e to me than--than honor, to put
it bluntly and melodramatically."

"Cheers!" cried the unscrupulous Mr. Krech. "Loud cheers!"

"I came to another decision," continued Creighton seriously, "one that
is dictated by common decency if nothing else. This is my last case.
My shingle is coming down forthwith. I haven't met the acid test.
I've quit under fire. I'm a deserter from the ranks. I'm--_through_!"
He shook his head as Krech started to protest. "No. Whatever happens,
that is definitely settled."

"Whatever happens," repeated the big man musingly, the phrase recalling
him to certain practical considerations. "Let's see. Jean and I know
the truth; we're mum. Janet knows it; she's safe. How about Kitty
Doyle? That young lady is sharper than a serpent's tooth, as I
remember her! Suppose she tumbles to It? Will she join the conspiracy
of silence?"

"I believe Kitty is a friend of mine," said Creighton, and added
simply, "I'm singularly fortunate in my friends, Krech."

The next moment he jumped nervously as some one rapped gently on his
door. He glanced at the big man appealingly, and sat down again on the
edge of his bed.

"All right," grinned Krech. "Leave it to me!"

"A telegram for Mr. Creighton, sir," said Bates, as the door was opened
to him. "The boy just brought it this minute."

"That must be something from Kitty now," muttered Creighton when the
butler had gone. "Open it and read it, will you? My nerve has gone to
pieces!" He shifted uneasily. "Hurry up!"

"Yes, it's from Kitty," confirmed Krech, opening the envelope and
glancing at the signature on the message. "A long one, too. Here
goes!" He held the paper under the lamp and began to read, casually at
first, then rapidly as the import of the dispatch quickened his pulse.

"_Arrived hotel. Secured room adjoining Janet. Bed early. Was
restless, talkative. Unable distinguish words. Picked lock
communicating door. Listened by bed. Incoherent. Suddenly awoke.
Surprised me. I used own judgment as instructed. Made best of bad
situation. Accused her of murder. Threatened her with police.
Terrible scene. Frantic denials followed by complete collapse. Full
confession. Made lengthy synopsis. Obtained signature. Abruptly she
seemed to go mad. Raved wildly. On point summoning assistance when
violently attacked. Threw me in corner. Threw bureau on top of me.
Before interference possible ran to open window. Jumped o