secret?" + +"Oh, no!" answered the lawyer, "the newspapers will be full of it in a +day or two. We are going to bring suit against the city. It's really a +test case that should interest every citizen; a protest against the +high-handed actions of the police." + +The banker elevated his eyebrows. + +"Indeed," he exclaimed. "What have the police been doing now?" + +The lawyer looked at his client in surprise. + +"Why, my dear sir, you must have seen by the papers what's been going on +in our city of late. The papers have been full of it. Police brutality, +illegal arrests, assaults in station houses, star-chamber methods that +would disgrace the middle ages. A state of affairs exists to-day in the +city of New York which is inconceivable. Here we are living in a +civilized country, every man's liberty is guaranteed by the +Constitution, yet citizens, as they walk our streets, are in greater +peril than the inhabitants of terror-stricken Russia. Take a police +official of Captain Clinton's type. His only notion of the law is brute +force and the night stick. A bully by nature, a man of the coarsest +instincts and enormous physical strength, he loves to play the tyrant. +In his precinct he poses as a kind of czar and fondly imagines he has +the power to administer the law itself. By his brow-beating tactics, +intolerable under Anglo-Saxon government, he is turning our police force +into a gang of ruffians who have the city terror-stricken. In order to +further his political ambitions he stops at nothing. He lets the guilty +escape when influence he can't resist is brought to bear, but in order +to keep up his record with the department he makes arrests without the +slightest justification. To secure convictions he manufactures, with the +aid of his detectives, all kinds of perjured evidence. To paraphrase a +well-known saying, his motto is: 'Convict--honestly, if you can--but +convict.'" + +"It is outrageous," said Mr. Jeffries. "No one can approve such methods. +Of course, in dealing with the criminal population of a great city, they +cannot wear kid gloves, but Captain Clinton certainly goes too far. What +is the specific complaint on which the suit is based?" + +"Captain Clinton," replied the judge, "made the mistake of persecuting a +young woman who happened to be the daughter of a wealthy client of mine. +One of his detectives arrested her on a charge of shoplifting. The girl, +mind you, is of excellent family and irreproachable character. My client +and his lawyer tried to show Captain Clinton that he had made a serious +blunder, but he brazened it out, claiming on the stand that the girl was +an old offender. Of course, he was forced at last to admit his mistake +and the girl went free, but think of the humiliation and mental anguish +she underwent! It was simply a repetition of his old tactics. A +conviction, no matter at what cost." + +"What do you hope to bring about by this suit?" + +"Arouse public indignation, and if possible get Captain Clinton +dismissed from the force. His record is none too savory. Charges of +graft have been made against him time and time again, but so far nothing +has been proved. To-day he is a man of wealth on a comparatively small +salary. Do you suppose his money could have come to him honestly?" + +In another corner of the salon stood Dr. Bernstein, the celebrated +psychologist, the centre of an excited crowd of enthusiastic admirers. + +Alicia approached a group of chattering women. Each was more elaborately +dressed than her neighbor, and loaded down with rare gems. They at once +stopped talking as their hostess came up. + +"It was so good of you to come!" said Alicia effusively to a fat woman +with impossible blond hair and a rouged face. "I want to introduce Dr. +Bernstein to you." + +"Oh, I shall be delighted," smiled the blonde. Gushingly she added: "How +perfectly exquisite you look to-night, my dear." + +"Do you think so?" said Alicia, pleased at the clumsy flattery. + +"Your dress is stunning and your tiara simply gorgeous," raved another. + +"Your musicales are always so delightful," exclaimed a third. + +At that moment Mr. Jeffries caught his wife by the arm and drew her +attention to some newcomers. With a laugh she left the group and +hurried toward the door. Directly she was out of earshot, the three +women began whispering: + +"Isn't she terribly overdressed?" exclaimed the blonde. "The cheek of +such a _parvenue_ to wear that tiara." + +"Her face is all made up, too," said another. + +"These affairs of hers are awfully stupid, don't you think so?" piped +the third. + +"Yes, they bore everybody to death," said the blonde. "She's ambitious +and likes to think she is a social leader. I only come here because it +amuses me to see what a fool she makes of herself. Fancy a woman of her +age marrying a man old enough to be her father. By the bye, I don't see +her _beau_ here to-night." + +"You mean that scamp, Robert Underwood?" + +"Isn't it perfectly scandalous, the way he dances after her? I'm +surprised Mr. Jeffries allows him to come to the house." + +"Maybe there's been a row. Perhaps that explains why he's not here +to-night. It's the first time I've known him absent from one of her +musicales." + +"He's conspicuous by his absence. Do you know what I heard the other +day? I was told that Underwood had again been caught cheating at cards +and summarily expelled from the club--kicked out, so to speak." + +"I'm not at all surprised. I always had my doubts about him. He induced +a friend of mine to buy a picture, and got a tremendous price for it on +the false representation that it was a genuine Corot. My friend found +out afterward that he had been duped. Proceedings were threatened, but +Underwood managed to hush the affair by returning part of the money." + +In another part of the room a couple were discussing Mr. Jeffries as he +stood talking with Judge Brewster. + +"Did you notice how Mr. Jeffries has aged recently? He no longer seems +the same man." + +"No wonder, after all the trouble he's had. Of course you know what a +disappointment his son turned out?" + +"A scamp, I understand. Married a chorus girl and all that sort of +thing." + +"Not exactly, but almost as bad. The girl was a waitress or something +like that in a restaurant. She's very common; her father died in +prison. You can imagine the blow to old Jeffries. He turned the boy +adrift and left him to shift for himself." + +Alicia approached her husband, who was still talking with Judge +Brewster. She was leaning on the arm of a tall, handsome man with a dark +Van Dyke beard. + +"Who are you discussing with such interest?" she demanded, as she came +up with her escort. + +"We were talking of Captain Clinton and his detestable police methods," +said the banker. + +"Judge," said Alicia, turning to the lawyer, "allow me to introduce Dr. +Bernstein. Doctor, this is Judge Brewster." + +The stranger bowed low, as he replied courteously: + +"The fame of Judge Brewster has spread to every State in the Union." + +A faint smile spread over the face of the famous lawyer as he extended +his hand: + +"I've often heard of you, too, doctor. I've been reading with great +interest your book, 'Experimental Psychology.' Do you know," he went on +earnestly, "there's a lot in that. We have still much to learn in that +direction." + +"I think," said Dr. Bernstein quietly, "that we're only on the threshold +of wonderful discoveries." + +Pleased to find that her two distinguished guests were congenial, Alicia +left them to themselves and joined her other guests. + +"Yes," said the lawyer musingly, "man has studied for centuries the +mechanism of the body, but he has neglected entirely the mechanism of +the mind." + +Dr. Bernstein smiled approvingly. + +"We are just waking up," he replied quickly. "People are beginning to +look upon psychology seriously. Up to comparatively recently the layman +has regarded psychology as the domain of the philosopher and the +dreamer. It did not seem possible that it could ever be applied to our +practical everyday life, but of late we have made remarkable strides. +Although it is a comparatively new science, you will probably be +astonished to learn that there are to-day in the United States fifty +psychological laboratories. That is to say, workshops fully +equipped with every device known for the probing of the human brain. +In my laboratory in California alone I have as many as twenty rooms +hung with electric wires and equipped with all the necessary +instruments--chronoscopes, kymographs, tachistoscopes, and ergographs, +instruments which enable us to measure and record the human brain as +accurately as the Bertillon system." + +"Really, you astonish me!" exclaimed the judge. "This is most +interesting. Think of laboratories solely devoted to delving into +mysteries of the human brain! It is wonderful!" + +He was silent for a moment, then he said: + +"It is quite plain, I think, that psychology can prove most useful in +medicine. It is, I take it, the very foundation of mental healing, but +what else would it do for humanity? For instance, can it help me, the +lawyer?" + +Dr. Bernstein smiled. + +"You gentlemen of the law have always scoffed at the very suggestion of +bringing psychology to your aid, but just think, sir, how enormously it +might aid you in cross-examining a witness. You can tell with almost +scientific accuracy if the witness is telling lies or the truth, and the +same would be clear to the judge and the jury. Just think how your +powers would be increased if by your skill in psychological observation +you could convince the jury that your client, who was about to be +convicted on circumstantial evidence alone, was really innocent of the +crime of which he was charged. Why, sir, the road which psychology opens +up to the lawyer is well-nigh boundless. Don't you use the Bertillon +system to measure the body? Don't you rely on thumb prints to identify +the hand? How do you know that we psychologists are not able to-day to +test the individual differences of men?" + +"In a word," laughed the judge, "you mean that any one trained to read +my mind can tell just what's passing in my brain?" + +"Precisely," replied the doctor with a smile; "the psychologist can tell +with almost mathematical accuracy just how your mental mechanism is +working. I admit it sounds uncanny, but it can be proved. In fact, it +has been proved, time and time again." + +Alicia came up and took the doctor's arm. + +"Oh, Dr. Bernstein," she protested, "I can't allow the judge to +monopolize you in this way. Come with me. I want to introduce you to a +most charming woman who is dying to meet you. She is perfectly crazy on +psychology." + +"Don't introduce me to her," laughed the judge. "I see enough crazy +people in the law courts." + +Dr. Bernstein smiled and followed his hostess. Judge Brewster turned to +chat with the banker. From the distant music room came the sound of a +piano and a beautiful soprano voice. The rooms were now crowded and +newcomers were arriving each minute. Servants passed in and out serving +iced delicacies and champagne. + +Suddenly the butler entered the salon and, quietly approaching Alicia, +handed her a letter. In a low tone, he said: + +"This letter has just come, m'm. The messenger said it was very +important and I should deliver it at once." + +Alicia turned pale. She instantly recognized the handwriting. It was +from Robert Underwood. Was not her last message enough? How dare he +address her again and at such a time? Retiring to an inner room, she +tore open the envelope and read as follows: + + DEAR MRS. JEFFRIES: This is the last time I shall ever bore you + with my letters. You have forbidden me to see you again. + Practically you have sentenced me to a living death, but as I + prefer death shall not be partial, but full and complete oblivion, + I take this means of letting you know that unless you revoke your + cruel sentence of banishment, I shall make an end of it all. I + shall be found dead, Monday morning, and you will know who is + responsible. Yours devotedly, + + ROBERT UNDERWOOD. + +An angry exclamation escaped Alicia's lips, and crushing the note up in +her hand, she bit her lips till the blood came. It was just as she +feared. The man was desperate. He was not to be got rid of so easily. +How dare he--how dare he? The coward--to think that she could be +frightened by such a threat. What did she care if he killed himself? It +would be good riddance. Yet suppose he was in earnest, suppose he did +carry out his threat? There would be a terrible scandal, an +investigation, people would talk, her name would be mentioned. +No--no--that must be prevented at all costs. + +Distracted, not knowing what course to pursue, she paced the floor of +the room. Through the closed door she could hear the music and the +chatter of her guests. She must go to see Underwood at once, that was +certain, and her visit must be a secret one. There was already enough +talk. If her enemies could hear of her visiting him alone in his +apartment that would be the end. + +"Yes--I must see him at once. To-morrow is Sunday. He's sure to be home +in the evening. He mentions Monday morning. There will still be time. +I'll go and see him to-morrow." + +"Alicia! Alicia!" + +The door opened and Mr. Jeffries put his head in. + +"What are you doing here, my dear?" he asked. "I was looking everywhere +for you. Judge Brewster wishes to say good night." + +"I was fixing my hair, that's all," replied Alicia with perfect +composure. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + + +Among the many huge caravansaries that of recent years have sprung up in +New York to provide luxurious quarters regardless of cost for those who +can afford to pay for the best, none could rival the Astruria in size +and magnificence. Occupying an entire block in the very heart of the +residential district, it took precedence over all the other apartment +hotels of the metropolis as the biggest and most splendidly appointed +hostelry of its kind in the world. It was, indeed, a small city in +itself. It was not necessary for its fortunate tenants to leave it +unless they were so minded. Everything for their comfort and pleasure +was to be had without taking the trouble to go out of doors. On the +ground floor were shops of all kinds, which catered only to the +Astruria's patrons. There were also on the premises a bank, a broker's +office, a hairdresser, and a postal-telegraph office. A special feature +was the garden court, containing over 30,000 square feet of open space, +and tastefully laid out with plants and flowers. Here fountains +splashed and an orchestra played while the patrons lounged on +comfortable rattan chairs or gossiped with their friends. Up on the +sixteenth floor was the cool roof garden, an exquisite bower of palms +and roses artificially painted by a famous French artist, with its +recherche restaurant, its picturesque _tziganes_, and its superb view of +all Manhattan Island. + +The Astruria was the last word in expensive apartment hotel building. +Architects declared that it was as far as modern lavishness and +extravagance could go. Its interior arrangements were in keeping with +its external splendor. Its apartments were of noble dimensions, richly +decorated, and equipped with every device, new and old, that modern +science and builders' ingenuity could suggest. That the rents were on a +scale with the grandeur of the establishment goes without saying. Only +long purses could stand the strain. It was a favorite headquarters for +Westerners who had "struck it rich," wealthy bachelors, and successful +actors and opera singers who loved the limelight on and off the stage. + +Sunday evening was usually exceedingly quiet at the Astruria. Most of +the tenants were out of town over the week-end, and as the restaurant +and roof garden were only slimly patronized, the elevators ran less +frequently, making less chatter and bustle in corridors and stairways. +Stillness reigned everywhere as if the sobering influence of the Sabbath +had invaded even this exclusive domain of the unholy rich. The uniformed +attendants, having nothing to do, yawned lazily in the deserted halls. +Some even indulged in surreptitious naps in corners, confident that they +would not be disturbed. Callers were so rare that when some one did +enter from the street, he was looked upon with suspicion. + +It was shortly after seven o'clock the day following Mrs. Jeffries' +reception when a man came in by the main entrance from Broadway, and +approaching one of the hall boys, inquired for Mr. Robert Underwood. + +The boy gave his interlocutor an impudent stare. There was something +about the caller's dress and manner which told him instinctively that he +was not dealing with a visitor whom he must treat respectfully. No one +divines a man's or woman's social status quicker or more unerringly than +a servant. The attendant saw at once that the man did not belong to the +class which paid social visits to tenants in the Astruria. He was rather +seedy-looking, his collar was not immaculate, his boots were thick and +clumsy, his clothes cheap and ill-fitting. + +"Is Mr. Underwood in?" he demanded. + +"Not home," replied the attendant insolently, after a pause. Like most +hall boys, he took a savage pleasure in saying that the tenants were +out. + +The caller looked annoyed. + +"He must be in," he said with a frown. "I have an appointment with him." + +This was not strictly true, but the bluff had the desired effect. + +"Got an appointment! Why didn't you say so at once?" + +Reaching lazily over the telephone switchboard, and without rising from +his seat, he asked surlily: + +"What's the name?" + +"Mr. Bennington." + +The boy took the transmitter and spoke into it: + +"A party called to see Mr. Underwood." + +There was a brief pause, as if the person upstairs was in doubt whether +to admit that he was home or not. Then came the answer. The boy looked +up. + +"He says you should go up. Apartment 165. Take the elevator." + + * * * * * + +In his luxuriously appointed rooms on the fourteenth floor, Robert +Underwood sat before the fire puffing nervously at a strong cigar. All +around him was a litter of _objets d'art_, such as would have filled the +heart of any connoisseur with joy. Oil paintings in heavy gilt frames, +of every period and school, Rembrandts, Cuyps, Ruysdaels, Reynoldses, +Corots, Henners, some on easels, some resting on the floor; handsome +French bronzes, dainty china on Japanese teakwood tables, antique +furniture, gold-embroidered clerical vestments, hand-painted screens, +costly Oriental rugs, rare ceramics--all were confusedly jumbled +together. On a grand piano in a corner of the room stood two tall +cloisonne vases of almost inestimable value. On a desk close by were +piled miniatures and rare ivories. The walls were covered with +tapestries, armor, and trophies of arms. More like a museum than a +sitting room, it was the home of a man who made a business of art or +made of art a business. + +Underwood stared moodily at the glowing logs in the open chimneyplace. +His face was pale and determined. After coming in from the restaurant he +had changed his tuxedo for the more comfortable house coat. Nothing +called him away that particular Sunday evening, and no one was likely to +disturb him. Ferris, his man-servant, had taken his usual Sunday off and +would not return until midnight. The apartment was still as the grave. +It was so high above the street that not a sound reached up from the +noisy Broadway below. Underwood liked the quiet so that he could think, +and he was thinking hard. On the flat desk at his elbow stood a dainty +_demi-tasse_ of black coffee--untasted. There were glasses and decanters +of whiskey and cordial, but the stimulants did not tempt him. + +He wondered if Alicia would ignore his letter or if she would come to +him. Surely she could not be so heartless as to throw him over at such a +moment. Crushed in his left hand was a copy of the _New York Herald_ +containing an elaborate account of the brilliant reception and musicale +given the previous evening at her home. With an exclamation of +impatience he rose from his seat, threw the paper from him, and began to +pace the floor. + +Was this the end of everything? Had he reached the end of his rope? He +must pay the reckoning, if not to-day, to-morrow. As his eyes wandered +around the room and he took mental inventory of each costly object, he +experienced a sudden shock as he recalled the things that were missing. +How could he explain their absence? The art dealers were already +suspicious. They were not to be put off any longer with excuses. Any +moment they might insist either on the immediate return of their +property or on payment in full. He was in the position to do neither. +The articles had been sold and the money lost gambling. Curse the luck! +Everything had gone against him of late. The dealers would begin +criminal proceedings, disgrace and prison stripes would follow. There +was no way out of it. He had no one to whom he could turn in this +crisis. + +And now even Alicia had deserted him. This was the last straw. While he +was still able to boast of the friendship and patronage of the +aristocratic Mrs. Howard Jeffries he could still hold his head high in +the world. No one would dare question his integrity, but now she had +abandoned him to his fate, people would begin to talk. There was no use +keeping up a hopeless fight--suicide was the only way out! + +He stopped in front of a mirror, startled at what he saw there. It was +the face of a man not yet thirty, but apparently much older. The +features were drawn and haggard, and his dark hair was plentifully +streaked with gray. He looked like a man who had lived two lives in one. +To-night his face frightened him. His eyes had a fixed stare like those +of a man he had once seen in a madhouse. He wondered if men looked like +that when they were about to be executed. Was not his own hour close at +hand? He wondered why the clock was so noisy; it seemed to him that the +ticks were louder than usual. He started suddenly and looked around +fearfully. He thought he had heard a sound outside. He shuddered as he +glanced toward the little drawer on the right-hand side of his desk, in +which he knew there was a loaded revolver. + +If Alicia would only relent escape might yet be possible. If he did not +hear from her it must be for to-night. One slight little pressure on the +trigger and all would be over. + +Suddenly the bell of the telephone connecting the apartment with the +main hall downstairs rang violently. Interrupted thus abruptly in the +midst of his reflections, Underwood jumped forward, startled. His nerves +were so unstrung that he was ever apprehensive of danger. With a +tremulous hand, he took hold of the receiver and placed it to his ear. +As he listened, his already pallid face turned whiter and the lines +about his mouth tightened. He hesitated a moment before replying. Then, +with an effort, he said: + +"Send him up." + +Dropping the receiver, he began to walk nervously up and down the room. +The crisis had come sooner than he expected--exposure was at hand. This +man Bennington was the manager of the firm of dealers whose goods he +disposed of. He could not make restitution. Prosecution was inevitable. +Disgrace and prison would follow. He could not stand it; he would rather +kill himself. Trouble was very close at hand, that was certain. How +could he get out of it? Pacing the floor, he bit his lips till the blood +came. + +There was a sharp ring at the front door. Underwood opened it. As he +recognized his visitor on the threshold, he exclaimed: + +"Why, Bennington, this is a surprise!" + +The manager entered awkwardly. He had the constrained air of a man who +has come on an unpleasant errand, but wants to be as amiable as the +circumstances will permit. + +"You didn't expect me, did you?" he began. + +Shutting the front door, Underwood led the way back into the sitting +room, and making an effort to control his nerves, said: + +"Sit down, won't you?" + +But Mr. Bennington merely bowed stiffly. It was evident that he did not +wish his call to be mistaken for a social visit. + +"I haven't time, thank you. To be frank, my mission is rather a delicate +one, Mr. Underwood." + +Underwood laughed nervously. Affecting to misinterpret the other's +meaning, he said: + +"Yes, you're right. The art and antique business is a delicate business. +God knows it's a precarious one!" Reaching for the decanter, he added: +"Have a drink." + +But Mr. Bennington refused to unbend. The proffer of refreshment did +not tempt him to swerve from the object of his mission. While Underwood +was talking, trying to gain time, his eyes were taking in the contents +of the apartment. + +"Come, take a drink," urged Underwood again. + +"No, thanks," replied Mr. Bennington curtly. + +Suddenly he turned square around. + +"Let's get down to business, Mr. Underwood," he exclaimed. "My firm +insists on the immediate return of their property." Pointing around the +room, he added: "Everything, do you understand?" + +Underwood was standing in the shadow of the lamp so his visitor did not +notice that he had grown suddenly very white, and that his mouth +twitched painfully. + +"Why, what's the trouble?" he stammered. "Haven't you done a lot of +business through me? Haven't I got prices for your people that they +would never have gotten?" + +"Yes--we know all that," replied Mr. Bennington impatiently. "To be +frank, Mr. Underwood, we've received information that you've sold many +of the valuable articles entrusted to you for which you've made no +accounting at all." + +"That's not true," exclaimed Underwood hotly. "I have accounted for +almost everything. The rest of the things are here. Of course, there may +be a few things----" + +Taking a box of cigars from the desk, he offered it to his visitor. + +"No, thanks," replied Bennington coldly, pushing back the proffered box. + +Underwood was fast losing his self-control. Throwing away his cigar with +an angry exclamation, he began to walk up and down. + +"I can account for everything if you give me time. You must give me +time. I'm hard pressed by my creditors. My expenses are enormous and +collections exceedingly difficult. I have a large amount of money +outstanding. After our pleasant business relations it seems absurd and +most unfair that your firm should take this stand with me." He halted +suddenly and faced Bennington. "Of course, I'm much obliged to you, +personally, for this friendly tip." + +Bennington shrugged his shoulders. + +"The warning may give you time either to raise the money or to get the +things back." + +Underwood's dark eyes flashed with suppressed wrath, as he retorted: + +"Of course, I can get them all back in time. Damn it, you fellows don't +know what it costs to run this kind of business successfully! One has to +spend a small fortune to keep up appearances. These society people won't +buy if they think you really need the money. I've had to give expensive +dinners and spend money like water even to get them to come here and +look at the things. You must give me time to make a settlement. I need +at least a month." + +Bennington shook his head. There was a hard, uncompromising look in his +face as he replied caustically: + +"They're coming for the things to-morrow. I thought it fair to let you +know. I can do no more." + +Underwood stopped short. + +"To-morrow," he echoed faintly. + +"Yes," said Bennington grimly. "You might as well understand the +situation thoroughly. The game's up. The firm has been watching you for +some time. When you tried to sell these things to old Defries for +one-quarter their real value he instantly recognized where they came +from. He telephoned straight to our place. You've been shadowed by +detectives ever since. There's a man outside watching this place now." + +"My God!" exclaimed Underwood. "Why are they hounding me like this?" + +Approaching Bennington quickly, he grasped his hand. + +"Bennington," he said earnestly, "you and I've always been on the +square. Can't you tell them it's all right? Can't you get them to give +me time?" + +Before the manager could reply the telephone bell rang sharply. +Underwood started. An expression of fear came over his face. Perhaps the +firm had already sworn out a warrant for his arrest. He picked up the +receiver to answer the call. + +"What name is that?" he demanded over the telephone. The name was +repeated and with a gesture of relief he exclaimed: + +"Howard Jeffries!--what on earth does he want? I can't see him. Tell +him I'm----" + +Bennington took his hat and turned to go: + +"Well, I must be off." + +"Don't go," exclaimed Underwood, as he hung up the receiver +mechanically. "It's only that infernal ass Howard Jeffries!" + +"I must," said the manager. As he went toward the door he made a close +scrutiny of the walls as if searching for something that was not there. +Stopping short, he said: + +"I don't see the Velasquez." + +"No--no," stammered Underwood nervously. "It's out--out on probation. +Oh, it's all right. I can account for everything." + +Mr. Bennington continued his inspection. + +"I don't see the Gobelin tapestry," he said laconically. + +"Oh, that's all right, too, if they'll only give me time," he cried +desperately. "Good God, you don't know what it means to me, Bennington! +The position I've made for myself will be swept away and----" + +Mr. Bennington remained distant and unsympathetic and Underwood threw +himself into a chair with a gesture of disgust. + +"Sometimes I think I don't care what happens," he exclaimed. "Things +haven't been going my way lately. I don't care a hang whether school +keeps or not. If they drive me to the wall I'll do something desperate. +I'll----" + +A ring at the front door bell interrupted him. + +"Who can that be?" he exclaimed startled. He looked closely at his +companion, as if trying to read in his face if he were deceiving him. + +"Probably your friend of the telephone," suggested Bennington. + +Underwood opened the door and Howard entered jauntily. + +"Hello, fellers, how goes it?" was his jocular greeting. + +He was plainly under the influence of liquor. When he left home that +evening he had sworn to Annie that he would not touch a drop, but by the +time he reached the Astruria his courage failed him. He rather feared +Underwood, and he felt the need of a stimulant to brace him up for the +"strike" he was about to make. The back door of a saloon was +conveniently open and while he was refreshing himself two other men he +knew dropped in. Before he knew it, half a dozen drinks had been +absorbed, and he had spent the whole of $5 which his wife had intrusted +to him out of her carefully hoarded savings. When he sobered up he would +realize that he had acted like a coward and a cur, but just now he was +feeling rather jolly. Addressing Underwood with impudent familiarity, he +went on: + +"The d----d boy didn't seem to know if you were in or not, so I came up +anyhow." Glancing at Bennington, he added: "Sorry, if I'm butting in." + +Underwood was not in the humor to be very gracious. Long ago young +Howard Jeffries had outgrown his usefulness as far as he was concerned. +He was at a loss to guess why he had come to see him uninvited, on this +particular Sunday night, too. It was with studied coldness, therefore, +that he said: + +"Sit down--I'm glad to see you." + +"You don't look it," grinned Howard, as he advanced further into the +room with shambling, uncertain steps. + +Concealing his ill humor and promising himself to get rid of his +unwelcome visitor at the first opportunity, Underwood introduced the two +men. + +"Mr. Bennington--Mr. Howard Jeffries, Jr." + +Mr. Bennington had heard of the elder Jeffries' trouble with his +scapegrace son, and he eyed, with some interest, this young man who had +made such a fiasco of his career. + +"Oh, I know Bennington," exclaimed Howard jovially. "I bought an +elephant's tusk at his place in the days when I was somebody." With mock +sadness he added, "I'm nobody now--couldn't even buy a collar button." + +"Won't you sit down and stay awhile?" said Underwood sarcastically. + +"If you don't mind, I'll have a drink first," replied Howard, making his +way to the desk and taking up the whiskey decanter. + +Underwood did not conceal his annoyance, but his angry glances were +entirely lost on his new visitor, who was rapidly getting into a maudlin +condition. Addressing Bennington with familiarity, Howard went on: + +"Say, do you remember that wonderful set of ivory chessmen my old man +bought?" + +Bennington smiled and nodded. + +"Yes, sir; I do, indeed. Ah, your father is a fine art critic!" + +Howard burst into boisterous laughter. + +"Art critic!" he exclaimed. "I should say he was. He's a born critic. He +can criticise any old thing--every old thing. I don't care what it is, +he can criticise it. 'When in doubt--criticise,' is nailed on father's +escutcheon." Bowing with mock courtesy to each he raised the glass to +his lips and said: "Here's how!" + +Bennington laughed good humoredly, and turned to go. + +"Well, good night, Mr. Jeffries. Good night, Mr. Underwood." + +Underwood followed the manager to the door. + +"Good night!" he said gloomily. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + + +The door slammed, and Underwood returned to the sitting room. Taking no +notice of Howard, he walked over to the desk, slowly selected a cigar +and lighted it. Howard looked up at him foolishly, not knowing what to +say. His frequent libations had so befuddled him that he had almost +forgotten the object of his visit. + +"Excuse my butting in, old chap," he stammered, "but----" + +Underwood made no answer. Howard stared at him in comic surprise. He was +not so drunk as not to be able to notice that something was wrong. + +"Say, old fellow," he gurgled; "you're a regular Jim Dumps. Why so +chopfallen, so----? My! what a long face! Is that the way you greet a +classmate, a fellow frat? Wait till you hear my hard-luck story. That'll +cheer you up. Who was it said: 'There's nothing cheers us up so much as +other people's money?" Reaching for the whiskey bottle, he went on, +"First, I'll pour out another drink. You see, I need courage, old man. +I've got a favor to ask. I want some money. I not only want it--I need +it." + +Underwood laughed, a hollow, mocking laugh of derision. His old +classmate had certainly chosen a good time to come and ask him for +money. Howard mistook the cynical gayety for good humor. + +"I said I'd cheer you up," he went on. "I don't want to remind you of +that little matter of two hundred and fifty bucks which you borrowed +from me two years ago. I suppose you've forgotten it, but----" + +A look of annoyance came over Underwood's face. + +"Well, what of it?" he snapped. + +Howard took another drink before he continued. + +"I wouldn't remind you of the loan, old chap; but I'm up against it. +When the family kicked me out for marrying the finest girl that ever +lived, my father cut me off with a piking allowance which I told him to +put in the church plate. I told him I preferred independence. Well," he +went on with serio-comic gravity, "I got my independence, but I'm--I'm +dead broke. You might as well understand the situation plainly. I can't +find any business that I'm fitted for, and Annie threatens to go back to +work. Now, you know I can't stand for anything like that. I'm too much +of a man to be supported by any woman." + +He looked toward Underwood in a stupid kind of way, as if looking for +some sign of approval, but he was disappointed. Underwood's face was a +study of supreme indifference. He did not even appear to be listening. +Somewhat disconcerted, Howard again raised the glass to his lips, and +thus refreshed, went on: + +"Then I thought of you, old chap. You've made a rousing success of +it--got a big name as art collector--made lots of money and all +that----" + +Underwood impatiently interrupted him. + +"It's impossible, Jeffries. Things are a little hard with me, too, just +now. You'll have to wait for that $250." + +Howard grinned. + +"'Taint the $250, old man, I didn't want that. I want a couple of +thousand." + +Underwood could not help laughing. + +"A couple of thousand? Why not make it a million?" + +Howard's demand struck him as being so humorous that he sat down +convulsed with laughter. + +Looking at him stupidly, Howard helped himself to another drink. + +"It seems I'm a hit," he said with a grin. + +Underwood by this time had recovered his composure. + +"So you've done nothing since you left college?" he said. + +"No," answered Howard. "I don't seem to get down to anything. My ideas +won't stay in one place. I got a job as time-keeper, but I didn't keep +it down a week. I kept the time all right, but it wasn't the right +time," Again raising his glass to his lips, he added: "They're so +beastly particular." + +"You keep pretty good time with that," laughed Underwood, pointing to +the whiskey. + +Howard grinned in drunken fashion. + +"It's the one thing I do punctually," he hiccoughed. "I can row, swim, +play tennis, football, golf and polo as well as anybody, but I'll be +damned if I can do anything quite as well as I can do this." + +"What do you want $2,000 for?" demanded Underwood. + +"I've got an opportunity to go into business. I want $2,000 and I want +it deuced quick." + +Underwood shrugged his shoulders. + +"Why don't you go home and ask your father?" he demanded. + +His visitor seemed offended at the suggestion. + +"What!" he exclaimed, with comic surprise, "after being turned out like +a dog with a young wife on my hands! Not much--no. I've injured their +pride. You know father married a second time, loaded me down with a +stepmother. She's all right, but she's so confoundedly aristocratic. You +know her. Say, didn't you and she--wasn't there some sort of an +engagement once? Seems to me I----" + +Underwood rose to his feet and abruptly turned his back. + +"I'd rather you wouldn't get personal," he said curtly. Sitting down at +a desk, he began to rummage with some papers and, turning impatiently to +Howard, he said: + +"Say, old man, I'm very busy now. You'll have to excuse me." + +If Howard had been sober, he would have understood that this was a +pretty strong hint for him to be gone, but in his besotted condition, he +did not propose to be disposed of so easily. Turning to Underwood, he +burst out with an air of offended dignity: + +"Underwood, you wouldn't go back on me now. I'm an outcast, a pariah, a +derelict on the ocean of life, as one of my highly respectable uncles +wrote me. His grandfather was an iron puddler." With a drunken laugh he +went on: "Doesn't it make you sick? I'm no good because I married the +girl. If I had ruined her life I'd still be a decent member of society." + +He helped himself to another drink, his hand shaking so that he could +hardly hold the decanter. He was fast approaching the state of complete +intoxication. Underwood made an attempt to interfere. Why should he care +if the young fool made a sot of himself? The sooner he drank himself +insensible the quicker he would get rid of him. + +"No, Howard," he said; "you'd never make a decent member of society." + +"P'r'aps not," hiccoughed Howard. + +"How does Annie take her social ostracism?" inquired Underwood. + +"Like a brick. She's a thoroughbred, all right. She's all to the good." + +"All the same I'm sorry I ever introduced you to her," replied +Underwood. "I never thought you'd make such a fool of yourself as to +marry----" + +Howard shook his head in a maudlin manner, as he replied: + +"I don't know whether I made a fool of myself or not, but she's all +right. She's got in her the makings of a great woman--very crude, but +still the makings. The only thing I object to is, she insists on going +back to work, just as if I'd permit such a thing. Do you know what I +said on our wedding day? 