e rank among the unsolved
murder mysteries of the city. In fact, to Britz it was no longer a
mystery.

The detective entered Headquarters in a happy frame of mind. He was in
control of the situation, had mastered all the complexities of the case.

As he crossed the corridor, passing three or four groups of waiting
detectives and policemen, he became aware of an atmosphere of suppressed
excitement that seemed to fill the place. The men were talking in low
tones, and instinctively Britz guessed that their conversation related
to some new turn in the Whitmore case.

Entering the office of Chief Manning, he found the Chief still at his
desk. A foot away sat another man, evidently pleading a favor. Britz was
about to withdraw, but Manning called him back.

"This is Mr. Lester Ward!" said the Chief.

Britz showed not the least surprise. Nor was he astonished to find Ward
at Headquarters. In fact, he had figured that the fugitive banker would
return the moment he read the late afternoon papers, which contained an
account of the happenings in the banking establishment. The detective
argued also that Ward would present himself at Headquarters and demand
permission to see his sister.

"So you came back!" Britz greeted him.

"I never ran away," declared Ward. "I had no reason to."

"You were too busy to visit your office, I presume," said Britz.

"It wasn't that. I simply hadn't the courage to face the crowd which I
knew would gather. So I went over to Jersey City to wait until the storm
had abated somewhat."

"And before leaving, you had one of my men set upon and rendered
helpless to follow?"

"I know nothing about that," insisted Ward.

"No, of course not!" Britz retorted.

"Are you the officer in charge of this investigation?" suddenly asked
Ward.

"I am."

"Then perhaps you will tell me why you arrested my sister?" Ward spoke
resentfully, turning an indignant countenance on the detective.

"I arrested her because the evidence warranted it," Britz returned.

"It is preposterous!" exclaimed Ward. "My sister a murderess! Why, you
don't believe that yourself!"

"Then perhaps you will consent to explain the killing of Mr. Whitmore,"
Britz fired at him.

"I didn't come here to explain," retorted Ward.

"Well, what did you come here for?"

"To demand the release of my sister."

"Only a magistrate may release her," Britz informed him. "And no
magistrate will do that in a murder case."

"But you cannot d