Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/340

 court room. Ackerman, watching him keenly, sprang to his side.

"Don't leave, Larkin, we want you as a witness in a moment," he whispered.

"I'll return immediately," the Carpetbagger replied, increasing his haste.

"Wait!" Ackerman commanded.

Larkin quickened his pace and the detective seized his arm.

The Carpetbagger threw him off with sudden fury and plunged toward the door.

With the spring of a tiger, Ackerman leaped on him. A brief fierce fight, and he was dragged panting back before the astonished Court, while every man in the room sprang to his feet and pressed around the struggling men.

"What's the meaning of this disorder?" thundered the presiding Judge.

"With apologies to the Court for the interruption I beg leave to present the murderer of Judge Butler—I ask a warrant for his arrest," Ackerman demanded.

A wave of horror swept the crowd of Larkin's friends.

"The man is a crazy liar, your Honours," protested Larkin. "And he has proven himself a renegade and a scoundrel in this court room to-day. I protest against this outrage."