'Mrs. Howard Jeffries, you are entering one of +the oldest families in America. Nature has fitted you for social +leadership. You'll be a petted, pampered member of that select few +called the "400,"' and now, damn it all, how can I ask her to go back +to work? But if you'll let me have that $2,000----" + +By this time Howard was beginning to get drowsy. Lying back on the sofa, +he proceeded to make himself comfortable. + +"Two thousand dollars!" laughed Underwood. "Why, man, I'm in debt up to +my eyes." + +As far as his condition enabled him, Howard gave a start of surprise. + +"Hard up!" he exclaimed. Pointing around the room, he said: "What's all +this--a bluff?" + +Underwood nodded. + +"A bluff, that's it. Not a picture, not a vase, not a stick belongs to +me. You'll have to go to your father." + +"Never," said Howard despondently. The suggestion was evidently too much +for him, because he stretched out his hand for his whiskey glass. +"Father's done with me," he said dolefully. + +"He'll relent," suggested Underwood. + +Howard shook his head drowsily. Touching his brow, he said: + +"Too much brains, too much up here." Placing his hand on his heart, he +went on: "Too little down here. Once he gets an idea, he never lets it +go, he holds on. Obstinate. One idea--stick to it. Gee, but I've made a +mess of things, haven't I?" + +Underwood looked at him with contempt. + +"You've made a mess of your life," he said bitterly, "yet you've had +some measure of happiness. You, at least, married the woman you love. +Drunken beast as you are, I envy you. The woman I wanted married some +one else, damn her!" + +Howard was so drowsy from the effects of the whiskey that he was almost +asleep. As he lay back on the sofa, he gurgled: + +"Say, old man; I didn't come here to listen to hard-luck stories. I came +to tell one." + +In maudlin fashion he began to sing, _Oh, listen to my tale of woe_, +while Underwood sat glaring at him, wondering how he could put him out. + +As he reached the last verse his head began to nod. The words came +thickly from his lips and he sank sleepily back among the soft divan +pillows. + +Just at that moment the telephone bell rang. Underwood quickly picked up +the receiver. + +"Who's that?" he asked. As he heard the answer his face lit up and he +replied eagerly: "Mrs. Jeffries--yes. I'll come down. No, tell her to +come up." + +Hanging up the receiver, he hastily went over to the divan and shook +Howard. + +"Howard, wake up! confound you! You've got to get out--there's somebody +coming." + +He shook him roughly, but his old classmate made no attempt to move. + +"Quick, do you hear!" exclaimed Underwood impatiently. "Wake up--some +one's coming." + +Howard sleepily half opened his eyes. He had forgotten entirely where he +was and believed he was on the train, for he answered: + +"Sure, I'm sleepy. Say--porter, make up my bed." + +His patience exhausted, Underwood was about to pull him from the sofa by +force, when there was a ring at the front door. + +Bending quickly over his companion, Underwood saw that he was fast +asleep. There was no time to awaken him and get him out of the way, so, +quickly, he took a big screen and arranged it around the divan so that +Howard could not be seen. Then he hurried to the front door and opened +it. + +Alicia entered. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + +For a few moments Underwood was too much overcome by emotion to speak. +Alicia brushed by in haughty silence, not deigning to look at him. All +he heard was the soft rustle of her clinging silk gown as it swept along +the floor. She was incensed with him, of course, but she had come. That +was all he asked. She had come in time to save him. He would talk to her +and explain everything and she would understand. She would help him in +this crisis as she had in the past. Their long friendship, all these +years of intimacy, could not end like this. There was still hope for +him. The situation was not as desperate as he feared. He might yet avert +the shameful end of the suicide. Advancing toward her, he said in a +hoarse whisper: + +"Oh, this is good of you, you've come--this is the answer to my +letter." + +Alicia ignored his extended hand and took a seat. Then, turning on him, +she exclaimed indignantly: + +"The answer should be a horsewhip. How dare you send me such a message?" +Drawing from her bag the letter received from him that evening, she +demanded: + +"What do you expect to gain by this threat?" + +"Don't be angry, Alicia." + +Underwood spoke soothingly, trying to conciliate her. Well he knew the +seductive power of his voice. Often he had used it and not in vain, but +to-night it fell on cold, indifferent ears. + +"Don't call me by that name," she snapped. + +Underwood made no answer. He turned slightly paler and, folding his +arms, just looked at her, in silence. There was an awkward pause. + +At last she said: + +"I hope you understand that everything's over between us. Our +acquaintance is at an end." + +"My feelings toward you can never change," replied Underwood earnestly. +"I love you--I shall always love you." + +Alicia gave a little shrug of her shoulders, expressive of utter +indifference. + +"Love!" she exclaimed mockingly. "You love no one but yourself." + +Underwood advanced nearer to her and there was a tremor in his voice as +he said: + +"You have no right to say that. You remember what we once were. Whose +fault is it that I am where I am to-day? When you broke our engagement +and married old Jeffries to gratify your social ambition, you ruined my +life. You didn't destroy my love--you couldn't kill that. You may forbid +me everything--to see you--to speak to you--even to think of you, but I +can never forget that you are the only woman I ever cared for. If you +had married me, I might have been a different man. And now, just when I +want you most, you deny me even your friendship. What have I done to +deserve such treatment? Is it fair? Is it just?" + +Alicia had listened with growing impatience. It was only with difficulty +that she contained herself. Now she interrupted him hotly: + +"I broke my engagement with you because I found that you were deceiving +me--just as you deceived others." + +"It's a lie!" broke in Underwood. "I may have trifled with others, but I +never deceived you." + +Alicia rose and, crossing the room, carelessly inspected one of the +pictures on the wall, a study of the nude by Bouguereau. + +"We need not go into that," she said haughtily. "That is all over now. I +came to ask you what this letter--this threat----means. What do you +expect to gain by taking your life unless I continue to be your friend? +How can I be a friend to a man like you? You know what your friendship +for a woman means. It means that you would drag her down to your own +level and disgrace her as well as yourself. Thank God, my eyes are now +opened to your true character. No self-respecting woman could afford to +allow her name to be associated with yours. You are as incapable of +disinterested friendship as you are of common honesty." Coldly she +added: "I hope you quite understand that henceforth my house is closed +to you. If we happen to meet in public, it must be as strangers." + +Underwood did not speak. Words seemed to fail him. His face was set and +white. A nervous twitching about the mouth showed the terrible mental +strain which the man was under. In the excitement he had forgotten about +Howard's presence on the divan behind the screen. A listener might have +detected the heavy breathing of the sleeper, but even Alicia herself was +too preoccupied to notice it. Underwood extended his arms pleadingly: + +"Alicia--for the sake of Auld Lang Syne!" + +"Auld Lang Syne," she retorted. "I want to forget the past. The old +memories are distasteful. My only object in coming here to-night was to +make the situation plain to you and to ask you to promise me not +to--carry out your threat to kill yourself. Why should you kill +yourself? Only cowards do that. Because you are in trouble? That is the +coward's way out. Leave New York. Go where you are not known. You are +still young. Begin life over again, somewhere else." Advancing toward +him, she went on: "If you will do this I will help you. I never want to +see you again, but I'll try not to think of you unkindly. But you must +promise me solemnly not to make any attempt against your life." + +"I promise nothing," muttered Underwood doggedly. + +"But you must," she insisted. "It would be a terrible crime, not only +against yourself, but against others. You must give me your word." + +Underwood shook his head. + +"I promise nothing." + +"But you must," persisted Alicia. "I won't stir from here until I have +your promise." + +He looked at her curiously. + +"If my life has no interest for you, why should you care?" he asked. + +There was a note of scorn in his voice which aroused his visitor's +wrath. Crumpling up his letter in her hand, she confronted him angrily. + +"Shall I tell you why I care?" she cried. "Because you accuse me in this +letter of being the cause of your death--I, who have been your friend in +spite of your dishonesty. Oh! it's despicable, contemptible! Above all, +it's a lie----" + +Underwood shrugged his shoulders. Cynically he replied: + +"So it wasn't so much concern for me as for yourself that brought you +here." + +Alicia's eyes flashed as she answered: + +"Yes, I wished to spare myself this indignity--the shame of being +associated in any way with a suicide. I was afraid you meant what you +said." + +"Afraid," interrupted Underwood bitterly, "that some of the scandal +might reach as far as the aristocratic Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Sr.!" + +Her face flushed with anger, Alicia paced up and down the room. The +man's taunts stung her to the quick. In a way, she felt that he was +right. She ought to have guessed his character long ago and had nothing +to do with him. He seemed desperate enough to do anything, yet she +doubted if he had the courage to kill himself. She thought she would try +more conciliatory methods, so, stopping short, she said more gently: + +"You know how my husband has suffered through the wretched marriage of +his only son. You know how deeply we both feel this disgrace, and yet +you would add----" + +Underwood laughed mockingly. + +"Why should I consider your husband's feelings?" he cried. "He didn't +consider mine when he married you." Suddenly bending forward, every +nerve tense, he continued hoarsely: "Alicia, I tell you I'm desperate. +I'm hemmed in on all sides by creditors. You know what your +friendship--your patronage means? If you drop me now, your friends will +follow--they're a lot of sheep led by you--and when my creditors hear of +me they'll be down on me like a flock of wolves. I'm not able to make a +settlement. Prison stares me in the face." + +Glancing around at the handsome furnishings, Alicia replied carelessly: + +"I'm not responsible for your wrongdoing. I want to protect my friends. +If they are a lot of sheep as you say, that is precisely why I should +warn them. They have implicit confidence in me. You have borrowed their +money, cheated them at cards, stolen from them. Your acquaintance with +me has given them the opportunity. But now I've found you out. I refuse +any longer to sacrifice my friends, my self-respect, my sense of +decency." Angrily she continued: "You thought you could bluff me. You've +adopted this coward's way of forcing me to receive you against my will. +Well, you've failed. I will not sanction your robbing my friends. I will +not allow you to sell them any more of your high-priced rubbish, or +permit you to cheat them at cards." + +Underwood listened in silence. He stood motionless, watching her flushed +face as she heaped reproaches on him. She was practically pronouncing +his death sentence, yet he could not help thinking how pretty she +looked. When she had finished he said nothing, but, going to his desk, +he opened a small drawer and took out a revolver. + +Alicia recoiled, frightened. + +"What are you going to do?" she cried. + +Underwood smiled bitterly. + +"Oh, don't be afraid. I wouldn't do it while you are here. In spite of +all you've said to me, I still think too much of you for that." +Replacing the pistol in the drawer, he added: "Alicia, if you desert me +now, you'll be sorry to the day of your death." + +His visitor looked at him in silence. Then, contemptuously, she said: + +"I don't believe you intend to carry out your threat. I should have +known from the first that your object was to frighten me. The pistol +display was highly theatrical, but it was only a bluff. You've no more +idea of taking your life than I have of taking mine. I was foolish to +come here. I might have spared myself the humiliation of this +clandestine interview. Good night!" + +She went toward the door. Underwood made no attempt to follow her. In a +hard, strange voice, which he scarcely recognized as his own, he merely +said: + +"Is that all you have to say?" + +"Yes," replied Alicia, as she turned at the door. "Let it be thoroughly +understood that your presence at my house is not desired. If you force +yourself upon me in any way, you must take the consequences." + +Underwood bowed, and was silent. She did not see the deathly pallor of +his face. Opening the door of the apartment which led to the hall, she +again turned. + +"Tell me, before I go--you didn't mean what you said in your letter, did +you?" + +"I'll tell you nothing," replied Underwood doggedly. + +She tossed her head scornfully. + +"I don't believe that a man who is coward enough to write a letter like +this has the courage to carry out his threat." Stuffing the letter back +into her bag, she added: "I should have thrown it in the waste-paper +basket, but on second thoughts, I think I'll keep it. Good night." + +"Good night," echoed Underwood mechanically. + +He watched her go down the long hallway and disappear in the elevator. +Then, shutting the door, he came slowly back into the room and sat down +at his desk. For ten minutes he sat there motionless, his head bent +forward, every limb relaxed. There was deep silence, broken only by +Howard's regular breathing and the loud ticking of the clock. + +"It's all up," he muttered to himself. "It's no use battling against the +tide. The strongest swimmer must go under some time. I've played my last +card and I've lost. Death is better than going to jail. What good is +life anyway without money? Just a moment's nerve and it will all be +over." + +Opening the drawer in the desk, he took out the revolver again. He +turned it over in his hand and regarded fearfully the polished surface +of the instrument that bridged life and death. He had completely +forgotten Howard's presence in the room. On the threshold of a terrible +deed, his thoughts were leagues away. Like a man who is drowning, and +close to death, he saw with surprising distinctness a kaleidoscopic view +of his past life. He saw himself an innocent, impulsive school boy, the +pride of a devoted mother, the happy home where he spent his childhood. +Then came the association with bad companions, the first step in +wrongdoing, stealing out of a comrade's pocket in school, the death of +his mother, leaving home--with downward progress until he gradually +drifted into his present dishonest way of living. What was the good of +regrets? He could not recall his mother to life. He could never +rehabilitate himself among decent men and women. The world had suddenly +become too small for him. He must go, and quickly. + +Fingering the pistol nervously, he sat before the mirror and placed it +against his temple. The cold steel gave him a sudden shock. He wondered +if it would hurt, and if there would be instant oblivion. The glare of +the electric light in the room disconcerted him. It occurred to him that +it would be easier in the dark. Reaching out his arm, he turned the +electric button, and the room was immediately plunged into darkness, +except for the moonlight which entered through the windows, imparting a +ghostly aspect to the scene. On the other side of the room, behind the +screen, a red glow from the open fire fell on the sleeping form of +Howard Jeffries. + +Slowly, deliberately, Underwood raised the pistol to his temple and +fired. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + +"Hello! What's that?" + +Startled out of his Gargantuan slumber by the revolver's loud report, +Howard sat up with a jump and rubbed his eyes. On the other side of the +screen, concealed from his observation, there was a heavy crash of a +body falling with a chair--then all was quiet. + +Scared, not knowing where he was, Howard jumped to his feet. For a +moment he stood still, trying to collect his senses. It was too dark to +discern anything plainly, but he could dimly make out outlines of +aesthetic furniture and bibelots. Ah, he remembered now! He was in +Underwood's apartment. + +Rubbing his eyes, he tried to recall how he came there, and slowly his +befuddled brain began to work. He remembered that he needed $2,000, and +that he had called on Robert Underwood to try and borrow the money. Yes, +he recalled that perfectly well. Then he and Underwood got drinking and +talking, and he had fallen asleep. He thought he had heard a woman's +voice--a voice he knew. Perhaps that was only a dream. He must have been +asleep some time, because the lights were out and, seemingly, everybody +had gone to bed. He wondered what the noise which startled him could +have been. Suddenly he heard a groan. He listened intently, but all was +still. The silence was uncanny. + +Now thoroughly frightened, Howard cautiously groped his way about, +trying to find the electric button. He had no idea what time it was. It +must be very late. What an ass he was to drink so much! He wondered what +Annie would say when he didn't return. He was a hound to let her sit up +and worry like that. Well, this would be a lesson to him--it was the +last time he'd ever touch a drop. Of course, he had promised her the +same thing a hundred times before, but this time he meant it. His +drinking was always getting him into some fool scrape or other. + +He was gradually working his way along the room, when suddenly he +stumbled over something on the floor. It was a man lying prostrate. +Stooping, he recognized the figure. + +"Why--it's Underwood!" he exclaimed. + +At first he believed his classmate was asleep, yet considered it strange +that he should have selected so uncomfortable a place. Then it occurred +to him that he might be ill. Shaking him by the shoulder, he cried: + +"Hey, Underwood, what's the matter?" + +No response came from the prostrate figure. Howard stooped lower, to see +better, and accidentally touching Underwood's face, found it clammy and +wet. He held his hand up in the moonlight and saw that it was covered +with blood. Horror-stricken, he cried: + +"My God! He's bleeding--he's hurt!" + +What had happened? An accident--or worse? Quickly he felt the man's +pulse. It had ceased to beat. Underwood was dead. + +For a moment Howard was too much overcome by his discovery to know what +to think or do. What dreadful tragedy could have happened? Carefully +groping along the mantelpiece, he at last found the electric button and +turned on the light. There, stretched out on the floor, lay Underwood, +with a bullet hole in his left temple, from which blood had flowed +freely down on his full-dress shirt. It was a ghastly sight. The man's +white, set face, covered with a crimson stream, made a repulsive +spectacle. On the floor near the body was a highly polished revolver, +still smoking. + +Howard's first supposition was that burglars had entered the place and +that Underwood had been killed while defending his property. He +remembered now that in his drunken sleep he had heard voices in angry +altercation. Yet why hadn't he called for assistance? Perhaps he had and +he hadn't heard him. + +He looked at the clock, and was surprised to find it was not yet +midnight. He believed it was at least five o'clock in the morning. It +was evident that Underwood had never gone to bed. The shooting had +occurred either while the angry dispute was going on or after the +unknown visitor had departed. The barrel of the revolver was still warm, +showing that it could only have been discharged a few moments before. +Suddenly it flashed upon him that Underwood might have committed +suicide. + +But it was useless to stand there theorizing. Something must be done. +He must alarm the hotel people or call the police. He felt himself turn +hot and cold by turn as he realized the serious predicament in which he +himself was placed. If he aroused the hotel people they would find him +here alone with a dead man. Suspicion would at once be directed at him, +and it might be very difficult for him to establish his innocence. Who +would believe that he could have fallen asleep in a bed while a man +killed himself in the same room? It sounded preposterous. The wisest +course for him would be to get away before anybody came. + +Quickly he picked up his hat and made for the door. Just as he was about +to lay his hand on the handle there was the click of a latchkey. Thus +headed off, and not knowing what to do, he halted in painful suspense. +The door opened and a man entered. + +He looked as surprised to see Howard as the latter was to see him. He +was clean-shaven and neatly dressed, yet did not look the gentleman. His +appearance was rather that of a servant. All these details flashed +before Howard's mind before he blurted out: + +"Who the devil are you?" + +The man looked astounded at the question and eyed his interlocutor +closely, as if in doubt as to his identity. In a cockney accent he said +loftily: + +"I am Ferris, Mr. Underwood's man, sir." Suspiciously, he added: "Are +you a friend of Mr. Underwood's, sir?" + +He might well ask the question, for Howard's disheveled appearance and +ghastly face, still distorted by terror, was anything but reassuring. +Taken by surprise, Howard did not know what to say, and like most people +questioned at a disadvantage, he answered foolishly: + +"Matter? No. What makes you think anything is the matter?" + +Brushing past the man, he added: "It's late. I'm going." + +"Stop a minute!" cried the man-servant. There was something in Howard's +manner that he did not like. Passing quickly into the sitting room, he +called out: "Stop a minute!" But Howard did not stop. Terror gave him +wings and, without waiting for the elevator, he was already half way +down the first staircase when he heard shouts behind him. + +"Murder! Stop thief! Stop that man! Stop that man!" + +There was a rush of feet and hum of voices, which made Howard run all +the faster. He leaped down four steps at a time in his anxiety to get +away. But it was no easy matter descending so many flights of stairs. It +took him several minutes to reach the main floor. + +By this time the whole hotel was aroused. Telephone calls had quickly +warned the attendants, who had promptly sent for the police. By the time +Howard reached the main entrance he was intercepted by a mob too +numerous to resist. + +Things certainly looked black for him. As he sat, white and trembling, +under guard in a corner of the entrance hall, waiting for the arrival of +the police, the valet breathlessly gave the sensational particulars to +the rapidly growing crowd of curious onlookers. He had taken his usual +Sunday out and on returning home at midnight, as was his custom, he had +let himself in with his latchkey. To his astonishment he had found this +man, the prisoner, about to leave the premises. His manner and remarks +were so peculiar that they at once aroused his suspicion. He hurried +into the apartment and found his master lying dead on the floor in a +pool of blood. In his hurry the assassin had dropped his revolver, which +was lying near the corpse. As far as he could see, nothing had been +taken from the apartment. Evidently the man was disturbed at his work +and, when suddenly surprised, had made the bluff that he was calling on +Mr. Underwood. They had got the right man, that was certain. He was +caught red-handed, and in proof of what he said, the valet pointed to +Howard's right hand, which was still covered with blood. + +"How terrible!" exclaimed a woman bystander, averting her face. "So +young, too!" + +"It's all a mistake, I tell you. It's all a mistake," cried Howard, +almost panic-stricken. "I'm a friend of Mr. Underwood's." + +"Nice friend!" sneered an onlooker. + +"Tell that to the police," laughed another. + +"Or to the marines!" cried a third. + +"It's the chair for his'n!" opined a fourth. + +By this time the main entrance hall was crowded with people, tenants and +passers-by attracted by the unwonted commotion. A scandal in high life +is always caviare to the sensation seeker. Everybody excitedly inquired +of his neighbor: + +"What is it? What's the matter?" + +Presently the rattle of wheels was heard and a heavy vehicle, driven +furiously, drew up at the sidewalk with a jerk. It was the police patrol +wagon, and in it were the captain of the precinct and a half dozen +policemen and detectives. The crowd pushed forward to get a better view +of the burly representatives of the law as, full of authority, they +elbowed their way unceremoniously through the throng. Pointing to the +leader, a big man in plain clothes, with a square, determined jaw and a +bulldog face, they whispered one to another: + +"That's Captain Clinton, chief of the precinct. He's a terror. It'll go +hard with any prisoner he gets in his clutches!" + +Followed by his uniformed myrmidons, the police official pushed his way +to the corner where sat Howard, dazed and trembling, and still guarded +by the valet and elevator boys. + +"What's the matter here?" demanded the captain gruffly, and looking +from Ferris to the white-faced Howard. The valet eagerly told his story: + +"I came home at midnight, sir, and found my master, Mr. Robert +Underwood, lying dead in the apartment, shot through the head." Pointing +to Howard, he added: "This man was in the apartment trying to get away. +You see his hand is still covered with blood." + +Captain Clinton chuckled, and expanding his mighty chest to its fullest, +licked his chops with satisfaction. This was the opportunity he had been +looking for--a sensational murder in a big apartment hotel, right in the +very heart of his precinct! Nothing could be more to his liking. It was +a rich man's murder, the best kind to attract attention to himself. The +sensational newspapers would be full of the case. They would print +columns of stuff every day, together with his portrait. That was just +the kind of publicity he needed now that he was wire-pulling for an +inspectorship. They had caught the man "with the goods"--that was very +clear. He promised himself to attend to the rest. Conviction was what he +was after. He'd see that no tricky lawyer got the best of him. +Concealing, as well as he could, his satisfaction, he drew himself up +and, with blustering show of authority, immediately took command of the +situation. Turning to a police sergeant at his side, he said: + +"Maloney, this fellow may have had an accomplice. Take four officers and +watch every exit from the hotel. Arrest anybody attempting to leave the +building. Put two officers to watch the fire escapes. Send one man on +the roof. Go!" + +"Yes, sir," replied the sergeant, as he turned away to execute the +orders. + +Captain Clinton gave two strides forward, and catching Howard by the +collar, jerked him to his feet. + +"Now, young feller, you come with me! We'll go upstairs and have a look +at the dead man." + +Howard was at no time an athlete, and now, contrasted with the burly +policeman, a colossus in strength, he seemed like a puny boy. His +cringing, frightened attitude, as he looked up in the captain's bulldog +face, was pathetic. The crowd of bystanders could hardly contain their +eagerness to take in every detail of the dramatic situation. The +prisoner was sober by this time, and thoroughly alarmed. + +"What do you want me for?" he cried. "I haven't done anything. The man's +dead, but I didn't kill him." + +"Shut your mouth!" growled the captain. + +Dragging Howard after him, he made his way to the elevator. Throwing his +prisoner into the cage, he turned to give orders to his subordinate. + +"Maloney, you come up with me and bring Officer Delaney." Addressing the +other men, he said: "You other fellers look after things down here. +Don't let any of these people come upstairs," Then, turning to the +elevator boy, he gave the command: "Up with her." + +The elevator, with its passengers, shot upward, stopped with a jerk at +the fourteenth floor, and the captain, once more laying a brutal hand on +Howard, pushed him out into the corridor. + +If it could be said of Captain Clinton that he had any system at all, it +was to be as brutal as possible with everybody unlucky enough to fall +into his hands. Instead of regarding his prisoners as innocent until +found guilty, as they are justly entitled to be regarded under the law, +he took the direct opposite stand. He considered all his prisoners as +guilty as hell until they had succeeded in proving themselves innocent. +Even then he had his doubts. When a jury brought in a verdict of +acquittal, he shook his head and growled. He had the greatest contempt +for a jury that would acquit and the warmest regard for a jury which +convicted. He bullied and maltreated his prisoners because he firmly +believed in undermining their moral and physical resistance. When by +depriving them of sleep and food, by choking them, clubbing them and +frightening them he had reduced them to a state of nervous terror, to +the border of physical collapse, he knew by experience that they would +no longer be in condition to withstand his merciless cross-examinations. +Demoralized, unstrung, they would blurt out the truth and so convict +themselves. The ends of justice would thus be served. + +Captain Clinton prided himself on the thorough manner in which he +conducted these examinations of persons under arrest. It was a laborious +ordeal, but always successful. He owed his present position on the force +to the skill with which he brow-beat his prisoners into "confessions." +With his "third degree" seances he arrived at results better and more +quickly than in any other way. All his convictions had been secured by +them. The press and meddling busy-bodies called his system barbarous, a +revival of the old-time torture chamber. What did he care what the +people said as long as he convicted his man? Wasn't that what he was +paid for? He was there to find the murderer, and he was going to do it. + +He pushed his way into the apartment, followed closely by Maloney and +the other policemen, who dragged along the unhappy Howard. The dead man +still lay where he had fallen. Captain Clinton stooped down, but made no +attempt to touch the corpse, merely satisfying himself that Underwood +was dead. Then, after a casual survey of the room, he said to his +sergeant: + +"We won't touch a thing, Maloney, till the coroner arrives. He'll be +here any minute, and he'll give the order for the undertaker. You can +call up headquarters so the newspaper boys get the story." + +While the sergeant went to the telephone to carry out these orders, +Captain Clinton turned to look at Howard, who had collapsed, white and +trembling, into a chair. + +"What do you want with me?" cried Howard appealingly. "I assure you I've +had nothing to do with this. My wife's expecting me home. Can't I go?" + +"Shut up!" thundered the captain. + +His arms folded, his eyes sternly fixed upon him, Captain Clinton stood +confronting the unfortunate youth, staring at him without saying a word. +The persistence of his stare made Howard squirm. It was decidedly +unpleasant. He did not mind the detention so much as this man's +overbearing, bullying manner. He knew he was innocent, therefore he had +nothing to fear. But why was this police captain staring at him so? +Whichever way he sat, whichever way his eyes turned, he saw this +bulldog-faced policeman staring silently at him. Unknown to him, Captain +Clinton had already begun the dreaded police ordeal known as the "third +degree." + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + + +Fifteen minutes passed without a word being spoken. There was deep +silence in the room. It was so quiet that one could have heard a pin +drop. Had a disinterested spectator been there to witness it, he would +have been at once impressed by the dramatic tableau presented--the dead +man on the floor, his white shirt front spattered with blood, the +cringing, frightened boy crouching in the chair, the towering figure of +the police captain sitting sternly eyeing his hapless prisoner, and at +the far end of the room Detective Sergeant Maloney busy sending hurried +messages through the telephone. + +"What did you do it for?" thundered the captain suddenly. + +Howard's tongue clove to his palate. He could scarcely articulate. He +was innocent, of course, but there was something in this man's manner +which made him fear that he might, after all, have had something to do +with the tragedy. Yet he was positive that he was asleep on the bed all +the time. The question is, Would anybody believe him? He shook his head +pathetically. + +"I didn't do it. Really, I didn't." + +"Shut your mouth! You're lying, and you know you're lying. Wait till the +coroner comes. We'll fix you." + +Again there was silence, and now began a long, tedious wait, both men +retaining the same positions, the captain watching his prisoner as a cat +watches a mouse. + +Howard's mental anguish was almost unendurable. He thought of his poor +wife who must be waiting up for him all this time, wondering what had +become of him. She would imagine the worst, and there was no telling +what she might do. If only he could get word to her. Perhaps she would +be able to explain things. Then he thought of his father. They had +quarreled, it was true, but after all it was his own flesh and blood. At +such a critical situation as this, one forgets. His father could hardly +refuse to come to his assistance. He must get a lawyer, too, to protect +his interests. This police captain had no right to detain him like +this. He must get word to Annie without delay. Summoning up all his +courage, he said boldly: + +"You are detaining me here without warrant in law. I know my rights. I +am the son of one of the most influential men in the city." + +"What's your name?" growled the captain. + +"Howard Jeffries." + +"Son of Howard Jeffries, the banker?" + +Howard nodded. + +"Yes." + +The captain turned to his sergeant. + +"Maloney, this feller says he's the son of Howard Jeffries, the banker." + +Maloney leaned over and whispered something in the captain's ear. The +captain smiled grimly. + +"So, you're a bad character, eh? Father turned you out of doors, eh? +Where's that girl you ran away with?" Sharply he added: "You see I know +your record." + +"I've done nothing I'm ashamed of," replied Howard calmly. "I married +the girl. She's waiting my return now. Won't you please let me send her +a message?" + +The captain eyed Howard suspiciously for a moment, then he turned to his +sergeant: + +"Maloney, telephone this man's wife. What's the number?" + +"Eighty-six Morningside." + +Maloney again got busy with the telephone and the wearying wait began +once more. The clock soon struck two. For a whole hour he had been +subjected to this gruelling process, and still the lynx-eyed captain sat +there watching his quarry. + +If Captain Clinton had begun to have any doubts when Howard told him who +his father was, Maloney's information immediately put him at his ease. +It was all clear to him now. The youth had never been any good. His own +father had kicked him out. He was in desperate financial straits. He had +come to this man's rooms to make a demand for money. Underwood had +refused and there was a quarrel, and he shot him. There was probably a +dispute over the woman. Ah, yes, he remembered now. This girl he married +was formerly a sweetheart of Underwood's. Jealousy was behind it as +well. Besides, wasn't he caught red-handed, with blood on his hands, +trying to escape from the apartment? Oh, they had him dead to rights, +all right. Any magistrate would hold him on such evidence. + +"It's the Tombs for him, all right, all right," muttered the captain to +himself; "and maybe promotion for me." + +Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. The coroner entered, +followed by the undertaker. The two men advanced quickly into the room, +and took a look at the body. After making a hasty examination, the +coroner turned to Captain Clinton. + +"Well, Captain, I guess he's dead, all right." + +"Yes, and we've got our man, too." + +The coroner turned to look at the prisoner. + +"Caught him red-handed, eh? Who is he?" + +Howard was about to blurt out a reply, when the captain thundered: + +"Silence!" + +To the coroner, the captain explained: + +"He's the scapegrace son of Howard Jeffries, the banker. No good--bad +egg. His father turned him out of doors. There is no question about his +guilt. Look at his hands. We caught him trying to get away." + +The coroner rose. He believed in doing things promptly. + +"I congratulate you, captain. Quick work like this ought to do your +reputation good. The community owes a debt to the officers of the law if +they succeed in apprehending criminals quickly. You've been getting some +pretty hard knocks lately, but I guess you know your business." + +The captain grinned broadly. + +"I guess I do. Don't we, Maloney?" + +"Yes, cap.," said Maloney quietly. + +The coroner turned to go. + +"Well, there's nothing more for me to do here. The man is dead. Let +justice take its course." Addressing the undertaker, he said: + +"You can remove the body." + +The men set about the work immediately. Carrying the corpse into the +inner room, they commenced the work of laying it out. + +"I suppose," said the coroner, "that you'll take your prisoner +immediately to the station house, and before the magistrate to-morrow +morning?" + +"Not just yet," grinned the captain. "I want to put a few questions to +him first." + +The coroner smiled. + +"You're going to put him through the 'third degree,' eh? Every one's +heard of your star-chamber ordeals. Are they really so dreadful?" + +"Nonsense!" laughed the captain. "We wouldn't harm a baby, would we +Maloney?" + +The sergeant quickly endorsed his chief's opinion. + +"No, cap." + +Turning to go, the coroner said: + +"Well, good night, captain." + +"Good night, Mr. Coroner." + +Howard listened to all this like one transfixed. They seemed to be +talking about him. They were discussing some frightful ordeal of which +he was to be the victim. What was this "third degree" they were talking +about? Now he remembered. He had heard of innocent men being bullied, +maltreated, deprived of food and sleep for days, in order to force them +to tell what the police were anxious to find out. He had heard of secret +assaults, of midnight clubbings, of prisoners being choked and brutally +kicked by a gang of ruffianly policemen, in order to force them into +some damaging admission. A chill ran down his spine as he realized his +utter helplessness. If he could only get word to a lawyer. Just as the +coroner was disappearing through the door, he darted forward and laid a +hand on his arm. + +"Mr. Coroner, won't you listen to me?" he exclaimed. + +The coroner, startled, drew back. + +"I cannot interfere," he said coldly. + +"Mr. Underwood was a friend of mine," explained Howard. "I came here to +borrow money. I fell asleep on that sofa. When I woke up he was dead. I +was frightened. I tried to get away. That's the truth, so help me God!" + +The coroner looked at him sternly and made no reply. No one could ever +reproach him with sympathizing with criminals. Waving his hand at +Captain Clinton, he said: + +"Good night, captain." + +"Good night, Mr. Coroner." + +The door slammed and Captain Clinton, with a twist of his powerful arm, +yanked his prisoner back into his seat. Howard protested. + +"You've got no right to treat me like this. You exceed your powers. I +demand to be taken before a magistrate at once." + +The captain grinned, and pointed to the clock. + +"Say, young feller, see what time it is? Two-thirty A. M. Our good +magistrates are all comfy in their virtuous beds. We'll have to wait +till morning." + +"But what's the good of sitting here in this death house?" protested +Howard. "Take me to the station if I must go. It's intolerable to sit +any longer here." + +The captain beckoned to Maloney. + +"Not so fast, young man. Before we go to the station we want to ask you +a few questions. Don't we Maloney?" + +The sergeant came over, and the captain whispered something in his ear. +Howard shivered. Suddenly turning to his prisoner, the captain shouted +in the stern tone of command: + +"Get up!" + +Howard did as he was ordered. He felt he must. There was no resisting +that powerful brute's tone of authority. Pointing to the other side of +the table, the captain went on: + +"Stand over there where I can look at you!" + +The two men now faced each other, the small table alone separating them. +The powerful electrolier overhead cast its light full on Howard's +haggard face and on the captain's scowling features. Suddenly Maloney +turned off every electric light except the lights in the electrolier, +the glare of which was intensified by the surrounding darkness. The rest +of the room was in shadow. One saw only these two figures standing +vividly out in the strong light--the white-faced prisoner and his +stalwart inquisitor. In the dark background stood Policeman Delaney. +Close at hand was Maloney taking notes. + +"You did it, and you know you did it!" thundered the captain, fixing his +eyes on his trembling victim. + +[Illustration: "YOU DID IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU DID IT."] + +"I did not do it," replied Howard slowly and firmly, returning the +policeman's stare. + +"You're lying!" shouted the captain. + +"I'm not lying," replied Howard calmly. + +The captain glared at him for a moment and then suddenly tried new +tactics. + +"Why did you come here?" he demanded. + +"I came to borrow money." + +"Did you get it?" + +"No--he said he couldn't give it to me." + +"Then you killed him." + +"I did not kill him," replied Howard positively. + +Thus the searching examination went on, mercilessly, tirelessly. The +same questions, the same answers, the same accusations, the same +denials, hour after hour. The captain was tired, but being a giant in +physique, he could stand it. He knew that his victim could not. It was +only a question of time when the latter's resistance would be weakened. +Then he would stop lying and tell the truth. That's all he wanted--the +truth. + +"You shot him!" + +"I did not." + +"You're lying!" + +"I'm not lying--it's the truth." + +So it went on, hour after hour, relentlessly, pitilessly, while the +patient Maloney, in the obscure background, took notes. