“Thanks.” Lane rose. He felt that he was dismissed. “Has Cynthia been told of Annette’s death?”
“Not yet. We explained the breaking in of the door of the southwest chamber by saying that Nicodemus had locked it and neglected to tell Colonel Thornton, who had it forced open.”
“I understand.” Lane shook hands with her warmly. “Will you please telephone me how Cynthia is. I’ll be at the Army and Navy Club all day. Good morning.” He bowed formally to the coroner and Douglas, then turned to leave the room, only to find his exit barred by Brett.
“It is my duty to inform you, Captain Lane, that a warrant has been sworn out for your arrest,” he announced, taking a paper from his pocket.
Lane stepped back involuntarily. “What do you mean?” he stammered.
“In the name of the law I arrest you for the murder of Senator Carew.” Brett ceased speaking and signaled to several men who were sitting in the hall to enter the room.
It was some seconds before Lane broke the strained silence.
“Stand back!” he growled between clenched teeth, as the two detectives approached him. “I’ll go with you peaceably. Let me tell you, Brett,” glaring defiantly at him, “you’ll live to regret this day’s work! Who swore out that warrant?”
“Mrs. Winthrop.”