ed to stay mute, we
cannot escape the conviction that they have knowledge of the
circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Whitmore. At present Mrs.
Collins is the only prisoner. She is accused as an accessory to the
crime. We have ample evidence to establish our case against her. We know
of her relations with the deceased. We know, furthermore, that the
failure of her brother's bank spelled financial ruin for her, for
Collins and for Ward. All three must have been aware that the failure
was imminent--that it was inevitable. So Collins, pretending that the
sanctity of his home had been violated, went around threatening to kill
Whitmore. Of course, it was a shallow pretense, designed to conceal the
conspiracy between him, his wife and Ward to obtain possession of
Whitmore's estate. We have the weapon with which Whitmore was killed. We
have fastened its ownership on Collins. The evidence against him is
sufficient to send him to the electric chair. We also have ample
evidence with which to convict Mrs. Collins and Ward as accessories
after the fact--the law is very plain concerning the concealment of
evidence. But I am about to lay a graver charge against them. I have a
letter written by Ward in which he implores Whitmore to extend financial
assistance to him. Mrs. Collins joined in writing that letter, and,
moreover, after the murder, I found her in Beard's home endeavoring to
obtain possession of the note. With that letter and other evidence which
I have gathered, I am prepared to accuse Mrs. Collins and Ward as
accessories _before_ the fact. Against Collins I am ready to present a
charge of murder in the first degree."

The accused persons looked gravely at their lawyer. But he remained
entirely unperturbed, not even vouchsafing a mild protest against the
detective's direct accusations.

It was the coroner who broke the silence.

"Then as I understand it," he said, "you wish me to commit Collins on a
charge of first degree murder, and Mrs. Collins and Ward as accessories
before the fact?"

"Precisely," answered the detective.

"Of course, I don't want to take so drastic a step unless I am
compelled." The coroner shook his head dubiously. He had been primed by
Britz and was following the part which he had been directed to play. "As
the evidence stands, I can see no other course to pursue. But I'm not
going to commit anyone on such a terrible charge simply because the
police request it. Nor shall I ask Mrs. Collin