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + +The clock ticked on, and still the merciless brow-beating went on. They +had been at it now five long, weary hours. Through the blinds the gray +daylight outside was creeping its way in. All the policemen were +exhausted. The prisoner was on the verge of collapse. Maloney and +Patrolman Delaney were dozing on chairs, but Captain Clinton, a marvel +of iron will and physical strength, never relaxed for a moment. Not +allowing himself to weaken or show signs of fatigue, he kept pounding +the unhappy youth with searching questions. + +By this time Howard's condition was pitiable to witness. His face was +white as death. His trembling lips could hardly articulate. It was with +the greatest difficulty that he kept on his feet. Every moment he seemed +about to fall. At times he clutched the table nervously, for fear he +would stumble. Several times, through sheer exhaustion, he sat down. +The act was almost involuntary. Nature was giving way. + +"I can't stand any more," he murmured. "What's the good of all these +questions? I tell you I didn't do it." + +He sank helplessly on to a chair. His eyes rolled in his head. He looked +as if he would faint. + +"Stand up!" thundered the captain angrily. + +Howard obeyed mechanically, although he reeled in the effort. To steady +himself, he caught hold of the table. His strength was fast ebbing. He +was losing his power to resist. The captain saw he was weakening, and he +smiled with satisfaction. He'd soon get a confession out of him. +Suddenly bending forward, so that his fierce, determined stare glared +right into Howard's half-closed eyes, he shouted: + +"You did it and you know you did!" + +"No--I----" replied Howard weakly. + +"These repeated denials are useless!" shouted the captain. "There's +already enough evidence to send you to the chair!" + +Howard shook his head helplessly. Weakly he replied: + +"This constant questioning is making me dizzy. Good God! What's the use +of questioning me and questioning me? I know nothing about it." + +"Why did you come here?" thundered the captain. + +"I've told you over and over again. We're old friends. I came to borrow +money. He owed me a few hundred dollars when we were at college +together, and I tried to get it. I've told you so many times. You won't +believe me. My brain is tired. I'm thoroughly exhausted. Please let me +go. My poor wife won't know what's the matter." + +"Never mind about your wife," growled the captain. "We've sent for her. +How much did you try to borrow?" + +Howard was silent a moment, as if racking his brain, trying to remember. + +"A thousand--two thousand. I forget. I think one thousand." + +"Did he say he'd lend you the money?" demanded the inquisitor. + +"No," replied the prisoner, with hesitation. "He couldn't--he--poor +chap--he----" + +"Ah!" snapped the captain. "He refused--that led to words. There was a +quarrel, and----" Suddenly leaning forward until his face almost touched +Howard's, he hissed rather than spoke: "You shot him!" + +Howard gave an involuntary step backward, as if he realized the trap +being laid for him. + +"No, no!" he cried. + +Quickly following up his advantage, Captain Clinton shouted +dramatically: + +"You lie! He was found on the floor in this room--dead. You were trying +to get out of the house without being seen. You hadn't even stopped to +wash the blood off your hands. All you fellers make mistakes. You relied +on getting away unseen. You never stopped to think that the blood on +your hands would betray you." Gruffly he added: "Now, come, what's the +use of wasting all this time? It won't go so hard with you if you own +up. You killed Robert Underwood!" + +Howard shook his head. There was a pathetic expression of helplessness +on his face. + +"I didn't kill him," he faltered. "I was asleep on that sofa. I woke up. +It was dark. I went out. I wanted to get home. My wife was waiting for +me." + +"Now I've caught you lying," interrupted the captain quickly. "You told +the coroner you saw the dead man and feared you would be suspected of +his murder, and so tried to get away unseen." Turning to his men, he +added: "How is that, Maloney? Did the prisoner say that?" + +The sergeant consulted his back notes, and replied: + +"Yes, Cap', that's what he said." + +Suddenly Captain Clinton drew from his hip pocket the revolver which he +had found on the floor, near the dead man's body. The supreme test was +about to be made. The wily police captain would now play his trump card. +It was not without reason that his enemies charged him with employing +unlawful methods in conducting his inquisitorial examinations. + +"Stop your lying!" he said fiercely. "Tell the truth, or we'll keep you +here until you do. The motive is clear. You came for money. You were +refused, and you did the trick." + +Suddenly producing the revolver, and holding it well under the light, +so that the rays from the electrolier fell directly on its highly +polished surface, he shouted: + +"Howard Jeffries, you shot Robert Underwood, and you shot him with this +pistol!" + +Howard gazed at the shining surface of the metal as if fascinated. He +spoke not a word, but his eyes became riveted on the weapon until his +face assumed a vacant stare. From the scientific standpoint, the act of +hypnotism had been accomplished. In his nervous and overfatigued state, +added to his susceptibility to quick hypnosis, he was now directly under +the influence of Captain Clinton's stronger will, directing his weaker +will. He was completely receptive. The past seemed all a blur on his +mind. He saw the flash of steel and the police captain's angry, +determined-looking face. He felt he was powerless to resist that will +any longer. He stepped back and gave a shudder, averting his eyes from +the blinding steel. Captain Clinton quickly followed up his advantage: + +"You committed this crime, Howard Jeffries!" he shouted, fixing him with +a stare. To his subordinate he shouted: "Didn't he, Maloney?" + +"He killed him all right," echoed Maloney. + +His eyes still fixed on those of his victim, and approaching his face +close to his, the captain shouted: + +"You did it, Jeffries! Come on, own up! Let's have the truth! You shot +Robert Underwood with this revolver. You did it, and you can't deny it! +You know you can't deny it! Speak!" he thundered. "You did it!" + +Howard, his eyes still fixed on the shining pistol, repeated, as if +reciting a lesson: + +"I did it!" + +Quickly Captain Clinton signaled to Maloney to approach nearer with his +notebook. The detective sergeant took his place immediately back of +Howard. The captain turned to his prisoner: + +"You shot Robert Underwood!" + +"I shot Robert Underwood," repeated Howard mechanically. + +"You quarreled!" + +"We quarreled." + +"You came here for money!" + +"I came here for money." + +"He refused to give it to you!" + +"He refused to give it to me." + +"There was a quarrel!" + +"There was a quarrel." + +"You drew that pistol!" + +"I drew that pistol." + +"And shot him!" + +"And shot him." + +Captain Clinton smiled triumphantly. + +"That's all," he said. + +Howard collapsed into a chair. His head dropped forward on his breast, +as if he were asleep. Captain Clinton yawned and looked at his watch. +Turning to Maloney, he said with a chuckle: + +"By George! it's taken five hours to get it out of him!" + +Maloney turned out the electric lights and went to pull up the window +shades, letting the bright daylight stream into the room. Suddenly there +was a ring at the front door. Officer Delaney opened, and Dr. Bernstein +entered. Advancing into the room, he shook hands with the captain. + +"I'm sorry I couldn't come before, captain. I was out when I got the +call. Where's the body?" + +The captain pointed to the inner room. + +"In there." + +After glancing curiously at Howard, the doctor disappeared into the +inner room. + +Captain Clinton turned to Maloney. + +"Well, Maloney, I guess our work is done here. We want to get the +prisoner over to the station, then make out a charge of murder, and +prepare the full confession to submit to the magistrate. Have everything +ready by nine o'clock. Meantime, I'll go down and see the newspaper +boys. I guess there's a bunch of them down there. Of course, it's too +late for the morning papers, but it's a bully good story for the +afternoon editions. Delaney, you're responsible for the prisoner. Better +handcuff him." + +The patrolman was just putting the manacles on Howard's wrists when Dr. +Bernstein reentered from the inner room. The captain turned. + +"Well, have you seen your man?" he asked. + +The doctor nodded. + +"Found a bullet wound in his head," he said. "Flesh all burned--must +have been pretty close range. It might have been a case of suicide." + +Captain Clinton frowned. He didn't like suggestions of that kind after a +confession which had cost him five hours' work to procure. + +"Suicide?" he sneered. "Say, doctor, did you happen to notice what side +of the head the wound was on?" + +Dr. Bernstein reflected a moment. + +"Ah, yes. Now I come to think of it, it was the left side." + +"Precisely," sneered the captain. "I never heard of a suicide shooting +himself in the left temple. Don't worry, doctor, it's murder, all +right." Pointing with a jerk of his finger toward Howard, he added: "And +we've got the man who did the job." + +Officer Delaney approached his chief and spoke to him in a low tone. The +captain frowned and looked toward his prisoner. Then, turning toward the +officer, he said: + +"Is the wife downstairs?" + +The officer nodded. + +"Yes, sir, they just telephoned." + +"Then let her come up," said the captain. "She may know something." + +Delaney returned to the telephone and Dr. Bernstein turned to the +captain: + +"Say what you will, captain, I'm not at all sure that Underwood did not +do this himself." + +"Ain't you? Well, I am," replied the captain with a sneer. Pointing +again to Howard, he said: + +"This man has just confessed to the shooting." + +At that moment the front door opened and Annie Jeffries came in escorted +by an officer. She was pale and frightened, and looked timidly at the +group of strange and serious-looking men present. Then her eyes went +round the room in search of her husband. She saw him seemingly asleep in +an armchair, his wrists manacled in front of him. With a frightened +exclamation she sprang forward, but Officer Delaney intercepted her. +Captain Clinton turned around angrily at the interruption: + +"Keep the woman quiet till she's wanted!" he growled. + +Annie sat timidly on a chair in the background and the captain turned +again to the doctor. + +"What's that you were saying, doctor?" + +"You tell me the man confessed?" + +Crossing the room to where Howard sat, Dr. Bernstein looked closely at +him. Apparently the prisoner was asleep. His eyes were closed and his +head drooped forward on his chest. He was ghastly pale. + +The captain grinned. + +"Yes, sir, confessed--in the presence of three witnesses. Eh, sergeant?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Maloney. + +"You heard him, too, didn't you, Delaney?" + +"Yes, captain." + +Squaring his huge shoulders, the captain said with a self-satisfied +chuckle: + +"It took us five hours to get him to own up, but we got it out of him at +last." + +The doctor was still busy with his examination. + +"He seems to be asleep. Worn out, I guess. Five hours, yes--that's your +method, captain." Shaking his head, he went on: "I don't believe in +these all-night examinations and your 'third degree' mental torture. It +is barbarous. When a man is nervous and frightened his brain gets so +benumbed at the end of two or three hours' questioning on the same +subject that he's liable to say anything, or even believe anything. Of +course you know, captain, that after a certain time the law of +suggestion commences to operate and----" + +The captain turned to his sergeant and laughed: + +"The law of suggestion? Ha, ha! That's a good one! You know, doctor, +them theories of yours may make a hit with college students and amateur +professors, but they don't go with us. You can't make a man say 'yes' +when he wants to say 'no'." + +Dr. Bernstein smiled. + +"I don't agree with you," he said. "You can make him say anything, or +believe anything--or do anything if he is unable to resist your will." + +The captain burst into a hearty peal of laughter. + +"Ha, ha! What's the use of chinnin'? We've got him to rights. I tell +you, doctor, no newspaper can say that my precinct ain't cleaned up. My +record is a hundred convictions to one acquittal. I catch 'em with the +goods when I go after 'em!" + +A faint smile hovered about the doctor's face. + +"I know your reputation," he said sarcastically. + +The captain thought the doctor was flattering him, so he rubbed his +hands with satisfaction, as he replied: + +"That's right. I'm after results. None of them _Psyche_ themes for +mine." Striding over to the armchair where sat Howard, he laid a rough +hand on his shoulder: + +"Hey, Jeffries, wake up!" + +Howard opened his eyes and stared stupidly about him. The captain took +him by the collar of his coat. + +"Come--stand up! Brace up now!" Turning to Sergeant Maloney, he added, +"Take him over to the station. Write out that confession and make him +sign it before breakfast. I'll be right over." + +Howard struggled to his feet and Maloney helped him arrange his collar +and tie. Officer Delaney clapped his hat on his head. Dr. Bernstein +turned to go. + +"Good morning, captain. I'll make out my report" + +"Good morning, doctor." + +Dr. Bernstein disappeared and Captain Clinton turned to look at Annie, +who had been waiting patiently in the background. Her anguish on seeing +Howard's condition was unspeakable. It was only with difficulty that she +restrained herself from crying out and rushing to his side. But these +stern, uniformed men intimidated her. It seemed to her that Howard was +on trial--a prisoner--perhaps his life was in danger. What could he have +done? Of course, he was innocent, whatever the charge was. He wouldn't +harm a fly. She was sure of that. But every one looked so grave, and +there was a big crowd gathered in front of the hotel when she came up. +She thought she had heard the terrible word "murder," but surely there +was some mistake. Seeing Captain Clinton turn in her direction, she +darted eagerly forward. + +"May I speak to him, sir? He is my husband." + +"Not just now," replied the captain, not unkindly. "It's against the +rules. Wait till we get him to the Tombs. You can see him all you want +there." + +Annie's heart sank. Could she have heard aright? + +"The Tombs!" she faltered. "Is the charge so serious?" + +"Murder--that's all!" replied the captain laconically. + +Annie nearly swooned. Had she not caught the back of a chair she would +have fallen. + +The captain turned to Maloney and, in a low tone, said: + +"Quick! Get him over to the station. We don't want any family scenes +here." + +Manacled to Officer Delaney and escorted on the other side by Maloney, +Howard made his way toward the door. Just as he reached it he caught +sight of his wife who, with tears streaming down her cheeks, was +watching him as if in a dream. To her it seemed like some hideous +nightmare from which both would soon awaken. Howard recognized her, yet +seemed too dazed to wonder how she came there. He simply blurted out as +he passed: + +"Something's happened, Annie, dear. I--Underwood--I don't quite +know----" + +The policemen pushed him through the door, which closed behind him. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + + +Unable to control herself any longer, Annie broke down completely and +burst into tears. When the door opened and she saw her husband led away, +pale and trembling, between those two burly policemen, it was as if all +she cared for on earth had gone out of her life forever. Captain Clinton +laid his hand gently on her shoulder. With more sympathy in his face +than was his custom to display, he said: + +"Now, little woman--t'ain't no kind of use carrying on like that! If you +want to help your husband and get him out of his trouble you want to get +busy. Sitting there crying your eyes out won't do him any good." + +Annie threw up her head. Her eyes were red, but they were dry now. Her +face was set and determined. The captain was right. Only foolish women +weep and wail when misfortune knocks at their door. The right sort of +women go bravely out and make a fight for liberty and honor. Howard was +innocent. She was convinced of that, no matter how black things looked +against him. She would not leave a stone unturned till she had regained +for him his liberty. With renewed hope in her heart and resolution in +her face, she turned to confront the captain. + +"What has he done?" she demanded. + +"Killed his friend, Robert Underwood." + +He watched her face closely to see what effect his words would have on +her. + +"Robert Underwood dead!" exclaimed Annie with more surprise than +emotion. + +"Yes," said the captain sternly, "and your husband, Howard Jeffries, +killed him." + +"That's not true! I'd never believe that," said Annie promptly. + +"He's made a full confession," went on the captain. + +"A confession!" she echoed uneasily. "What do you mean?" + +"Just what I say. Your husband has made a full confession, in the +presence of witnesses, that he came here to Underwood's rooms to ask for +money. They quarreled. Your husband drew a pistol and shot him. He has +signed a confession which will be presented to the magistrate this +morning." + +Annie looked staggered for a moment, but her faith in her husband was +unshakable. Almost hysterically she cried: + +"I don't believe it. I don't believe it. You may have tortured him into +signing something. Everybody knows your methods, Captain Clinton. But +thank God there is a law in the United States which protects the +innocent as well as punishes the guilty. I shall get the most able +lawyers to defend him even if I have to sell myself into slavery for the +rest of my life." + +"Bravo, little woman!" said the captain mockingly. "That's the way to +talk. I like your spunk, but before you go I'd like to ask you a few +questions. Sit down." + +He waved her to a chair and he sat opposite her. + +"Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he began encouragingly, "tell me--did you ever +hear your husband threaten Howard Underwood?" + +By this time Annie had recovered her self-possession. She knew that the +best way to help Howard was to keep cool and to say nothing which was +likely to injure his cause. Boldly, therefore, she answered: + +"You've no right to ask me that question." + +The captain shifted uneasily in his seat. He knew she was within her +legal rights. He couldn't bully her into saying anything that would +incriminate her husband. + +"I merely thought you would like to assist the authorities, to----" he +stammered awkwardly. + +"To convict my husband," she said calmly. "Thank you, I understand my +position." + +"You can't do him very much harm, you know," said the captain with +affected jocularity. "He has confessed to the shooting." + +"I don't believe it," she said emphatically. + +Trying a different tack, he asked carelessly: + +"Did you know Mr. Underwood?" + +She hesitated before replying, then indifferently she said: + +"Yes, I knew him at one time. He introduced me to my husband." + +"Where was that?" + +"In New Haven, Conn." + +"Up at the college, eh? How long have you known Mr. Underwood?" + +Annie looked at her Inquisitor and said nothing. She wondered what he +was driving at, what importance the question had to the case. Finally +she said: + +"I met him once or twice up at New Haven, but I've never seen him since +my marriage to Mr. Jeffries. My husband and he were not very good +friends. That is----" + +She stopped, realizing that she had made a mistake. How foolish she had +been! The police, of course, were anxious to show that there was ill +feeling between the two men. Her heart misgave her as she saw the look +of satisfaction in the captain's face. + +"Ah!" he exclaimed. "Not very good friends, eh? In fact, your husband +didn't like him, did he?" + +"He didn't like him well enough to run after him," she replied +hesitatingly. + +The captain now started off in another direction. + +"Was your husband ever jealous of Underwood?" + +By this time Annie had grown suspicious of every question. She was on +her guard. + +"Jealous? What do you mean? No, he was not jealous. There was never any +reason. I refuse to answer any more questions." + +The captain rose and began to pace the floor. + +"There's one little thing more, Mrs. Jeffries, and then you can go. You +can help your husband by helping us. I want to put one more question to +you and be careful to answer truthfully. Did you call at these rooms +last night to see Mr. Underwood?" + +"I!" exclaimed Annie with mingled astonishment and indignation. "Of +course not." + +"Sure?" demanded the captain, eyeing her narrowly. + +"Positive," said Annie firmly. + +The captain looked puzzled. + +"A woman called here last night to see him," he said thoughtfully, "and +I thought that perhaps----" + +Interrupting himself, he went quickly to the door of the apartment and +called to some one who was waiting in the corridor outside. A boy about +eighteen years of age, in the livery of an elevator attendant, entered +the room. The captain pointed to Annie. + +"Is that the lady?" + +The boy looked carefully, and then shook his head: + +"Don't think so--no, sir. The other lady was a great swell." + +"You're sure, eh?" said the captain. + +"I--think so," answered the boy. + +"Do you remember the name she gave?" + +"No, sir," replied the boy. "Ever since you asked me----" + +Annie arose and moved toward the door. She had no time to waste there. +Every moment now was precious. She must get legal assistance at once. +Turning to Captain Clinton, she said: + +"If you've no further use for me, captain, I think I'll go." + +"Just one moment, Mrs. Jeffries," he said. + +The face of the elevator boy suddenly brightened up. + +"That's it," he said eagerly. "That's it--Jeffries. I think that was the +name she gave, sir." + +"Who?" demanded the captain. + +"Not this lady," said the boy. "The other lady. I think she said +Jeffries, or Jenkins, or something like that." + +The captain waved his hand toward the door. + +"That's all right--go. We'll find her all right." + +The boy went out and the captain turned round to Annie. + +"It'll be rather a pity if it isn't you," he said, with a suggestive +smile. + +"How so?" she demanded. + +The captain laughed. + +"Well, you see, a woman always gets the jury mixed up. Nothing fools a +man like a pretty face, and twelve times one is twelve. You see if they +quarreled about you--your husband would stand some chance." +Patronizingly he added, "Come, Mrs. Jeffries, you'd better tell the +truth and I can advise you who to go to." + +Annie drew herself up, and with dignity said: + +"Thanks, I'm going to the best lawyer I can get. Not one of those +courtroom politicians recommended by a police captain. I am going to +Richard Brewster. He's the man. He'll soon get my husband out of the +Tombs." Reflectively she added: "If my father had had Judge Brewster to +defend him instead of a legal shark, he'd never have been railroaded to +jail. He'd be alive to-day." + +Captain Clinton guffawed loudly. The idea of ex-Judge Brewster taking +the case seemed to amuse him hugely. + +"Brewster?" he laughed boisterously. "You'd never be able to get +Brewster. Firstly, he's too expensive. Secondly, he's old man Jeffries' +lawyer. He wouldn't touch your case with a ten-foot pole. Besides," he +added in a tone of contempt, "Brewster's no good in a case of this kind. +He's a constitution lawyer--one of them international fellers. He don't +know nothing----" + +"He's the only lawyer I want," she retorted determinedly. Then she went +on: "Howard's folks must come to his rescue. They must stand by +him--they must----" + +The captain grinned. + +"From what I hear," he said, "old man Jeffries won't raise a finger to +save his scapegrace son from going to the chair. He's done with him for +good and all." + +Chuckling aloud and talking to himself rather than to his vis-a-vis, he +muttered: + +"That alone will convince the jury. They'll argue that the boy can't be +much good if his own go back on him." + +Annie's eyes flashed. + +"Precisely!" she exclaimed. "But his own won't go back on him. I'll see +to it that they don't." Rising and turning toward the door, she asked: +"Have you anything more to say to me, captain?" + +"No," replied the captain hesitatingly. "You can go. Of course you'll be +called later for the trial You can see your husband in the Tombs when +you wish." + +No man is so hard that he has not a soft spot somewhere. At heart +Captain Clinton was not an unkind man. Long service in the police force +and a mistaken notion of the proper method of procedure in treating his +prisoners had hardened him and made him brutal. Secretly he felt sorry +for this plucky, energetic little woman who had such unbounded faith in +her good-for-nothing husband, and was ready to fight all alone in his +defense. Eyeing her with renewed interest, he demanded: + +"What are you going to do now?" + +Annie reached the door, and drawing herself up to her full height, +turned and said: + +"I'm going to undo all you have done, Captain Clinton. I'm going to free +my husband and prove his innocence before the whole world. I don't know +how I'm going to do it, but I'll do it. I'll fight you, captain, to the +last ditch, and I'll rescue my poor husband from your clutches if it +takes everything I possess in the world." + +Quickly she opened the door and disappeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + + +The American dearly loves a sensation, and the bigger and more +blood-curdling it is the better. Nothing is more gratifying on arising +in the morning and sitting down to partake of a daintily served +breakfast than to glance hurriedly over the front page of one's favorite +newspaper and see it covered with startling headlines. It matters little +what has happened during the night to shock the community, so long as it +satisfies one's appetite for sensational news. It can be a fatal +conflagration, a fearful railroad wreck, a gigantic bank robbery, a +horrible murder, or even a scandalous divorce case. All one asks is that +it be something big, with column after column of harrowing details. The +newspapers are fully alive to what is expected of them, but it is not +always easy to supply the demand. There are times when the metropolis +languishes for news of any description. There are no disastrous fires, +trains run without mishap, burglars go on a vacation, society leaders +act with decorum--in a word the city is deadly dull. Further +consideration of the tariff remains the most thrilling topic the +newspapers can find to write about. + +The murder at the aristocratic Astruria, therefore, was hailed by the +editors as a unmixed journalistic blessing, and they proceeded to play +it up for all it was worth. All the features of a first-class sensation +were present. The victim, Robert Underwood, was well known in society +and a prominent art connoisseur. The place where the crime was committed +was one of the most fashionable of New York's hostelries. The presumed +assassin was a college man and the son of one of the most wealthy and +influential of New York's citizens. + +True, this Howard Jeffries, the son, was a black sheep. He had been +mixed up in all kinds of scandals before. His own father had turned him +out of doors, and he was married to a woman whose father died in prison. +Could a better combination of circumstances for a newspaper be +conceived? The crime was discovered too late for the morning papers to +make mention of it, but the afternoon papers fired a broadside that +shook the town. All the evening papers had big scare heads stretching +across the entire front page, with pictures of the principals involved +and long interviews with the coroner and Captain Clinton. There seemed +to be no doubt that the police had arrested the right man, and in all +quarters of the city there was universal sympathy for Mr. Howard +Jeffries, Sr. It was terrible to think that this splendid, upright man, +whose whole career was without a single stain, who had served his +country gallantly through the civil war, should have such disgrace +brought upon him in his old age. + +Everything pointed to a speedy trial and quick conviction. Public +indignation was aroused almost to a frenzy, and a loud clamor went up +against the law's delay. Too many crimes of this nature, screamed the +yellow press, had been allowed to sully the good name of the city. A +fearful example must be made, no matter what the standing and influence +of the prisoner's family. Thus goaded on, the courts acted with +promptness. Taken before a magistrate, Howard was at once committed to +the Tombs to await trial, and the district attorney set to work +impaneling a jury. Justice, he promised, would be swiftly done. One +newspaper stated positively that the family would not interfere, but +would abandon the scapegrace son to his richly deserved fate. Judge +Brewster, the famous lawyer, it was said, had already been approached by +the prisoner's wife, but had declined to take the case. Banker Jeffries +also was quoted as saying that the man under arrest was no longer a son +of his. + +As one paper pointed out, it seemed a farce and a waste of money to have +any trial at all. The assassin had not only been caught red-handed, but +had actually confessed. Why waste time over a trial? True, one paper +timidly suggested that it might have been a case of suicide. Robert +Underwood's financial affairs, it went on to say, were in a critical +condition, and the theory of suicide was borne out to some extent by an +interview with Dr. Bernstein, professor of psychology at one of the +universities, who stated that he was by no means convinced of the +prisoner's guilt, and hinted that the alleged confession might have been +forced from him by the police, while in a hypnotic state. This theory, +belittling as it did their pet sensation, did not suit the policy of +the yellow press, so the learned professor at once became the target for +editorial attack. + +The sensation grew in importance as the day for the trial approached. +All New York was agog with excitement. The handsome Jeffries mansion on +Riverside Drive was besieged by callers. The guides on the sight-seeing +coaches shouted through their megaphones: + +"That's the house where the murderer of Robert Underwood lived." + +The immediate vicinity of the house the day that the crime was made +public was thronged with curious people. The blinds of the house were +drawn down as if to shield the inmates from observation, but there were +several cabs in front of the main entrance and passers by stopped on the +sidewalk, pointing at the house. A number of newspaper men stood in a +group, gathering fresh material for the next edition. A reporter +approached rapidly from Broadway and joined his colleagues. + +"Well, boys," he said cheerily. "Anything doing? Say, my paper is going +to have a bully story to-morrow! Complete account by Underwood's valet. +He tells how he caught the murderer just as he was escaping from the +apartment We'll have pictures and everything. It's fine. Anything doing +here?" he demanded. + +"Naw," grunted the others in disgruntled tones. + +"We saw the butler," said one reporter, "and tried to get a story from +him, but he flatly refused to talk. All he would say was that Howard +Jeffries was nothing to the family, that his father didn't care a straw +what became of him." + +"That's pretty tough!" exclaimed another reporter. "He's his son, after +all." + +"Oh, you don't know old Jeffries," chimed in a third. "When once he +makes up his mind you might as well try to move a house." + +The afternoon was getting on; if their papers were to print anything +more that day they must hasten downtown. + +"Let's make one more attempt to get a talk out of the old man," +suggested one enterprising scribe. + +"All right," cried the others in chorus. "You go ahead. We'll follow in +a body and back you up." + +Passing through the front gate, they rang the bell, and after a brief +parley were admitted to the house. They had hardly disappeared when a +cab drove hurriedly up and stopped at the curb. A young woman, heavily +veiled, descended, paid the driver, and walked quickly through the gates +toward the house. + +Annie tried to feel brave, but her heart misgave her when she saw this +splendid home with all its evidence of wealth, culture, and refinement. +It was the first time she had ever entered its gates, although, in a +measure, she was entitled to look upon it as her own home. Perhaps never +so much as now she realized what a deep gulf lay between her husband's +family and herself. This was a world she had never known--a world of +opulence and luxury. She did not know how she had summoned up courage +enough to come. Yet there was no time to be lost. Immediate action was +necessary. Howard must have the best lawyers that money could procure. +Judge Brewster had been deaf to her entreaties. He had declined to take +the case. She had no money. Howard's father must come to his assistance. +She would plead with him and insist that it was his duty to stand by his +son. She wondered how he would receive her, if he would put her out or +be rude to her. Perhaps he would not even receive her. He might tell the +servants to shut the door in her face. Timidly she rang the bell. The +butler opened the door, and summoning up all her courage, she asked: + +"Is Mr. Jeffries in?" + +To her utter amazement the butler offered no objection to her entering. +Mistaking her for a woman reporter, several of whom had already called +that morning, he said: + +"Go right in the library, madam; the other newspaper folk are there." + +She passed through the splendid reception hall, marveling inwardly at +the beautiful statuary and pictures, no little intimidated at finding +herself amid such splendid surroundings. On the left there was a door +draped with handsome tapestry. + +"Right in there, miss," said the butler. + +She went in, and found herself in a room of noble proportions, the walls +of which were lined with bookshelves filled with tomes in rich bindings. +The light that entered through the stained-glass windows cast a subdued +half-light, warm and rich in color, on the crimson plush furnishings. +Near the heavy flat desk in the centre of the room a tall, distinguished +man was standing listening deprecatingly to the half dozen reporters +who were bombarding him with questions. As Annie entered the room she +caught the words of his reply: + +"The young man who has inherited my name has chosen his own path in +life. I am grieved to say that his conduct at college, his marriage, has +completely separated him from his family, and I have quite made up my +mind that in no way or manner can his family become identified with any +steps he may take to escape the penalty of his mad act. I am his father, +and I suppose, under the circumstances, I ought to say something. But I +have decided not to. I don't wish to give the American public any excuse +to think that I am paliating or condoning his crime. Gentlemen, I wish +you good-day." + +Annie, who had been listening intently, at once saw her opportunity. Mr. +Jeffries had taken no notice of her presence, believing her to be a +newspaper writer like the others. As the reporters took their departure +and filed out of the room, she remained behind. As the last one +disappeared she turned to the banker and said: + +"May I speak to you a moment?" + +He turned quickly and looked at her in surprise. For the first time he +was conscious of her presence. Bowing courteously, he shook his head: + +"I am afraid I can do nothing for you, madam--as I've just explained to +your confreres of the press." + +Annie looked up at him, and said boldly: + +"I am not a reporter, Mr. Jeffries. I am your son's wife." + +The banker started back in amazement. This woman, whom he had taken for +a newspaper reporter, was an interloper, an impostor, the very last +woman in the world whom he would have permitted to be admitted to his +house. He considered that she, as much as anybody else, had contributed +to his son's ruin. Yet what could he do? She was there, and he was too +much of a gentleman to have her turned out bodily. Wondering at his +silence, she repeated softly: + +"I'm your son's wife, Mr. Jeffries." + +The banker looked at her a moment, as if taking her in from head to +foot. Then he said coldly: + +"Madam, I have no son." He hesitated, and added: + +"I don't recognize----" + +She looked at him pleadingly. + +"But I want to speak to you, sir." + +Mr. Jeffries shook his head, and moved toward the door. + +"I repeat, I have nothing to say." + +Annie planted herself directly in his path. He could