But since Larry's flight was only a spur of the moment impulse, Labar gained nothing that would help him to any extent in that matter. Hints of other associates, suggestions of possible hiding places, came from some of the more weak-kneed brethren who saw the fall of the heavens in this wholesale capture. These things the detective made note of for future use. In one or two cases he realised that some of those he had rounded up were more dupes than knaves. Most of them, of course, would have him believe that they were innocent victims of circumstance. One or two such as Tom the valet, were defiantly dumb. On the whole, however, Labar felt that he had put in a good hour's work before he came to the last of the list, the two women, Sophie Lengholm and Mrs. Gertstein. Sophie, her head held high, her determined jaw set, showed no sign of friendliness as Labar set out a chair for her. Labar was a little puzzled how to deal with her for the moment. "I believe you saved my life, to-day," he said. "In any case you saved me from a very awkward position. Why did you do it?" "I am certain I saved your life," she answered, coldly. "Don't think that it was because of any liking that I have for you or anyone else from Scotland Yard. Whatever I am, whatever I have been, I have never had a hand in murder. That was all there was to it." He shook his head. "I want to tell you that I'm grateful, not only for that, but for some things in which I have a guess that you stood between Miss Noelson and trouble." "Oh, that." She made an impatient gesture. "Larry wanted to go too far. Anyone would have stopped him." "You're a little before my time," he said as though thinking aloud. "I can't quite place you without looking you up. What have we got against you?" The woman laughed without merriment. "As if I should say that you have anything against me." "Take it from me, Sophie, I am not thinking of trapping you. I am more concerned to find some way to let you down lightly. I don't want something from the back of beyond to crop up against you if there is any way of getting you out of the present mess. Whether you think me sincere or not, I am anxious to stand your friend." Sophie Lengholm had been born and bred to an ingrained distrust and contempt of all police officers. But she was a woman of the world and Labar's words and manner had an effect. Not that her instinctive feelings were entirely dissipated. "Do you want me to squeal?" she asked. "Because if so you needn't waste any more breath." "That's just as you feel about it," he replied. "I should judge that you don't owe very much to Larry or his friends, but if you want to stand by them well and good. But can't you trust me about yourself? Give me some line on which I can act without prejudice to my duty." Her face softened. "I believe that you are straight. Mind you, it is understood that nothing I say goes out of this room as an admission from me." "This is between you and me, Sophie," he agreed.