erests.

"And he has advised you to remain silent?"

"I've been around this town long enough to learn the value of silence.
Luckstone didn't have to tell me that."

"Well, what's the use of trying to give you a chance?" Britz fired at
him. "I've got enough evidence now to convict you. I guess I'll just
proceed to lock you up and let Luckstone try to get you out."

Ever since Whitmore's death Collins had been steeling himself for
precisely this situation. He was sufficiently experienced in the ways of
the world to know that the police investigation must eventually lead to
him. This belief was confirmed daily as he read the developments of the
case in the newspapers. Soon or late, the police would demand that he
explain his conduct. And failure to do so would be fraught with sure
consequences.

Britz, silently analyzing Collins's refusal to unbosom himself,
concluded that only some extreme measure could drag the truth from his
unwilling lips. It was to be seen that life in jail held no allurements
for Collins. Ordinarily he would fight desperately against even
temporary detention. That he was ready to submit unprotestingly now,
argued an acquiescence in some agreement into which he and the other
suspects had entered for mutual safety and protection. Under pressure of
third degree methods Collins might falter, but in the end his natural
suspicion and dislike for the police, combined with the advice which his
lawyer had imparted to him, would prevail over the best efforts of his
inquisitors.

At any rate, Britz recognized that the time had not arrived for exerting
the full measure of authority over Collins. So he determined to change
his tactics, but in a way not to inspire Collins with an exultant sense
of victory.

Britz passed a wink to Fanwell, who nodded understandingly. Up to this
time no glint of recognition had passed between them, and they were
careful to hide their silent signal from Collins.

Ostentatiously, and with some display of temper, Britz removed the
revolver and the other exhibits from the table and restored them to his
pockets. After which he produced a pair of handcuffs, opening one of the
steel bracelets with a sharp click.

"Collins, extend your wrist!" he commanded, thrusting forward the open
ring.

Before Collins had time to obey, Fanwell discarded the air of aloofness
with which he had watched the proceedings and stepped between the two
men.

"This is an outrage!" he exclaimed, addr