“You contradict yourself”
“I don’t care if I do. I tell the truth. The truth may be contradictory. You see—circumstances make me suspect Mr. Locke with my mind—but”
“But your heart tells you he’s innocent!”
“Yes—exactly that!” and the girl’s smile was like a heavenly illumination. It transformed her from merely a pretty child into a woman of exquisite beauty and charm.
Lorimer Lane stared at her.
“I’ve never seen any one quite like you, Miss Cutler,” he said, slowly. “Permit me to offer you my sincere admiration and appreciation.”
And now Pearl Jane stared at him. Her smile faded, she looked haughty and resentful.
But as she realized that Lane was really sincere, she smiled at him and with him, and in that moment their friendship was sealed.
“Remember,” he said, “I told you at the start, that I want to be friendly. Now, if you will help me, and if you will continue to be truthful, I’ve an idea that we can clear your Mr. Locke from the suspicion of murder, whatever other crime he may be guilty of.”
“Of course,” she said, assuredly, “and he isn’t guilty of any crime.”
“Not crime, perhaps—but”
Lane hesitated, but his scrutiny of the young face gave no answering appreciation of the thought he had in mind, and he concluded she did not share his suspicions.
He went away, well satisfied with the interview, and especially well satisfied with Pearl Jane.
“She’s a hummer!” he said to himself, “and I hope to goodness I can get her Tommy back for her. If he’s all I think him, they will some day be a happy couple!”
