Hatch felt a great wave of exultation sweep over him, and it stopped his tongue for an instant.
"Did you--did you find them in Mr. Willis's possession?" asked the girl.
"I am not at liberty to tell just where I found them," Hatch replied. "If they are Miss Field's--and you can swear to that, I suppose--it may mean that we have a clew."
"Oh, I was afraid it would be this way," gasped the girl, and she sank down weeping on a couch.
"Knew what would be which way?" asked Hatch, puzzled.
"I knew it! I knew it!" she sobbed. "Is there anything to connect Mr. Willis directly with the--_the murder?_"
The reporter started to say something, then paused. He wasn't quite sure of himself. He had uncovered something, he didn't know what yet.
"It would be better, Miss Stanford," he explained, gently, "if you would tell me all you know about this affair. The things which are now in my possession are fragmentary--if you could give me any new detail it would be only serving the ends of justice."
For a little while the girl was silent, then she arose and faced him.
"Is Mr. Willis yet under arrest?" she asked, calmly now.