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