CHAPTER XVII
ONE WOMAN EXONERATED
Atkins and I were still at breakfast when, to my surprise, the detective was announced.
Atkins started to his feet.
“Any news of my wife?” he inquired, anxiously.
“None, I regret to say,” answered Merritt.
I was still very much annoyed with him for having been so indiscreet and tactless in his interview with May Derwent, but he looked so dejected that my anger melted a little.
Atkins left us almost immediately, and started on his weary search. When he was gone, I motioned Merritt to take his place.
“Have you had any breakfast?”