“She then came to the point and said plainly that she wanted to sell me the letters Madison had written to her. She stated that they were of so compromising a character that, if published, his defeat in the coming election would be inevitable.” “That’s about what I suspected,” Nick remarked. “She offered to give them to me and permit me to have them published, either personally or indirectly, for ten thousand dollars. She did most of the talking, Nick, and that’s about all that was said.” “You mean----” “I mean, of course, that I would not resort to such despicable means even to insure my election,” Gordon interrupted more forcibly. “I told her so, also what I thought of her and her proposition, and I then left the house.” “Did she accompany you to the door?” “No. I departed in haste and disgust, both for her and myself, for having gone there.” “What was she doing when you left?” “She was seated on a sofa in the rear parlor. I paused in the vestibule only to replace my disguise, and I then hastened home. That was the last I saw of her, or want to see.” “I understand.” “You can imagine my amazement and consternation, therefore, when I was arrested this morning for having murdered her, to say nothing of being confronted with such evidence as has been discovered,” Gordon added. “I tell you, Nick, nevertheless, that I----” “Never mind telling me, Gordon, for time is of value,” Nick again interposed. “Merely answer my questions. Did you see the package of letters she claimed to have had?” “I did not, Nick. She said they were in her desk.” “Was the desk closed?” “Yes, and locked. It is a roll top, which locks automatically when the cover is rolled completely down. I noticed that it was tightly closed.” “It was locked, Gordon, all right,” said Nick. “Did you remove your overcoat while talking with Miss Lancey?” “Yes.” “Did you put it on before leaving the flat?” “No. I put it on after reaching the street. I merely took my disguise from the pocket and put that on while in the vestibule,” Gordon thoughtfully explained. “I then hurried out to the street. I may have walked half a block before putting on my overcoat, for I was feeling a bit warm and resentful. It irritated me that the woman thought me capable of such beastly business.” “She sized you up from her own standpoint,” Nick remarked. “Can you in any way account for spots of blood on your suit, your overcoat, and in one of the pockets of the latter?” “No, Nick, most emphatically,” Gordon declared. “I am entirely in the dark.” “Am I to understand, then, that you now have told me all that you know about the crime, or any circumstances that might have a bearing on it?” Nick inquired. “Yes, absolutely all,” said Gordon. “I know nothing whatever about the crime itself, Nick, nor have I the slightest suspicion as to who committed it.” “How did you return home?” “I took a subway train.” “Were you then in disguise?”