"I'll help you all I can," replied the other doggedly, "but I've promised Judge Brewster to clear up this matter to-night."
Suddenly there was a commotion at the door. Captain Clinton entered, followed by Detective Sergeant Maloney. Alicia shrank back in alarm.
"I thought Judge Brewster was here," said the captain, glancing suspiciously round the room.
"I'll send for him," said Annie, touching a bell.
"Well, where's your mysterious witness?" demanded the captain sarcastically.
He looked curiously at Alicia.
"This is Mrs. Howard Jeffries, Senior," said Annie, "my husband's stepmother."
The captain made a deferential salute. Bully as he was, he knew how to be courteous when it suited his purpose. He had heard enough of the wealthy banker's aristocratic wife to treat her with respect.
"Beg pardon, m'm; I wanted to tell the judge I was going."
The servant entered.