"'Where does she live?' pursued the logical and inexorable Inspector.
"Our reporter felt the ground slipping from under him. These two or three simple questions were like sledge-hammer blows, and he was staggered.
"'Surely,' he said, lamely parrying, 'you do not question my honesty in the matter?'
"'Not for a moment,' said Inspector Jealous, with perfect good temper, 'but you must see yourself how it stands. Here is a direct charge made----'
"'And denied,' interposed our reporter.
"'Exactly,' assented Inspector Jealous; 'but it is usual, you know, to deny such charges, and the authority to decide which side is right is not vested in me. There is not only the charge of attempted suicide, but there is that bundle that was thrown into the river. I am very sorry, but----'
"He did not finish the sentence, but there was no misunderstanding his meaning.
"'You must submit,' said our reporter to the woman, and then turned to Inspector Jealous. 'I may have a few private words with her, I suppose, out of hearing of the officers present?'
"'Certainly,' replied Inspector Jealous, 'after I have entered the charge; and although I shall be compelled to detain her here, I promise to make her as comfortable as possible for the night.'
"'Thank you,' said our reporter; 'I was about to ask you to do so.'