"Stand up!" thundered the captain angrily.
Howard obeyed mechanically, although he reeled in the effort. To steady himself, he caught hold of the table. His strength was fast ebbing. He was losing his power to resist. The captain saw he was weakening, and he smiled with satisfaction. He'd soon get a confession out of him. Suddenly bending forward, so that his fierce, determined stare glared right into Howard's half-closed eyes, he shouted:
"You did it and you know you did!"
"No—I——" replied Howard weakly.
"These repeated denials are useless!" shouted the captain. "There's already enough evidence to send you to the chair!"
Howard shook his head helplessly. Weakly he replied:
"This constant questioning is making me dizzy. Good God! What's the use of questioning me and questioning me? I know nothing about it."
"Why did you come here?" thundered the captain.
"I've told you over and over again. We're old friends. I came to borrow money. He owed me a few hundred dollars when we were at college together, and I tried to get it. I've told you so many times. You won't believe me. My brain is tired. I'm thoroughly exhausted. Please let me go. My poor wife won't know what's the matter."
"Never mind about your wife," growled the captain. "We've sent for her. How much did you try to borrow?"