ck ticked on, and still the merciless brow-beating went on. They
had been at it now five long, weary hours. Through the blinds the gray
daylight outside was creeping its way in. All the policemen were
exhausted. The prisoner was on the verge of collapse. Maloney and
Patrolman Delaney were dozing on chairs, but Captain Clinton, a marvel
of iron will and physical strength, never relaxed for a moment. Not
allowing himself to weaken or show signs of fatigue, he kept pounding
the unhappy youth with searching questions.

By this time Howard's condition was pitiable to witness. His face was
white as death. His trembling lips could hardly articulate. It was with
the greatest difficulty that he kept on his feet. Every moment he seemed
about to fall. At times he clutched the table nervously, for fear he
would stumble. Several times, through sheer exhaustion, he sat down.
The act was almost involuntary. Nature was giving way.

"I can't stand any more," he murmured. "What's the good of all these
questions? I tell you I didn't do it."

He sank helplessly on to a chair. His eyes rolled in his head. He looked
as if he would faint.

"Stand up!" thundered the captain angrily.

Howard obeyed mechanically, although he reeled in the effort. To steady
himself, he caught hold of the table. His strength was fast ebbing. He
was losing his power to resist. The captain saw he was weakening, and he
smiled with satisfaction. He'd soon get a confession out of him.
Suddenly bending forward, so that his fierce, determined stare glared
right into Howard's half-closed eyes, he shouted:

"You did it and you know you did!"

"No--I----" replied Howard weakly.

"These repeated denials are useless!" shouted the captain. "There's
already enough evidence to send you to the chair!"

Howard shook his head helplessly. Weakly he replied:

"This constant questioning is making me dizzy. Good God! What's the use
of questioning me and questioning me? I know nothing about it."

"Why did you come here?" thundered the captain.

"I've told you over and over again. We're old friends. I came to borrow
money. He owed me a few hundred dollars when we were at college
together, and I tried to get it. I've told you so many times. You won't
believe me. My brain is tired. I'm thoroughly exhausted. Please let me
go. My poor wife won't know what's the matter."

"Never mind about your wife," growled the captain. "We've sent for her.
How much did you try to borrow?"