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SANCTUARY

again to her pole. "Poor Denis! You were not there—you did n't have to—?"

"I had to see her." She felt the instant relief in his voice. He could talk now, could distend his nerves in the warm air of her sympathy. "I had to identify her." He rose nervously and began to pace the room. "It's knocked the wind out of me. I—my God! I couldn t foresee it, could I?" He halted before her with outstretched hands of argument. "I did all I could—it's not my fault, is it?"

"Your fault? Denis!"

"She would n't take the money—" He broke off, checked by her awakened glance.

"The money? What money?" Her face changed, hardening as his relaxed. "Had you offered her money to give up the case?"

He stared a moment, and then dismissed the implication with a laugh.

"No—no; after the case was decided against her. She seemed hard up, and I

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