"And why do you think I wanted to meet you?"

"Heaven knows!" he replied.

"Suppose, Mr. Harleston, we resume the conversation just where we left
off last night. Your last remark then was that I had a chance to get the
articles, but no one else had a chance. I'm here now for my chance."

"And that chance depends on a number of contingencies," he replied:
"whether I have the desired articles; whether you have the title to
them, or the right of possession to them; whether they concern private
matters or public matters; if the latter, whether the United States is
concerned."

"We can assume the first," said she. "I know for a fact that you took
the articles in question from the cab, which you found deserted before a
vacant lot."

"How do you know it?" Harleston asked.

"Because, as I told you over the telephone, you were seen--in fact, I
saw you. I saw you light a match inside the cab, come out with the
envelope, look it over quickly, and put it in your pocket. You'll admit
these facts?"

"I am advised by my counsel that I'm not obliged to answer!" he laughed.

"On the ground that it will incriminate you?" she asked quickly. "Isn't
that tantamount to admitting the fact?"