scertain the truth," said Britz.

Luckstone turned toward the woman.

"As your attorney I instruct you not to answer this man's questions."

"And as one who has no other desire than to serve the ends of justice, I
urge you to disregard your lawyer's advice," Britz appealed to her.

Between these conflicting forces she stood helpless, aware only of the
danger which hung over her. Her lips moved as if to speak, but no word
came from them.

"Madam," pursued Britz with increasing earnestness, "the man you loved
has been murdered. There is a conspiracy on foot to shield the murderer.
Those who know, who ought to be the first to come forward as the
accusers, are maintaining a guilty silence. In the eyes of the law they
are accessories after the fact. You are one of them. Whether you are the
assassin or not, you know better than anyone else.

"All the circumstances point to you as being involved in Mr. Whitmore's
death. You are the one who benefits most by his murder. No honest person
hesitates to explain away incriminating circumstances. Silence is the
common refuge of the guilty. If you are innocent you have only to speak,
to declare the truth, and you shall be subjected to no embarrassments at
the hands of the law. I promise it."

She was shaken by this impassioned outburst of the detective, but before
her wavering mind could come to any definite resolve, Luckstone again
interposed.

"Don't let him fool you," he cautioned. "He's trying to entrap you.
These detectives have only one object--to convict somebody. The glory of
conviction is all they're after. They have no regard for the
requirements of truth and justice. He's determined to arrest you and
nothing you can say will alter that determination. So keep silent and
reserve your defense for the court, where you are assured of an
impartial hearing. I'll protect your interests."

His words threw the turning weight into the scale of argument and she
indicated her subjection to the lawyer's will.

"Very well," snapped Britz. "Greig, go and fetch a cab. We'll proceed to
Headquarters."

As the woman had acknowledged Luckstone as her attorney, Britz could not
deny him the right to accompany her to the Central Office. All the way
to the Mulberry street building the lawyer encouraged her silence,
imposed it on her as the one safe course to pursue.

"No matter what they say or do, no matter what methods they apply, don't
unseal your lips," was his parting advice.

S