, prepared to frustrate any sudden break for
liberty.

Beard met the eyes of the girl with an expression which the others were
able to interpret instantly. Not a word passed between the couple, but
their looks sufficiently conveyed their emotions. On beholding Ward,
however, Beard gave a low exclamation of surprise, then looked
inquiringly at the girl. She had no opportunity to explain her own
amazement at finding Ward in the office, for the coroner broke in with
the announcement that he had decided to release Beard.

"I am permitting you to go on your own recognizance," he said to the
astonished prisoner, "but I shall expect you to hold yourself in
readiness to appear here whenever you are wanted."

"I shall be on hand," Beard promised.

"Then you are at liberty to go," the coroner told him.

If Britz expected to witness a hysterical scene between Beard and the
girl, he was doomed to disappointment. He had stage-managed Beard's
release, and he also had arranged for the presence of Miss Burden and
Ward. He had hoped to produce a happy climax, with Ward present as a
conflicting factor, to be carried by jealousy into some foolish act that
would result in open hostility between him and Beard.

The happy climax, Britz succeeded in producing. But it was a most
dignified, genteel, quiet climax. No emotional outburst occurred, no
storm of happiness swept the girl or Beard. The joy they felt was not of
the wild, unharnessed kind. It was like an internal bath of sunshine,
peaceful, radiant, diffusing a quiet happiness about them.

Nor did Ward give any outward sign of being torn by violent emotions. He
held his passions in complete subjugation. If he was consumed by
jealousy, his conduct did not betray it. Not a word did he utter as the
girl linked her arm in Beard's, and, with a flash of gratitude at the
coroner, left the office.

"Did you bring me down to witness this?" Ward turned toward Britz.

"Yes," acknowledged the detective.

"Why?" demanded the banker.

"Because I wanted to ascertain whether I was justified in eliminating
Mr. Beard as the possible assassin of his employer."

"And have you eliminated him?"

"I have."

"Because of what occurred just now?" inquired Ward.

"Because of what did NOT occur," Britz informed him.

"I don't understand." Ward looked his amazement.

"You'll understand to-morrow," said the detective. "You may go, Mr.
Ward," he added. "Your sister undoubtedly has been arraigned i