Stratton seated himself, and, pulling a paper from his pocket, was busily reading when the sheriff again entered. "I am sorry to say," he began, "after you have had all this trouble, that Mrs. Brenton positively refuses to see you. You know I cannot _compel_ a prisoner to meet any one. You understand that, of course." "Perfectly," said Stratton, thinking for a moment. "See here, sheriff, I have simply _got_ to have a talk with that woman. Now, can't you tell her I knew her husband, or something of that sort? I'll make it all right when I see her." * * * * * "The scoundrel!" said Brenton to Speed, as Stratton made this remark. "My dear sir," said Speed, "don't you see he is just the man we want? This is not the time to be particular." "Yes, but think of the treachery and meanness of telling a poor unfortunate woman that he was acquainted with her husband, who is only a few days dead." "Now, see here," said Speed, "if you are going to look on matters in this way you will be a hindrance and not a help in the affair. Don't you appreciate the situation? Why, Mrs. Brenton's own lawyers, as you have said, think her guilty. What, then, can they learn by talking with her, or what good can they do her with their minds already prejudiced against her? Don't you see that?" Brenton made no answer to this, but it was evident he was very ill at ease. * * * * * "Did you know her husband?" asked the sheriff. "No, to tell you the truth, I never heard of him before. But I must see this lady, both for my good and hers, and I am not going to let a little thing like that stand between us. Won't you tell her that I have come with a letter from her own lawyers? Just show her the letter, and say that I will take up but very little of her time. I am sorry to ask this much of you, but you see how I am placed." "Oh, that's all right," said the sheriff, good-naturedly; "I shall be very glad to do what you wish," and with that he once more disappeared. The sheriff stayed away longer this time, and Stratton paced the room impatiently. Finally, the official returned, and said-- "Mrs. Brenton has consented to see you. Come this way, please. You