"And I tell you, I didn't!"
There passed many seconds, while the two men battled in silence,
will warring against will. ... In the end, it was the murderer
who triumphed.
Suddenly, Burke dropped the pistol into his pocket, and lolled
back in his chair. His gaze fell away from the man confronting
him. In the same instant, the rigidity of Garson's form relaxed,
and he straightened slowly. A tide of secret joy swept through
him, as he realized his victory. But his outward expression
remained unchanged.
"Oh, well," Burke exclaimed amiably, "I didn't really think you
did, but I wasn't sure, so I had to take a chance. You
understand, don't you, Joe?"
"Sure, I understand," Garson replied, with an amiability equal to
the Inspector's own.
Burke's manner continued very amicable as he went on speaking.
"You see, Joe, anyhow, we've got the right party safe enough.
You can bet on that!"
Garson resisted the lure.
"If you don't want me----" he began suggestively; and he turned
toward the door to the outer hall.
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