"I've told Mrs. Jeffries that you have undertaken Howard's defense."
Judge Brewster smiled at his wealthy client, almost apologetically, Annie thought. Then addressing her, he said:
"Yes, I've been quite busy since I saw you. I have put three of the best detectives we have on the trail of the woman who visited Underwood that night. I don't think the police have been trying very hard to find her. They're satisfied with Howard's confession. But we want her and we'll get her——"
"Oh!" gasped Alicia.
The judge was proceeding to tell of other steps he had taken when the door opened and the head clerk entered, followed by Mr. Jeffries.
"I told Mr. Jeffries that Mrs. Jeffries was here," said the clerk.
"You might have told him that there were two Mrs. Jeffries here," laughed the judge.
The clerk retired and the banker, completely ignoring the presence of his daughter-in-law, turned to his wife and said:
"I regret, my dear, that you should be subjected to these family annoyances."
Judge Brewster came forward and cleared his throat as if preliminary to something important he had to say. Addressing the banker, he said boldly: