She said it so firmly that both Fanks and Axton glanced at her in surprise, upon which she leaned forward with a pale face, and spoke hurriedly.
"There is nothing—really nothing in those letters beyond foolish girlish talk; I assure you, Mr. Rixton, there is nothing at all."
"Then why refuse to let me see them?" asked Octavius, quickly.
"They are private."
"Not when the law desires to see them. I am the law, and I intend to see those letters."
"What do you mean, Fanks?" said Roger, angrily, indignant at this tone being used to Miss Varlins.
"What I say," responded Fanks, coolly. "Axton, Miss Varlins, this case is in my hands, and I am determined to find out who killed Sebastian Melstane, and for reasons of my own I wish to see those letters. Will you let me look at them?"
Judith twisted her handkerchief in her gloved hands evidently trying to control herself, then putting up one hand to her throat, gave a hysterical laugh.
"Yes, on one condition.
"And that condition?"