not reach the door +unless he removed her forcibly. + +"Mr. Jeffries," she said earnestly, "please don't refuse to hear +me--please----" + +He halted, looking as if he would like to escape, but there was no way +of egress. This determined-looking young woman had him at a +disadvantage. + +"I do not think," he said icily, "that there is any subject which can be +of mutual interest----" + +"Oh, yes, there is," she replied eagerly. She was quick to take +advantage of this entering wedge into the man's mantle of cold reserve. + +"Flesh and blood," she went on earnestly, "is of mutual interest. Your +son is yours whether you cast him off or not. You've got to hear me. I +am not asking anything for myself. It's for him, your son. He's in +trouble. Don't desert him at a moment like this. Whatever he may have +done to deserve your anger--don't--don't deal him such a blow. You +cannot realize what it means in such a critical situation. Even if you +only pretend to be friendly with him--you don't need to really be +friends with him. But don't you see what the effect will be if you, his +father, publicly withdraw from his support? Everybody will say he's no +good, that he can't be any good or his father wouldn't go back on him. +You know what the world is. People will condemn him because you condemn +him. They won't even give him a hearing. For God's sake, don't go back +on him now!" + +Mr. Jeffries turned and walked toward the window, and stood there gazing +on the trees on the lawn. She did not see his face, but by the nervous +twitching of his hands behind his back, she saw that her words had not +been without effect. She waited in silence for him to say something. +Presently he turned around, and she saw that his face had changed. The +look of haughty pride had gone. She had touched the chords of the +father's heart. Gravely he said: + +"Of course you realize that you, above all others, are responsible for +his present position." + +She was about to demur, but she checked herself. What did she care what +they thought of her? She was fighting to save her husband, not to make +the Jeffries family think better of her. Quickly she answered: + +"Well, all right--I'm responsible--but don't punish him because of me." + +Mr. Jeffries looked at her. + +Who was this young woman who championed so warmly his own son? She was +his wife, of course. But wives of a certain kind are quick to desert +their husbands when they are in trouble. There must be some good in the +girl, after all, he thought. Hesitatingly, he said: + +"I could have forgiven him everything, everything but----" + +"But me," she said promptly. "I know it. Don't you suppose I feel it +too, and don't you suppose it hurts?" + +Mr. Jeffries stiffened up. This woman was evidently trying to excite his +sympathies. The hard, proud expression came back into his face, as he +answered curtly: + +"Forgive me for speaking plainly, but my son's marriage with such a +woman as you has made it impossible to even consider the question of +reconciliation." + +With all her efforts at self-control, Annie would have been more than +human had she not resented the insinuation in this cruel speech. For a +moment she forgot the importance of preserving amicable relations, and +she retorted: + +"Such a woman as me? That's pretty plain----. But you'll have to speak +even more plainly. What do you mean when you say such a woman as me? +What have I done?" + +Mr. Jeffries looked out of the window without answering, and she went +on: + +"I worked in a factory when I was nine years old, and I've earned my +living ever since. There's no disgrace in that, is there? There's +nothing against me personally--nothing disgraceful, I mean. I know I'm +not educated. I'm not a lady in your sense of the word, but I've led a +decent life. There isn't a breath of scandal against me--not a breath. +But what's the good of talking about me? Never mind me. I'm not asking +for anything. What are you going to do for him? He must have the best +lawyer that money can procure--none of those bar-room orators. Judge +Brewster, your lawyer, is the man. We want Judge Brewster." + +Mr. Jeffries shrugged his shoulders. + +"I repeat--my son's marriage with the daughter of a man who died in +prison----" + +She interrupted him. + +"That was hard luck--nothing but hard luck. You're not going to make me +responsible for that, are you? Why, I was only eight years old when that +happened. Could I have prevented it?" Recklessly she went on: "Well, +blame it on me if you want to, but don't hold it up against Howard. He +didn't know it when he married me. He never would have known it but for +the detectives employed by you to dig up my family history, and the +newspapers did the rest. God! what they didn't say! I never realized I +was of so much importance. They printed it in scare-head lines. It made +a fine sensation for the public, but it destroyed my peace of mind." + +"A convict's daughter!" said Mr. Jeffries contemptuously. + +"He was a good man at that!" she answered hotly. "He kept the squarest +pool room in Manhattan, but he refused to pay police blackmail, and he +was railroaded to prison." Indignantly she went on: "If my father's +shingle had been up in Wall Street, and he'd made fifty dishonest +millions, you'd forget it next morning, and you'd welcome me with open +arms. But he was unfortunate. Why, Billy Delmore was the best man in the +world. He'd give away the last dollar he had to a friend. I wish to God +he was alive now! He'd help to save your son. I wouldn't have to come +here to ask you." + +Mr. Jeffries shifted uneasily on his feet and looked away. + +"You don't seem to understand," he said impatiently. "I've completely +cut him off from the family. It's as if he were dead." + +She approached nearer and laid her hand gently on the banker's arm. + +"Don't say that, Mr. Jeffries. It's wicked to say that about your own +son. He's a good boy at heart, and he's been so good to me. Ah, if you +only knew how hard he's tried to get work I'm sure you'd change your +opinion of him. Lately he's been drinking a little because he was +disappointed in not getting anything to do. But he tried so hard. He +walked the streets night and day. Once he even took a position as guard +on the elevated road. Just think of it, Mr. Jeffries, your son--to such +straits were we reduced--but he caught cold and had to give it up. I +wanted to go to work and help him out. I always earned my living before +I married him, but he wouldn't let me. You don't know what a good heart +he's got. He's been weak and foolish, but you know he's only a boy." + +She watched his face to see if her words were having any effect, but Mr. +Jeffries showed no sign of relenting. Sarcastically, he said: + +"And you took advantage of the fact and married him?" + +For a moment she made no reply. She felt the reproach was not unmerited, +but why should they blame her for seeking happiness? Was she not +entitled to it as much as any other woman? She had not married Howard +for his social position or his money. In fact, she had been worse off +since her marriage than she was before. She married him because she +loved him, and because she thought she could redeem him, and she was +ready to go through any amount of suffering to prove her disinterested +devotion. Quietly, she said: + +"Yes, I know--I did wrong. But I--I love him, Mr. Jeffries. Believe me +or not--I love him. It's my only excuse. I thought I could take care of +him. He needed some one to look after him, he's too easily influenced. +You know his character is not so strong as it might be. He told me that +his fellow students at college used to hypnotize him and make him do all +kinds of things to amuse the other boys. He says that somehow he's never +been the same since. I--I just loved him because I was strong and he was +weak. I thought I could protect him. But now this terrible thing has +happened, and I find I am powerless. It's too much for me. I can't fight +this battle alone. Won't you help me, Mr. Jeffries?" she added +pleadingly. "Won't you help me?" + +The banker was thoughtful a minute, then suddenly he turned on her. + +"Will you consent to a divorce if I agree to help him?" + +She looked at him with dismay. There was tragic tenseness in this +dramatic situation--a father fighting for his son, a woman fighting for +her husband. + +"A divorce?" she stammered. "Why, I never thought of such a thing as +that." + +"It's the only way to save him," said the banker coldly. + +"The only way?" she faltered. + +"The only way," said Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Do you consent?" he asked. + +Annie threw up her head. Her pale face was full of determination, as she +replied resignedly, catching her breath as she spoke: + +"Yes, if it must be. I will consent to a divorce--to save him!" + +"You will leave the country and go abroad to live?" continued the banker +coldly. + +She listened as in a dream. That she would be confronted by such an +alternative as this had never entered her mind. She wondered why the +world was so cruel and heartless. Yet if the sacrifice must be made to +save Howard she was ready to make it. + +"You will leave America and never return--is that understood?" repeated +the banker. + +"Yes, sir," she replied falteringly. + +Mr. Jeffries paced nervously up and down the room. For the first time he +seemed to take an interest in the interview. Patronizingly he said: + +"You will receive a yearly allowance through my lawyer." + +Annie tossed up her chin defiantly. She would show the aristocrat that +she could be as proud as he was. + +"Thanks," she exclaimed. "I don't accept charity. I'm used to earning my +own living." + +"Oh, very well," replied the banker quickly. "That's as you please. But +I have your promise--you will not attempt to see him again?" + +"What! Not see him once more? To say good-by?" she exclaimed. A broken +sob half checked her utterance. "Surely you can't mean that, Mr. +Jeffries." + +The banker shrugged his shoulders. + +"I don't want the newspapers filled with sensational articles about the +heartrending farewell interview between Howard Jeffries, Jr., and his +wife--with your picture on the front page." + +She was not listening to his sarcasm. + +"Not even to say good-by?" she sobbed. + +"No," replied Mr. Jeffries firmly. "Not even to say good-by." + +"But what will he say? What will he think?" she cried. + +"He will see it is for the best," answered the banker. "He himself will +thank you for your action." + +There was a long silence, broken only by the sound of the girl's +sobbing. Finally she said: + +"Very well, sir. I'll do as you say." She looked up. Her eyes were dry, +the lines about her mouth set and determined. "Now," she said, "what are +you going to do for him?" + +The banker made a gesture of impatience as if such considerations were +not important. + +"I don't know yet," he said haughtily. "I shall think the matter over +carefully." + +Annie was fast losing patience. She was willing to sacrifice herself and +give up everything she held dear in life to save the man she loved, but +the cold, deliberate, calculating attitude of this unnatural father +exasperated her. + +"But I want to know," she said boldly. "I want to consider the matter +carefully, too." + +"You?" sneered Mr. Jeffries. + +"Yes, sir," she retorted. "I'm paying dearly for it--with my--with all I +have. I want to know just what you're going to give him for it." + +He was lost in reflection for a moment, then he said pompously: + +"I shall furnish the money for the employment of such legal talent as +may be necessary. That's as far as I wish to go in the case. It must not +be known--I cannot allow it to be known that I am helping him." + +"Must not be known?" cried Annie in astonishment. "You mean you won't +stand by him? You'll only just pay for the lawyer?" + +The banker nodded: + +"That is all I can promise." + +She laughed hysterically. + +"Why," she exclaimed, "I--I could do that myself if I--I tried hard +enough." + +"I can promise nothing more," replied Mr. Jeffries coldly. + +"But that is not enough," she protested. "I want you to come forward and +publicly declare your belief in your son's innocence. I want you to put +your arms around him and say to the world: 'My boy is innocent! I know +it and I'm going to stand by him.' You won't do that?" + +Mr. Jeffries shook his head. + +"It is impossible." + +The wife's pent-up feelings now gave way. The utter indifference of this +aristocratic father aroused her indignation to such a pitch that she +became reckless of the consequences. They wanted her to desert him, just +as they deserted him, but she wouldn't. She would show them the kind of +woman she was. + +"So!" she cried in an outburst of mingled anger and grief. "So his +family must desert him, and his wife must leave him! The poor boy must +stand absolutely alone in the world, and face a trial for his life! Is +that your idea?" + +The banker made no reply. Snapping her fingers, she went on: + +"Well, it isn't mine, Mr. Jeffries! I won't consent to a divorce! I +won't leave America! And I'll see him just as often as I can, even if I +have to sit in the Tombs prison all day. As for his defense, I'll find +some one. I'll go to Judge Brewster again, and if he still refuses, I'll +go to some one else. There must be some good, big-hearted lawyer in +this great city who'll take up his case." + +Trembling with emotion she readjusted her veil and with her handkerchief +dried her tear-stained face. Going toward the door, she said: + +"You needn't trouble yourself any more, Mr. Jeffries. We shan't need +your help. Thank you very much for the interview. It was very kind of +you to listen so patiently. Good afternoon, sir." + +Before the astonished banker could stop her, she had thrown back the +tapestry and disappeared through the door. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + + +In the very heart of Manhattan, right in the centre of the city's most +congested district, an imposing edifice of gray stone, mediaeval in its +style of architecture, towered high above all the surrounding dingy +offices and squalid tenements. Its massive construction, steep walls, +pointed turrets, raised parapets and long, narrow, slit-like windows, +heavily barred, gave it the aspect of a feudal fortress incongruously +set down plumb in the midst of twentieth-century New York. The dull roar +of Broadway hummed a couple of blocks away; in the distance loomed the +lofty, graceful spans of Brooklyn Bridge, jammed with its opposing +streams of busy inter-urban traffic. The adjacent streets were filled +with the din of hurrying crowds, the rattle of vehicles, the cries of +vendors, the clang of street cars, the ugh! ugh! of speeding +automobiles. The active, pulsating life of the metropolis surged like a +rising flood about the tall gray walls, yet there was no response +within. Grim, silent, sinister, the City Prison, popularly known as "the +Tombs," seemed to have nothing in common with the daily activities of +the big town in which, notwithstanding, it unhappily played an important +part. + +The present prison is a vastly different place to the old jail from +which it got its melancholy cognomen. To-day there is not the slightest +justification for the lugubrious epithet applied to it, but in the old +days, when man's inhumanity to man was less a form of speech than a +cold, merciless fact, the term "Tombs" described an intolerable and +disgraceful condition fairly accurately. Formerly the cells in which the +unfortunate prisoners were confined while awaiting trial were situated +deep under ground and had neither light nor ventilation. A man might be +guiltless of the offense with which he was charged, yet while awaiting +an opportunity to prove his innocence he was condemned to spend days, +sometimes months, in what was little better than a grave. Literally, he +was buried alive. A party of foreigners visiting the prison one day were +startled at seeing human beings confined in such holes. "They look like +tombs!" cried some one. New York was amused at the singularly +appropriate appelative, and it has stuck to the prison ever since. + +But times change, and institutions with them. As man becomes more +civilized he treats the law-breaker with more humanity. Probably society +will always need its prisons, but as we become more enlightened we +insist on treating our criminals more from the physiological and +psychological standpoints than in the cruel, brutal, barbarous manner of +the dark ages. In other words the sociologist insists that the +law-breaker has greater need of the physician than he has of the jailer. + +To-day the City Prison is a tomb in name only. It is admirably +constructed, commodious, well ventilated. The cells are large and well +lighted, with comfortable cots and all the modern sanitary arrangements. +There are roomy corridors for daily exercise and luxurious shower baths +can be obtained free for the asking. There are chapels for the +religiously inclined and a library for the studious. The food is +wholesome and well prepared in a large, scrupulously clean kitchen +situated on the top floor. Carping critics have, indeed, declared the +Tombs to be too luxurious, declaring that habitual criminals enjoy a +stay at the prison and actually commit crime so that they may enjoy some +of its hotel-like comforts. + +It was with a sinking heart and a dull, gnawing sense of apprehension +that Annie descended from a south-bound Madison Avenue car in Centre +Street and approached the small portal under the forbidding gray walls. +She had visited a prison once before, when her father died. She +remembered the depressing ride in the train to Sing Sing, the formidable +steel doors and ponderous bolts, the narrow cells, each with its +involuntary occupant in degrading stripes and closely cropped hair, and +the uniformed guards armed with rifles. She remembered how her mother +wept and how she had wondered why they kept her poor da-da in such an +ugly place. To think that after all these years she was again to go +through a similar experience. + +She had nerved herself for this ordeal. Anxious as she was to see Howard +and learn from his lips all that had happened, she feared that she would +never be able to see him behind the bars without breaking down. Yet she +must be strong so she could work to set him free. So much had happened +in the last two days. It seemed a month since the police had sent for +her at midnight to hurry down to the Astruria, yet it was only two days +ago. The morning following her trying interview with Captain Clinton in +the dead man's apartment she had tried to see Howard, but without +success. The police held him a close prisoner, pretending that he might +make an attempt upon his life. There was nothing for her to do but wait. + +Intuitively she realized the necessity of immediately securing the +services of an able lawyer. There was no doubt of Howard's innocence, +but she recalled with a shiver that even innocent persons have suffered +capital punishment because they were unable to establish their +innocence, so overwhelming were the appearances against them. He must +have the best lawyer to be had, regardless of expense. Only one name +occurred to her, the name of a man of international reputation, the mere +mention of whose name in a courtroom filled the hearts of the innocent +with hope and the guilty with dread. That man was Judge Brewster. She +hurried downtown to his office and waited an hour before he could see +her. Then he told her politely, but coldly, that he must decline to +take her case. He knew well who she was, and he eyed her with some +curiosity, but his manner was frigid and discouraging. There were plenty +of lawyers in New York, he said. She must go elsewhere. Politely he +bowed her out. Half of a precious day was already lost. Judge Brewster +refused the case. To whom could she turn now? In despair, almost +desperate, she drove up-town to Riverside Drive and forced an entrance +into the Jeffries home. Here, again, she was met with a rebuff. Still +not discouraged, she returned to Judge Brewster's office. He was out and +she sat there an hour waiting to see him. Night came and he did not +return. Almost prostrated with nervous exhaustion, she returned to their +deserted little flat in Harlem. + +It was going to be a hard fight, she saw that. But she would keep right +on, no matter at what cost. Howard could not be left alone to perish +without a hand to save him. Judge Brewster must come to his rescue. He +could not refuse. She would return again to his office this afternoon +and sit there all day long, if necessary, until he promised to take the +case. He alone could save him. She would go to the lawyer and beg him +on her knees if necessary, but first she must see Howard and bid him +take courage. + +A low doorway from Centre Street gave access to the gray fortress. At +the heavy steel gate stood a portly policeman armed with a big key. Each +time before letting people in or out he inserted this key in the +ponderous lock. The gate would not open merely by turning the handle. +This was to prevent the escape of prisoners, who might possibly succeed +in reaching so far as the door, but could not open the steel gate +without the big key. When once any one entered the prison he was not +permitted to go out again except on a signal from a keeper. + +When Annie entered, she found the reception room filled with visitors, +men and women of all ages and nationalities who, like herself, had come +to see some relative or friend in trouble. It was a motley and +interesting crowd. There were fruit peddlers, sweat-shop workers, +sporty-looking men, negroes and flashy-looking women. All seemed callous +and indifferent as if quite at home amid the sinister surroundings of a +prison. One or two others appeared to belong to a more respectable +class, their sober manner and care-worn faces reflecting silently the +humiliation and shame they felt at their kinsman's disgrace. + +The small barred windows did not permit of much ventilation and, as the +day was warm, the odor was sickening. Annie looked around fearfully, and +humbly took her place at the end of the long line which slowly worked +its way to the narrow inner grating where credentials were closely +scrutinized. The horror of the place seized upon her. She wondered who +all these poor people were and what the prisoners whom they came to see +had done to offend the majesty of the law. The prison was filled with +policemen and keepers, and running in and out with messages and packages +were a number of men in neat linen suits. She asked a woman who they +were. + +"Them's trusties--prisoners that has special privileges in return for +work they does about the prison." + +The credentials were passed upon slowly and Annie, being the twentieth +in line, found it a tedious wait. In front of her was a bestial-looking +negro, behind her a woman whose cheap jewelry, rouged face and +extravagant dress proclaimed her profession to be the most ancient in +the world. But at last the gate was reached. As the doorkeeper examined +her ticket he looked up at her with curiosity. A murderer is rare enough +even in the Tombs to excite interest, and as she passed on the +attendants whispered among themselves. She knew they were talking about +her, but she steeled herself not to care. It was only a foretaste of +other humiliations which she must expect. + +A keeper now took charge of her and led her to a room where she was +searched by a matron for concealed weapons, a humiliating ordeal to +which even the richest and most influential visitors must submit with as +good grace as possible. The matron was a hard-looking woman of about +fifty years of age, in whom every spark of human pity and sympathy had +been killed during her many years of constant association with +criminals. The word "prison" had lost its meaning to her. She saw +nothing undesirable in jail life, but looked upon the Tombs rather as a +kind of boarding house in which people made short or long sojourns, +according to their luck. She treated Annie unceremoniously, yet not +unkindly. + +"So you're the wife of Jeffries, whom they've got for murder, eh?" she +said, as she rapidly ran her hands through the visitor's clothing. + +"Yes," faltered Annie, "but it's all a mistake, I assure you. My +husband's perfectly innocent. He wouldn't hurt a fly." + +The woman grinned. + +"They all say that, m'm." Lugubriously she added: "I hope you'll be more +lucky than some others were." + +Annie felt herself grow cold. Was this a sinister prophecy? She +shuddered and, hastily taking a dollar from her purse, slipped it into +the matron's hand. + +"May I go now?" she said. + +"Yes, my dear; I guess you've got nothing dangerous on you. We have to +be very careful. I remember once when we had that Hoboken murderer here. +He's the feller that cut his wife's head off and stuffed the body in a +barrel. His mother came here to see him one day and what did I find +inside her stocking but an innocent-looking little round pill, and if +you please, it was nothing less than prussic acid. He would have +swallowed it and the electric chair would have been cheated. So you see +how careful we has to be." + +Annie could not listen to any more. The horror of having Howard classed +with fiends of that description sickened her. To the keeper she said +quickly: + +"Please take me to my husband." + +Taking another dollar from her purse, she slipped the bill into the +man's hand, feeling that, here as everywhere else, one must pay for +privileges and courtesies. Her guide led the way and ushered her into an +elevator, which, at a signal, started slowly upwards. + +The cells in the Tombs are arranged in rows in the form of an ellipse in +the centre of each of the six floors. There is room to accommodate nine +hundred prisoners of both sexes. The men are confined in the new prison; +the women, fewer in number, in what remains of the old building. Only +the centre of each floor being taken up with the rows of narrow cells, +there remains a broad corridor, running all the way round and flanked on +the right by high walls with small barred windows. An observer from the +street glancing up at the windows might conclude that they were those +of the cells in which prisoners were confined. As a matter of fact, the +cells have no windows, only a grating which looks directly out into the +circular corridor. + +At the fourth floor the elevator stopped and the heavy iron door swung +back. + +"This way," said the keeper, stepping out and quickly walking along the +corridor. "He's in cell No. 456." + +A lump rose in Annie's throat. The place was well ventilated, yet she +thought she would faint from a choking feeling of restraint. All along +the corridor to the left were iron doors painted yellow. In the upper +part of the door were half a dozen broad slits through which one could +see what was going on inside. + +"Those are the cells," volunteered her guide. + +Annie shuddered as, mentally, she pictured Howard locked up in such a +dreadful place. She peered through one of the slits and saw a narrow +cell about ten feet long by six wide. The only furnishings were a +folding cot with blanket, a wash bowl and lavatory. Each cell had its +occupant, men and youths of all ages. Some were reading, some playing +cards. Some were lying asleep on their cots, perhaps dreaming of home, +but most of them leaning dejectedly against the iron bars wondering when +they would regain their liberty. + +"Where are the women?" asked Annie, trying to keep down the lump that +rose chokingly in her throat. + +"They're in a separate part of the prison," replied the keeper. + +"Isn't it dreadful?" she murmured. + +"Not at all," he exclaimed cheerfully. "These prisoners fare better in +prison than they do outside. I wager some of them are sorry to leave." + +"But it's dreadful to be cooped up in those little cells, isn't it?" she +said. + +"Not so bad as it looks," he laughed. "They are allowed to come out in +the corridor to exercise twice a day for an hour and there is a splendid +shower bath they can take." + +"Where is my husband's cell?" she whispered, almost dreading to hear the +reply. + +"There it is," he said, pointing to a door. "No. 456." + +Walking rapidly ahead of her and stopping at one of the cell doors, he +rapped loudly on the iron grating and cried: + +"Jeffries, here's a lady come to see you. Wake up there!" + +A white, drawn face approached the grating. Annie sprang forward. + +"Howard!" she sobbed. + +"Is it you, Annie?" came a weak voice through the bars. + +"Can't I go in to him?" she asked pleadingly. + +The keeper shook his head. + +"No, m'm, you must talk through the bars, but I won't disturb you." + +He walked away and the husband and wife were left facing each other. The +tears were streaming down Annie's cheeks. It was dreadful to be standing +there so close and yet not be able to throw her arms around him. Her +heart ached as she saw the distress in his wan, pale face. + +"Why didn't you come before?" he asked. + +"I could not. They wouldn't let me. Oh, Howard," she gasped. "What a +dreadful thing this is! Tell me how you got into such a scrape!" + +He put his hand to his head as if it hurt him, and she noticed that his +eyes looked queer. For a moment the agony of a terrible suspicion +crossed her mind. Was it possible that in a moment of drunken +recklessness he had shot Underwood? Quickly, almost breathlessly, she +whispered to him: + +"Tell me quickly, 'tis not true, is it? You did not kill Robert +Underwood." + +He shook his head. + +"No," he said. + +"Thank God for that!" she exclaimed. "But your confession--what does +that mean?" + +"I do not know. They told me I did it. They insisted I did it. He was +sure I did it. He told me he knew I did it. He showed me the pistol. He +was so insistent that I thought he was right--that I had done it." In a +deep whisper he added earnestly, "But you know I didn't, don't you?" + +"Who is _he_?" demanded Annie. + +"The police captain." + +"Oh, Captain Clinton told you you did it?" + +Howard nodded. + +"Yes, he told me he _knew_ I did it. He kept me standing there six +hours, questioning and questioning until I was ready to drop. I tried to +sit down; he made me stand up. I did not know what I was saying or +doing. He told me I killed Robert Underwood. He showed me the pistol +under the strong light. The reflection from the polished nickel flashed +into my eyes, everything suddenly became a blank. A few moments later +the coroner came in and Captain Clinton told him I confessed. But it +isn't true, Annie. You know I am as innocent of that murder as you are." + +"Thank God, thank God!" exclaimed Annie. "I see it all now." + +Her tears were dried. Her brain was beginning to work rapidly. She +already saw a possible line of defense. + +"I don't know how it all happened," went on Howard. "I don't know any +more about it than you do. I left you to go to Underwood's apartment. On +the way I foolishly took a drink. When I got there I took more whiskey. +Before I knew it I was drunk. While talking I fell asleep. Suddenly I +heard a woman's voice." + +"Ah!" interrupted Annie. "You, too, heard a woman's voice. Captain +Clinton said there was a woman in it." Thoughtfully, as if to herself, +she added: "We must find that woman." + +"When I woke up," continued Howard, "it was dark. Groping around for the +electric light, I stumbled over something. It was Underwood's dead body. +How he came by his death I have not the slightest idea. I at once +realized the dangerous position I was in and I tried to leave the +apartment unobserved. Just as I was going, Underwood's man-servant +arrived and he handed me over to the police. That's the whole story. +I've been here since yesterday and I'll be devilish glad to get out." + +"You will get out," she cried. "I'm doing everything possible to get you +free. I've been trying to get the best lawyer in the country--Richard +Brewster." + +"Richard Brewster!" exclaimed Howard. "He's my father's lawyer." + +"I saw your father yesterday afternoon," she said quietly. + +"You did!" he exclaimed, surprised. "Was he willing to receive you?" + +"He had to," she replied. "I gave him a piece of my mind." + +Howard looked at her in mingled amazement and admiration. That she +should have dared to confront a man as proud and obstinate as his father +astounded him. + +"What did he say?" he asked eagerly. + +"I asked him to come publicly to your support and to give you legal +assistance. He refused, saying he could not be placed in a position of +condoning such a crime and that your behavior and your marriage had made +him wash his hands of you forever." + +Tears filled Howard's eyes and his mouth quivered. + +"Then my father believes me guilty of this horrible crime?" he +exclaimed. + +"He insisted that you must be guilty as you had confessed. He offered, +though, to give you legal assistance, but only on one condition." + +"What was that condition?" he demanded. + +"That I consent to a divorce," replied Annie quietly. + +"What did you say?" + +"I said I'd consent to anything if it would help you, but when he told +me that even then he would not come personally to your support I told +him we would worry along without his assistance. On that I left him." + +"You're a brave little woman!" cried Howard. Noticing her pale, anxious +face, he said: + +"You, too, must have suffered." + +"Oh, never mind me," she rejoined quickly. "What we must do now is to +get you out of this horrid place and clear your name before the world. +We must show that your alleged confession is untrue; that it was dragged +from you involuntarily. We must find that mysterious woman who came to +Underwood's rooms while you lay on the couch asleep. Do you know what my +theory is, Howard?" + +"What?" demanded her husband. + +"I believe you were hypnotized into making that confession. I've read of +such things before. You know the boys in college often hypnotized you. +You told me they made you do all kinds of things against your will. That +big brute, Captain Clinton, simply forced his will on yours." + +"By Jove--I never thought of that!" he exclaimed. "I know my head ached +terribly after he got through all that questioning. When he made me +look at that pistol I couldn't resist any more. But how are we going to +break through the net which the police have thrown around me?" + +"By getting the best lawyer we can procure. I shall insist on Judge +Brewster taking the case. He declines, but I shall go to his office +again this afternoon. He must----" + +Howard shook his head. + +"You'll not be able to get Brewster. He would never dare offend my +father by taking up my case without his permission. He won't even see +you." + +"We'll see," she said quietly. "He'll see me if I have to sit in his +office all day for weeks. I have decided to have Judge Brewster defend +you because I believe it would mean acquittal. He will build up a +defense that will defeat all the lies that the police have concocted. +The police have a strong case because of your alleged confession. It +will take a strong lawyer to fight them." Earnestly she added: "Howard, +if your life is to be saved we must get Judge Brewster." + +"All right, dear," he replied. "I can only leave it in your hands. I +know that whatever you do will be for the best. I'll try to be as +patient as I can. My only comfort is thinking of you, dear." + +A heavy step resounded in the corridor. The keeper came up. + +"Time's up, m'm," he said civilly. + +Annie thrust her hand through the bars; Howard carried it reverently to +his lips. + +"Good-by, dear," she said. "Keep up your courage. You'll know that I am +working for your release every moment. I won't leave a stone unturned." + +"Good-by, darling," he murmured. + +He looked at her longingly and there were tears in her eyes as she +turned away. + +"I'll be back very soon," she said. + +A few minutes later they were in the elevator and she passed through the +big steel gate once more into the sunlit street. