ime he
relaxed and laughed. His words came with difficulty as if his mouth held
no moisture.

"I'm wanted for Treving's murder!"

"You'll come quietly?"

"Yes. What's that noise? I thought I heard some one scream, a--a woman."

"Dr. Randall," Garth began steadily, "did you ever--"

"See here," Randall interrupted, "I'll answer no questions until I've
seen my lawyer. Where's my wife? What about my wife?"

Garth cleared his throat.

"She's been hysterical--well--practically out of her head."

Garth could not fathom Randall's expression as he walked at his side
towards the house.

"Of course," he said, "she'll be called as a witness against you--in
fact the only human witness of the crime itself."

The doctor smiled contentedly.

"Yes," he said. "I should like to see her."

"Dr. Redding's with her," Garth explained, "but if it's in my presence
I've no objection if he hasn't."

Garth waved the two excited detectives away. As he led Randall across
the verandah he was provokingly conscious of something missing. When he
had opened the door and taken his captive into the hall, he realized all
at once what it was. Mrs. Randall's pitiful and chaotic crying no longer
disturbed the quiet house. He noticed, too, that Dr. Redding had
descended the stairs and leant against the newel post.

"Who's that?" Redding asked.

"Hello, Redding!" Randall said easily.

"Randall! They've got you!"

Randall's contented smile persisted.

"Mrs. Randall?" Garth asked in a low tone. "She's quieter now? Dr.
Randall would like to see her."

Redding stepped forward swiftly.

"He can see her," he sneered, "if he's got the courage. She's dead."

He swung in a fury on Randall.

"Two murders on your soul! That's what it comes to. What were you
thinking of, man? You'll go to the chair for this."

Randall staggered against the wall where he leant, covering his face
with his hands.

"My only human witness!" he mumbled.

Garth knew it would be a kindness to get him out of this house, but
first he did his duty with a strong distaste.

"You'd better tell us," he said. "Say something. It might help you in
the end."

Randall lowered his hands. His face worked.

"I'll say nothing--nothing," he cried fiercely.

He stretched out his hands to Garth.

"No handcuffs," Garth said gruffly. "We might go in one of those
automobiles."

Randall stumbled forward. He groped about the hat-rack.

"My hat! Where's my hat? Do as you wish. B