"Well," said Dr. Jim pulling out his pipe, "its this way you see. I want to get to the bottom of this conspiracy. Also to learn who killed Carr. I could have you arrested on a charge of trying to kill Marsh," here the Mexican muttered a curse on Robin's head and the little man winced. "But if you will prove to me that you did not kill Carr and tell me the whole truth, why I will let you go back to Mexico unharmed."
"And if I refuse?" demanded Don Manuel. "In that case I'll call up the police and give you and Joyce in charge for conspiracy and assault with intent to kill."
"I did not wish to kill him," protested Manuel, "I only wanted to prevent him going to the vault."
"And so allow the money to pass to Frisco," put in Herrick, "very clever. I know all about that. Tell me something new."
"If I had only been here before you intimidated this--"
"You would have done as he has done," said Herrick; then changing his tone, he spoke sharply. "We are wasting time. Tell me all I want to know; answer my questions, and you shall go free, save that I shall have you watched until the true murderer of Colonel Carr has been found. If you refuse you shall be arrested forthwith."
"And if I were to shoot you?" cried Santiago savagely half rising. "You would be hanged, or else you would have to end your own life. Don't I tell you the sound of the shot will bring up the men I have had posted?"
Santiago reflected for a moment, then he took out his revolver and tossed it carelessly on to the table. "You are the stronger Señor. I give in. Allow me to roll a cigarette, and I will answer all your questions. I am not afraid, for I can swear by the Holy Mother that I did not kill Carr and--" added Santiago with a gay laugh, "I rather regret I did not."
"Come," said Herrick lighting his pipe, "the story. In the first place where did you meet Colonel Carr?"
"In Mexico about twenty years ago. You would not think it to look at me. But I am not young, Señor Herrick."