"What is the matter?"
"They will shut me up. Oh, save me—save me!"
For a moment he was too startled to speak.
Was it possible? This girl a criminal—a thief? He couldn't believe it.
"But what have you done?"
"Nothing, nothing I assure you. Oh, believe me, it is all a mistake."
He looked at her again. Innocent or guilty, he would stand by her.
"They will be here directly," he said. "Have you enough self-control to remain perfectly calm and to back up any story I tell?"
"Yes."
"Sit down then, and appear to be talking to me."