"Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he said sharply, "I'll trouble you to go with me to headquarters." Annie and Alicia both stood up. Judge Brewster quickly objected. "Mrs. Jeffries will not go with you," he said quietly. "She has made no attempt to leave the State." "She's wanted at police headquarters," said the captain doggedly. "She'll be there to-morrow morning." "She'll be there to-night." He looked steadily at the judge, and the latter calmly returned his stare. There followed an awkward pause, and then the captain turned on his heel to depart. "The moment she attempts to leave the house," he growled, "I shall arrest her. Good night, judge." "Good night, captain!" cried Annie mockingly. "I'll see you later," he muttered. "Come on, Maloney." The door banged to. They were alone. "What a sweet disposition!" laughed Annie. Judge Brewster looked sternly at her. Holding up the letter, he said: "What is the meaning of this? You are not the woman to whom this letter is addressed?" "No," stammered Annie, "that is----" The judge interrupted her. Sternly he asked: "Is it your intention to go on the witness stand and commit perjury?" "I don't know. I never thought of that," she faltered. The judge turned to Alicia. "Are you going to allow her to do so, Mrs. Jeffries?" "No, no," cried Alicia quickly, "I never thought of such a thing." "Then I repeat--is it your intention to perjure yourself?" Annie was silent, and he went on: "I assume it is, but let me ask you: Do you expect me, as your counsel, to become _participes criminis_ to this tissue of lies? Am I expected to build up a false structure for you to swear to? Am I?" "I don't know; I haven't thought of it," replied Annie. "If it can be done, why not? I'm glad you suggested it." "_I_ suggest it?" exclaimed the lawyer, scandalized. "Yes," cried Annie with growing exaltation; "it never occurred to me till you spoke. Everybody says I'm the woman who called on Robert Underwood that night. Well, that's all right. Let them continue to think so. What difference does it make so long as Howard is set free?" Going toward the door, she said: "Good night, Mrs. Jeffries!" The judge tried to bar her way. "Don't go," he said; "Captain Clinton's men are waiting outside." "That doesn't matter!" she cried. "But you must not go!" exclaimed the lawyer in a tone of command. "I won't allow it. They'll arrest you! Mrs. Jeffries, you'll please remain here." But Annie was already at the door. "I wouldn't keep Captain Clinton waiting for the world," she cried. "Good night, Judge Brewster, and God bless you!" The door slammed, and she was gone. CHAPTER XIX.