"And your duty led you into correspondence with Miss Butler?"
"I regret to be compelled to answer, but it did."
"She has aided in your work?"
"Yes. I reported to her by order of the Chief on arrival, and have been in constant communication with her at every step since."
"Up to the hour of John Graham's arrest?" Susie asked breathlessly.
"Yes."
"Oh, the little fiend! I could strangle her!" the girl cried.
"I'm sorry to have to betray this confidence. But you have forced me."
"And you are pressing the charge of murder against John Graham?"
"On the other hand, I am not. If my plans succeed, I'll explode a bombshell in the court room the day he faces the jury."
Susie extended her hand.
"I beg your pardon for my rudeness. Alfred will put your trunk back immediately, if you will stay."
Ackerman mounted to his room and unpacked his trunk, humming a love song while Susie put on her hat and left with swift firm step to find Stella Butler.
