Carroll shook his head. "I hope he can prove he was in Nashville. We have tried to prove it, and we cannot. And you must admit, Mrs. Lawrence, that had he known what you planned he would have had the justification of the unwritten law—"
Her eyes brightened. "You think, then—that if he did—he would be acquitted?"
"Yes. More so in view of your story that there was a fight between the two men. That would probably add self-defense to his plea. However, I may be wrong in that—"
"You are indeed, Mr. Carroll. My husband—isn't that kind of a man. And even if he had done the shooting—he could not have concealed it from me for this length of time. He would have given a hint—"
"No-o. He wouldn't have done that. If he shot Warren he would have been afraid of telling even you."
She walked to the window where she stood for a moment looking out on the drear December day. Then she turned tragically back to Carroll.
"You are going to arrest me?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I believe your story, Mrs. Lawrence. And so long as there is any way to keep your name clear of the whole miserable mess, I shall do so."