, 1910-08-18

But Alicia brushed her aside and,
thrusting the letter into the hand of
the astonished police captain, she
said:
Yes, now! Read that, c~aptain!"
Capt. Clinton slowly unfolded the
letter. Alicia collapsed 1 n a chair.
Annie stood by helpless, but trying to
collect her wits. The Judge watched
the scene with amazement, not under
standing. The captain read from the
letter:
"'Dear Mrs. Jeffries." He stopped.
and glancing at the signature. ex-
claimed, Robert Underwood" Look
Ing significantly at Annie. he exclaim-
ed: Dear Mrs. Jeffries!' Is that con
elusive enough? What did I tell your
Continuing to peruse the letter. he
read on: Shall be found dead to-
morrow suicide -" He stopped
short and frowned. whats this ?
why. this is a barefaced forgery"
Judge Brewster quickly snatched
the letter from his hand and. glancing
over it quickly. said:
Permit me. This belongs to my
client"
Capt. Clinton's prognathous Jaw
snapped to with a click. and be
squared his massive shoulders. as he
usually did when preparing for hos
tilities:
Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he said sharp
~, "Ill trouble you to go with me to
headquarters"
Annie and Alicia both stood VI
Judge Brewster quickly objected.
Mrs. Jeffries will not 60 with you,"
he said quietly. She has mad nc at
tempt to leave the state"
She's wanted at police headquar-
ters." said the captain ~doggedly.
She'll be there tomorrow morn
ing"
She'll be there tonight"
He looked steadily at the Judge, and
the latter calmly returned his stare.
There followed an awkward pause.
n then the captain turned on his
heel to depart.
The moment she attempts to leave
the house." he growled. Il shall ar
rest her. Goodnight. Judge"
Goodnight, c~aptain!" cried Annie
mockingly.
I'll see you later" he muttered.
Come on, Maloney."
The door banged to. They were
alone.
What a sweet disposition" laugh
ed Annie.
Judge Brewster looked sternly at
her. Holding up the letter, he said:
What is the meaning of this? You
are not the woman to whom this let
ter is Addressed"
NO" stammered Annie, that is"
The judge interrupted her. Sternly
he asked:
rs 1t your intention to go on the
witness stand and commit perjury?"
Il don't know. l never thought Of
that" she faltered.
The Judge turned to Alicia.
Are you going to allow her to do
SO. Mrs. J%effries?"
mo, no." cried Alicia, quickly; Il
never thought of such a thing"
Then l repeats it your intention
to perjure yourself?" Annie was ST.
lent, and he went on: II assume 1t
is. but let me ask you: Do you ex-
pect me. as your counsel, to become
particeps criminis to this tissue Of
lies? Am l expected to build up q
false structure for you to swear tor
Am II"
Il don't know; 1 haven't thought Of
It," replied Annie. IF 1t can be done.
why not? I'm glad you suggested it."
Il suggest it," exclaimed the law
yer. ~scandalized.
Yes" cried Annie with growing
e~xaltation; sit never occurred to me
till o spoke. Everybody says Pm
the woman who called on Robert Un-
derwood that night. Well. that's all
right. Let them continue to think 81
What difference does 1t make so long
as Howard is set freef" Going to-
ward the door. she said: Goodnight,
Mrs. Jeffries!"
The Judge tried to bar her way.
Don't CO." he said; Capt. Clin-
tons men are waiting outside"
THAT doesn't matter!" she cried.
But you must not go!" exclaimed
the lawyer in a tone of command. Il
won't allow 1t. They'll arrest you!
Mrs. Jeffries, you'll please remain
here"
But Annie was already at the door.
81 wouldn't keep Capt. Clinton
waiting for the world" she cried.
Goodnight. Judge Brewster, and God
bless you'll"
The door slammed, and she was
gone.
CHAPTER XIX.