"Oh, please, Commissioner! Won't you let me go home?"
The use of a title higher than his own flattered the Inspector,
and he was moved to graciousness. Besides, it was obvious that
his police net in this instance had enmeshed only the most
harmless of doves. He smiled encouragingly.
"Well, now, little lady," he said, almost tenderly, "if I let you
go now, will you promise to let me know if you are able to think
of anything else about this Turner woman?"
"I will--indeed, I will!" came the fervent assurance. There was
something almost--quite provocative in the flash of gratitude
that shone forth from the blue eyes of the girl in that moment of
her superlative relief. It moved Burke to a desire for
rehabilitation in her estimation.
"Now, you see," he went on in his heavy voice, yet very kindly,
and with a sort of massive playfulness in his manner," no one has
hurt you--not even a little bit, after all. Now, you run right
home to your mother."
The girl did not need to be told twice. On the instant, she
sprang up joyously, and started toward the door, with a final
ravishing smile for the pleased official at the desk.
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