The coroner, who had been making notes, now looked up at Britz. The detective's face had relaxed into an expression of mingled pity and contentment. Through the sorrow which the suffering of Mrs. Collins aroused in him, shone the satisfaction which he could not but feel at having finally squeezed all the mystery out of the Whitmore case.
"You believe Mr. Beard's statement, don't you?" the coroner inquired.
"I do."
"Then let us end this harrowing scene. I suppose my first duty is to discharge Mrs. Collins from custody?"
"There is no longer any reason for holding her," said Britz.
"As for Ward, I shall have to hold him for the formal inquest," the coroner announced.
"I don't believe he'll try to evade us," said Britz. "In view of all the circumstances I believe we're justified in permitting him to go on his own recognizance. Since Mr. Beard's story will undoubtedly be substantiated by the others, Ward's acquittal is a foregone conclusion. How soon can you hold the inquest?"
"I can impanel a coroner's jury to-morrow. But why this hurry?"
Britz shot a significant glance at Beard and Miss Burden. The secretary's arm was still about her waist.
"Beard, you'd better take out a marriage license at once," suggested Britz. "We're going to hold the inquest in this case to-morrow. You'll be called as the first witness and we'll finish with you as quickly as we can. There's a boat for Europe at two o'clock—it might be well for you and your bride to make it. You might as well be abroad while I wrestle with the Federal authorities to make them forget the substitution of prisoners."