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + + +Outwardly, at least, Judge Brewster's offices at 83 Broadway in no way +differed from the offices of ten thousand other lawyers who strive to +eke out a difficult living in the most overcrowded of all the +professions. They consisted of a modest suite of rooms on the sixth +floor. There was a small outer office with a railed-off inclosure, +behind which sat a half dozen stenographers busy copying legal +documents; as many men clerks were writing at desks, and the walls were +fitted with shelves filled with ponderous law books. In one corner was a +room with glass door marked "Mr. Brewster, Private." + +Assuredly no casual visitor could guess from the appearance of the place +that this was the headquarters of one of the most brilliant legal minds +in the country, yet in this very office had been prepared some of the +most sensational victories ever recorded in the law courts. + +Visitors to Judge Brewster's office were not many. A man of such renown +was naturally expensive. Few could afford to retain his services and in +fact he was seldom called upon except to act in the interest of wealthy +corporations. In these cases, of course, his fees were enormous. He had +very few private clients; in fact, he declined much private practice +that was offered to him. He had been the legal adviser of Howard +Jeffries, Sr., for many years. The two men had known each other in their +younger days and practically had won success together--the one in the +banking business, the other in the service of the law. An important +trust company, of which Mr. Jeffries was president, was constantly +involved in all kinds of litigation of which Judge Brewster had +exclusive charge. As the lawyer found this highly remunerative, it was +only natural that he had no desire to lose Mr. Jeffries as a client. + +Secluded in his private office, the judge was busy at his desk, +finishing a letter. He folded it up, addressed an envelope, then lit a +cigar and looked at the time. It was three o'clock. The day's work was +about over and he smiled with satisfaction as he thought of the +automobile ride in the park he would enjoy before dressing and going to +his club for dinner. He felt in singularly good spirits that afternoon. +He had just won in the court a very complicated case which meant not +only a handsome addition to his bank account, but a signal triumph over +his legal opponents. Certainly, fortune smiled on him. He had no other +immediate cases on hand to worry about. He could look forward to a few +weeks of absolute rest. He struck a bell on his desk and a clerk +entered. Handing him the note he had just written, he said: + +"Have this sent at once by messenger." + +"Very well, judge," answered the clerk. + +"By the bye," frowned the lawyer, "has that woman been in to-day?" + +"Yes--she sat in the outer office all morning, trying to see you. We +said you were out of town, but she did not believe it. She sat there +till she got tired. She had no idea that you went out by another +stairway." + +"Humph," growled the lawyer; "a nice thing to be besieged in this +manner. If she annoys me much longer, I shall send for the police." + +At that moment another clerk entered the room. + +"What is it, Mr. Jones?" demanded the lawyer. + +"A lady to see you, judge," said the clerk, handing him a card. + +The lawyer glanced at the bit of pasteboard, and said immediately: + +"Oh, yes, show her in." + +The two clerks left the room and Judge Brewster, after a glance in the +mirror to re-adjust his cravat, turned to greet his visitor. The door +opened and Alicia entered. She was faultlessly gowned, as usual, but her +manner was flurried and agitated. Evidently something had happened to +upset her, and she had come to make her husband's lawyer the confidant +of her troubles. The judge advanced gallantly and pointed to a chair. + +"Good morning, my dear Mrs. Jeffries, how do you do?" + +"Is Mr. Jeffries here?" asked Alicia hurriedly. + +"Not yet," he replied, smiling. "This is an unexpected pleasure. I think +it is the first time you have graced my office with your presence." + +"How quiet it is here!" she exclaimed, looking around nervously. "It is +hard to believe this is the very centre of the city." Taking the seat +offered to her, she went on: + +"Oh, judge, we are dreadfully worried." + +"You mean about the Underwood case?" + +Alicia nodded. + +"Yes, Mr. Jeffries is terribly upset. As if the coming trial and all the +rest of the scandal were not enough. But now we have to face something +even worse, something that affects me even more than my husband. Really, +I'm frantic about it." + +"What's happened now?" asked the lawyer calmly. + +"That woman is going on the stage, that's all!" she snapped. + +"H'm," said the lawyer calmly. + +"Just think!" she cried, "the name, 'Mrs. Howard Jeffries'--my +name--paraded before the public! At a time when everything should be +done to keep it out of the papers this woman is going to flaunt herself +on the stage!" + +She fanned herself indignantly, while the lawyer rapped his desk +absent-mindedly with a paper cutter. Alicia went on: + +"You know I have never met the woman. What is she like? I understand +she's been bothering you to take the case of that worthless husband of +hers. Do you know she had the impertinence to come to our house and ask +Mr. Jeffries to help them? I asked my husband to describe her, but all I +could get from him was that she was impertinent and impossible." She +hesitated a moment, then she added: "Is she as pretty as her pictures in +the paper? You've seen her, of course?" + +Judge Brewster frowned. + +"Yes," he replied. "She comes here every day regularly. She literally +compels me to see her and refuses to go till I've told her I haven't +changed my decision about taking her case." + +"What insolence!" exclaimed Alicia. "I should think that you would have +her put out of the office." + +The lawyer was silent and toyed somewhat nervously with the paper +cutter, as if not quite decided as to what response to make. He coughed +and fussed with the papers on the desk. + +"Why don't you have her put out of the office?" she repeated. + +The judge looked up. There was an expression in his face that might +have been interpreted as one of annoyance, as if he rather resented this +intrusion into his business affairs, but Mrs. Jeffries, Sr., was too +important a client to quarrel with, so he merely said: + +"Frankly, Mrs. Jeffries, if it were not for the fact that Mr. Jeffries +has exacted from me a promise not to take up this case, I should be +tempted to--consider the matter. In the first place, you know I always +liked Howard. I saw a good deal of him before your marriage to Mr. +Jeffries. He was always a wild, unmanageable boy, weak in character, but +he had many lovable traits. I am very sorry indeed, to see him in such a +terrible position. It was hard for me to realize it and I should never +have believed him guilty had he not confessed to the crime." + +"Yes," she assented. "It is an awful thing and a terrible blow to his +father. Of course, he has had nothing to do with Howard for months. As +you know, he turned him out of doors long ago, but the disgrace is none +the less overwhelming." + +The lawyer looked out of the window and drummed his fingers on the arm +of his chair. Suddenly wheeling round, and facing his client, he said: + +"You know this girl he married is no ordinary woman." + +"Oh!" she exclaimed sarcastically. "She has succeeded in arousing your +sympathy." + +The judge bowed coldly. + +"No," he replied. "I would hardly say that. But she has aroused my +curiosity. She is a very peculiar girl, evidently a creature of impulse +and determination. I certainly feel sorry for her. Her position is a +very painful one. She has been married only a few months, and now her +husband has to face the most awful accusation that can be brought +against a man. She is plucky in spite of it all, and is moving heaven +and earth in Howard's defense. She believes herself to be in some +measure responsible for his misfortune. Apart from that, the case +interests me from a purely professional point of view. There are several +strange features connected with the case. Sometimes, in spite of +Howard's confession, I don't believe he committed that crime." + +Alicia changed color and, shifting uneasily on her chair, scrutinized +the lawyer's face. What was behind that calm, inscrutable mask? What +theory had he formed? One newspaper had suggested suicide. She might +herself come forward and declare that Robert Underwood had threatened to +take his own life, but how could she face the scandal which such a +course would involve? She would have to admit visiting Underwood's rooms +at midnight alone. That surely would ruin her in the eyes not only of +her husband, but of the whole world. If this sacrifice of her good name +were necessary to save an innocent man's life, perhaps she might summon +up enough courage to make it. But, after all, she was by no means sure +herself that Underwood had committed suicide. Howard had confessed, so +why should she jeopardize her good name uselessly? + +"No," repeated the judge, shaking his head, "there's something strange +in the whole affair. I don't believe Howard had any hand in it." + +"But he confessed!" exclaimed Alicia. + +The judge shook his head. + +"That's nothing," he said. "There have been many instances of untrue +confessions. A famous affair of the kind was the Boorn case in Vermont. +Two brothers confessed having killed their brother-in-law and described +how they destroyed the body, yet some time afterward the murdered man +turned up alive and well. The object of the confession, of course, was +to turn the verdict from murder to manslaughter, the circumstantial +evidence against them having been so strong. In the days of witchcraft +the unfortunate women accused of being witches were often urged by +relatives to confess as being the only way of escape open to them. Ann +Foster, at Salem, in 1692, confessed that she was a witch. She said the +devil appeared to her in the shape of a bird, and that she attended a +meeting of witches at Salem village. She was not insane, but the horror +of the accusation brought against her had been too much for a weak mind. +Howard's confession may possibly be due to some such influence." + +"I hope for his poor father's sake," said Alicia, "that you may be right +and that he may be proved innocent, but everything is overwhelmingly +against him. I think you are the only one in New York to express such a +doubt." + +"Don't forget his wife," remarked the judge dryly. + +"No," she replied. "I really feel sorry for the girl myself. Will you +give her some money if I----" + +The lawyer shook his head. + +"She won't take it. I tried it. She wants me to defend her husband--I +tried to bribe her to go to some other lawyer, but it wouldn't work." + +"Well, something ought to be done to stop her annoying us!" exclaimed +Alicia indignantly. "Mr. Jeffries suffers terribly. I can hear him +pacing up and down the library till three or four in the morning. Poor +man, he suffers so keenly and he won't let any one sympathize with him. +He won't let me mention his son's name. I feel we ought to do something. +Try and persuade him to let me see this girl and--you are his friend as +well as his legal adviser." + +Judge Brewster bowed. + +"Your husband is a very old friend, Mrs. Jeffries. I can't disregard his +wishes entirely----" + +There was a knock at the door of the private office. + +"Come in," called the judge. + +The door opened and the head clerk entered, ushering in Howard Jeffries, +Sr. The banker, still aristocratic and dignified, but looking tired and +care-worn, advanced into the room and shook hands with the judge, who +greeted him with a cordial smile. There was no response on the banker's +face. Querulously he demanded: + +"Brewster, what's that woman doing out there again? It's not the first +time I've met her in this office." + +Alicia looked up eagerly. "Is she out there now?" she cried. + +"What right has she to come here? What's her object?" went on the banker +irritatedly. + +The lawyer shrugged his shoulders. + +"The same old thing," he replied. "She wants me to take her case." + +The banker frowned. + +"Didn't you tell her it was impossible?" + +"That makes no difference," laughed the judge. "She comes just the same. +I've sent her away a dozen times. What am I to do if she insists on +coming? We can't have her arrested. She doesn't break the furniture or +beat the office boy. She simply sits and waits." + +"Have you told her that I object to her coming here?" demanded the +banker haughtily. + +"I have," replied the judge calmly, "but she has overruled your +objection." With a covert smile he added, "You know we can't use force." + +Mr. Jeffries shrugged his shoulders impatiently. + +"You can certainly use moral force," he said. + +"What do you mean by moral force?" demanded the lawyer. + +Mr. Jeffries threw up his hands as if utterly disgusted with the whole +business. Almost angrily he answered: + +"Moral force is moral force. I mean persuasion, of course. Good God, why +can't people understand these things as I do?" + +The judge said nothing, but turned to examine some papers on his desk. +He hardly liked the inference that he could not see things as plainly as +other people, but what was the use of getting irritated? He couldn't +afford to quarrel with one of his best clients. + +Alicia looked at her husband anxiously. Laying her hand on his arm, she +said soothingly: + +"Perhaps if I were to see her----" + +Mr. Jeffries turned angrily. + +"How can you think of such a thing? I can't permit my wife to come in +contact with a woman of that character." + +Judge Brewster, who was listening in spite of the fact that he was +seemingly engrossed in his papers, pursed his lips. + +"Oh, come," he said with a forced laugh, "she's not as bad as all that!" + +"I'm sure she isn't," said Alicia emphatically. "She must be amenable to +reason." + +The banker's wife was not altogether bad. Excessive vanity and ambition +had steeled her heart and stifled impulses that were naturally good, but +otherwise she was not wholly devoid of feeling. She was really sorry for +this poor little woman who was fighting so bravely to save her husband. +No doubt she had inveigled Howard into marrying her, but +she--Alicia--had no right to sit in judgment on her for that. If the +girl had been ambitious to marry above her, in what way was she more +guilty than she herself had been in marrying a man she did not love, +simply for his wealth and social position? Besides, Alicia was herself +sorely troubled. Her conscience told her that a word from her might set +the whole matter right. She might be able to prove that Underwood +committed suicide. She knew she was a coward and worse than a coward +because she dare not speak that word. The more she saw her husband's +anger the less courage she had to do it. In any case, she argued to +herself, Howard had confessed. If he shot Underwood there was no +suicide, so why should she incriminate herself needlessly? But there was +no reason why she should not show some sympathy for the poor girl who, +after all, was only doing what any good wife should do. Aloud she +repeated: + +"I'll see the girl and talk to her. She must listen to reason." + +"Reason!" exploded the banker angrily. "How can you expect reason from a +woman who hounds us, dogs our footsteps, tries to compel us to--take her +up?" + +Judge Brewster, who had apparently paid no attention to the banker's +remarks, now turned around. Hesitatingly he said: + +"I think you do her an injustice, Jeffries. She comes every day in the +hope that your feelings toward your son have changed. She wishes to give +color to the belief that his father's lawyers are championing his +cause. She was honest enough to tell me so. You know her movements are +closely watched by the newspapers and she takes good care to let the +reporters think that she comes here to discuss with me the details of +her husband's defense." + +The banker shifted impatiently on his chair. Contemptuously he said: + +"The newspapers which I read don't give her the slightest attention. If +they did I should refuse to read them." With growing irritation he went +on: + +"It's no use talking about her any more. What are we going to do about +this latest scandal? This woman is going on the stage to be exhibited +all over the country and she proposes to use the family name." + +"There is nothing to prevent her," said the lawyer dryly. + +The banker jumped to his feet and exclaimed angrily: + +"There must be! Good God, Brewster, surely you can obtain an injunction +restraining her from using the family name! You must do something. What +do you advise?" + +"I advise patience," replied the judge calmly. + +But Mr. Jeffries had no patience. He was a man who was not accustomed to +have his wishes thwarted. He did not understand why there should be the +slightest difficulty in carrying out his instructions. + +"Any one can advise patience!" he exclaimed hotly, "but that's not doing +anything." Banging the desk angrily with his fist, he shouted: "I want +something done!" + +Judge Brewster looked up at his client with surprise. The judge never +lost his temper. Even in the most acrimonious wrangles in the courtroom +he was always the suave, polished gentleman. There was a shade of +reproach in his tone as he replied: + +"Come, come, don't lose your temper! I'll do what I can, but there is +nothing to be done in the way you suggest. The most I can do is to +remain loyal to you, although--to be quite candid--I confess it goes +against the grain to keep my hands off this case. As I told your wife, +there are certain features about it which interest me keenly. I feel +that you are wrong to----" + +"No, Brewster!" interrupted Mr. Jeffries explosively. "I'm right! I'm +right! You know it, but you won't admit it." + +The lawyer shrugged his shoulders and turned to his desk again. +Laconically, he said: + +"Well, I won't argue the matter with you. You refuse to be advised by me +and----" + +The banker looked up impatiently. + +"What is your advice?" + +The lawyer, without looking up from his papers, said quietly: + +"You know what my feelings in the matter are." + +"And you know what mine are!" exclaimed the banker hotly. "I refuse to +be engulfed in this wave of hysterical sympathy with criminals. I will +not be stamped with the same hall mark as the man who takes the life of +his fellow being--though the man be my own son. I will not set the seal +of approval on crime by defending it." + +The lawyer bowed and said calmly: + +"Then, sir, you must expect exactly what is happening. This girl, +whatever she may be, is devoted to your son. She is his wife. She'll go +to any extreme to help him--even to selling her name for money to pay +for his defense." + +The banker threw up his hands with impatience. + +"It's a matter of principle with me. Her devotion is not the question." +With a mocking laugh he went on: "Sentimentality doesn't appeal to me. +The whole thing is distasteful and hideous to me. My instructions to you +are to prevent her using the family name on the stage, to buy her off on +her own terms, to get rid of her at any price." + +"Except the price she asks," interposed the lawyer dryly. Shaking his +head, he went on: + +"You'll find that a wife's devotion is a very strong motive power, +Jeffries. It will move irresistibly forward in spite of all the barriers +you and I can erect to stay its progress. That may sound like a +platitude, but it's a fact nevertheless." + +Alicia, who had been listening with varied emotions to the conversation, +now interrupted timidly: + +"Perhaps Judge Brewster is right, dear. After all, the girl is working +to save your son. Public opinion may think it unnatural----" + +The banker turned on his wife. Sternly he said: + +"Alicia, I cannot permit you to interfere. That young man is a +self-confessed murderer and therefore no son of mine. I've done with him +long ago. I cannot be moved by maudlin sentimentality. Please let that +be final." Turning to the lawyer, he said coldly: + +"So, in the matter of this stage business, you can take no steps to +restrain her?" + +The lawyer shook his head. + +"No, there is nothing I can do." Quickly he added: "Of course, you don't +doubt my loyalty to you?" + +Mr. Jeffries shook his head. + +"No, no, Brewster." + +The lawyer laughed as he said: + +"Right or wrong, you know--'my country'--that is, my client--''tis of +thee.'" Turning to Alicia, he added laughingly: "That's the painful part +of a lawyer's profession, Mrs. Jeffries. The client's weakness is the +lawyer's strength. When men hate each other and rob each other we +lawyers don't pacify them. We dare not, because that is our profession. +We encourage them. We pit them against each other for profit. If we +didn't they'd go to some lawyer who would." + +Alicia gave a feeble smile. + +"Yes," she replied; "I'm afraid we all love to be advised to do what we +want to do." + +Mr. Jeffries made an impatient gesture of dissent. Scoffingly he +remarked: + +"That may apply to the great generality of people, but not to me." + +Judge Brewster looked skeptical, but made no further comment. The banker +rose and Alicia followed suit. As he moved toward the door, he turned +and said: + +"Drop in and see me this evening, Brewster. Mrs. Jeffries will be +delighted if you will dine with us." + +Alicia smiled graciously. "Do come, judge; we shall be all alone." + +The lawyer bent low over her hand as he said good-by. Mr. Jeffries had +already reached the door, when he turned again and said: + +"Are you sure a very liberal offer wouldn't induce her to drop the +name?" + +The lawyer shook his head doubtfully. + +"Well, see what you can do," cried the banker. To his wife he said: "Are +you coming, Alicia?" + +"Just a moment, dear," she replied. "I want to say a word to the +judge." + +"All right," replied the banker. "I'll be outside." He opened the door, +and as he did so he turned to the lawyer: + +"If there are any new developments let me know at once." + +He left the office and Alicia breathed a sigh of relief. She did not +love her husband, but she feared him. He was not only twenty years her +senior, but his cold, aristocratic manner intimidated her. Her first +impulse had been to tell him everything, but she dare not. His manner +discouraged her. He would begin to ask questions, questions which she +could not answer without seriously incriminating herself. But her +conscience would not allow her to stand entirely aloof from the tragedy +in which her husband's scapegrace son was involved. She felt a strange, +unaccountable desire to meet this girl Howard had married. In a quick +undertone to the lawyer, she said: + +"I must see that woman, judge. I think I can persuade her to change her +course of action. In any case I must see her, I must----" Looking at him +questioningly, she said: "You don't think it inadvisable, do you?" + +The judge smiled grimly. + +"I think I'd better see her first," he said. "Suppose you come back a +little later. It's more than probable that she'll be here this +afternoon. I'll see her and arrange for an interview." + +There was a knock at the door, and Alicia started guiltily, thinking her +husband might have overheard their conversation. The head clerk entered +and whispered something to the judge, after which he retired. The lawyer +turned to Alicia with a smile. + +"It's just as I thought," he said pleasantly, "she's out there now. +You'd better go and leave her to me." + +The door opened again unceremoniously, and Mr. Jeffries put in his head: + +"Aren't you coming, Alicia?" he demanded impatiently. In a lower voice +to the lawyer, he added: "Say, Brewster, that woman is outside in your +office. Now is your opportunity to come to some arrangement with her." + +Again Mrs. Jeffries held out her hand. + +"Good-by, judge; you're so kind! It needs a lot of patience to be a +lawyer, doesn't it?" + +Judge Brewster laughed, and added in an undertone: + +"Come back by and by." + +The door closed, and the lawyer went back to his desk. For a few moments +he sat still plunged in deep thought. Suddenly, he touched a bell. The +head clerk entered. + +"Show Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Jr., in." + +The clerk looked surprised. Strict orders hitherto had been to show the +unwelcome visitor out. He believed that he had not heard aright. + +"Did you say Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., judge?" + +"I said Mrs. Jeffries, Jr.," replied the lawyer grimly. + +"Very well, judge," said the clerk, as he left the room. + +Presently there was a timid knock at the door. + +"Come in!" called out the lawyer. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + + +Annie entered the presence of the famous lawyer pale and ill at ease. +This sudden summons to Judge Brewster's private office was so unexpected +that it came like a shock. For days she had haunted the premises, +sitting in the outer office for hours at a time exposed to the stare and +covert smiles of thoughtless clerks and office boys. Her requests for an +interview had been met with curt refusals. They either said the judge +was out of town or else that he was too busy to be seen. At last, +evidently acting upon orders, they flatly refused to even send in her +name, and she had about abandoned hope when, all at once, a clerk +approached her, and addressing her more politely than usual, said that +the judge would see her in a few minutes. + +Her heart gave a great throb. Almost speechless from surprise, she +stammered a faint thanks and braced herself for the interview on which +so much depended. For the first time since the terrible affair had +happened, there was a faint glimmer of hope ahead. If only she could +rush over to the Tombs and tell Howard the joyful news so he might keep +up his courage! It was eight days now since Howard's arrest, and the +trial would take place in six weeks. There was still time to prepare a +strong defense if the judge would only consent to take the case. She was +more sure than ever that a clever lawyer would have no difficulty in +convincing a jury that Howard's alleged "confession" was untrue and +improperly obtained. + +In the intervals of waiting to see the lawyer, she had consulted every +one she knew, and among others she had talked with Dr. Bernstein, the +noted psychologist, whom she had seen once at Yale. He received her +kindly and listened attentively to her story. When she had finished he +had evinced the greatest interest. He told her that he happened to be +the physician called in on the night of the tragedy, and at that time he +had grave doubts as to it being a case of murder. He believed it was +suicide, and he had told Captain Clinton so, but the police captain had +made up his mind, and that was the end of it. Howard's "confession," he +went on, really meant nothing. If called to the stand he could show the +jury that a hypnotic subject can be made to "confess" to anything. In +the interest of truth, justice, and science, he said, he would gladly +come to her aid. + +All this she would tell Judge Brewster. It would be of great help to +him, no doubt. Suddenly, a cold shiver ran through her. How did she know +he would take the case? Perhaps this summons to his office was only to +tell her once more that he would have nothing to do with her and her +husband. She wondered why he had decided so suddenly to see her and, +like a flash, an idea came to her. She had seen Mr. Jeffries, Sr., enter +the inner sanctum and, instinctively, she felt that she had something to +do with his visit. The banker had come out accompanied by a richly +dressed woman whom she guessed to be his wife. + +She looked with much interest at Howard's stepmother. She had heard so +much about her that it seemed to her that she knew her personally. As +Alicia swept proudly by, the eyes of the two women met, and Annie was +surprised to see in the banker's wife's face, instead of the cold, +haughty stare she expected, a wistful, longing look, as if she would +like to stop and talk with her, but dare not. In another instant she was +gone, and, obeying a clerk, who beckoned her to follow him, she entered +Judge Brewster's office. + +The lawyer looked up as she came in, but did not move from his seat. +Gruffly he said: + +"How long do you intend to keep up this system of--warfare? How long are +you going to continue forcing your way into this office?" + +"I didn't force my way in," she said quietly. "I didn't expect to come +in. The clerk said you wanted to see me." + +The lawyer frowned and scrutinized her closely. After a pause, he said: + +"I want to tell you for the fiftieth time I can do nothing for you." + +"Fifty?" she echoed. "Fifty did you say? Really, it doesn't seem that +much." + +Judge Brewster looked at her quickly to see if she was laughing at him. +Almost peevishly, he said: + +"For the last time, I repeat I can do nothing for you." + +[Illustration: "I CAN DO NOTHING FOR YOU," SAID THE JUDGE.] + +"Not the last time, judge," she replied, shaking her head. "I shall come +again to-morrow." + +The lawyer swung around in his chair with indignation. + +"You will----?" + +Annie nodded. + +"Yes, sir," she said quietly. + +"You're determined to force your way in here?" exclaimed the lawyer. + +"Yes, sir." + +The judge banged the desk with his fist. + +"But I won't allow it! I have something to say, you know! I can't permit +this to go on. I represent my client, Mr. Howard Jeffries, Sr., and he +won't consent to my taking up your husband's case." + +There was a shade of sarcasm in Annie's voice as she asked calmly: + +"Can't you do it without his consent?" + +The lawyer looked at her grimly. + +"I can," he blurted out, "but--I won't." + +Her eyes flashed as she replied quickly. + +"Well, you ought to----" + +The lawyer looked up in amazement. + +"What do you mean?" he demanded. + +"It's your duty to do it," she said quietly. "Your duty to his son, to +me, and to Mr. Jeffries himself. Why, he's so eaten up with his family +pride and false principles that he can't see the difference between +right and wrong. You're his lawyer. It's your duty to put him right. +It's downright wicked of you to refuse--you're hurting him. Why, when I +was hunting around for a lawyer one of them actually refused to take up +the case because he said old Brewster must think Howard was guilty or +he'd have taken it up himself. You and his father are putting the whole +world against him, and you know it." + +The judge was staggered. No one in his recollection had ever dared to +speak to him like that. He was so astonished that he forgot to resent +it, and he hid his confusion by taking out his handkerchief and mopping +his forehead. + +"I do know it," he admitted. + +"Then why do you do it?" she snapped. + +The lawyer hesitated, and then he said: + +"I--that's not the question." + +Annie leaped quickly forward, and she replied: + +"It's my question--and as you say, I've asked it fifty times." + +The lawyer sat back in his chair and looked at her for a moment without +speaking. He surveyed her critically from head to foot, and then, as if +satisfied with his examination, said: + +"You're going on the stage?" + +She nodded. + +"I've had a very big offer." + +The judge leaned forward, and in a low voice, so that no one in the +outer office might hear, he said: + +"Well, I'll give you twice as much if you refuse the engagement." + +She laughed ironically. + +"You mean that my father-in-law will give it," she said lightly. Then +she went on: + +"You know it's no use your asking me to concede anything unless you +agree to defend Howard." + +The lawyer shook his head. + +"I can't--it's impossible." + +"Then neither can I," she exclaimed defiantly. + +Judge Brewster could not refrain from smiling. This young woman had +actually inveigled him into an argument. Almost mockingly, he said: + +"So you're determined to have me." + +"Yes," she said simply. + +"But I don't argue criminal cases." + +"That's just it," she exclaimed eagerly; "my husband is not a criminal. +He is innocent. I don't want a lawyer who is always defending criminals. +I want one who defends a man because he isn't a criminal." + +Judge Brewster waved his hand contemptuously. + +"Go and see some other lawyer--there are plenty of 'em." + +She leaned eagerly forward. Her face was flushed from excitement, her +eyes flashed. + +"There's only one Judge Brewster," she exclaimed. "He's the greatest +lawyer in the world, and he's going to help us. He is going to save +Howard's life." + +The judge shifted uneasily on his chair. He didn't like this forceful, +persistent young woman. Almost fretfully, he said: + +"You always say that. Upon my word, I shall begin to believe it soon." + +"I shall say it again," she exclaimed, "and again every time I see +you." + +The lawyer turned round. There was a comic look of despair in his face +which would have amused his visitor had her errand not been so serious. + +"How often do you intend that shall be?" + +"Every day," she replied calmly. "I shall say it and think it +until--until it comes true." + +Judge Brewster tried to feel angry, although inwardly he had hard work +to keep from smiling. With pretended indignation, he said: + +"You mean that you intend to keep at me until I give way--through sheer +exhaustion?" + +She nodded. + +"That's it exactly," she said. + +The lawyer gasped. + +"Well, I must say you--you--you're very brave." + +Annie shook her head. + +"No, I'm not," she said earnestly. "I'm an awful coward, but I'm +fighting for him. Howard Jeffries lifted me up when I was way down in +the world. He gave me his name. He gave me all he had, to make me a +better woman, and I'm grateful. Why, even a dog has gratitude, even a +dog will lick the hand that feeds him. Why should I hesitate to express +my gratitude? That's all I'm doing--just paying him back a bit of the +debt I owe him, and I'm going to move Heaven and earth to bring his +father around to my way of thinking. I've got you already----" + +The judge bounded to his feet. Could his ears have heard aright? + +"Got me already?" he exclaimed. "What do you mean by that?" + +Annie returned his angry look with the utmost calm. She was playing her +cards well, and she knew it. She had hit the old man in a sensitive +place. Quietly, she went on: + +"You'd say 'yes' in a minute if it wasn't for Mr. Jeffries." + +"Oh, you think so, do you?" he gasped. + +"I'm sure of it," she replied confidently. Boldly she went on: "You're +afraid of him." + +Judge Brewster laughed heartily. + +"Afraid of him?" he echoed. + +"It isn't so funny," she went on. "You're afraid of opposing him. I'm +not surprised. I'm afraid of him myself." + +The lawyer looked at her in an amused kind of way. + +"Then why do you oppose him in everything?" he demanded. + +Annie laughed as she replied: + +"That's the only way I can get his attention. Why, when he met me out +there to-day he actually looked at me. For the first time in his life he +recognized that he has a daughter-in-law. He looked at me--and I'm not +sure, but I think he wanted to bow to me. He's kind of beginning to sit +up and take notice." + +Judge Brewster frowned. He did not like the insinuation that he was +afraid to do the right thing because it might interfere with his +emoluments. Yet, secretly, he had to admit to himself that she had +almost guessed right. Now he came to think of it, he had taken this +stand in the matter because he knew that any other course would +displease his wealthy client. After all, was he doing right? Was he +acting in conformance with his professional oath? Was he not letting his +material interests interfere with his duty? He was silent for several +minutes, and then, in an absent-minded kind of way, he turned to his +visitor. + +"So you think I'm afraid of him, do you?" + +"I'm sure of it," she said quickly. "You liked my husband, and you'd +just love to rush in and fight for him. His father thinks he is guilty +and, well--you don't like to disobey him. It's very natural. He's an +influential man, a personal friend of the President and all that. You +know on which side your bread is buttered, and--oh, it's very +natural--you're looking out for your own interests----" + +Judge Brewster interrupted her impatiently. + +"Circumstances are against Howard. Your father judges him guilty from +his own confession. It's the conclusion I'm compelled to come to myself. +Now, how do you propose to change that conclusion?" + +"You don't have to change it," she said quietly, "You don't believe +Howard guilty." + +"I don't?" exclaimed the lawyer. + +"No, at the bottom of your heart. You knew Howard when he was a boy, and +you know he is as incapable of that crime as you are." + +Judge Brewster lapsed into silence, and there followed a perfect quiet, +broken only by the suppressed chatter of the clerks and clicking of the +typewriters in the outer office. Annie watched him closely, wondering +what was passing in his mind, fearing in her heart that she might have +prejudiced him against her husband only the more. Suddenly he turned on +her. + +"Mrs. Jeffries, how do you know that your husband did not kill Robert +Underwood?" + +"I know it," she said confidently. + +"Yes," persisted the judge, "but how do you know it?" + +Annie looked steadily at him, and then she said solemnly: + +"I know there's a God, but I can't tell you how I know it. I just know +it, that's all! Howard didn't do it. I know he didn't." + +The lawyer smiled. + +"That's a very fair sample of feminine logic." + +"Well, it's all I have," she retorted, with a toss of her head. "And +it's a mighty comfort, too, because when you know a thing you know it +and it makes you happy." + +Judge Brewster laughed outright. + +"Feminine deduction!" he cried. "Think a thing, believe it, and then you +know it!" Looking up at her, he asked: + +"Haven't you any relatives to whom you can go?" + +She shook her head. + +"No," she said sadly. "My father died in--Sing Sing--and the rest are +not worth----" + +"Yes, yes, I know," replied the judge hastily. "I got your family +history from Mr. Jeffries after your marriage. It is filed away among +the family archives." + +She smiled sadly. + +"It's a wonder you don't burn 'em up--my folks were not a very brilliant +lot." Earnestly she went on: "But my father was all right, judge. Blood +was thicker than water with him. He'd never have gone back on me in the +way Howard's father has on him." + +The lawyer looked at her fixedly without speaking. Their eyes met, and +the silence continued until it became embarrassing. Judge Brewster shook +his head. + +"It's too bad. I'm sorry for you, really, I----" + +Annie laughed, and he asked: + +"Why do you laugh?" + +"What's the use of crying?" she said. "Ha! Ha! It's almost a joke. +You're sorry, my father-in-law is sorry, and I suppose my mother-in-law +is shedding tears for me, too. You're all sorry and you're all wearing +crape for us, but why can't some of you _do_ something?" + +The lawyer said nothing. He still stared at her in a strange, +absent-minded kind of way, until finally she lost patience. Boldly she +said: + +"Well, you sent for me. What do you want to see me about, judge?" + +"I want to tell you that you mustn't come here again," he answered. + +"Anything else?" she exclaimed. + +The judge began to fuss with the papers on his desk, as he usually did +when embarrassed for words. + +"Of course," he stammered, "you will be amply compensated." + +"Of course," she cried. Rising from her chair, she shrugged her +shoulders, and said: + +"Oh, well, this is not my lucky day. They wouldn't let me into the +prison to see Howard to-day. Captain Clinton doesn't like me. He has +always tried to prevent my seeing Howard, but I'll see him to-morrow, +captain or no captain. He can make up his mind to that!" + +The lawyer looked up at her. + +"Poor girl--you are having a hard time, aren't you?" + +"Things have been better," she replied, with a tremor in her voice. +"Howard and I were very happy when we first----" A sob choked her +utterance, and she forced a laugh, saying: "Here, I must keep off that +subject----" + +"Why do you laugh?" demanded the lawyer. + +Already hysterical, Annie had great difficulty in keeping back her +tears. + +"Well, if I don't laugh," she sobbed, "I'll cry; and as I don't want to +cry--why--I just laugh. It's got to be one or the other--see----?" + +He said nothing, and she continued: + +"Well, I guess I'll go home--home--that's the worst part of +it--home----" + +She stopped short, she could go no further. Her bosom was heaving, the +hot tears were rolling down her cheeks. The old lawyer turned away his +head so that she might not see the suspicious redness in his eyes. +Moving toward the door, she turned around. + +"Well, you have your own troubles, judge. I'll go now, but I'll come +again to-morrow. Perhaps you'll have better news for me." + +The lawyer waved her back to her seat with a commanding gesture she +could not resist. There was determination around his mouth; in his face +was an expression she had not seen there before. + +"Sit down again for a moment," he said sharply. "I want to ask you a +question. How do you account for Howard's confessing to the shooting?" + +"I don't account for it," she replied, as she resumed her seat. "He says +he didn't confess. I don't believe he did." + +"But three witnesses----" + +"Who are the witnesses?" she interrupted contemptuously. "Policemen!" + +"That makes no difference," he said. "He made a confession and +signed----" + +Annie leaned forward. What did this questioning mean? Was the judge +becoming interested after all? Her heart gave a leap as she answered +eagerly: + +"He confessed against his will. I mean--he didn't know what he was doing +at the time. I've had a talk with the physician who was called in--Dr. +Bernstein. He says that Captain Clinton is a hypnotist, that he can +compel people to say what he wants them to say. Well, Howard is--what +they call a subject--they told him he did it till he believed he did." + +She looked narrowly at the lawyer to see what effect her words were +having, but to her great disappointment the judge was apparently paying +not the slightest attention. He was gazing out of the window and +drumming his fingers absent-mindedly on the desk. Utterly discouraged, +she again rose. + +"Oh, well, what's the use----?" + +The judge quickly put out his hand and partly pushed her back in the +chair. + +"Don't go," he said. Then he added: + +"Who told you he was a hypnotic subject?" + +Her hopes revived once more. Quickly she said: + +"Dr. Bernstein. Besides, Howard told me so himself. A friend of his at +college used to make him cut all sorts of capers." + +"A friend at college, eh? Do you remember his name?" + +"Howard knows it." + +"Um!" ejaculated the lawyer. He took up a pad and wrote a memorandum on +it. Then aloud he said: "I'd like to have a little talk with Dr. +Bernstein. I think I'll ask him to come and see me. Let me see. His +address is----" + +"342 Madison Avenue," she exclaimed eagerly. + +The lawyer jotted the address down, and then he looked up. + +"So you think I'm afraid of Mr. Jeffries, do you?" + +She smiled. + +"Oh, no, not really afraid," she answered, "but just--scared. I didn't +mean----" + +Judge Brewster was enjoying the situation hugely. He had quite made up +his mind what to do, but he liked to quiz this bold young woman who had +not been afraid to show him where his duty lay. Striving to keep a +serious face, he said: + +"Oh, yes, you did, and I want you to understand I'm not afraid of any +man. As to allowing my personal interests to interfere with my duty----" + +Annie took alarm. She was really afraid she had offended him. + +"Oh, I didn't say that, did I?" she exclaimed timidly. + +Judge Brewster forced his face into a frown. + +"You said I knew on which side my bread was buttered!" + +"Did I?" she exclaimed in consternation. + +"You say a great many things, Mrs. Jeffries," said the lawyer solemnly. +"Of course, I realize how deeply you feel, and I make excuses for you. +But I'm not afraid. Please understand that----" + +He rapped the table with his eyeglasses as if he were very much offended +indeed. + +"Of course not," she said apologetically. "If you were you wouldn't even +see me--let alone talk to me--and--and----" Pointing to the piece of +paper he held in his hand, she added: "And----" + +"And what?" demanded the judge, amused. + +Half hysterical, now laughing, now crying, she went on: + +"And--and take the names and addresses of witnesses for the +defense--and--think out how you're going to defend Howard--and--and all +that----" + +The lawyer looked at her and laughed. + +"So you think I'm going to help Howard?" he said. "You take too much for +granted." + +"You're not afraid to help him," she said. "I know that--you just said +so." + +Judge Brewster raised his fist and brought it down on the desk with a +bang which raised in a cloud the accumulated dust of weeks. His face set +and determined, he said: + +"You're quite right! I'm going to take your case!" + +Annie felt herself giving way. It was more than she could stand. For +victory to be hers when only a moment before defeat seemed certain was +too much for her nerves. All she could gasp was: + +"Oh, judge!" + +The lawyer adjusted his eyeglasses, blew his nose with suspicious +energy, and took up a pen. + +"Now don't pretend to be surprised--you knew I would. And please don't +thank me. I hate to be thanked for doing what I want to do. If I didn't +want to do it, I wouldn't----" + +Through her tears she murmured: + +"I'd like to say 'thank you'." + +"Well, please don't," he snapped. + +But she persisted. Tenderly, she said: + +"May I say you're the dearest, kindest----" + +Judge Brewster shook his head. + +"No--no--nothing of the kind." + +"Most gracious--noble-hearted--courageous," she went on. + +The judge struck the table another formidable blow. + +"Mrs. Jeffries!" he exclaimed. + +She turned away her head to hide her feelings. + +"Oh, how I'd like to have a good cry," she murmured. "If Howard only +knew!" + +Judge Brewster touched an electric button, and his head clerk entered. + +"Mr. Jones," said the lawyer quickly, "get a stenographic report of the +case of the People against Howard Jeffries, Junior; get the coroner's +inquest, the grand jury indictment, and get a copy of the Jeffries +confession--get everything--right away!" + +The clerk looked inquiringly, first at Annie and then at his employer. +Then respectfully he asked: + +"Do we, sir?" + +"We do," said the lawyer laconically. