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 "You gave me the information."

"I did nothing of the kind," she stormed. It'sstormed. "It's [sic] false—I deny it!"

"On your statement to me that he had confessed that he was Chief of the Klan, made the oath on which his warrant was based," Ackerman maintained with warmth.

"Then you swore a lie!" she hissed. "A lie—a lie!"

Stella fell on the lounge and buried her face in her hands.

Ackerman flushed and was silent. His keen eyes grew suddenly tender. He smiled, rose and stood by her side a moment, and when she looked up extended his hand.

"I'm sorry for you, Miss Stella. I think I understand!"

"Then you will know how to forgive my bitter and unjust words?"

"Yes."

"Can't you help me?" she asked piteously.

"The situation is extremely delicate for me as it is dangerous for John Graham. The Government is determined to press these cases for conspiracy and murder. Personally I have never believed Graham guilty of the murder of the Judge."

"Of course he is innocent!"

"I think I know the man who killed your father."