“In what town was this crime committed?”
Jacques answered without hesitation, giving the name of a small country town that Tab knew well.
He hung up the receiver and turned to the girl.
“What was your father’s name?” he asked.
“Willard,” she replied without hesitation.
“Phew!” whistled Tab, and wiped his streaming forehead. “Your father was not hanged.”
He saw her go red and white.
“Are you sure?” she asked.
“Perfectly sure. Old Jacques never makes a mistake. Besides which, he had the name pat when I asked him. Willard Ardfern. He was indicted for manslaughter. I fear that your unhappy mother died of his violence but Willard Ardfern himself left the country and was never arrested or tried.”
His arm went round her in support, she had gone suddenly white and ill-looking.