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + + +"Now, my dear young woman," said Judge Brewster, when the astonished +head clerk had withdrawn, "if we are going to set your husband free we +must get to work, and you must help me." + +His visitor looked up eagerly. + +"I'll do anything in my power," she said quickly. "What can I do?" + +"Well--first of all," said the lawyer with some hesitation, "I want you +to see a certain lady and to be exceedingly nice to her." + +"Lady?" echoed Annie surprised. "What lady?" + +"Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," he replied slowly. + +"Howard's stepmother!" she ejaculated. + +A clerk entered and handed his employer a card. The lawyer nodded and +said in an undertone: + +"Show her in." Turning round again, he went on: "Yes--Howard's +stepmother. She's out there now. She wants to see you. She wishes to be +of service to you. Now, you must conciliate her. She may be of great use +to us." + +Annie's face expressed considerable doubt. + +"Perhaps so," she said, "but the door was slammed in my face when I +called to see her." + +"That's nothing," answered the judge. "She probably knows nothing about +it. In any case, please remember that she is my client----" + +She bowed her head and murmured obediently: + +"I'll remember." + +The door of the office opened and Alicia entered. She stopped short on +seeing who was there, and an awkward pause followed. Judge Brewster +introduced them. + +"Mrs. Jeffries, may I present Mrs. Howard, Junior?" + +Alicia bowed stiffly and somewhat haughtily. Annie remained +self-possessed and on the defensive. Addressing the banker's wife, the +lawyer said: + +"I told Mrs. Howard that you wished to speak to her." After a pause he +added: "I think, perhaps, I'll leave you together. Excuse me." + +He left the office and there was another embarrassing silence. Annie +waited for Mrs. Jeffries to begin. Her attitude suggested that she +expected something unpleasant and was fully prepared for it. At last +Alicia broke the silence: + +"You may think it strange that I have asked for this interview," she +began, "but you know, Annie----" Interrupting herself, she asked: "You +don't mind my calling you Annie, do you?" + +The young woman smiled. + +"I don't see why I should. It's my name and we're relatives--by +marriage." There was an ironical ring in her voice as she went on: +"Relatives! It seems funny, doesn't it, but we don't pick and choose our +relatives. We must take them as they come." + +Alicia made an effort to appear conciliatory. + +"As we are--what we are--let's try to make the best of it." + +"Make the best of it?" echoed Annie. "God knows I'm willing, but I've +had mighty little encouragement, Mrs. Jeffries. When I called to see you +the other day, to beg you to use your influence with Mr. Jeffries, 'not +at home' was handed to me by the liveried footman and the door was +slammed in my face. Ten minutes later you walked out to your carriage +and were driven away." + +"I knew nothing of this--believe me," murmured Alicia apologetically. + +"It's what I got just the same," said the other dryly. Quickly she went +on: "But I'm not complaining, understand--I'm not complaining. Only I +did think that at such a time one woman might have held out a helping +hand to another." + +Alicia held up her hand protestingly. + +"How could I?" she exclaimed. "Now, be reasonable. You are held +responsible for Howard's present position." + +"Yes--by the police," retorted Annie grimly, "and by a couple of yellow +journals. I didn't think you'd believe all the gossip and scandal that's +been printed about me. I didn't believe what was said about you." + +Alicia started and changed color. + +"What do you mean?" she exclaimed haughtily. "What was said about me?" + +"Well, it has been said that you married old Jeffries for his money and +his social position." + +"'Old Jeffries!'" protested Alicia indignantly, "Have you no respect +for your husband's father?" + +"Not a particle," answered the other coolly, "and I never will have till +he acts like a father. I only had one interview with him and it finished +him with me for all time. He ain't a father--he's a fish." + +"A fish!" exclaimed Alicia, scandalized at such _lese majeste_. + +Annie went on recklessly: + +"Yes--a cold-blooded----" + +"But surely," interrupted Alicia, "you respect his position--his----" + +"No, m'm; I respect a man because he behaves like a man, not because he +lives in a marble palace on Riverside Drive." + +Alicia looked pained. This girl was certainly impossible. + +"But surely," she said, "you realized that when you married Howard +you--you made a mistake--to say the least?" + +"Yes, that part of it has been made pretty plain. It was a mistake--his +mistake--my mistake. But now it's done and it can't be undone. I don't +see why you can't take it as it is and--and----" + +She stopped short and Alicia completed the sentence for her: + +"--and welcome you into our family----" + +"Welcome me? No, ma'am. I'm not welcome and nothing you or your set +could say would ever make me believe that I was welcome. All I ask is +that Howard's father do his duty by his son." + +"I do not think--pardon my saying so," interrupted Alicia stiffly, "that +you are quite in a position to judge of what constitutes Mr. Jeffries' +duty to his son." + +"Perhaps not. I only know what I would do--what my father would have +done--what any one would do if they had a spark of humanity in them. But +they do say that after three generations of society life red blood turns +into blue." + +Alicia turned to look out of the window. Her face still averted she +said: + +"What is there to do? Howard has acknowledged his guilt--any sacrifices +we may make will be thrown away." + +Annie eyed her companion with contempt. Her voice quivering with +indignation, she burst out: + +"What is there to do! Try and save him, of course. Must we sit and do +nothing because things look black? Ah! I wasn't brought up that way. No, +ma'am, I'm going to make a fight!" + +"It's useless," murmured Alicia, shaking her head. + +"Judge Brewster doesn't think so," replied the other calmly. + +The banker's wife gave a start of surprise. Quickly she demanded: + +"You mean that Judge Brewster has encouraged you to--to----" + +"He's done more than encourage me--God bless him!--he's going to take up +the case." + +Alicia was so thunderstruck that for a moment she could find no answer. + +"What!" she exclaimed, "without consulting Mr. Jeffries?" + +She put her handkerchief to her face to conceal her agitation. Could it +be possible that the judge was going to act, after all, in defiance of +her husband's wishes? If that were true, what would become of her? +Concealment would be no longer possible. Discovery of her clandestine +visit to Underwood's apartment that fatal night must come. Howard might +still be the murderer, Underwood might not have committed suicide, but +her visit to his rooms at midnight would become known. Judge Brewster +was not the man to be deterred by difficulties once he took up a case. +He would see the importance of finding the mysterious woman who went +secretly to Underwood's rooms that night of the tragedy. + +"He consulted only his own feelings," went on Annie. "He believes in +Howard, and he's going to defend him." + +Alicia looked at her anxiously as if trying to read what might be in her +mind. Indifferently she went on: + +"The papers say there was a quarrel about you, that you and Mr. +Underwood were too friendly. They implied that Howard was jealous. Is +this true?" + +"It's all talk," cried Annie indignantly--"nothing but scandal--lies! +There's not a word of truth in it. Howard never had a jealous thought of +me--and as for me--why--I've always worshiped the ground he walked on. +Didn't he sacrifice everything for my sake? Didn't he quarrel with his +father for me? Didn't he marry me? Didn't he try to educate and make a +lady of me? My God!--do you suppose I'd give a man like that cause for +jealousy? What do the newspapers care? They print cruel statements that +cut into a woman's heart, without giving it a thought, without knowing +or caring whether it's true or not, as long as it interests and amuses +their readers. You--you don't really believe I'm the cause of his +misfortunes, do you?" + +Alicia shook her head as she answered kindly: + +"No, I don't. Believe me, I don't. You were right when you said that at +such a time as this one woman should stand by another. I'm going to +stand by you. Let me be your friend, let me help you." Extending her +hand, she said: "Will you?" + +Annie grasped the proffered hand. It was the first that had been held +out to her in her present trouble. A lump rose in her throat. Much +affected, she said: + +"It's the first kind word that----" She stopped and looked closely for a +moment at Alicia. Then she went on: + +"It's the queerest thing, Mrs. Jeffries, but it keeps coming into my +mind. Howard told me that while he was at Underwood's that dreadful +night he thought he heard your voice. It must have been a dream, of +course, yet he thought he was sure of it. Your voice--that's queer, +isn't it? Why--what's the matter?" + +Alicia had grown deathly pale and staggered against a chair. Annie ran +to her aid, thinking she was ill. + +"It's nothing--nothing!" stammered Alicia, recovering herself. + +Fearing she had said something to hurt her feelings, Annie said +sympathetically: + +"I haven't said anything--anything out of the way--have I? If I have I'm +sorry--awfully sorry. I'm afraid--I--I've been very rude and you've been +so kind!" + +"No, no!" interrupted Alicia quickly. "You've said nothing--done +nothing--you've had a great deal to bear--a great deal to bear. I +understand that perfectly." Taking her companion's hand in hers, she +went on, "Tell me, what do they say about the woman who went to see +Robert Underwood the night of the tragedy?" + +"The police can't find her--we don't know who she is." Confidently she +went on: "But Judge Brewster will find her. We have a dozen detectives +searching for her. Captain Clinton accused me of being the woman--you +know he doesn't like me." + +The banker's wife was far too busy thinking of the number of detectives +employed to find the missing witness to pay attention to the concluding +sentence. Anxiously she demanded: + +"Supposing the woman is found, what can she prove? What difference will +it make?" + +"All the difference in the world," replied Annie. "She is a most +important witness." Firmly she went on: "She must be found. If she +didn't shoot Robert Underwood, she knows who did." + +"But how can she know?" argued Alicia. "Howard confessed that he did it +himself. If he had not confessed it would be different." + +"He did not confess," replied the other calmly. "Mrs. Jeffries--he never +confessed. If he did, he didn't know what he was saying." + +Alicia was rapidly losing her self-possession. + +"Did he tell you that?" she gasped. + +Annie nodded. + +"Yes. Dr. Bernstein says the police forced it out of his tired brain. I +made Howard go over every second of his life that night from the time he +left me to the moment he was arrested. There wasn't a harsh word between +them." She stopped short and looked with alarm at Alicia, who had turned +ashen white. "Why, what's the matter? You're pale as death--you----" + +Alicia could contain herself no longer. Her nerves were on the point of +giving way. She felt that if she could not confide her secret to some +one she must go mad. Pacing the floor, she cried: + +"What am I to do? What am I to do? I believed Howard guilty. Why +shouldn't I? I had no reason to doubt his own confession! Every one +believed it--his own father included. Why should I doubt it. But I see +it all now! Underwood must have shot himself as he said he would!" + +Annie started. What did Mrs. Jeffries mean? Did she realize the +tremendous significance of the words she was uttering? + +"As he said he would?" she repeated slowly. + +"Yes," said Alicia weakly. + +Annie bounded forward and grasped her companion's arm. Her face flushed, +almost unable to speak from suppressed emotion, she cried: + +"Ah! I begin to understand. You knew Robert Underwood? Howard knows your +voice--he heard you--talking to him----Oh, Mrs. Jeffries! Are you the +woman who visited his apartment that night?" + +The banker's wife bowed her head and collapsed on a chair. + +"Yes," she murmured in a low tone. + +Annie looked at her in amazement. + +"Why didn't you come forward at once?" she cried. "Think of the pain +which you might have spared us!" + +Alicia covered her face with her handkerchief. She was crying now. + +"The disgrace--the disgrace!" she moaned. + +"Disgrace!" echoed Annie, stupefied. Indignantly, she went on: +"Disgrace--to you? But what of me and Howard?" + +Alicia looked up. + +"Can't you realize what it means to be associated with such a crime?" +she wailed. + +"Disgrace!" cried Annie contemptuously. "What is disgrace when a human +life is at stake?" + +"It seemed so useless," moaned Alicia--"a useless sacrifice in the face +of Howard's confession. Of course--if I'd known--if I'd suspected what +you tell me--I'd have come forward and told everything--no matter at +what cost." Tearfully she added: "Surely you realize the position it +puts me in?" + +A new light shone in Annie's eyes. What was this woman's misery to her? +Her duty was to the poor fellow who was counting the hours until she +could set him free. His stepmother deserved no mercy. Utterly selfish, +devoid of a spark of humanity, she would have left them both to perish +in order to protect herself from shame and ridicule. Her face was set +and determined as she said calmly: + +"It must be done now." + +"Yes," murmured Alicia in a low tone that sounded like a sob, "it must +be done now! Oh, if I'd only done it before--if I'd only told Mr. +Jeffries the whole truth! You speak of Howard's sufferings. If he didn't +do it, he has at least the consciousness of his own innocence, but +I--the constant fear of being found out is worse than any hell the +imagination can conjure up. I dreaded it--I dread it now--it means +disgrace--social ostracism--my husband must know--the whole world will +know." + +Annie was not listening. Still bewildered, she gazed with the utmost +astonishment at her companion. To think that this mysterious woman they +had been seeking was Howard's stepmother. + +"So you're the missing witness we've all been hunting for!" she said; "I +can't believe it even now. How did it happen?" + +Alicia explained in short, broken sentences: + +"He and I were once engaged. I broke it off when I found him out. After +I married Mr. Jeffries I met Underwood again. Foolishly, I allowed the +old intimacy to be renewed. He took advantage and preyed on my friends. +I forbade him my house. He wrote me a letter in which he threatened to +kill himself. I was afraid he meant it--I wanted to prevent him. I went +to his rooms that night. I--didn't tell Mr. Jeffries. When the truth is +known and I acknowledge that I visited this man--can you see what it +means?--what a fuss there'll be? Everybody will put the worst +construction on it----" + +"Trust them for that!" said Annie grimly. She was sorry for the woman's +distress, yet, being only human, she felt a certain sense of +satisfaction in seeing her suffer a little of what she had been made to +suffer. + +"They'll say that I--God knows what they'll say!" went on Alicia +distractedly. "My husband will be dragged through the mire of another +public scandal--his social prestige will--oh, I dare not think of it--I +know--I know--my duty is to that unfortunate boy. I mustn't think of +myself." + +"Have you the letter that Mr. Underwood wrote you?" demanded her +companion. + +"Yes--I've never been able to destroy it. I don't know why I kept it, +but thank God I have it!" Moaning, she went on: + +"The disgrace!--the disgrace!--it's ruin!--degradation! It's the end of +everything!--the end of everything!" + +Annie regarded with contempt this poor, weak, wailing creature who +lacked the moral courage to do what was merely right. Yet her voice was +not unkind as she said: + +"I don't want to disgrace you--or ruin you. But what am I to do--tell +me, what am I to do?" + +"I don't know," moaned her companion helplessly. + +"Howard must be saved." + +"Yes." + +"Will you tell Judge Brewster or shall I?" + +"Judge Brewster! Why should he know?" cried Alicia, startled. More +composedly and as if resigned to the inevitable, she went on: "Yes, I +suppose he must know sooner or later, but, I----" + +She broke down again and burst into tears. Annie watched her in silence. + +"It's tough--isn't it?" she said sympathetically. + +"Yes," sobbed Alicia through her tears, "it's--it's tough!" Rising, she +dried her eyes and said hastily: "Don't say anything now. Give me a few +hours. Then I can think what is best to be done." + +Annie was about to reply when the office door suddenly opened and Judge +Brewster entered. Addressing Alicia, he said: + +"Pardon me, Mrs. Jeffries, I hope I haven't kept you waiting." Noticing +her agitation and traces of tears, he looked surprised. He made no +comment but turned to Annie: + +"I have been talking to Dr. Bernstein over the 'phone." + +Annie approached him softly and said in a whisper: + +"I've told Mrs. Jeffries that you have undertaken Howard's defense." + +Judge Brewster smiled at his wealthy client, almost apologetically, +Annie thought. Then addressing her, he said: + +"Yes, I've been quite busy since I saw you. I have put three of the best +detectives we have on the trail of the woman who visited Underwood that +night. I don't think the police have been trying very hard to find her. +They're satisfied with Howard's confession. But we want her and we'll +get her----" + +"Oh!" gasped Alicia. + +The judge was proceeding to tell of other steps he had taken when the +door opened and the head clerk entered, followed by Mr. Jeffries. + +"I told Mr. Jeffries that Mrs. Jeffries was here," said the clerk. + +"You might have told him that there were two Mrs. Jeffries here," +laughed the judge. + +The clerk retired and the banker, completely ignoring the presence of +his daughter-in-law, turned to his wife and said: + +"I regret, my dear, that you should be subjected to these family +annoyances." + +Judge Brewster came forward and cleared his throat as if preliminary to +something important he had to say. Addressing the banker, he said +boldly: + +"Mr. Jeffries, I have decided to undertake Howard's defense." + +His aristocratic client was taken completely by surprise. For a moment +he could say nothing, but simply stared at the lawyer as if unable to +believe his ears. With an effort, he at last exclaimed: + +"Indeed!--then you will please consider our business relations to have +ceased from this moment." + +The lawyer bowed. + +"As you please," he said suavely. + +The banker turned to his wife. + +"Alicia--come." + +He offered his arm and turned toward the door. Alicia, in distress, +looked back at Annie, who nodded reassuringly to her. Judge Brewster +rose and, going to the door, opened it. The banker bowed stiffly and +said: + +"Pray don't trouble. Good morning, sir." + +"Good morning, Mr. Jeffries," replied the judge. + +As Alicia followed her husband out, she turned and whispered to Annie: + +"Come and see me at my home." + +When she had disappeared the judge came back into the room and sat down +at his desk. + +"Well, that's done!" he exclaimed with a sigh of relief. Rummaging for a +moment among his papers, he looked up and said with an encouraging +smile: + +"Now, if you please, we will go over that evidence--bit by bit." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + + +The news that Judge Brewster would appear for the defendant at the +approaching trial of Howard Jeffries went through the town like +wildfire, and caused an immediate revival in the public interest, which +was beginning to slacken for want of hourly stimulation. Rumor said that +there had been a complete reconciliation in the Jeffries family, that +the banker was now convinced of his son's innocence and was determined +to spend a fortune, if necessary, to save him. This and other reports of +similar nature were all untrue, but the judge let them pass without +contradiction. They were harmless, he chuckled, and if anything, helped +Howard's cause. + +Meantime, he himself had not been idle. When once he made up his mind to +do a thing he was not content with half measures. Night and day he +worked on the case, preparing evidence, seeing witnesses and experts, +until he had gradually built up a bulwark of defense which the police +would find difficult to tear down. Yet he was not wholly reassured as to +the outcome until Annie, the day following the interview in his office, +informed him breathlessly that she had found the mysterious woman. The +judge was duly elated; now it was plain sailing, indeed! There had +always been the possibility that Howard's confession to the police was +true, that he had really killed Underwood. But now they had found the +one important witness, the mysterious woman who was in the apartment a +few minutes before the shooting and who was in possession of a letter in +which Underwood declared his intention of shooting himself, doubt was no +longer possible. Acquittal was a foregone conclusion. So pleased was the +judge at Annie's find that he did not insist on knowing the woman's +name. He saw that Annie preferred, for some reason, not to give it--even +to her legal adviser--and he let her have her way, exacting only that +the woman should be produced the instant he needed her. The young woman +readily assented. Of course, there remained the "confession," but that +had been obtained unfairly, illegally, fraudulently. The next important +step was to arrange a meeting at the judge's house at which Dr. +Bernstein, the hypnotic expert, would be present and to which should be +invited both Captain Clinton and Howard's father. In front of all these +witnesses the judge would accuse the police captain of brow-beating his +prisoner into making an untrue confession. Perhaps the captain could be +argued into admitting the possibility of a mistake having been made. If, +further, he could be convinced of the existence of documentary evidence +showing that Underwood really committed suicide he might be willing to +recede from his position in order to protect himself. At any rate it was +worth trying. The judge insisted, also, that to this meeting the +mysterious woman witness should also come, to be produced at such a +moment as the lawyer might consider opportune. Annie merely demanded a +few hours' time so she could make the appointment and soon reappeared +with a solemn promise that the woman would attend the meeting and come +forward at whatever moment called upon. + +Three evenings later there was an impressive gathering at Judge +Brewster's residence. In the handsomely appointed library on the second +floor were seated Dr. Bernstein, Mr. Jeffries and the judge. Each was +absorbed in his own thoughts. Dr. Bernstein was puffing at a big black +cigar; the banker stared vacantly into space. The judge, at his desk, +examined some legal papers. Not a word was spoken. They seemed to be +waiting for a fourth man who had not yet arrived. Presently Judge +Brewster looked up and said: + +"Gentlemen, I expect Captain Clinton in a few minutes, and the matter +will be placed before you." + +Mr. Jeffries frowned. It was greatly against his will that he had been +dragged to this conference. Peevishly, he said: + +"I've no wish to be present at the meeting. You know that and yet you +sent for me." + +Judge Brewster looked up at him quickly and said quietly yet decisively: + +"Mr. Jeffries, it is absolutely necessary that you be present when I +tell Captain Clinton that he has either willfully or ignorantly forced +your son to confess to having committed a crime of which I am persuaded +he is absolutely innocent." + +The banker shrugged his shoulders. + +"If I can be of service, of course, I--I am only too glad--but what can +I say--what can I do?" + +"Nothing," replied the Judge curtly. "But the moral effect of your +presence is invaluable." More amiably he went on: "Believe me, Jeffries, +I wouldn't have taken this step unless I was absolutely sure of my +position. I have been informed that Underwood committed suicide, and +to-night evidence confirming this statement is to be placed in my hands. +The woman who paid him that mysterious visit just before his death has +promised to come here and tell us what she knows. Now, if Captain +Clinton can be got to admit the possibility of his being mistaken it +means that your son will be free in a few days." + +"Who has given you this information?" demanded the banker skeptically. + +"Howard's wife," answered the judge quietly. The banker started and the +lawyer went on: "She knows who the woman is, and has promised to bring +her here to-night with documentary proof of Underwood's suicide." + +"You are depending on her?" he sneered. + +"Why not?" demanded the judge. "She has more at stake than any of us. +She has worked day and night on this case. It was she who aroused Dr. +Bernstein's interest and persuaded him to collect the evidence against +Captain Clinton." + +The banker frowned. + +"She is the cause of the whole miserable business," he growled. + +The door opened and the butler, entering, handed his master a card. + +"Ah!" ejaculated the judge. "Here's our man! Show him up." + +When the servant had disappeared Mr. Jeffries turned to his host. With a +show of irritation he said: + +"I think you put too much faith in that woman, but you'll find +out--you'll find out." + +Judge Brewster smiled. + +"That's our object, isn't it, Mr. Jeffries--to find out?" he said +sarcastically. + +"What's the name of this mysterious witness?" exclaimed the banker +testily. "If the police haven't been able to find her why should +Howard's wife be able to do so? There was a report that she herself +was----" He paused and added, "Did she tell you who it was?" + +"No," said the judge dryly, "she will tell us to-night." + +The banker bounded in his seat. + +"You'll see," he cried. "Another flash in the pan. I don't like being +mixed up in this matter--it's a disagreeable--most disagreeable." + +Dr. Bernstein puffed a thick cloud of smoke into the air and said +quietly: + +"Yes, sir; it is disagreeable--but--unfortunately it is life." + +Suddenly the door opened and Captain Clinton appeared, followed by his +_fidus Achates_, Detective Sergeant Maloney. Both men were in plain +clothes. The captain's manner was condescendingly polite, the attitude +of a man so sure of his own position that he had little respect for the +opinion of any one else. With an effort at amiability he began: + +"Got your message, judge--came as soon as I could. Excuse my bringing +the sergeant with me. Sit over there, Maloney." Half apologetically, he +added: "He keeps his eyes open and his mouth shut, so he won't +interfere. How do, doctor?" + +Maloney took a position at the far end of the room, while Dr. Bernstein +introduced the captain to Mr. Jeffries. + +"Yes, I know the gentleman. How do, sir?" + +The banker nodded stiffly. He did not relish having to hobnob in this +way with such a vulgarian as a grafting police captain. Captain Clinton +turned to Judge Brewster. + +"Now, judge, explode your bomb! But I warn you I've made up my mind." + +"I've made up my mind, too," retorted the judge, "so at least we start +even." + +"Yes," growled the other. + +"As I stated in my letter, captain," went on the judge coolly, "I don't +want to use your own methods in this matter. I don't want to spread +reports about you, or accuse you in the papers. That's why I asked you +to come over and discuss the matter informally with me. I want to give +you a chance to change your attitude." + +"Don't want any chance," growled the policeman. + +"You mean," said the judge, peering at his _vis a vis_ over his +spectacles, "that you _don't want_ to change your attitude." + +Captain Clinton settled himself more firmly in his chair, as if getting +ready for hostilities. Defiantly he replied: + +"That's about what I mean, I suppose." + +"In other words," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you have found +this--this boy guilty and you refuse to consider evidence which may tend +to prove otherwise." + +"'Tain't my business to consider evidence," snapped the chief. "That's +up to the prosecuting attorney." + +"It will be," replied the lawyer sharply, "but at present it's up to +you." + +"Me?" exclaimed the other in genuine surprise. + +"Yes," went on Judge Brewster calmly, "you were instrumental in +obtaining a confession from him. I'm raising a question as to the truth +of that confession." + +Captain Clinton showed signs of impatience. Shrugging his massive +shoulders deprecatingly, said: + +"Are we going over all that? What's the use? A confession is a +confession and that settles it. I suppose the doctor has been working +his pet theory off on you and it's beginning to sprout." + +"Yes," retorted the judge quickly, "it's beginning to sprout, captain!" + +There was a sudden interruption caused by the entrance of the butler, +who approached his master and whispered something to him. Aloud the +judge said: + +"Ask her to wait till we are ready." + +The servant retired and Captain Clinton turned to the judge. With mock +deference, he said: + +"Say, Mr. Brewster, you're a great constitutional lawyer--the greatest +in this country--and I take off my hat to you, but I don't think +criminal law is in your line." + +Judge Brewster pursed his lips and his eyes flashed as he retorted +quickly: + +"I don't think it's constitutional to take a man's mind away from him +and substitute your own, Captain Clinton." + +"What do you mean?" demanded the chief. + +"I mean that instead of bringing out of this man his own true thoughts +of innocence, you have forced into his consciousness your own false +thoughts of his guilt." + +The judge spoke slowly and deliberately, making each word tell. The +police bully squirmed uneasily on his chair. + +"I don't follow you, judge. Better stick to international law. This +police court work is beneath you." + +"Perhaps it is," replied the lawyer quickly without losing his temper. +Then he asked: "Captain, will you answer a few questions?" + +"It all depends," replied the other insolently. + +"If you don't," cried the judge sharply, "I'll ask them through the +medium of your own weapon--the press. Only my press will not consist of +the one or two yellow journals you inspire, but the independent, +dignified press of the United States." + +The captain reddened. + +"I don't like the insinuation, judge." + +"I don't insinuate, Captain Clinton," went on the lawyer severely, "I +accuse you of giving an untruthful version of this matter to two +sensational newspapers in this city. These scurrilous sheets have tried +this young man in their columns and found him guilty, thus prejudicing +the whole community against him before he comes to trial. In no other +country in the civilized world would this be tolerated, except in a +country overburdened with freedom." + +Captain Clinton laughed boisterously. + +"The early bird catches the worm," he grinned. "They asked me for +information and got it." + +Judge Brewster went on: + +"You have so prejudiced the community against him that there is scarcely +a man who doesn't believe him guilty. If this matter ever comes to trial +how can we pick an unprejudiced jury? Added to this foul injustice you +have branded this young man's wife with every stigma that can be put on +womanhood. You have hinted that she is the mysterious female who visited +Underwood on the night of the shooting and openly suggested that she is +the cause of the crime." + +"Well, it's just possible," said the policeman with effrontery. + +Judge Brewster was fast losing his temper. The man's insolent demeanor +was intolerable. Half rising from his chair and pointing his finger at +him, he continued: + +"You have besmirched her character with stories of scandal. You have +linked her name with that of Underwood. The whole country rings with +falsities about her. In my opinion, Captain Clinton, your direct object +is to destroy the value of any evidence she may give in her husband's +favor." + +The chief looked aggrieved. + +"Why, I haven't said a word." Turning to his sergeant, he asked, "Have +I, Maloney?" + +"But these sensation-mongers have!" cried the judge angrily. "You are +the only source from whom they could obtain the information." + +"But what do I gain?" demanded the captain with affected innocence. + +"Advertisement--promotion," replied the judge sternly. "These same +papers speak of you as the greatest living chief--the greatest public +official--oh, you know the political value of that sort of thing as well +as I do." + +The captain shrugged his shoulders. + +"I can't help what they say about me," he growled. + +"They might add that you are also the richest," added the judge quickly, +"but I won't go into that." + +Again Captain Clinton reddened and shifted restlessly on his chair. He +did not relish the trend of the conversation. + +"I don't like all this, Judge Brewster--'tain't fair--I ain't on trial." + +Judge Brewster picked up some papers from his desk and read from one of +them. + +"Captain, in the case of the People against Creedon--after plying the +defendant with questions for six hours, you obtained a confession from +him?" + +"Yes, he told me he set the place on fire." + +"Exactly--but it afterward developed that he was never near the place." + +"Well, he told me." + +"Yes. He told you, but it turned out that he was mistaken." + +"Yes," admitted the captain reluctantly. + +The judge took another document, and read: + +"In the case of the People against Bentley." + +"That was Bentley's own fault--I didn't ask him," interrupted the +captain. "He owned up himself." Turning to the sergeant, he said, "You +were there, Maloney." + +"But you believed him guilty," interposed Judge Brewster quickly. + +"Yes." + +"You thought him guilty and after a five-hour session you impressed this +thought on his mind and he--he confessed." + +"I didn't impress anything--I just simply----" + +"You just simply convinced him that he was guilty--though as it turned +out he was in prison at the time he was supposed to have committed the +burglary----" + +"It wasn't burglary," corrected the captain sullenly. + +Judge Brewster again consulted the papers in his hand. + +"You're quite right, captain--my mistake--it was homicide, but--it was +an untrue confession." + +"Yes." + +"It was the same thing in the Callahan case," went on the judge, picking +up another document. "In the case of the People against +Tuthill--and--Cosgrove--Tuthill confessed and died in prison, and +Cosgrove afterward acknowledged that he and not Tuthill was the guilty +man." + +"Well," growled the captain, "mistakes sometimes happen." + +Judge Brewster stopped and laid down his eyeglasses. + +"Ah, that is precisely the point of view we take in this matter! Now, +captain, in the present case, on the night of the confession did you +show young Mr. Jeffries the pistol with which he was supposed to have +shot Robert Underwood?" + +Captain Clinton screwed up his eyes as if thinking hard. Then, turning +to his sergeant, he said: + +"Yes. I think I did. Didn't I, Maloney?" + +"Your word is sufficient," said the judge quickly. "Did you hold it up?" + +"Think I did." + +"Do you know if there was a light shining on it?" asked the judge +quickly. + +At this point, Dr. Bernstein, who had been an attentive listener, bent +eagerly forward. Much depended on Captain Clinton's answer--perhaps a +man's life. + +"Don't know--might have been," replied the chief carelessly. + +Judge Brewster turned to Dr. Bernstein. + +"Were there electric lights on the wall?" + +"Yes." + +"What difference does that make?" demanded the policeman. + +"Quite a little," replied the judge quietly. "The barrel of the revolver +was bright--shining steel. From the moment that Howard Jeffries' eyes +rested on the shining steel barrel of that revolver he was no longer a +conscious personality. As he himself said to his wife, 'They said I did +it--and I knew I didn't, but after I looked at that shining pistol I +don't know what I said or did--everything became a blur and a blank.' +Now, I may tell you, captain, that this condition fits in every detail +the clinical experiences of nerve specialists and the medical +experiences of the psychologists. After five hours' constant +cross-questioning while in a semi-dazed condition, you impressed on him +your own ideas--you suggested to him what he should say--you extracted +from him not the thoughts that were in his own consciousness, but those +that were in yours. Is that the scientific fact, doctor?" + +"Yes," replied Dr. Bernstein, "the optical captivation of Howard +Jeffries' attention makes the whole case complete and clear to the +physician." + +Captain Clinton laughed loudly. + +"Optical captivation is good!" Turning to his sergeant he asked, "What +do you think of it, Maloney?" + +Sergeant Maloney chuckled. + +"It's a new one, eh?" + +"No, captain--it's a very old one," interrupted the lawyer sternly, "but +it's new to us. We're barely on the threshold of the discovery. It +certainly explains these other cases, doesn't it?" + +"I don't know that it does," objected the captain, shaking his head. "I +don't acknowledge----" + +Judge Brewster sat down. Looking the policeman squarely in the face, he +said slowly and deliberately: + +"Captain Clinton, whether you acknowledge it or not, I can prove that +you obtained these confessions by means of hypnotic suggestion, and that +is a greater crime against society than any the State punishes or pays +you to prevent." + +The captain laughed and shrugged his shoulders. Indifferently he said: + +"I guess the boys up at Albany can deal with that question." + +"The boys up at Albany," retorted the lawyer, "know as little about the +laws of psychology as you do. This will be dealt with at Washington!" + +The captain yawned. + +"I didn't come here to hear about that--you were going to produce the +woman who called on Underwood the night of the murder--that was what I +came here for--not to hear my methods criticised--where is she?" + +"One thing at a time," replied the judge. "First, I wanted to show you +that we know Howard Jeffries' confession is untrue. Now we'll take up +the other question." Striking a bell on his desk, he added: "This woman +can prove that Robert Underwood committed suicide." + +"She can, eh?" exclaimed the captain sarcastically. "Maybe she did it +herself. Some one did it, that's sure!" + +The library door opened and the butler entered. + +"Yes, some one did it!" retorted the judge; "we agree there!" To the +servant he said: "Ask Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., to come here." + +The servant left the room and the captain turned to the judge with a +laugh: + +"Is she the one? Ha! ha!