One could see that the officer was angry at the importunate examination, and that he had to exert himself to the utmost, in order to answer calmly.
"Mr. Jurgens seemed at first to be somewhat frightened at the consequences of his transaction, and in order to excuse himself, he began with some nonsense about having bought the diamond from—from a person who is nearly related to Mr. Frick, and who was supposed to have received the diamond from him as a present."
Counsel: "What did you do to get him to speak the truth?"
The detective hesitated a moment, and grew redder still in the face. At last he answered firmly and distinctly:—
"He first mentioned Miss Frick as having sold him the diamond, and that she had said she had got it as a present from her uncle. This was as much as to say that the young lady, for whom I have—have the greatest respect, is a thief and a liar, as information of the robbery was given to the police by her uncle; and I then forgot myself for the moment and seized hold of the old man—but of course only for a moment!"
Counsel: "It was after you let go of him that he gave the name of Evelina Reierson?"
"Yes; but as you will understand—"
Counsel (interrupting): "I have for the present nothing further to ask you."
"Well, I never heard such—" exclaimed a powerful voice. It was old Frick who rose, red as a turkey cock in the face; the judge himself had to call him to order.
Mr. Monk still stood in the same place, biting his lips. Miss Frick stared at him with an astonished expression. As yet she suspected nothing.