United States or Slovakia ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
The frankness with which Luckstone had revealed the evidence on which he based his alibis could leave no doubt that the witnesses would confirm all he had said. And against such a downpour of disinterested evidence the police could not hope to sustain their case. Britz had listened to Luckstone's recital with impassive countenance.
"Is Mrs. Collins at home?" asked Britz. "Who wishes to speak with her?" "This is Mr. Luckstone's office," said the detective. "Mr. Luckstone the attorney for Mr. Whitmore." Evidently a maid had answered the call, for a long silence ensued while the servant carried Britz's message to her mistress. Finally a voice at the other end of the wire said: "This is Mrs. Collins!"
It was almost ludicrous to behold the utter demoralization into which Luckstone's clients were thrown. Britz had brought them out of their coverts and forced them into the open and instantly they started fighting among themselves. Luckstone made one ineffectual effort to re-unite them in solid rank against the attacking police enemy, then he also surrendered. "Let Beard talk!" he exclaimed.
The lawyer gazed angrily from his client to Britz. "What does this mean?" he demanded. "It means that Mr. Collins has dispensed with your services and is ready to confide in me," answered the detective with calm assurance. Luckstone's eyes narrowed on Collins. The latter nodded a weak assent to the detective's words. "I've been searching for you all evening," the lawyer burst forth excitedly.
"I am acting under Mr. Luckstone's instructions." "I thought so," Britz returned dryly. "So we'll let the law take its course." "And I'm not permitted to see her to-night?" pleaded Ward. "No," said Britz curtly. Then, after a moment, he added: "If you will call here at 10 o'clock to-morrow morning, I may convince you of the desirability of acting with the police, instead of against them."
Word Of The Day