"Only that Brett is convinced Captain Lane is guilty, and, from what he said this morning, I should not be at all surprised to hear of the latter's arrest." "Good Lord! you don't say so. Poor, poor Cynthia. I greatly fear another shock will prove most dangerous in her present nervous condition." "Has Mrs. Winthrop consented to Miss Carew's spending to-morrow at your house?" "I don't know yet----" Colonel Thornton stopped abruptly as the portières parted and a woman stepped into the room. Thinking it was Mrs. Winthrop, he started to rise, but it proved to be Annette, and he sank back in his seat. "_Bon jour, Messieurs_," Annette readjusted the portières with care, then walked with catlike quickness over to where the men were sitting. "Mistaire Hunter, you are investigating ze death of Senator Carew, _n'est-ce pas_, and you, Monsieur," turning to Colonel Thornton, "are Madame Winthrop's man of affairs?" "Well, what then?" asked Douglas quickly. "Only that I may be of help." "Indeed?" "Oui, Messieurs," calmly. "I know--_much_." "Good," Thornton's tone betrayed his satisfaction. "Go ahead and tell us." "Ah, _non, non, Monsieur_," Annette shook her head violently. "First, I must have some monie." "What, a bribe?" Douglas spoke with rising indignation. "_Non, Monsieur_; a reward." "You must first tell us what you know," explained Thornton patiently. "Then, if your information leads to the arrest and _conviction_ of the murderer, you will be paid the one thousand dollars offered by Mrs. Winthrop." "One thousand dollars, did you say, _Monsieur_? _Non_, I will not sell my news for that." "It is the amount offered by Mrs. Winthrop." "But Madame Winthrop is willing to give five thousand." Annette glanced eagerly at the two men. "My news is worth that." Thornton shook his head. "Mrs. Winthrop has reconsidered, and will not give more than one thousand," he declared with finality. An obstinate frown marred Annette's pretty face. "I will not take less than five thousand," she announced with emphasis. "You go too fast," broke in Douglas quietly. "First, the reward will not be paid until after the murderer is convicted; secondly, your information may be of no value whatever." "Zo?" Annette's smile was not pleasant. "Zen I keep my news to myself," and she started for the door. "Wait," commanded Thornton. "Come back here." Then, as she obeyed, he added in a more kindly tone: "If your information is really valuable, Annette, I am willing to advance you some money. But first you must tell us what you know and suspect." "How much?" "Say fifty dollars," drawing out his leather wallet and extracting several yellow backs which he held temptingly in his hand. "Not enough, Monsieur." Thornton lost all patience. "I shan't offer you another damn cent," and he thrust the money back into the wallet.