lso testified that not one article of furniture that
_was_ in the room was overturned or apparently disturbed in any way.
Now, sir, kindly inform this court what you really _did_ trip over, and
remember," he sternly admonished, "that you are under oath to tell the
truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."

Goddard grew white to the lips, and fingered his sword hilt nervously.
Getting no answer to his question, the judge advocate repeated it.
Still no reply.

"I will alter my question." The judge advocate's accusing voice rang
through the tense silence. "Did you not trip over a dog belonging to
the accused? I demand an answer, sir. Yes or no?"

For one brief second Goddard gazed with white set face in the direction
of the judge advocate; then dropped his face into his trembling hand as
he murmured: "Yes."

CHAPTER XXIV

A STARTLING DISCOVERY

Mrs. Warren, who had spent an anxious evening by herself, heard the
rattle of her husband's latch key, and hurried out to the front door to
meet him.

"Any new developments, dear?" she asked, as he stooped and kissed her.

Warren hung up his overcoat and hat before answering. "Let us go into
the study," he suggested, and waited until they were closeted in the
room before he spoke again. "Goddard has been placed under close
arrest."

"Great Heavens! Why?" Mrs. Warren pushed forward a lounging chair. "Sit
here, dear, you look utterly worn out."

"I am." The senator dropped wearily into the seat and stretched himself
in comfort. "Baker insists that Goddard is an accessory after the
fact." He ceased speaking, and drew out his cigar case and selected one
of its contents. Mrs. Warren threw herself on the sofa near at hand and
waited in silence for her husband to continue his remarks. "The judge
advocate, also, is firmly convinced that Goddard knows more of what
took place in Lloyd's bedroom than he will admit."

"I agree with the judge advocate," admitted Mrs. Warren. "It was only
too obvious this afternoon that Major Goddard was trying to shield
Nancy."

"And by so doing he has accomplished more harm than good." Warren
paused and watched the smoke from his cigar as it curled slowly upward.
"And what is worse, he has _shown_ that he himself believes she is
guilty."

"But, oh, Tom, how he loves her!"

"Yes," Warren's face softened. "He lied like a man. I wish to God he
hadn't been caught!"

"Tom--you--you--_don't_ believe Nancy killed that man?" The q