Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/231

 who would like to know this one matter, but among them not more than one who knows how to find it out. If his mouth is closed, the secret is as safe as if it did not exist."

"The mere knowledge that a secret exists is revelation," she answered. "A man who will sell himself once, simply waits a higher bidder to sell himself again."

"Possibly, if in concealing the identity of this woman, one concealed a fact bearing upon the discovery of the murderer. I can assure you that her identity has no bearing whatever upon the other question."

"Then why not let it drop into the oblivion from which you have dragged it?"

She knew the danger of exchanging question and answer with him, but human endurance has its limit, and even she could not carry indifference beyond the breaking point. Still, she was not unconscious of the gleam of satisfaction in his face.

"Because," he said, "this woman has grown strong, powerful, and rich. Safety is doubly pre