"If you think there is anything we should do--?" Vandeman began anxiously, and Skeet took a look around at our faces and fairly wailed, "What is it? What's the matter? What do you think they're doing to Worth in there, Barbie?" "I'd think they were arresting him," Barbara said in a low, choked tone, "Only they don't know--" "Arresting him!" I broke in on her, startled, getting halfway to my feet; then as remembrance came to me, sinking back with, "Certainly not. The murderer of Thomas Gilbert is already in the county jail. I arrested Eddie Hughes this morning." "You arrested--Eddie Hughes!" It was a cry from Barbara. The cold little hand was jerked from mine. Twisting around in her chair, she stared at me with a look that made me cold. "Then you've moved those two steel bolts for Cummings." I jumped to my feet. On the instant the door opened, and in it stood Worth, steady enough, but his brown tanned face was strangely bleached. "Jerry," he spoke briefly. "I want you. The sheriff's come for me." CHAPTER XXVI MRS. BOWMAN SPEAKS Midnight in the sheriff's office at San Jose. And I had to telephone Barbara. She'd be waiting up for my message. The minute I heard her voice on the wire, I plunged in: "Yes, yes, yes; done all I could. A horse can do no more. They've got Worth. I--" The words stuck in my throat; but they had to come out--"I left him in a cell." A sound came over the wire; whether speech or not, it was something I couldn't get. "He's taking it like a man and a soldier, girl," I hurried. "Not a word out of him about my having gone counter to his express orders, arrested Hughes, and pulled this thing over on us." "Oh, Mr. Boyne! Of course he wouldn't blame you. Neither would I. You acted for what you thought was his good. The others--" "Vandeman's already gone home. Tell you he stood by well, Barbara--that tailor's dummy! Surprised me. No, no. Didn't let Jim Edwards come with us; so broken up I didn't want him along--only hurt our case over here, the way he is now." "Your case?" she spoke out clearly. "What is the situation?" "A murder charge against Worth on the secret files. Hughes is out--Cummings got him--took him, don't know where. Can't locate him." "Do you need to?" "Perhaps not, Barbara. What I do need is some one who saw Thomas Gilbert alive that night after Worth left to go back to San Francisco." "And if you had that--some one?" "If we could produce before Cummings one credible witness to that, it would mean an alibi. I'd have Worth out before morning." "Then, Mr. Boyne, get to the Fremont House here as quickly as you can. Mr. Cummings is there. Get him out of bed if you have to. I'll bring the proof you need." "But, child!" I began. "Don't--waste--time--talking! How long will it take you to get here?" "Half an hour." "Oh! You may have to wait for me a little. But I'll surely come. Wait in Mr. Cummings' room."