erning Mr. Whitmore's death, I promise
you that the next ten years of your life shall be spent in the Federal
prison at Atlanta."

Beard shot a look of appeal at Luckstone, but the lawyer remained
unmoved.

"You're making a rash promise, officer!" Luckstone scoffed.

"Beard!" Again Britz addressed himself to the frightened secretary.
"You've committed a grave crime. You brought about the escape of a
Federal prisoner--a man convicted of a serious offense. You've been
identified in this very room as the person who engineered the
substitution of prisoners. The man Travis will testify against you. But
I also have corroborative evidence of his story. There was a trust fund
of a hundred thousand dollars established for him. You arranged for
that--I have it from the officers of the trust company to whom you went.
Moreover, Mr. Luckstone drew up the deed of trust. He may not have
committed a criminal offense, but certainly the Bar Association will be
interested sufficiently to inquire into his conduct. Now Beard, I'm not
working for the Federal government! But I have aided the Washington
authorities in many cases and they'll grant any reasonable request which
I may make. I feel safe in promising you immunity for arranging the
escape of Mr. Whitmore--but you've got to stand up now and tell the
truth."

"I can't!" Beard moaned. "I'm pledged!"

"Ten years in prison!" Britz baited him. "Think of Miss Burden! Instead
of a happy marriage--the prison stripes! And I promise that you'll get
the limit!"

Miss Burden was on her feet, one hand extended imploringly toward Britz.

"You don't mean he'll have to go to prison?" she faltered.

"For ten years!" Britz impressed it on her mercilessly. "Unless
they'll"--his hand swept the semi-circle in which the others were
seated--"release him from his pledge."

Miss Burden's distress had made a profound impression on everyone in the
room.

"Won't you save him?" she pleaded.

A moment's silence was broken by Mrs. Collins. She lifted herself slowly
out of her seat, and, bracing herself with one hand against the top of
the chair, stood for a tense second facing Luckstone.

"Let Mr. Beard tell!" she said.

The words had an electrical effect. Manning, Greig, Coroner Hart leaned
excitedly over the desk. Beard was already on his feet, eager to end the
distressing situation. Collins and Ward also left their chairs and
advanced toward Britz.

"I'll tell the story!" volunteered Ward.