"No, no, not yet," she whispered.
But Alicia brushed her aside and, thrusting the letter into the hand of the astonished police captain, she said:
"Yes, now! Read that, captain!"
Captain Clinton slowly unfolded the letter. Alicia collapsed in a chair. Annie stood by helpless, but trying to collect her wits. The judge watched the scene with amazement, not understanding. The captain read from the letter:
"'Dear Mrs. Jeffries" He stopped, and glancing at the signature, exclaimed, "Robert Underwood!" Looking significantly at Annie, he exclaimed: "'Dear Mrs. Jeffries!' Is that conclusive enough? What did I tell you?" Continuing to peruse the letter, he read on: "'Shall be found dead to-morrow—suicide——'" He stopped short and frowned. "What's this? Why, this is a barefaced forgery!"
Judge Brewster quickly snatched the letter from his hand and, glancing over it quickly, said:
"Permit me. This belongs to my client."
Captain Clinton's prognathous jaw snapped to with a click, and he squared his massive shoulders, as he usually did when preparing for hostilities:
"Now, Mrs. Jeffries," he said sharply, "I'll trouble you to go with me to headquarters."
Annie and Alicia both stood up. Judge Brewster quickly objected.