“That--that is all,” he said, “except that I packed my things that night and took the first train for California.” With the exception of Sigsbee and Hooker, the others in the room were visibly impressed. Sigsbee, instantly aware that the issue at hand was being forgotten, got to his feet. “A very remarkable little romance,” he sneered. “Very remarkable, indeed! But I’m afraid we are wandering from the subject. While Miss Breen has apparently proven that Mr. Nash did not murder her brother, the fact remains that he was a trouble-maker, and----” “Just a moment, Mr. Sigsbee,” interrupted Miss Trask. “Whatever Mr. Nash did in the past is of no concern at the present time. May I have permission to speak at length?” She looked over at the president, who, understanding, nodded. “Since I became engaged upon this case, gentlemen,” she continued, “I have had the opportunity of learning a few unexpected truths. Convinced, as I was at first, of Mr. Nash’s disloyalty, I was amazed at his manner toward me and the men under him, and his enthusiasm for his work. It was only after a severe struggle with myself, and after I had found what I concluded was the final proof of his unfaithfulness, that I took up the matter with the board of engineers.” “Do we understand that you retract the evidence you have only just offered?” demanded the president. “Certainly not, Mr. President,” she answered. “Every word I have said in the matter of the siphons is true. Even Mr. Nash agrees with me.” Nash nodded. “I have denied nothing,” he said. “Miss Breen’s statements are perfectly correct.” In a puzzled way he waited for her to continue. “Several days ago Mr. Nash saved my life,” the girl resumed. “It was then, half crazed by what I had gone through, that I confessed everything to him. I told him who I was, and what I had done.” “That was before his arrest?” leaped to Sigsbee’s lips. “Yes, before his arrest.” Sigsbee shrugged. “It’s a wonder, carried away by your feelings for this man, that you didn’t urge him to escape,” he said. “That is exactly what I did do, Mr. Sigsbee.” The politician stared. “You--you tried to----” “I told him the truth, and urged him to get away before he was arrested. Not only then did I plead with him, but I went into camp an hour before his arrest and begged him to leave.” “What prevented him from doing so?” asked the president. Miss Breen smiled. “His innocence, gentlemen. Why, do you think, being guilty of this crime, he would have remained in camp? It was because he was innocent that he remained.” “Do you mean to say, Miss Breen,” the president asked, “that you believe Mr. Nash was ignorant of the offense for which----” “I do!” “But you have already testified----“ began Sigsbee.