“Do you keep all your promises as unwillingly as you are adhering to this one?� Nick asked sharply.

“You are making it rather hard for me, Mr. Carter.�

Nick turned quickly to the man, and said sharply:

“Lynne, do you wish to be charged with the murder of your own daughter? If not, answer my questions.�

“My God, Carter, what do you mean by that?�

“Just what I say. Who is there but yourself who could have induced Edythe Lynne to go to Pleasantglades after midnight last night? Do you know such a man?�

“No, no; I do not.�

“Then reply to my questions. What did you do, and where did you go, when you returned to the reception after leaving your daughter?�

“I sought Mrs. Babbington at once, and told her about Edythe. I suggested that we had had enough of the party, and she agreed with me. She sent for her wraps, and we left there at once.�

“Where did you go?