there, but I've got the Crittendon case on this morning, and I can't
get away very well. So you go and see what you can do for her. She
told me you were there last night, and she's willing to have you in my
place."

I agreed, feeling rather flattered that the rich man's widow should so
readily accept me as Mr. Bradbury's substitute.

"I'm sorry you're going there," said Mrs. Reeves, her eyes filling
with tears, as I took leave of her. "Of course, the Schuylers will
pump you about Vicky, and try to make you say that she killed that
man!"

"I must tell Mrs. Schuyler the truth," I said.

"Yes, but can't you give Vicky the benefit of the doubt? For there is
a doubt. Why should she kill a man she never had seen before?"

"Perhaps he wasn't a stranger to her, after all."

"Why, I heard her say, before he came, that she didn't know him."

"You heard her say she didn't know Mr. Somers," I corrected. "I've
been thinking this thing over. Suppose Vicky did know Mr. Schuyler,
and when Steele proposed bringing a Mr. Somers--"

"No, you're all wrong!" she exclaimed. "I saw them when they met, and
I'm sure they had never laid eyes on each other before. There was not
the least sign of recognition. Besides, that isn't like Vicky--to have
a millionaire and a married man for her friend. That girl is all