--that's easy----" + +The judge nodded. + +"She has promised to produce the missing witness to-night." + +"She has, eh?" exclaimed the captain. + +Rising quickly from his chair, he crossed the room and talked in an +undertone with his sergeant. This new turn in the case seemed to +interest him. Meantime Mr. Jeffries, who had followed every phase of the +questioning with close attention, left his seat and went over to Judge +Brewster. + +"Is it possible," he exclaimed, "is it possible that Underwood shot +himself? I never dreamed of doubting Howard's confession!" More +cordially he went on: "Brewster, if this is true, I owe you a debt of +gratitude--you've done splendid work--I--I'm afraid I've been just a +trifle obstinate." + +"Just a trifle," said the judge dryly. + +Sergeant Maloney took his hat. + +"Hurry up!" said the captain, "you can telephone from the corner drug +store." + +"All right, Cap'." + +Dr. Bernstein also rose to depart. + +"I must go, Mr. Brewster; I have an appointment at the hospital." + +The judge grasped his hand warmly. + +"Thank you, doctor!" he exclaimed, "I don't know what I should have done +without you." + +"Thank you, sir!" chimed in the banker, "I am greatly indebted to you." + +"Don't mention it," replied the psychologist almost ironically. + +He went out and the banker impatiently took out his watch. + +"It's getting late!" he exclaimed; "where is this girl. I have no faith +in her promises!" + +As he spoke the library door opened and Annie appeared. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + + +As Annie entered the room and caught sight of Mr. Jeffries, she +instinctively drew back. Just at that moment the banker was, perhaps, +the one man in the world whom she was most anxious to avoid. Captain +Clinton no longer had any terror for her. Now that the missing witness +had been found and the precious "suicide letter" was as good as in their +possession there was nothing more to fear. It was only a question of +time when Howard would be set free. But it was not in this girl's nature +to be concerned only with herself. If she possessed a single womanly +virtue, it was supreme unselfishness. There was some one beside herself +to take into consideration--a poor, vacillating, weak, miserable woman +who wished to do what was right and had agreed to do so, but who, in the +privacy of her own apartments, had gone down on her knees and begged +Annie to protect her from the consequences of her own folly. Her husband +must not know. Annie had promised that if there was any way possible +the knowledge of that clandestine midnight visit to Underwood's rooms +should be kept from him. Yet there stood the banker! She was afraid that +if they began questioning her in his presence she might be betrayed into +saying something that would instantly arouse his suspicions. + +Judge Brewster went quickly forward as she came in and led her to a +chair. Captain Clinton and Mr. Jeffries eyed her in stolid silence. +Looking around in a nervous kind of way, Annie said quietly to the +judge: + +"May I speak to you alone, judge?" + +"Certainly," replied the lawyer. + +He was about to draw her aside when Captain Clinton interfered. + +"One moment!" he said gruffly, "if this is all open and above board, as +you say it is, judge--I'd like to ask the young lady a few questions." + +"Certainly, by all means," said the judge quickly. + +The captain turned and confronted Annie. Addressing her in his customary +aggressive manner, he said: + +"You promised Judge Brewster that you'd produce the woman who called at +Underwood's apartment the night of the shooting?" Annie made no reply, +but looked at the lawyer. The captain grinned as he added: "The witness +wants instructions, judge." + +"You can be perfectly frank, Mrs. Jeffries," said the lawyer +reassuringly. "We have no desire to conceal anything from Captain +Clinton." + +Annie bowed. + +"Yes," she said slowly; "I promised Judge Brewster that she would come +here to-night." + +"Did she promise you to come?" growled the captain. + +"Yes." + +"Well, where is she?" he demanded. + +"She hasn't come yet," she replied, "but she will, I'm sure--I know she +will." + +"How did you come to find her?" demanded the captain suspiciously. + +Annie hesitated a moment and glanced at Mr. Jeffries. Then she said +hesitatingly: + +"That I--I cannot say--now." + +Captain Clinton's massive bulldog jaw closed with an ominous click. + +"Decline to answer, eh? What's her name?" + +She remained silent. + +"What's her name?" he repeated impatiently. + +"I cannot tell you," she said firmly. + +"Do you know it?" he bellowed. + +"Yes," she answered quietly. + +"Know it, but can't say, eh? Hum!" + +He folded his arms and glared at her. Mr. Jeffries now interfered. +Addressing Annie angrily, he said: + +"But you must speak! Do you realize that my son's life is at stake?" + +"Yes, I do," she replied quickly. "I'm glad to see that you are +beginning to realize it, too. But I can't tell you yet----" + +The judge turned to the police captain. + +"I may tell you, captain, that even I myself have not succeeded in +learning the name of this mysterious personage." Addressing Annie, he +said: "I think you had better tell us. I see no advantage in concealing +it any further." + +Annie shook her head. + +"Not yet," she murmured; "she will tell you herself when she comes." + +"Ha! I thought as much!" exclaimed the banker incredulously. + +The captain rose and drew himself up to his full height, a favorite +trick of his when about to assert his authority. + +"Well, when she does come!" he exclaimed, "I think you may as well +understand she will be taken to headquarters and held as a witness." + +[Illustration: "WHEN THIS MYSTERIOUS WITNESS DOES COME I SHALL PLACE HER +UNDER ARREST."] + +"You'll arrest her!" cried the lawyer. + +"That's what I said, judge. She a material witness--the most important +one the State has. I don't intend that she shall get away----" + +"Arrest her! Oh, judge, don't let him do that!" exclaimed Annie in +dismay. + +Judge Brewster grew red in the face. Wrathfully he said: + +"She is coming to my house of her own free will. She has trusted to my +honor----" + +"Yes--yes!" cried Annie. "She trusts to your honor, judge." + +Captain Clinton grinned. + +"Honor cuts mighty little ice in this matter. There's no use talking. I +shall place her under arrest." + +"I will not permit such a disgraceful proceeding!" cried the lawyer. + +"With all due respect, judge," retorted the policeman impudently, "you +won't be consulted. You have declared yourself counsel for the man who +has been indicted for murder--I didn't ask you to take me into your +confidence--you invited me here, treated me to a lecture on psychology, +for which I thank you very much, but I don't feel that I need any +further instruction. If this woman ever does get here, the moment she +leaves the house Maloney has instructions to arrest her, but I guess we +needn't worry. She has probably forgotten her appointment. Some people +are very careless in that respect." Moving toward the door, he added: +"Well, if it's all the same to you, I'll wait downstairs. Good night." + +He went out, his hat impudently tilted back on his head, a sneer on his +lips. The banker turned to the judge. + +"I told you how it would be," he said scornfully. "A flash in the pan!" + +The lawyer looked askance at Annie. + +"You are sure she will come?" he asked. + +"Yes, I am sure!" With concern she added: "But the disgrace of arrest! +It will kill her! Oh, judge, don't let them arrest her!" + +"Tell me who she is!" commanded the lawyer sternly. + +It was the first time he had spoken to her harshly and Annie, to her +dismay, thought she detected a note of doubt in his voice. Looking +toward the banker, she replied: + +"I can't tell you just now--she'll be here soon----" + +"Tell me now--I insist," said the lawyer with growing impatience. + +"Please--please don't ask me!" she pleaded. + +Mr. Jeffries made an angry gesture. + +"As I told you, Brewster, her whole story is a fabrication trumped up +for some purpose--God knows what object she has in deceiving us! I only +know that I warned you what you always may expect from people of her +class." + +The judge said nothing for a moment. Then quietly he whispered to the +banker: + +"Go into my study for a few moments, will you, Jeffries?" + +The banker made a gesture, as if utterly disgusted with the whole +business. + +"I am going home," he said testily. "I've had a most painful +evening--most painful. Let me know the result of your investigation as +soon as possible. Good night. Don't disturb me to-night, Brewster. +To-morrow will do." + +He left the room in high dudgeon, banging the door behind him. Annie +burst into a laugh. + +"Don't disturb him!" she mimicked. "He's going to get all that's coming +to him." + +Shocked at her levity, the lawyer turned on her severely. + +"Do you want me to lose all faith in you?" he asked sternly. + +"No, indeed," she answered contritely. + +"Then tell me," he demanded, "why do you conceal this woman's name from +me?" + +"Because I don't want to be the one to expose her. She shall tell you +herself." + +"That's all very well," he replied, "but meantime you are directing +suspicion against yourself. Your father-in-law believes you are the +woman; so does Captain Clinton." + +"The captain suspects everybody," she laughed. "It's his business to +suspect. As long as you don't believe that I visited Underwood that +night----" + +The judge shook his head as if puzzled. + +"Candidly, I don't know what to think." Seriously, he added: "I want to +think the very best of you, Annie, but you won't let me." + +She hesitated a moment and then, quickly, she said: + +"I suppose I'd better tell you and have done with it--but I don't like +to----" + +At that moment a servant entered and handed the lawyer a card. + +"The lady wants to see you at once, sir." + +"To see me," asked the lawyer in surprise: "are you sure she hasn't come +for Mr. Jeffries?" + +"No, sir; she asked for you." + +Annie sprang forward. + +"Is it Mrs. Jeffries?" she asked. + +"Yes," he replied. + +"Let me see her, judge," she exclaimed eagerly; "I'll tell her who it is +and she can tell you--she's a woman--and I'd rather. Let me speak to +her, please!" + +Addressing the servant, the lawyer said: + +"Ask Mrs. Jeffries to come up." Turning to his client, he went on: + +"I see no objection to your speaking to Mrs. Jeffries. After all, she is +your husband's stepmother. But I am free to confess that I don't +understand you. I am more than disappointed in your failure to keep your +word. You promised definitely that you would bring the witness here +to-night. On the strength of that promise I made statements to Captain +Clinton which I have not been able to substantiate. The whole story +looks like an invention on your part." + +She held out her hands entreatingly. + +"It's not an invention! Really, judge! Just a little while longer! +You've been so kind, so patient!" + +There was a trace of anger in the lawyer's voice as he went on: + +"I believed you implicitly. You were so positive this woman would come +forward." + +"She will--she will. Give me only a few minutes more!" she cried. + +The lawyer looked at her as if puzzled. + +"A few minutes?" he said. Again he looked at her and then shook his +head resignedly. "Well, it's certainly infectious!" he exclaimed. "I +believe you again." + +The door opened and Alicia appeared. The lawyer advanced politely to +greet her. + +"Good evening, Mrs. Jeffries." + +Alicia shook hands with him, at the same time looking inquiringly at +Annie, who, by a quick gesture, told her that the judge knew nothing of +her secret. The lawyer went on: + +"Mrs. Jeffries, Jr., wishes to speak to you. I said I thought there'd be +no objection if you don't mind. May she?" + +"Yes," murmured Alicia. + +"Your husband was here," said the judge. + +"My husband!" she cried, startled. Again she glanced inquiringly at +Annie and tried to force a smile. + +"Yes," said the lawyer; "he'll be glad to know you're here. I'll tell +him." Turning to Annie, he said: "When you're ready, please send +and----" + +"Very well, judge." + +The lawyer went out and Alicia turned round breathlessly. + +"My husband was here?" she exclaimed. + +"Yes." + +"You've told Mr. Brewster nothing?" + +Annie shook her head. + +"I couldn't!" she said. "I tried to, but I couldn't. It seems so hard, +doesn't it?" Alicia laughed bitterly and Annie went on: "I was afraid +you weren't coming!" + +"The train was late!" exclaimed Alicia evasively, "I went up to Stamford +to say good-by to my mother." + +"To say good-by?" echoed her companion in surprise. + +"Yes," said the other tearfully. "I have said good-by to her--I have +said good-by to everybody--to everything--to myself--I must give them +all up--I must give myself up." + +"Oh, it isn't as bad as that, surely?" + +Alicia shook her head sadly. + +"Yes," she said; "I've reckoned it all up. It's a total loss. Nothing +will be saved--husband, home, position, good name--all will go. You'll +see. I shall be torn into little bits of shreds. They won't leave +anything unsaid. But it's not that I care for so much. It's the +injustice of it all. The injustice of the power of evil. This man +Underwood never did a good action in all his life. And now even after he +is dead he has the power to go on destroying--destroying--destroying!" + +"That's true," said Annie; "he was no good." + +The banker's wife drew from her bosom the letter Underwood wrote her +before he killed himself. + +"When he sent me this letter," she went on, "I tried to think myself +into his condition of mind, so that I could decide whether he intended +to keep his word and kill himself or not. I tried to reason out just how +he felt and how he thought. Now I know. It's hopeless, dull, sodden +desperation. I haven't even the ambition to defend myself from Mr. +Jeffries." + +Annie shrugged her shoulders. + +"I wouldn't lose any sleep on his account," she said with a laugh. More +seriously she added: "Surely he won't believe----" + +"He may not believe anything himself," said Alicia. "It's what other +people are thinking that will make him suffer. If the circumstances were +only a little less disgraceful--a suicide's last letter to the woman he +loved. They'll say I drove him to it. They won't think of his miserable, +dishonest career. They'll only think of my share in his death----" + +Annie shook her head sympathetically. + +"Yes," she said; "it's tough! The worst of it is they are going to +arrest you." + +Alicia turned ashen pale. + +"Arrest me!" she cried. + +"That's what Captain Clinton says," replied the other gravely. "He was +here--he is here now--with two men, waiting for you." Apologetically she +went on: "It wasn't my fault, Mrs. Jeffries--I didn't mean to. What +could I do? When I told Judge Brewster, he sent for Captain Clinton. The +police are afraid you'll run away or something----" + +"And my husband!" gasped Alicia; "he doesn't know, does he?" + +"No, I didn't tell them. I said you'd tell them yourself, but they won't +trust you when they know who you are. Let's tell the judge--he may think +of a plan. Suppose you go away until----" Puzzled herself to find a way +out of the dilemma, Annie paced the floor nervously. "Oh, this is +awful!" she exclaimed. "What are we to do??" + +She looked toward Alicia, as if expecting some suggestion from her, but +her companion was too much overwhelmed to take any initiative. + +"It does stun one, doesn't it?" went on Annie. "You can't think when it +comes all of a sudden like this. It's just the way I felt the morning +they showed me Howard's confession." + +"Prison! Prison!" wailed Alicia. + +Annie tried to console her. + +"Not for long," she said soothingly; "you can get bail. It's only a +matter of favor--Judge Brewster would get you out right away." + +"Get me out!" cried Alicia distractedly. "My God! I can't go to prison! +I can't! That's too much. I've done nothing! Look--read this!" Handing +over Underwood's letter, she went on: "You can see for yourself. The +wretch frightened me into such a state of mind that I hardly knew what I +was doing--I went to his rooms to save him. That's the truth, I swear to +God! But do you suppose anybody will believe me on oath? +They'll--they'll----" + +Almost hysterical, she no longer knew what she was saying or doing. She +collapsed utterly, and sinking down in a chair, gave way to a +passionate fit of sobbing. Annie tried to quiet her: + +"Hush!" she said gently, "don't go on like that. Be brave. Perhaps it +won't be so bad as you think." She unfolded the letter Alicia had given +her and carefully read it through. When she had finished her face lit up +with joy. Enthusiastically she cried: + +"This is great for Howard! What a blessing you didn't destroy it! What a +wretch, what a hound to write you like that! Poor soul, of course, you +went and begged him not to do it! I'd have gone myself, but I think I'd +have broken an umbrella over his head or something----Gee! these kind of +fellows breed trouble, don't they? Alive or dead, they breed trouble! +What can we do?" + +Alicia rose. Her tears had disappeared. There was a look of fixed +resolve in her eyes. + +"Howard must be cleared," she said, "and I must face it--alone!" + +"You'll be alone all right," said Annie thoughtfully. "Mr. Jeffries will +do as much for you as he did for his son." + +Noticing that her companion seemed hurt by her frankness, she changed +the topic. + +"Honest to God!" she exclaimed, good-naturedly, "I'm +broken-hearted--I'll do anything to save you from this--this public +disgrace. I know what it means--I've had my dose of it. But this thing +has got to come out, hasn't it?" + +The banker's wife wearily nodded assent. + +"Yes, I realize that," she said, "but the disgrace of arrest--I can't +stand it, Annie! I can't go to prison even if it's only for a minute." +Holding out a trembling hand, she went on: "Give me back the letter. +I'll leave New York to-night--I'll go to Europe--I'll send it to Judge +Brewster from Paris." Looking anxiously into her companion's face, she +pleaded: "You'll trust me to do that, won't you? Give it to me, +please--you can trust me." + +Her hand was still extended, but Annie ignored it. + +"No--no," she said, shaking her head, "I can't give it to you--how can +I? Don't you understand what the letter means to me?" + +"Have pity!" cried the banker's wife, almost beside herself. "You can +tell them when I'm out of the country. Don't ask me to make this +sacrifice now--don't ask me--don't!" + +Annie was beginning to lose patience. The woman's selfishness angered +her. With irritation, she said: + +"You've lost your nerve, and you don't know what you're saying. Howard's +life comes before you--me--or anybody. You know that!" + +"Yes--yes," cried Alicia desperately, "I know that. I'm only asking you +to wait. I--I ought to have left this morning--that's what I should have +done--gone at once. Now it's too late, unless you help me----" + +"I'll help you all I can," replied the other doggedly, "but I've +promised Judge Brewster to clear up this matter to-night." + +Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. Captain Clinton entered, +followed by Detective Sergeant Maloney. Alicia shrank back in alarm. + +"I thought Judge Brewster was here," said the captain, glancing +suspiciously round the room. + +"I'll send for him," said Annie, touching a bell. + +"Well, where's your mysterious witness?" demanded the captain +sarcastically. + +He looked curiously at Alicia. + +"This is Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," said Annie, "my husband's +stepmother." + +The captain made a deferential salute. Bully as he was, he knew how to +be courteous when it suited his purpose. He had heard enough of the +wealthy banker's aristocratic wife to treat her with respect. + +"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 fashion, 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 blustered: + +"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 constitutional 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. + +"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 snatched 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 massive 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?" + +"I don't know. I never thought of that," she faltered. + +The judge turned to Alicia. + +"Are you going to allow her to do so, Mrs. Jeffries?" + +"No, no," cried Alicia quickly, "I never thought of such a thing." + +"Then I repeat--is it your intention to perjure yourself?" Annie was +silent, and he went on: "I assume it is, but let me ask you: Do you +expect me, as your counsel, to become _participes criminis_ to this +tissue of lies? Am I expected to build up a false structure for you to +swear to? Am I?" + +"I don't know; I haven't thought of it," replied Annie. "If it can be +done, why not? I'm glad you suggested it." + +"_I_ suggest it?" exclaimed the lawyer, scandalized. + +"Yes," cried Annie with growing exaltation; "it never occurred to me +till you spoke. Everybody says I'm the woman who called on Robert +Underwood that night. Well, that's all right. Let them continue to think +so. What difference does it make so long as Howard is set free?" Going +toward the door, she said: "Good night, Mrs. Jeffries!" + +The judge tried to bar her way. + +"Don't go," he said; "Captain Clinton's men are waiting outside." + +"That doesn't matter!" she cried. + +"But you must not go!" exclaimed the lawyer in a tone of command. "I +won't allow it. They'll arrest you! Mrs. Jeffries, you'll please remain +here." + +But Annie was already at the door. + +"I wouldn't keep Captain Clinton waiting for the world," she cried. +"Good night, Judge Brewster, and God bless you!" + +The door slammed, and she was gone. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + + +The Jeffries case suddenly entered into an entirely new phase, and once +more was deemed of sufficient public interest to warrant column after +column of spicy comment in the newspapers. The town awoke one morning to +learn that the long-sought-for witness, the mysterious woman on whose +testimony everything hinged, had not only been found, but proved to be +the prisoner's own wife, who had been so active in his defense. This +announcement was stupefying enough to over-shadow all other news of the +day, and satisfied the most jaded palate for sensationalism. + +The first question asked on all sides was: Why had not the wife come +forward before? The reason, as glibly explained by an evening journal of +somewhat yellow proclivities, was logical enough. The telling of her +midnight visit to a single man's rooms involved a shameful admission +which any woman might well hesitate to make unless forced to it as a +last extremity. Confronted, however, with the alternative of either +seeing her husband suffer for a crime of which he was innocent or making +public acknowledgment of her own frailty, she had chosen the latter +course. Naturally, it meant divorce from the banker's son, and +undoubtedly this was the solution most wished for by the family. The +whole unsavory affair conveyed a good lesson to reckless young men of +wealth to avoid entangling themselves in undesirable matrimonial +adventures. But it was no less certain, went on this journalistic +mentor, that this wife, unfaithful as she had proved herself to be, had +really rendered her husband a signal service in his present scrape. The +letter she had produced, written to her by Underwood the day before his +death, in which he stated his determination to kill himself, was, of +course, a complete vindication for the man awaiting trial. His +liberation now depended only on how quickly the ponderous machinery of +the law could take cognizance of this new and most important evidence. + +The new turn of affairs was naturally most distasteful to the police. If +there was one thing more than another which angered Captain Clinton it +was to take the trouble to build up a case only to have it suddenly +demolished. He scoffed at the "suicide letter," safely committed to +Judge Brewster's custody, and openly branded it as a forgery concocted +by an immoral woman for the purpose of defeating the ends of justice. He +kept Annie a prisoner and defied the counsel for the defence to do their +worst. Judge Brewster, who loved the fray, accepted the challenge. He +acted promptly. He secured Annie's release on _habeas corpus_ +proceedings and, his civil suit against the city having already begun in +the courts, he suddenly called Captain Clinton to the stand and gave him +a grilling which more than atoned for any which the police tyrant had +previously made his victims suffer. In the limelight of a sensational +trial, in which public servants were charged with abusing positions of +trust, he showed Captain Clinton up as a bully and a grafter, a +bribe-taker, working hand and glove with dishonest politicians, not +hesitating even to divide loot with thieves and dive-keepers in his +greed for wealth. He proved him to be a consummate liar, a man who would +stop at nothing to gain his own ends. What jury would take the word of +such a man as this? Yet this was the man who still insisted that Howard +Jeffries was guilty of the shooting of Robert Underwood! + +But public opinion was too intelligent to be hoodwinked for any length +of time by a brutal and ignorant policeman. There was a clamor for the +prisoner's release. The evidence was such that further delay was +inexcusable. The district attorney, thus urged, took an active interest +in the case, and after going over the new evidence with Judge Brewster, +went before the court and made formal application for the dismissal of +the complaint. A few days later Howard Jeffries left the Tombs amid the +cheers of a crowd assembled outside. At his side walked his wife, now +smiling through tears of joy. + +It was a glad home-coming to the little flat in Harlem. To Howard, after +spending so long a time in the narrow prison quarters, it seemed like +paradise, and Annie walked on air, so delighted was she to have him with +her again. Yet there were still anxieties to cloud their happiness. The +close confinement, with its attendant worry, had seriously undermined +Howard's health. He was pale and attenuated, and so weak that he had +several fainting spells. Much alarmed, Annie summoned Dr. Bernstein, +who administered a tonic. There was nothing to cause anxiety, he said +reassuringly. It was a natural reaction after what her husband had +undergone. But it was worry as much as anything else. Howard worried +about his father, with whom he was only partially reconciled; he worried +about his future, which was as precarious as ever, and most of all he +worried about his wife. He was not ignorant of the circumstances which +had brought about his release, and while liberty was sweet to him, it +had been a terrible shock when he first heard that she was the woman who +had visited Underwood's rooms. He refused to believe her sworn evidence. +How was it possible? Why should she go to Underwood's rooms knowing he +was there? It was preposterous. Still the small voice rang in his +ears--perhaps she's untrue! It haunted him till one day he asked +point-blank for an explanation. Then she told that she had perjured +herself. She was not the woman. Who she really was she could not say. He +must be satisfied for the present with the assurance that it was not his +wife. With that he was content. What did he care for the opinion of +others? He knew--that was enough! In their conversation on the subject +Annie did not even mention Alicia's name. Why should she? + +Weeks passed, and Howard's health did not improve. He had tried to find +a position, but without success, yet every day brought its obligations +which had to be met. One morning Annie was bustling about their tiny +dining room preparing the table for their frugal luncheon. She had just +placed the rolls and butter on the table, and arranged the chairs, when +there came a ring at the front doorbell. Early visitors were not so +unfrequent as to cause surprise, so, without waiting to remove her +apron, she went to the door and opened it. Dr. Bernstein entered. + +"Good morning, Mrs. Jeffries," he said cheerily. Putting down his +medical bag, he asked: "How is our patient this morning?" + +"All right, doctor. He had a splendid night's rest. I'll call him." + +"Never mind, I want to talk to you." Seriously, he went on: "Mrs. +Jeffries, your husband needs a change of scene. He's worrying. That +fainting spell the other day was only a symptom. I'm afraid he'll break +down unless----" + +"Unless what?" she demanded anxiously. + +He hesitated for a moment, as if unwilling to give utterance to words he +knew must inflict pain. Then quickly he continued: + +"Your husband is under a great mental strain. His inability to support +you, his banishment from his proper sphere in the social world is mental +torture to him. He feels his position keenly. There is nothing else to +occupy his mind but thoughts of his utter and complete failure in life. +I was talking to his father last night, and----" + +"And what?" she demanded, drawing herself up. She suspected what was +coming, and nerved herself to meet it. + +"Now, don't regard me as an enemy," said the doctor in a conciliatory +tone. "Mr. Jeffries inquired after his son. Believe me, he's very +anxious. He knows he did the boy a great injustice, and he wants to make +up for it." + +"Oh, he does?" she exclaimed sarcastically. + +Dr. Bernstein hesitated for a moment before replying. Then he said +lightly: + +"Suppose Howard goes abroad for a few months with his father and +mother?" + +"Is that the proposition?" she demanded. + +The doctor nodded. + +"I believe Mr. Jeffries has already spoken about it to his son," he +said. + +Annie choked back a sob and, crossing the room to conceal her emotion, +stood with her back turned, looking out of the window. Her voice was +trembling as she said: + +"He wants to separate us, I know. He'd give half his fortune to do it. +Perhaps he's not altogether wrong. Things do look pretty black for me, +don't they? Everybody believes that my going to see Underwood that night +had something to do with his suicide and led to my husband being falsely +accused. The police built up a fine romance about Mr. Underwood and +me--and the newspapers! Every other day a reporter comes and asks us +when the divorce is going to take place--and who is going to institute +the proceedings, Howard or me. If everybody would only mind their own +business and let us alone he might forget. Oh, I don't mean you, doctor. +You're my friend. You made short work of Captain Clinton and his +'confession.' I mean people--outsiders--strangers--who don't know us, +and don't care whether we're alive or dead; those are the people I +mean. They buy a one-cent paper and they think it gives them the right +to pry into every detail of our lives." She paused for a moment, and +then went, on: "So you think Howard is worrying? I think so, too. At +first I thought it was because of the letter Mr. Underwood wrote me, but +I guess it's what you say. His old friends won't have anything to do +with him and--he's lonely. Well, I'll talk it over with him----" + +"Yes--talk it over with him." + +"Did you promise his father you'd ask me?" she demanded. + +"No--not exactly," he replied hesitatingly. + +Annie looked at him frankly. + +"Howard's a pretty good fellow to stand by me in the face of all that's +being said about my character, isn't he, doctor? And I'm not going to +stand in his light, even if it doesn't exactly make me the happiest +woman in the world, but don't let it trickle into your mind that I'm +doing it for his father's sake." + +At that moment Howard entered from the inner room. He was surprised to +see Dr. Bernstein. + +"How do you feel to-day?" asked the doctor. + +"First rate! Oh, I'm all right. You see, I'm just going to eat a bite. +Won't you join us?" + +He sat down at the table and picked up the newspaper, while Annie busied +herself with carrying in the dishes. + +"No, thank you," laughed the doctor. "It's too early for me. I've only +just had breakfast. I dropped in to see how you were." Taking up his +bag, he said: "Good-by! Don't get up. I can let myself out." + +But Annie had already opened the door for him, and smiled a farewell. +When she returned to her seat at the head of the table, and began to +pour out the coffee, Howard said: + +"He's a pretty decent fellow, isn't he?" + +"Yes," she replied absent-mindedly, as she passed a cup of coffee. + +"He made a monkey of Captain Clinton all right," went on Howard. "What +did he come for?" + +"To see you--of course," she replied. + +"Oh, I'm all right now," he replied. Looking anxiously at his wife +across the table, he said: "You're the one that needs tuning up. I heard +you crying last night. You thought I was asleep, but I wasn't. I didn't +say anything because--well--I felt kind of blue myself." + +Annie sighed and leaned her head on her hand. Wearily she said: + +"I was thinking over all what we've been through together, and what +they're saying about us----" + +Howard threw down his newspaper impatiently. + +"Let them say what they like. Why should we care as long as we're +happy?" + +His wife smiled sadly. + +"Are we happy?" she asked gently. + +"Of course we are," replied Howard. + +She looked up and smiled. It was good to hear him say so, but did he +mean it? Was she doing right to stand in the way of his career? Would he +not be happier if she left him? He was too loyal to suggest it, but +perhaps in his heart he desired it. Looking at him tenderly, she went +on: + +"I don't question your affection for me, Howard. I believe you love me, +but I'm afraid that, sooner or later, you'll ask yourself the question +all your friends are asking now, the question everybody seems to be +asking." + +"What question?" demanded Howard. + +"Yesterday the bell rang and a gentleman said he wanted to see you. I +told him you were out, and he said I'd do just as well. He handed me a +card. On it was the name of the newspaper he represented." + +"Well?" + +"He asked me if it were true that proceedings for a divorce were about +to be instituted. If so, when? And could I give him any information on +the subject? I asked him who wanted the information, and he said the +readers of his paper--the people--I believe he said over a million of +them. Just think, Howard! Over a million people, not counting your +father, your friends and relations, all waiting to know why you don't +get rid of me, why you don't believe me to be as bad as they think I +am----" + +Howard raised his hand for her to desist. + +"Annie--please!" he pleaded. + +"That's the fact, isn't it?" she laughed. + +"No." + +His wife's head dropped on the table. She was crying now. + +"I've made a hard fight, Howard," she sobbed, "but I'm going to give up. +I'm through--I'm through!" + +Howard took hold of her hand and carried it to his lips. + +"Annie, old girl," he said with some feeling, "I may be weak, I may be +blind, but nobody on top of God's green earth can tell me that you're +not the squarest, straightest little woman that ever lived! I don't care +a damn what one million or eighty million think. Supposing you had +received letters from Underwood, supposing you had gone to his rooms to +beg him not to kill himself--what of it? It would be for a good motive, +wouldn't it? Let them talk all the bad of you they want. I don't believe +a word of it--you know I don't." + +She looked up and smiled through her tears. + +"You're so good, dear," she exclaimed. "Yes, I know you believe in me." +She stopped and continued sadly: "But you're only a boy, you know. What +of the future, the years to come?" Howard's face became serious, and she +went on: "You see you've thought about it, too, and you're trying to +hide it from me. But you can't. Your father wants you to go abroad with +the family." + +"Well?" + +He waited and looked at her curiously as if wondering what her answer +would be. He waited some time, and then slowly she said: + +"I think--you had better go!" + +"You don't mean that!" he exclaimed, in genuine surprise. + +She shook her head affirmatively. + +"Yes, I do," she said; "your father wants you to take your position in +the world, the position you are entitled to, the position your +association with me prevents you from taking----" + +Howard drummed his fingers on the tablecloth and looked out of the +window. It seemed to her that his voice no longer had the same candid +ring as he replied: + +"Yes, father has spoken to me about it. He wants to be friends, and +I----" He paused awkwardly, and then added: "I admit I've--I've promised +to consider it, but----" + +Annie finished his sentence for him: + +"You're going to accept his offer, Howard. You owe it to yourself, to +your family, and to----" She laughed as she added: "I was going to say +to a million anxious readers." + +Howard looked at her curiously. He did not know if she were jesting or +in earnest. Almost impatiently he exclaimed: + +"Why do you talk in this way against your own interests? You know I'd +like to be friendly with my family, and all that. But it wouldn't be +fair to you." + +"I'm not talking against myself, Howard. I want you to be happy, and +you're not happy. You can't be happy under these conditions. Now be +honest with me--can you?" + +"Can you?" he demanded. + +"No," she answered frankly, "not unless you are." Slowly, she went on: +"Whatever happiness I've had in life I owe to you, and God knows you've +had nothing but trouble from me. I did wrong to marry you, and I'm +willing to pay the penalty. I've evened matters up with your family; now +let me try and square up with you." + +"Evened up matters with my family?" he exclaimed in surprise. "What do +you mean?" + +With a smile she replied ambiguously: + +"Oh, that's a little private matter of my own!" He stared at her, unable +to comprehend, and she went on gravely: "Howard, you must do what's best +for yourself. I'll pack your things. You can go when you please----" + +He stared gloomily out of the window without replying. After all, he +thought to himself, it was perhaps for the best. Shackled as he was now, +he would never be able to accomplish anything. If they separated, his +father would take him