"If I did I wouldn't still be handling your case, Mr. Darcy," was the answer. "But I don't say that there isn't something to explain. I am, now, giving you the benefit of the doubt."
"Then maybe Amy will do the same."
It was not many hours before the colonel knew this point. The first edition afternoon papers had not long been out when the detective, who had gone to his hotel after an early morning visit to the jail, was telephoned to by Miss Mason.
"I happened to be in town, shopping," she said, and the agitation was plainly audible in her voice, "when I saw this terrible thing about Mr. Darcy's wires and poor Sallie. Is she in any danger, Colonel?"
"I believe not."
"That's good! May I come to see you? I have something important to ask you."
"Yes, or I will come to see you, Miss Mason."
"No, I had rather come to your hotel, if you will meet me in the ladies' parlor. It will be secluded enough at this time."
And a little later Amy and the colonel were talking. The girl's haggard look told plainly of her distress.
"Tell me, frankly," she begged, "doesn't this make it look a little worse for Mr. Darcy?"