"It can be done, Eric. The district attorney is a pretty good friend of mine—and he's a good square fellow. Of course he will have to know the entire story; and it is a certainty that he will believe it. And when he does—you know that he will handle the case so that Mrs. Lawrence will not be connected. Irregular—yes. But you believe he can—and will—do it, don't you?"
"You bet your bottom dollar he will. He's another nut like you—so bloomin' human it hurts."
"And now—" said Carroll, "I want to chat with William Barker. There are one or two loose ends I want to clear up."
Barker was very humble as he entered the room.
"You're free of the murder charge," stated Carroll promptly, "but we may hold you for blackmail."
Barker heaved a sigh of relief. "I ain't objectin' to that, Mr. Carroll.
It's a small thing when a man has thought he might be strung up."
"Who killed Warren?" questioned the detective.
"Don't you know?" came the surprised answer.
"Yes—but I'm asking you."
"I suppose you're driving at something new," retorted Barker, "but I really think Mrs. Lawrence shot him."