"You're a liar," said Tarling calmly. "You knew very well I wouldn't let you go out of this room with that confession in your pocket and you tried to bluff me by burning a sheet of writing-paper. I want that confession."
"I assure you——" began Milburgh.
"I want that confession," said Tarling, and with a sickly smile. Milburgh put his hand in his pocket and drew out the crumpled sheet.
"Now, if you are anxious to see it burn," said Tarling, "you will have an opportunity."
He read the statement again and put it into the fire, watched it until it was reduced to ashes, then beat the ashes down with a poker.
"That's that," said Tarling cheerfully.
"I suppose you know what you've done," said Milburgh. "You've destroyed evidence which you, as an officer of the law——"
"Cut that out," replied Tarling shortly.
For the second time that night he unlocked the door and flung it wide open.
"Milburgh, you can go. I know where I can find you when I want you," he said.