at once into his business. Life would begin for +him all over again. It would be better for her, too. Of course, he would +never forget her. He would provide for her comfort. His father would +help him arrange for that. Lighting a cigarette, he said carelessly: + +"Well--perhaps you're right. Maybe a little trip through Europe won't do +me any harm." + +"Of course not," she said simply. + +Busy with an obstinate match, he did not hear the sigh that accompanied +her words or see the look of agony that crossed her face. + +"But what are you going to do?" he inquired after a silence. + +With an effort, she controlled her voice. Not for all the world would +she betray the fact that her heart was breaking. With affected +indifference, she replied: + +"Oh, I shall be all right. I shall go and live somewhere in the country +for a few months. I'm tired of the city." + +"So am I," he rejoined, with a gesture of disgust. "But I hate like the +deuce to leave you alone." + +"That's nothing," she said hastily. "A trip abroad is just what you +need." Looking up at him, she added: "Your face has brightened up +already!" + +He stared at her, unable to understand. + +"I wish you could go with me." + +She smiled. + +"Your father's society doesn't make quite such an appeal to me as it +does to you." Carelessly, she added: "Where are you going--Paris or +London?" + +He sent a thick cloud of smoke curling to the ceiling. A European trip +was something he had long looked forward to. + +"London--Vienna--Paris," he replied gayly. With a laugh, he went on: +"No, I think I'll cut out Paris. I'm a married man. I mustn't forget +that!" + +Annie looked up at him quickly. + +"You've forgotten it already," she said quietly. There was reproach in +her voice as she continued: "Ah, Howard, you're such a boy! A little +pleasure trip and the past is forgotten!" + +A look of perplexity came over his face. Being only a man, he did not +grasp quickly the finer shades of her meaning. With some irritation, he +demanded: + +"Didn't you say you wanted me to go and forget?" + +She nodded. + +"Yes, I do, Howard. You've made me happy. I want you to be happy." + +He looked puzzled. + +"You say you love me?" he said, "and yet you're happy because I'm going +away. I don't follow that line of reasoning." + +"It isn't reason," she said with a smile, "it's what I feel. I guess a +man wants to have what he loves and a woman is satisfied to love just +what she wants. Anyway, I'm glad. I'm glad you're going. Go and tell +your father." + +Taking his hat, he said: + +"I'll telephone him." + +"Yes, that's right," she replied. + +"Where's my cane?" he asked, looking round the room. + +She found it for him, and as he opened the door, she said: + +"Don't be long, will you?" + +He laughed. + +"I'll come right back. By George!" he exclaimed, "I feel quite excited +at the prospect of this trip!" Regarding her fondly, he went on: "It's +awfully good of you, old girl, to let me go. I don't think there are +many women like you." + +Annie averted her head. + +"Now, don't spoil me," she said, lifting the tray as if about to go into +the kitchen. + +"Wait till I kiss you good-by," he said effusively. + +Taking the tray from her, he placed it on the table, and folding her in +his arms, he pressed his lips to hers. + +"Good-by," he murmured; "I won't be long." + +As soon as he disappeared she gave way completely, and sinking into a +chair, leaned her head on the table and sobbed as if her heart would +break. This, then, was the end! He would go away and soon forget her. +She would never see him again! But what was the use of crying? It was +the way of the world. She couldn't blame him. He loved her--she was sure +of that. But the call of his family and friends was too strong to +resist. Alternately laughing and crying hysterically, she picked up the +tray, and carrying it into the kitchen began washing the dishes. +Suddenly there was a ring at the bell. Hastily putting on a clean apron, +she opened the door. Judge Brewster stood smiling on the threshold. +Annie uttered a cry of pleasure. Greeting the old lawyer affectionately, +she invited him in. As he entered, he looked questioningly at her red +eyes, but made no remark. + +"I'm delighted to see you, judge," she stammered. + +As he took a seat in the little parlor, he said: + +"Your husband passed me on the stairs and didn't know me." + +"The passage is so dark!" she explained apologetically. + +He looked at her for a moment without speaking, and for a moment there +was an awkward pause. Then he said: + +"When does Howard leave you?" + +Annie started in surprise. + +"How do you know that?" she exclaimed. + +"We lawyers know everything," he smiled. Gravely he went on: "His +father's attorneys have asked me for all the evidence I have. They want +to use it against you. The idea is that he shall go abroad with his +father, and that proceedings will be begun during his absence." + +"Howard knows nothing about it," said Annie confidently. + +"Are you sure?" demanded the lawyer skeptically. + +"Quite sure," she answered positively. + +"But he is going away?" persisted the judge. + +"Yes, I want him to go--I am sending him away," she replied. + +The lawyer was silent. He sat and looked at her as if trying to read her +thoughts. Then quietly he said: + +"Do you know they intend to make Robert Underwood the ground for the +application for divorce, and to use your own perjured testimony as a +weapon against you? You see what a lie leads to. There's no end to it, +and you are compelled to go on lying to support the original lie, and +that's precisely what I won't permit." + +Annie nodded acquiescence. + +"I knew you were going to scold me," she smiled. + +"Scold you?" he said kindly. "No--it's myself I'm scolding. You did what +you thought was right, and I allowed you to do what I knew was wrong." + +"You made two miserable women happy," she said quietly. + +The lawyer tried to suppress a smile. + +"I try to excuse myself on that ground," he said, "but it won't work. I +violated my oath as a lawyer, my integrity as a man, my honor, my +self-respect, all upset, all gone. I've been a very unpleasant companion +for myself lately." Rising impatiently, he strode up and down the room. +Then turning on her, he said angrily: "But I'll have no more lies. +That's what brings me here this morning. The first move they make +against you and I'll tell the whole truth!" + +Annie gazed pensively out of the window without making reply. + +"Did you hear?" he said, raising his voice. "I shall let the world know +that you sacrificed yourself for that woman." + +She turned and shook her head. + +"No, judge," she said, "I do not wish it. If they do succeed in +influencing Howard to bring a suit against me I shall not defend it." + +Judge Brewster was not a patient man, and if there was anything that +angered him it was rank injustice. He had no patience with this young +woman who allowed herself to be trampled on in this outrageous way. Yet +he could not be angry with her. She had qualities which compelled his +admiration and respect, and not the least of these was her willingness +to shield others at her own expense. + +"Perhaps not," he retorted, "but I will. It's unjust, it's unrighteous, +it's impossible!" + +"But you don't understand," she said gently; "I am to blame." + +"You're too ready to blame yourself," he said testily. + +Annie went up to him and laid her hand affectionately on his shoulder. +With tears in her eyes, she said: + +"Let me tell you something, judge. His father was right when he said I +took advantage of him. I did. I saw that he was sentimental and +self-willed, and all that. I started out to attract him. I was tired of +the life I was living, the hard work, the loneliness, and all the rest +of it, and I made up my mind to catch him if I could. I didn't think it +was wrong then, but I do now. Besides," she went on, "I'm older than he +is--five years older. He thinks I'm three years younger, and that he's +protecting me from the world. I took advantage of his ignorance of +life." + +Judge Brewster shrugged his shoulders impatiently. + +"If boys of twenty-five are not men they never will be." Looking down at +her kindly, he went on: "'Pon my word! if I was twenty-five, I'd let +this divorce go through and marry you myself." + +"Oh, judge!" + +That's all she could say, but there was gratitude in the girl's eyes. +These were the first kind words any one had yet spoken to her. It was +nice to know that some one saw some good in her. She was trying to think +of something to say, when suddenly there was the click of a key being +inserted in a Yale lock. The front door opened, and Howard appeared. + +"Well, judge!" he exclaimed, "this is a surprise!" + +The lawyer looked at him gravely. + +"How do you do, young man?" he said. Quizzingly he added: "You look very +pleased with yourself!" + +"This is the first opportunity I've had to thank you for your kindness," +said Howard cordially. + +"You can thank your wife, my boy, not me!" Changing the topic, he said: +"So you're going abroad, eh?" + +"Yes, did Annie tell you? It's only for a few months." + +The lawyer frowned. Tapping the floor impatiently with his cane, he +said: + +"Why are you going away?" + +Taken aback at the question, Howard stammered: + +"Because--because----" + +"Because I want him to go," interrupted Annie quickly. + +The lawyer shook his head, and looking steadily at Howard, he said +sternly: + +"I'll tell you, Howard, my boy. You're going to escape from the +scandalmongers and the gossiping busy-bodies. Forgive me for speaking +plainly, but you're going away because your wife's conduct is a topic of +conversation among your friends----" + +Howard interrupted him. + +"You're mistaken, judge; I don't care a hang what people say----" + +"Then why do you leave her here to fight the battle alone?" demanded the +judge angrily. + +Annie advanced, and raised her hand deprecatingly. Howard looked at her +as if now for the first time he realized the truth. + +"To fight the battle alone?" he echoed. + +"Yes," said the judge, "you are giving the world a weapon with which to +strike at your wife!" + +Howard was silent. The lawyer's words had struck home. Slowly he said: + +"I never thought of that. You're right! I wanted to get away from it +all. Father offered me the chance and Annie told me to go----" + +Annie turned to the judge. + +"Please, judge," she said, "don't say any more." Addressing her husband, +she went on: "He didn't mean what he said, Howard." + +Howard hung his head. + +"He's quite right, Annie," he said shamefacedly. "I never should have +consented to go; I was wrong." + +Judge Brewster advanced and patted him kindly on the back. + +"Good boy!" he said. "Now, Mrs. Jeffries, I'll tell your husband the +truth." + +"No!" she cried. + +"Then I'll tell him without your permission," he retorted. Turning to +the young man, he went on: "Howard, your wife is an angel! She's too +good a woman for this world. She has not hesitated to sacrifice her good +name, her happiness to shield another woman. And that woman--the woman +who called at Underwood's room that night--was Mrs. Jeffries, your +stepmother!" + +Howard started back in amazement. + +"It's true, then, I did recognize her voice!" he cried. + +Turning to his wife, he said: "Oh, Annie, why didn't you tell me? You +saved my stepmother from disgrace, you spared my father! Oh, that was +noble of you!" In a low tone he whispered: "Don't send me away from +you, Annie! Let me stay and prove that I'm worthy of you!" + +To the young wife it all seemed like a dream, almost too good to be +real. The dark, troubled days were ended. A long life, bright with its +promise of happiness, was before them. + +"But what of the future, Howard?" she demanded gently. + +Judge Brewster answered the question. + +"I've thought of that," he said. "Howard, will you come into my office +and study law? You can show your father what you can do with a good wife +to second your efforts." + +Howard grasped his outstretched hand. + +"Thanks, judge, I accept," he replied heartily. + +Turning to his wife, he took her in his arms. Her head fell on his +shoulder. Looking up at him shyly and smiling through her tears, she +murmured softly: + +"I am happy now--at last!" + +THE END. + + + + +BOOKS ON NATURE STUDY BY CHARLES G. D. ROBERTS + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE KINDRED OF THE WILD. A Book of Animal Life. + +With illustrations by Charles Livingston Bull. + + Appeals alike to the young and to the merely youthful-hearted. + Close observation. Graphic description. We get a sense of the great + wild and its denizens. Out of the common. Vigorous and full of + character. The book is one to be enjoyed; all the more because it + smacks of the forest instead of the museum. John Burroughs says: + "The volume is in many ways the most brilliant collection of Animal + Stories that has appeared. It reaches a high order of literary + merit." + +THE HEART OF THE ANCIENT WOOD. Illustrated. + + This book strikes a new note in literature. It is a realistic + romance of the folk of the forest--a romance of the alliance of + peace between a pioneer's daughter in the depths of the ancient + wood and the wild beasts who felt her spell and became her friends. + It is not fanciful, with talking beasts; nor is it merely an + exquisite idyl of the beasts themselves. It is an actual romance, + in which the animal characters play their parts as naturally as do + the human. The atmosphere of the book is enchanting. The reader + feels the undulating, whimpering music of the forest, the power of + the shady silences, the dignity of the beasts who live closest to + the heart of the wood. + +THE WATCHERS OF THE TRAILS. A companion volume to the "Kindred of the +Wild." With 48 full page plates and decorations from drawings by Charles +Livingston Bull. + + These stories are exquisite in their refinement, and yet robust in + their appreciation of some of the rougher phases of woodcraft. + "This is a book full of delight. An additional charm lies in Mr. + Bull's faithful and graphic illustrations, which in fashion all + their own tell the story of the wild life, illuminating and + supplementing the pen pictures of the authors."--_Literary Digest._ + +RED FOX. The Story of His Adventurous Career in the Ringwaak Wilds, and +His Triumphs over the Enemies of His Kind. With 50 illustrations, +including frontispiece in color and cover design by Charles Livingston +Bull. + + A brilliant chapter in natural history. Infinitely more wholesome + reading than the average tale of sport, since it gives a glimpse of + the hunt from the point of view of the hunted. "True in substance + but fascinating as fiction. It will interest old and young, + city-bound and free-footed, those who know animals and those who do + not."--_Chicago Record-Herald._ + + + + +FAMOUS COPYRIGHT BOOKS IN POPULAR PRICED EDITIONS + +Re-issues of the great literary successes of the time, library size, +printed on excellent paper--most of them finely illustrated. Full and +handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents a volume, postpaid. + +NEDRA, by George Barr McCutcheon, with color frontispiece, and other +illustrations by Harrison Fisher. + +The story of an elopement of a young couple from Chicago, who decide to +go to London, travelling as brother and sister. Their difficulties +commence in New York and become greatly exaggerated when they are +shipwrecked in mid-ocean. The hero finds himself stranded on the island +of Nedra with another girl, whom he has rescued by mistake. The story +gives an account of their finding some of the other passengers, and the +circumstances which resulted from the strange mix-up. + +POWER LOT, by Sarah P. McLean Greene. Illustrated. + +The story of the reformation of a man and his restoration to +self-respect through the power of honest labor, the exercise of honest +independence, and the aid of clean, healthy, out-of-door life and +surroundings. The characters take hold of the heart and win sympathy. +The dear old story has never been more lovingly and artistically told. + +MY MAMIE ROSE. The History of My Regeneration, by Owen Kildare. +Illustrated. + +This _autobiography_ is a powerful book of love and sociology. Reads +like the strangest fiction. Is the strongest truth and deals with the +story of a man's redemption through a woman's love and devotion. + +JOHN BURT, by Frederick Upham Adams, with illustrations. + +John Burt, a New England lad, goes West to seek his fortune and finds it +in gold mining. He becomes one of the financial factors and pitilessly +crushes his enemies. The story of the Stock Exchange manipulations was +never more vividly and engrossingly told. A love story runs through the +book, and is handled with infinite skill. + +THE HEART LINE, by Gelett Burgess, with halftone illustrations by Lester +Ralph, and inlay cover in colors. + +A great dramatic story of the city that was. A story of Bohemian life in +San Francisco, before the disaster, presented with mirror-like accuracy. +Compressed into it are all the sparkle, all the gayety, all the wild, +whirling life of the glad, mad, bad, and most delightful city of the +Golden Gate. + +CAROLINA LEE. By Lillian Bell. With frontispiece by Dora Wheeler Keith. + +Carolina Lee is the Uncle Tom's Cabin of Christian Science. Its keynote +is "Divine Love" in the understanding of the knowledge of all good +things which may be obtainable. When the tale is told, the sick healed, +wrong changed to right, poverty of purse and spirit turned into riches, +lovers made worthy of each other and happily united, including Carolina +Lee and her affinity, it is borne upon the reader that he has been +giving rapid attention to a free lecture on Christian Science; that the +working out of each character is an argument for "Faith;" and that the +theory is persuasively attractive. + +A Christian Science novel that will bring delight to the heart of every +believer in that faith. It is a well told story, entertaining, and +cleverly mingles art, humor and sentiment. + +HILMA, by William Tillinghast Eldridge, with illustrations by Harrison +Fisher and Martin Justice, and inlay cover. + +It is a rattling good tale, written with charm, and full of remarkable +happenings, dangerous doings, strange events, jealous intrigues and +sweet love making. The reader's interest is not permitted to lag, but is +taken up and carried on from incident to incident with ingenuity and +contagious enthusiasm. The story gives us the _Graustark_ and _The +Prisoner of Zenda_ thrill, but the tale is treated with freshness, +ingenuity, and enthusiasm, and the climax is both unique and satisfying. +It will hold the fiction lover close to every page. + +THE MYSTERY OF THE FOUR FINGERS, by Fred M. White, with halftone +illustrations by Will Grefe. + +A fabulously rich gold mine in Mexico is known by the picturesque and +mysterious name of _The Four Fingers_. It originally belonged to an +Aztec tribe, and its location is known to one surviving descendant--a +man possessing wonderful occult power. Should any person unlawfully +discover its whereabouts, four of his fingers are mysteriously removed, +and one by one returned to him. The appearance of the final fourth +betokens his swift and violent death. + +Surprises, strange and startling, are concealed in every chapter of this +completely engrossing detective story. The horrible fascination of the +tragedy holds one in rapt attention to the end. And through it runs the +thread of a curious love story. + +THE CATTLE BARON'S DAUGHTER. A Novel. By Harold Bindloss. With +illustrations by David Ericson. + +A story of the fight for the cattle-ranges of the West. Intense interest +is aroused by its pictures of life in the cattle country at that +critical moment of transition when the great tracts of land used for +grazing were taken up by the incoming homesteaders, with the inevitable +result of fierce contest, of passionate emotion on both sides, and of +final triumph of the inevitable tendency of the times. + +WINSTON OF THE PRAIRIE. With illustrations in color by W. Herbert +Dunton. + +A man of upright character, young and clean, but badly worsted in the +battle of life, consents as a desperate resort to impersonate for a +period a man of his own age--scoundrelly in character but of an +aristocratic and moneyed family. The better man finds himself barred +from resuming his old name. How, coming into the other man's +possessions, he wins the respect of all men, and the love of a +fastidious, delicately nurtured girl, is the thread upon which the story +hangs. It is one of the best novels of the West that has appeared for +years. + +THAT MAINWARING AFFAIR. By A. Maynard Barbour. With illustrations by E. +Plaisted Abbott. + +A novel with a most intricate and carefully unraveled plot. A naturally +probable and excellently developed story and the reader will follow the +fortunes of each character with unabating interest * * * the interest is +keen at the close of the first chapter and increases to the end. + +AT THE TIME APPOINTED. With a frontispiece in colors by J. H. Marchand. + +The fortunes of a young mining engineer who through an accident loses +his memory and identity. In his new character and under his new name, +the hero lives a new life of struggle and adventure. The volume will be +found highly entertaining by those who appreciate a thoroughly good +story. + +THE CIRCULAR STAIRCASE, By Mary Roberts Reinhart With illustrations by +Lester Ralph. + +In an extended notice the _New York Sun_ says: "To readers who care for +a really good detective story 'The Circular Staircase' can be +recommended without reservation." The _Philadelphia Record_ declares that +"The Circular Staircase" deserves the laurels for thrills, for weirdness +and things unexplained and inexplicable. + +THE RED YEAR, By Louis Tracy + +"Mr. Tracy gives by far the most realistic and impressive pictures of +the horrors and heroisms of the Indian Mutiny that has been available in +any book of the kind * * * There has not been in modern times in the +history of any land scenes so fearful, so picturesque, so dramatic, and +Mr. Tracy draws them as with the pencil of a Verestschagin of the pen of +a Sienkiewics." + +ARMS AND THE WOMAN, By Harold MacGrath With inlay cover in colors by +Harrison Fisher. + +The story is a blending of the romance and adventure of the middle ages +with nineteenth century men and women; and they are creations of flesh +and blood, and not mere pictures of past centuries. The story is about +Jack Winthrop, a newspaper man. Mr. MacGrath's finest bit of character +drawing is seen in Hillars, the broken down newspaper man, and Jack's +chum. + +LOVE IS THE SUM OF IT ALL, By Geo. Cary Eggleston With illustrations by +Hermann Heyer. + +In this "plantation romance" Mr. Eggleston has resumed the manner and +method that made his "Dorothy South" one of the most famous books of its +time. + +There are three tender love stories embodied in it, and two unusually +interesting heroines, utterly unlike each other, but each possessed of a +peculiar fascination which wins and holds the reader's sympathy. A +pleasing vein of gentle humor runs through the work, but the "sum of it +all" is an intensely sympathetic love story. + +HEARTS AND THE CROSS, By Harold Morton Cramer With illustrations by +Harold Matthews Brett. + +The hero is an unconventional preacher who follows the line of the Man +of Galilee, associating with the lowly, and working for them in the ways +that may best serve them. He is not recognized at his real value except +by the one woman who saw clearly. Their love story is one of the +refreshing things in recent fiction. + +SIX-CYLINDER COURTSHIP, By Edw. Salisbury Field + +With a color frontispiece by Harrison Fisher, and illustrations by +Clarence F. Underwood, decorated pages and end sheets. Harrison Fisher +head in colors on cover. Boxed. + +A story of cleverness. It is a jolly good romance of love at first sight +that will be read with undoubted pleasure. Automobiling figures in the +story which is told with light, bright touches, while a happy gift of +humor permeates it all. + +"The book is full of interesting folks. The patois of the garage is used +with full comic and realistic effect, and effervescently, culminating in +the usual happy finish."--_St. Louis Mirror._ + +AT THE FOOT OF THE RAINBOW, By Gene Stratton-Porter Author of "FRECKLES" + +With illustrations in color by Oliver Kemp, decorations by Ralph +Fletcher Seymour and inlay cover in colors. + +The story is one of devoted friendship, and tender self-sacrificing +love; the friendship that gives freely without return, and the love that +seeks first the happiness of the object. The novel is brimful of the +most beautiful word painting of nature and its pathos and tender +sentiment will endear it to all. + +JUDITH OF THE CUMBERLANDS, By Alice MacGowan + +With illustrations in colors, and inlay cover by George Wright. + +No one can fail to enjoy this moving tale with its lovely and ardent +heroine, its frank, fearless hero, its glowing love passages, and its +variety of characters, captivating or engaging humorous or saturnine, +villains, rascals, and men of good will. A tale strong and interesting +in plot, faithful and vivid as a picture of wild mountain life, and in +its characterization full of warmth and glow. + +A MILLION A MINUTE, By Hudson Douglas. + +With illustrations by Will Grefe. + +Has the catchiest of titles, and it is a ripping good tale from Chapter +I to Finis--no weighty problems to be solved, but just a fine running +story, full of exciting incidents, that never seemed strained or +improbable. It is a dainty love yarn involving three men and a girl. +There is not a dull or trite situation in the book. + +CONJUROR'S HOUSE, By Stewart Edward White Dramatized under the title of +"THE CALL OF THE NORTH." + +Illustrated from Photographs of Scenes from the Play. + +_Conjuror's House_ is a Hudson Bay trading port where the Fur Trading +Company tolerated no rivalry. Trespassers were sentenced to "La Longue +Traverse"--which meant official death. How Ned Trent entered the +territory, took _la longue traverse_, and the journey down the river of +life with the factor's only daughter is admirably told. It is a warm, +vivid, and dramatic story, and depicts the tenderness and mystery of a +woman's heart. + +ARIZONA NIGHTS, By Stewart Edward White. + +With illustrations by N. C. Wyeth, and beautiful inlay cover. + +A series of spirited tales emphasizing some phase of the life of the +ranch, plains and desert, and all, taken together, forming a single +sharply-cut picture of life in the far Southwest. All the tonic of the +West is in this masterpiece of Stewart Edward White. + +THE MYSTERY, By Stewart Edward White and Samuel Hopkins Adams + +With illustrations by Will Crawford. + +For breathless interest, concentrated excitement and extraordinarily +good story telling on all counts, no more completely satisfying romance +has appeared for years. It has been voted the best story of its kind +since _Treasure Island_. + +LIGHT-FINGERED GENTRY. By David Graham Phillips + +With illustrations. + +Mr. Phillips has chosen the inside workings of the great insurance +companies as his field of battle; the salons of the great Fifth Avenue +mansions as the antechambers of his field of intrigue: and the two +things which every natural, big man desires, love and success, as the +goal of his leading character. The book is full of practical philosophy, +which makes it worth careful reading. + +THE SECOND GENERATION, By David Graham Phillips + +With illustrations by Fletcher C. Ramson, and inlay cover. + +"It is a story that proves how, in some cases, the greatest harm a rich +man may do his children, is to leave them his money. A strong, wholsome +story of contemporary American life--thoughtful, well-conceived and +admirably written; forceful, sincere, and true; and intensely +interesting."--_Boston Herald._ + +NEW CHRONICLES OF REBECCA, By Kate Douglas Wiggin With illustrations by +F. C. Yohn + +Additional episodes in the girlhood of the delightful little heroine at +Riverboro which were not included in the story of "Rebecca of Sunnybrook +Farm," and they are as characteristic and delightful as any part of that +famous story. Rebecca is as distinct a creation in the second volume as +in the first. + +THE SILVER BUTTERFLY, By Mrs. Wilson Woodrow + +With illustrations in colors by Howard Chandler Christy. + +A story of love and mystery, full of color, charm, and vivacity, dealing +with a South American mine, rich beyond dreams, and of a New York +maiden, beyond dreams beautiful--both known as the Silver Butterfly. +Well named is _The Silver Butterfly_! There could not be a better symbol +of the darting swiftness, the eager love plot, the elusive mystery and +the flashing wit. + +BEATRIX OF CLARE, By John Reed Scott + +With illustrations by Clarence F. Underwood. + +A spirited and irresistibly attractive historical romance of the +fifteenth century, boldly conceived and skilfully carried out. In the +hero and heroine Mr. Scott has created a pair whose mingled emotions and +alternating hopes and fears will find a welcome in many lovers of the +present hour. Beatrix is a fascinating daughter of Eve. + +A LITTLE BROTHER OF THE RICH, By Joseph Medill Patterson + +Frontispiece by Hazel Martyn Trudeau, and illustrations by Walter Dean +Goldbeck. + +Tells the story of the idle rich, and is a vivid and truthful picture of +society and stage life written by one who is himself a conspicuous +member of the Western millionaire class. Full of grim satire, caustic +wit and flashing epigrams. "Is sensational to a degree in its theme, +daring in its treatment, lashing society as it was never scourged +before."--_New York Sun._ + +MEREDITH NICHOLSON'S FASCINATING ROMANCES + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE HOUSE OF A THOUSAND CANDLES. With a frontispiece in colors by Howard +Chandler Christy. + +A novel of romance and adventure, of love and valor, of mystery and +hidden treasure. The hero is required to spend a whole year in the +isolated house, which according to his grandfather's will shall then +become his. If the terms of the will be violated the house goes to a +young woman whom the will, furthermore, forbids him to marry. Nobody can +guess the secret, and the whole plot moves along with an exciting zip. + +THE PORT OF MISSING MEN. With illustrations by Clarence F. Underwood. + +There is romance of love, mystery, plot, and fighting, and a breathless +dash and go about the telling which makes one quite forget about the +improbabilities of the story; and it all ends in the old-fashioned +healthy American way. Shirley is a sweet, courageous heroine whose +shining eyes lure from page to page. + +ROSALIND AT REDGATE. Illustrated by Arthur I. Keller. + +The author of "The House of a Thousand Candles" has here given us a +bouyant romance brimming with lively humor and optimism; with mystery +that breeds adventure and ends in love and happiness. A most +entertaining and delightful book. + +THE MAIN CHANCE. With illustrations by Harrison Fisher. + +A "traction deal" in a Western city is the pivot about which the action +of this clever story revolves. But it is in the character-drawing of the +principals that the author's strength lies. Exciting incidents develop +their inherent strength and weakness, and if virtue wins in the end, it +is quite in keeping with its carefully-planned antecedents. The N. Y. +_Sun_ says: "We commend it for its workmanship--for its smoothness, its +sensible fancies, and for its general charm." + +ZELDA DAMERON. With portraits of the characters by John Cecil Clay. + +"A picture of the new West, at once startlingly and attractively true. * +* * The heroine is a strange, sweet mixture of pride, wilfulness and +lovable courage. The characters are superbly drawn; the atmosphere is +convincing. There is about it a sweetness, a wholesomeness and a +sturdiness that commends it to earnest, kindly and wholesome +people."--_Boston Transcript._ + + + + +BRILLIANT AND SPIRITED NOVELS AGNES AND EGERTON CASTLE + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE PRIDE OF JENNICO. Being a Memoir of Captain Basil Jennico. + +"What separates it from most books of its class is its distinction of +manner, its unusual grace of diction, its delicacy of touch, and the +fervent charm of its love passages. It is a very attractive piece of +romantic fiction relying for its effect upon character rather than +incident, and upon vivid dramatic presentation."--_The Dial._ "A +stirring, brilliant and dashing story."--_The Outlook._ + +THE SECRET ORCHARD. Illustrated by Charles D. Williams. + +The "Secret Orchard" is set in the midst of the ultra modern society. +The scene is in Paris, but most of the characters are English speaking. +The story was dramatized in London, and in it the Kendalls scored a +great theatrical success. + +"Artfully contrived and full of romantic charm * * * it possesses +ingenuity of incident, a figurative designation of the unhallowed scenes +in which unlicensed love accomplishes and wrecks faith and +happiness."--_Athenaeum._ + +YOUNG APRIL. With illustrations by A. B. Wenzell. + +"It is everything that a good romance should be, and it carries about it +an air of distinction both rare and delightful."--_Chicago Tribune._ +"With regret one turns to the last page of this delightful novel, so +delicate in its romance, so brilliant in its episodes, so sparkling in +its art, and so exquisite in its diction."--_Worcester Spy._ + +FLOWER O' THE ORANGE. With frontispiece. + +We have learned to expect from these fertile authors novels graceful in +form, brisk in movement, and romantic in conception. This Carries the +reader back to the days of the bewigged and beruffled gallants of the +seventeenth century and tells him of feats of arms and adventures in +love as thrilling and picturesque, yet delicate, as the utmost seeker of +romance may ask. + +MY MERRY ROCKHURST. Illustrated by Arthur E. Becher. + +"In the eight stories of a courtier of King Charles Second, which are +here gathered together, the Castles are at their best, reviving all the +fragrant charm of those books, like _The Pride of Jennico_, in which +they first showed an instinct, amounting to genius, for sunny romances. +The book is absorbing * * * and is as spontaneous in feeling as it is +artistic in execution."--_New York Tribune._ + + + + +THE MASTERLY AND REALISTIC NOVELS OF FRANK NORRIS + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +THE OCTOPUS. A Story of California + +Mr. Norris conceived the ambitious idea of writing a trilogy of novels +which, taken together, shall symbolize American life as a whole, with +all its hopes and aspirations and its tendencies, throughout the length +and breadth of the continent. And for the central symbol he has taken +wheat, as being quite literally the ultimate source of American power +and prosperity. _The Octopus_ is a story of wheat raising and railroad +greed in California. It immediately made a place for itself. + +It is full of enthusiasm and poetry and conscious strength. One cannot +read it without a responsive thrill of sympathy for the earnestness, the +breadth of purpose, the verbal power of the man. + +THE PIT. A Story of Chicago. + +This powerful novel is the fictitious narrative of a deal in the Chicago +wheat pit and holds the reader from the beginning. In a masterly way the +author has grasped the essential spirit of the great city by the lakes. +The social existence, the gambling in stocks and produce, the +characteristic life in Chicago, form a background for an exceedingly +vigorous and human tale of modern life and love. + +A MAN'S WOMAN. + +A story which has for a heroine a girl decidedly out of the ordinary run +of fiction. It is most dramatic, containing some tremendous pictures of +the daring of the men who are trying to reach the Pole * * * but it is +at the same time essentially a _woman's_ book, and the story works +itself out in the solution of a difficulty that is continually presented +in real life--the wife's attitude in relation to her husband when both +have well-defined careers. + +McTEAGUE. A Story of San Francisco. + +"Since Bret Harte and the Forty-niner no one has written of California +life with the vigor and accuracy of Mr. Norris. His 'McTeague' settled +his right to a place in American literature; and he has now presented a +third novel, 'Blix,' which is in some respects the finest and likely to +be the most popular of the three."--_Washington Times._ + +BLIX. + +"Frank Norris has written in 'Blix' just what such a woman's name would +imply--a story of a frank, fearless girl comrade to all men who are true +and honest because she is true and honest. How she saved the man she +fishes and picnics with in a spirit of outdoor platonic friendship, +makes a pleasant story, and a perfect contrast to the author's +'McTeague.' A splendid and successful story."--_Washington Times._ + + + + +NEW EDITIONS OF THE MOST POPULAR NOVELS Of HALLIE ERMINIE RIVES + +Handsomely bound in cloth. Price, 75 cents per volume, postpaid. + +SATAN SANDERSON. With halftone illustrations by A. B. Wenzell, and inlay +cover in colors. + +From the heroic figures of the American Revolution and the romantic +personage of Byron's day, Miss Rives has turned to the here and now. And +in the present she finds for her immense and brilliant talent a tale as +dramatic and enthralling as any of the storied past. The career of the +Rev. Harry Sanderson, known as "Satan" in his college days, who sowed +the wind to reap the whirlwind and won at last through strangest penance +the prize of love, seizes the reader in the strait grip of its feverish +interest. Miss Rives has outdone herself in the invention of a love +story that rings with lyric feeling and touches every fiber of the heart +with strength and beauty. + +THE CASTAWAY. With illustrations in colors by Howard Chandler Christy. + +The book takes its title from a saying of Lord Byron's: "Three great men +ruined in one year--a king, a cad, and a castaway." The king was +Napoleon. The cad was Beau Brummel. And the castaway, crowned with +genius, smutched with slander, illumined by fame--was Lord Byron +himself! This is the romance of his loves--the strange marriage and +still stranger separation, the riotous passions, the final ennobling +affection--from the day when he awoke to find himself the most famous +man in England, till, a self-exiled castaway, he played out his splendid +death-scene in the struggle for Greek freedom. + +"Suffused with the rosy light of romance."--_New York Times._ + +HEARTS COURAGEOUS. With illustrations by A. B. Wenzell. + +"Hearts Courageous" is made of new material, a picturesque yet delicate +style, good plot and very dramatic situations. The best in the book are +the defense of George Washington by the Marquis; the duel between the +English officer and the Marquis; and Patrick Henry flinging the brand of +war into the assembly of the burgesses of Virginia. Williamsburgh, +Virginia, the country round about, and the life led in that locality +just before the Revolution, form an attractive setting for the action of +the story. + + +THE RECKONING. By Robert W. Chambers. With illustrations by Henry Hutt. + +Mr. Chambers has surpassed himself in telling the tale of the love of +Carus Renault and Lady Elsin Grey in this historical novel of the last +days of the Revolutionary War. Never was there daintier heroine or more +daring hero. Never did the honor of a great-hearted gentleman triumph to +such an extent over the man. Never were there daintier love passages in +the midst of war. It is a book to make the pulses throb and the heart +beat high. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE THIRD DEGREE*** + + +******* This file should be named 28505.txt or 28505.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/8/5/0/28505 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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