Page:The achievements of Luther Trant - Balmer and MacHarg - 1910.djvu/72

50 The car line to the city is another way. He knew no one in that direction—except Mrs. Hawtin."

"You knew that he knew her?"

"Of course, Mr. Trant! He had convicted her once for shoplifting, but, like everyone whom his place had made him punish, he watched her afterwards, and, when she tried to be honest, he helped her as he had helped a hundred like her—men and women—though his enemies tried to discredit and disgrace him by accusing him of untrue motives. Oh, Mr. Trant, you do not know—you cannot understand—what shadows and pitfalls surround a man in the position Mr. Bronson held. That is why, though for two years we had known and loved each other, he waited so long before asking me to marry him. I am thankful that he spoke in time to give me the right to defend him now before the world! They took his life; they shall not take his good name! No! No! They shall not! Help me, Mr. Trant, if you can—help me!"

"Inspector Walker!" said Trant tensely, "I understand that all of the sixteen men of the ring claimed alibis. Was Kanlan's one of the best or the worst?"

The inspector hesitated. "One of the worst," he replied, unwillingly. "I am sorry to say, the very worst."

To his surprise, Trant's eyes blazed triumphantly. "Miss Allison," said he, quietly and decidedly, "I had not expected till I had tested Kanlan to be able to assure you that he is not guilty. But now I think I am safe in promising it—provided you are sure that Mr. Bronson's watch was right when he left you that night. And, Inspector Walker, if you are also certain that