hich 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