“The proof of it lies in the fact that you consented, at her request, to come away from her cell in the tombs and leave your stenographer there alone with her.�
“What possible harm could befall Miss McQueen under such circumstances, Carter? Because the woman was charged with murder, and because you believed her guilty, and still believe her so, is it any reason to suppose that she would do violence to a young woman who was left for a few moments alone with her?�
Nick Carter shrugged his shoulders, and did not reply to the question.
Instead, he permitted his gaze to wander for a moment toward the half-open door between the private office of the great lawyer and the library, and then he abruptly changed the subject.
“What about this young man who is waiting outside to see you?� he asked.
“Why, he inherits the estate, of course.�
“But there must first be adequate and convincing proof of his identity, I suppose?�
“Naturally.�
“I need not remind you, Oaks, that the newspaper notoriety which has been given to the matter of the inheritance through the furore over the Babbington case has opened up an immense opportunity for the commission of a fraud?�
“No; you need not remind me of that. I am quite well aware of it,� replied the lawyer, with a trace of offense in his tones.