"You'll have a chance to refute the story before a judge and jury," Nick
curtly answered. "At present you are in my custody, however, and you
must go with me."
Cervera rose to her feet, trembling visibly, and gripped the back of her
chair as if for support.
"There must be some terrible mistake, Detective Carter," she now cried,
with well-feigned distress and alarm. "Surely you do not mean this,
sir? Surely you do but jest?"
"On the contrary, senora, I mean every word that I have said."
"That I am under arrest?"
"Yes."
"And must go with you?"
"Precisely."
"To the Tombs?"
"To the Tombs, senora."
"Oh! this is dreadful--dreadful!" craftily moaned Cervera, with tears
now filling her eyes.
"I am sorry for you, senora, but I must do my duty," said Nick, rising.
"I know you must--but, oh! what shall I do? To whom can I appeal? Oh! if
Mr. Venner were only here!"
"You can send a messenger for him later, or dispatch one of your
servants from here," suggested Nick.
"I have none here," sobbed Cervera. "They are all out, and I am alone. I
have no one--"
She suddenly stopped, then drew herself up with resentful dignity, and
wiped the tears from her eyes.
Pages:
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127