"Perfectly," said Stratton, thinking for a moment. "See here, sheriff, I have simply _got_ to have a talk with that woman. Now, can't you tell her I knew her husband, or something of that sort? I'll make it all right when I see her." * * * * * "The scoundrel!" said Brenton to Speed, as Stratton made this remark. "My dear sir," said Speed, "don't you see he is just the man we want? This is not the time to be particular." "Yes, but think of the treachery and meanness of telling a poor unfortunate woman that he was acquainted with her husband, who is only a few days dead." "Now, see here," said Speed, "if you are going to look on matters in this way you will be a hindrance and not a help in the affair. Don't you appreciate the situation? Why, Mrs. Brenton's own lawyers, as you have said, think her guilty. What, then, can they learn by talking with her, or what good can they do her with their minds already prejudiced against her? Don't you see that?" Brenton made no answer to this, but it was evident he was very ill at ease. * * * * * "Did you know her husband?" asked the sheriff. "No, to tell you the truth, I never heard of him before. But I must see this lady, both for my good and hers, and I am not going to let a little thing like that stand between us. Won't you tell her that I have come with a letter from her own lawyers? Just show her the letter, and say that I will take up but very little of her time. I am sorry to ask this much of you, but you see how I am placed." "Oh, that's all right," said the sheriff, good-naturedly; "I shall be very glad to do what you wish," and with that he once more disappeared. The sheriff stayed away longer this time, and Stratton paced the room impatiently. Finally, the official returned, and said-- "Mrs. Brenton has consented to see you. Come this way, please. You will excuse me, I know," continued the sheriff, as they walked along together, "but it is part of my duty to remain in the room while you are talking with Mrs. Brenton." "Certainly, certainly," said Stratton; "I understand that." "Very well; then, if I may make a suggestion, I would say this: you should be prepared to ask just what you want to know, and do it all as speedily as possible, for really Mrs. Brenton is in a condition of nervous exhaustion that renders it almost cruel to put her through any rigid cross-examination." "I understand that also," said Stratton; "but you must remember that she has a very much harder trial to undergo in the future. I am exceedingly anxious to get at the truth of this thing, and so, if it seems to you that I am asking a lot of very unnecessary questions, I hope you will not interfere with me as long as Mrs. Brenton consents to answer."