“Mr. Ferguson!”
“Yes, Miss Halliday. Let me return your question: why are you here?”
She glanced at the door of the mausoleum, which she had left ajar in her first panic at being discovered. Then her eyes fell upon the satchel she had left beside the gate. These people had surprised her, but she reflected that they could know nothing of her secret, or of her present purpose. All she needed was to gain time. Before any could prevent her she sprang to the marble door and forced it shut. It closed with a sharp click as the spring bolt shot into place. The secret of opening it had been known only to Jonathan Eliot and herself.
Toby gave a little laugh, and the lawyer roused himself and said sternly:
“I am awaiting your explanation, Miss Halliday.”
“Well, I guess you’ll wait for it awhile,” she retorted, a note of triumph in her voice. “You’ve no right to detain me here, Judge Ferguson. Open that gate, and let me go!”
“I fear, madam, you have broken the law, and we must therefore arrest you,” said the lawyer.
“I’d like to see you do it!” she cried, but she drew in her breath sharply and pressed one hand to her heart.
“You will be gratified, Miss Halliday. Officer, do your duty.”
As the constable advanced she shrank back against the iron gate.