“But you saw something. You were there when the shot was fired which killed your cousin. You are probably the only living witness who saw the deed done.” “Ah! And yet you expect me to admit it, and tell what I am supposed to have seen?” “Yes.” “And why do you think I would do so, if it was as you suppose?” “Not if it was as I suppose, but as I know. I’ll tell you why I not only think but feel sure you’ll conceal nothing from me.” “Well?” “Because you’ll do anything to save your husband.” “To _save_ him?” The emphasis which she put on the word “save” was a full confession to the astute detective. She realized it almost as soon as the three words were uttered. But Nick’s next sentence somewhat relieved her mind, as well as mystified her. “You think you saw him kill Estelle Langdon?” “I _think_ I saw him. Why----” Again an accented word had made a confession, and she once more halted in confusion. “I am anxious to get at the bottom of a conspiracy of some kind, and I can do it by having the benefit of your statement of just what happened in that room as you saw it from across the street.” “Mr. Carter, you say this to trap me.” “As Heaven is my judge, Mrs. Lock, I do not.” “You believe my husband is innocent of that crime?” “I am sure of it, but circumstances are against him now.” “They say, Mr. Carter, that you are the soul of honor.” “If I have that reputation it is earned, and you may rely on it that I will not sacrifice it at your expense, Mrs. Lock.” “It seems almost inexplicable to me, but something prompts me to trust you.” “I do not believe you will ever regret it, if you do.” “I’ll do it,” with a great sigh, as if of relief. “Yet the first statement I make must seem like sending the man I love to his death.” “You believe you saw your husband fire the shot that killed Estelle Langdon?” “Yes.” “There was nothing to obstruct your view?” “No--nothing.” “You were seen to draw back from the window and partly conceal yourself. Why did you do that?” “Because I supposed I had been seen by Victor, and it was what I wanted to avoid.” “Ah, ha! Now, we are getting onto interesting ground. You did not go to Woodford’s office, then, for the purpose of spying upon your husband?” “Surely not. I did not know Woodford’s window commanded a view of Victor’s office until I saw him come into the room where the girl sat.” “Why did you go to Woodford’s?” “To ask his advice and aid.” “In what?” “In an attempt at reconciliation with my husband, or to gain possession of my little girl. I thought I had made some progress in my interview with Victor, and I sorely needed advice.” “How did it happen you went to Woodford?” “I met him at Newport. When he heard I was practically friendless in America, he gave me his office card and gallantly offered to assist me, if I ever needed his aid. I had the card with me, and went to the address.” “Redway says he saw you as far as the elevated station?”