Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/319

 "It's quite enough for my mother and myself."

"But it's not enough for me, Miss Susie. My defence against your unjust suspicions is perfect. I will make it if necessary. I trust it will not be necessary."

"You might include in your defence an explanation of why you were corresponding with Stella Butler while you were writing love to me?"

"Who said that I wrote to Miss Butler?"

"I say it. I saw your letter in her room the day you declared your love for me."

Ackerman was cornered. He must confess and betray Stella's secret or keep silent and wreck his own hopes. His decision was instantly made.

"Miss Susie, you've got me. I give up. I'm not a sneak—but I am a hypocrite by profession."

"You confess it?" Susie cried with scorn.

"Yes," he whispered. "I am a trusted detective of the United States Secret Service. I am not the enemy of your people. On the other hand, I have learned to love and sympathise with them. Perhaps my love for you has given me that point of view. Anyway, I've taken it. I am simply here as an officer on duty under command of his superior."

Susie's face softened. She saw at once her mistake.