"I am a fool to be so weak!" she exclaimed, bitterly. "Detective Carter,
I know nothing of the crime you mention. I never heard of Mary Barton.
This arrest is an outrage, and I will appeal to the highest court in the
land for vindication!"
"That's your privilege," said Nick, shortly. "But at present you must go
with me."
"I cannot go as I am," declared Cervera, passionately stamping her
foot. "I am in evening dress--attired to receive a caller. I shall take
cold if I go out of doors in--"
"Oh, you may change your dress," Nick curtly interrupted, the need of
which was decidedly obvious. "I'll give you time for that."
"How very kind," sneered Cervera, with a bitter flash of her black eyes.
"You shall yet suffer for this affront, Detective Carter."
"All right," said Nick. "But I have no time to speculate upon it now, so
get yourself ready. Wait a bit, my lady! I'll go along with you!"
"With me? You insult me!"
"Oh, no, I don't. I want a look at your chamber before letting you out
of my sight. I've seen rooms with more than one way out, and I don't
intend that you shall elude me."
"You're a suspicious coward, sir!"
"Stow all that, senora, and lead the way," commanded Nick, bluntly.
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