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The questions remained unanswered in Britz's mind; must remain unanswered until the woman herself, should, in some way, disclose the impelling motive of her visit to Headquarters. One thing, however, Britz determined on. He would not permit his watchful nature to be beguiled into slumberous acceptance of conditions as presented through the mouth of this woman.
To the two listeners Britz's statement sounded almost like a confession of failure. It was an indirect admission that he had not learned the identity of the murderer that he had nothing on which to base a direct accusation. "We've got to break their silence!" Britz exclaimed impressively. "As long as they remain mute, they are safe.
He was not jealous of Britz's reputation, for he was aware that the lieutenant did not aspire to the head of the bureau, would not have accepted the promotion had it been offered. As a subordinate Britz was relieved of all the routine which occupied so much of the chief's time, so that he could devote all his energies to the single case to which he was assigned.
A woman needed money; she could obtain it through another's death. What more reasonable than that she should go forth and slay him? Britz's more penetrating mind, however, did not find the solution so easily. It discovered a multitude of contradictions which eluded the narrower vision of his subordinate.
Britz's glance was alternating between the excited Greig and the impassive Manning, contrasting the riotous enthusiasm of the one with the quiet deliberation of the other. "What do you think of it, chief?" he asked. "I think we ought to put it up to her good and strong," advised Manning. "Threaten to lock her up if she doesn't explain." "She's a clever one, all right," pursued Greig.
The perturbation of the servant increased. Being a dutiful and watchful employé, his first impulse was to repel this nocturnal invasion of the house. But something in Britz's stern attitude convinced him that the unwelcome visitor would forcibly resent any interference. "Can't you wait until Mr. Beard comes?" the servant appealed. "Mr. Beard will not be here to-night," Britz informed him.
Britz's salary was inadequate for an entire apartment on the Drive. But he could afford a large square room overlooking the Hudson in the apartment of a small family that understood the ways of their lodger and ministered to his comfort.
But every word of what was said by anyone standing in the corridor, would come to Britz's ears through the grating. Half an hour after Britz was locked in the cell, an automobile drew up at the curb on the Center street side of the prison and a young woman alighted. Her slim figure was concealed beneath a long fur coat, her face shielded by a heavy automobile veil.
Britz consulted his watch. "I wonder whether I've miscalculated this time?" he remarked. Greig, having but a vague idea of Britz's plan, vouchsafed no reply. He remained close to the other's elbow. Another ten minutes passed and Britz began to look uneasily at the door. A shade of disappointment crossed his face, and did not go unobserved by his assistant. The crowd was growing unwieldy.
If those men outside could shed any light on the crime, they would do so eagerly. The murderer could not have enjoined silence on thirty or thirty-five men. No, they have told all they know. You may permit them to enjoy their lunch." Although the coroner was the ranking official, his respect for Britz's judgment was such that he invariably followed the latter's suggestions.
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