it had never been known that a woman,
hyper-sensitive to some strong man's magnetic influence, should so
follow his thought as to commit an act which never could have arisen
in her own mind, uninfluenced. He evidently does not like Brotherson
either."

"And what--what did you--say?" asked Sweetwater, with a halting
utterance and his face full of thought.

"I simply quoted the latest authority on hypnotism that no person
even in hypnotic sleep could be influenced by another to do what was
antagonistic to his natural instincts."

"Latest authority. That doesn't mean a final one. Supposing that it was
hypnotism! But that wouldn't account for Mrs. Spotts' death. Her wound
certainly was not a self-inflicted one."

"How can you be sure?"

"There was no weapon found in the room, or in the court. The snow
was searched and the children too. No weapon, Mr. Gryce, not even a
paper-cutter. Besides--but how did Mr. Challoner take what you said? Was
he satisfied with this assurance?"

"He had to be. I didn't dare to hold out any hope based on so
unsubstantial a theory. But the interview had this effect upon me.
If the possibility remains of fixing guilt elsewhere than on Miss
Challoner's inconsiderate impulse, I am ready to devote any amount of
time and strength to the work. To see this grieving father relieved from
the worst part of his burden is worth some effort and now you know why
I have listened so eagerly to you. Sweetwater, I will go with you to the
Superintendent. We may not gain his attention and again we may. If we
don't--but we won't cross that bridge prematurely. When will you be
ready for this business?"

"I must be at Headquarters to-morrow."

"Good, then let it be to-morrow. A taxicab, Sweetwater. The subway for
the young. I can no longer manage the stairs."

XIV. A CONCESSION

"It is true; there seems to be something extraordinary in the
coincidence."

Thus Mr. Brotherson, in the presence of the Inspector.

"But that is all there is to it," he easily proceeded. "I knew Miss
Challoner and I have already said how much and how little I had to do
with her death. The other woman I did not know at all; I did not even
know her name. A prosecution based on grounds so flimsy as those you
advance would savour of persecution, would it not?"

The Inspector, surprised by this unexpected attack, regarded the speaker
with an interest rather augmented than diminished by his boldness. The
smile with which he