aDonat letas be formal tonight, Lois. Call me Nick, will you?a He pulled off his coat.

aIall take it into the bathroom,a she said. aGo over to the fire, Nick.a aThatas better,a he said, and watched her carry his hat and coat into the bathroom.

When she returned he was sitting before the fire, his hands out toward the blaze, his brows drawn down in a heavy frown. She went over to the sideboard, mixed a stiff highball and brought it to him.

He took it and smiled up at her.

aYou always know the right thing to do, donat you?a She saw his eyes were frozen and hard.

aWhatas happened?a she asked sharply, standing before him. aPlease tell me. Donat keep me waiting.a He gave her a sharp look, then reached out and patted her hand. It felt cold under his touch.

aSorry, Lois, this is going to be a shock. Julie was murdered tonight. She and Harry. It all points to me.a Lois sat down abruptly; her face went white.

aOh!a she said, then she pulled herself together. aWhat happened, Nick?a aI was having a drink with Beaumont,a English said, speaking rapidly. aCorrine came in. She was drunk. She made a scene. The bar was crowded - everyone, including Rees and Lola Vegas, heard what she said. She told me Julie and Harry were lovers - had been lovers for months - that Julie was with Harry in his apartment. I got rid of Corrine and took a taxi to Harryas place. The door was locked. I knocked and called out. Julie answered. She sounded terrified. She said she was going to be shot. She screamed for me to save her. It took me some moments to get the door open. I heard a shot, then another. I smashed the lock. Julie was lying on the floor. She was dying.a He paused and took a long drink, set down the gla.s.s and rubbed his eyes. aShe died hard, Lois. She didnat deserve a death like that. She said it was Sherman who shot her. That he had gone out through the bedroom window. I held her in my arms until she died.a He groped in his pocket vaguely, frowned, and began to grope in another pocket.

Lois reached out, took a cigarette from a box, lit it and gave it to him.

aThanks,a he said, not looking at her. aI hope I made things a bit easier for her,a he went on, half to himself. aShe was frightened Iad be angry with her. She didnat seem to realize she was dying. She kept asking me to forgive her.a Lois suppressed a shudder.

aWhat happened then?a she asked sharply.

He looked up and frowned.

aI went into the bedroom. Harry was on the floor. He was dead, too. I pulled aside the curtain, but I couldnat see anyone in the river. It was dark and raining hard. I went to the telephone to call the police, then I saw the gun on the floor. It looked familiar. I picked it up. That was stupid of me, but I was startled and I wasnat thinking. It was my gun. Itas been in my desk drawer for years. Sherman must have stolen it. Then I realized what a frame he had built for me. A dozen witnesses will testify that Corrine told me Julie and Harry were lovers. The taxi driver will testify he took me to Harryas apartment. The gun that killed them is my gun. They were shot a minute or so after I had arrived. The motive, the time, the weapon - what more can the D.A. want?a aIf Sherman killed them,a Lois said quietly, aLeon will know about it. He was following Sherman, wasnat he?a English stiffened, and then drove his right fist into the palm of his left hand.

aWhy, d.a.m.n it! Iad forgotten that. Of course, Ed wouldnat let him out of his sight. Thatas it! I believe weave got him, Lois! Try to get Ed. Call my apartment first. He may be waiting for me.a As Lois began to dial the number, she said, aYou didnat call the police?a aNo. I walked out. I wanted to get my bearings.a aYou left the gun?a aYes.a Leonas voice came over the line.

ah.e.l.lo?a aThis is Lois Marshall,a Lois said. aDid you keep contact with Sherman tonight?a aHe never left his apartment,a Leon returned. aWhatas the idea? Why are you calling?a aHe says Sherman didnat leave his apartment,a Lois said, turning cold as she looked at English. aAre you sure he didnat leave?a she went on to Leon.

aOf course Iam sure! Both exits are guarded. Thereas no other way out. Besides, Iave been along to his apartment every half-hour. The radioas playing nonstop, and the lights are on.a aHeas certain Sherman didnat leave his apartment,a she said, turning to English.

aTell him to come here at once!a Lois turned back to the phone.

aWill you come to my apartment?a she said. aItas 24 Front Street, top floor. Itas urgent.a aIam waiting for English,a Leon said impatiently. aWhatas the trouble?a aI canat talk on the phone,a she returned. aYou must come at once.a aWell, all right,a Leon growled and hung up.

aShall I get Mr. Crail?a Lois asked, as she broke the connection.

English nodded.

aYes. Not that he can do anything.a While she was dialling Crailas home number, English began to pace slowly up and down.

aJulie couldnat have been mistaken,a he said savagely. aShe described Sherman. d.a.m.n Leon! He promised me he wouldnat let him out of his sight.a Lois spoke rapidly into the telephone mouthpiece, and then hung up.

aHeas coming,a she said, and went unsteadily to a chair and sat down. aYou shouldnat have left the gun, Nick.a aThe gun doesnat matter,a English said, continuing to pace up and down. aIt would ruin my case if I hid it. Iave got to stick to the truth, Lois, if Iam to beat this rap. Iave got to prove Sherman stole that gun.a aHow did Corrine know about Julie?a Lois asked.

English frowned.

aI donat know, unless . . .a He stopped to think. aYes! Thatas it! Of course! Roy was blackmailing Julie. He must have found out what was going on between Julie and Harry. He must have told Corrine.a aDonat you think itas more likely that Sherman told Corrine?a Lois said. aDonat you think theyare working together?a aWhat makes you say that?a English asked, staring at her.

aHow could Sherman know for certain that you would go to Harryas apartment?a Lois said. aHow could he be sure youad arrive when he was there unless the whole thing had been planned? Of course Corrine was in on this!a aI believe youare right,a English said. aIf we could get her to talk . . .! Iall tell Ed to pick her up as soon as he gets here. If we can make her talk weare halfway to proving Sherman did it.a aIall get her,a Lois said, jumping to her feet. aYou have to talk to Leon. Itall only waste time for him to go. Iall be back by the time you have finished talking to him.a aShe may not come,a English said uneasily.

aOh, yes, she will,a Lois said, her face hardening. aI promise you that.a She went quickly into her bedroom to change. She came out a few minutes later, struggling into a mackintosh. aDonat move from here, Nick,a she said. aI wonat be half an hour.a aI donat like you going.a English said. aItas raining like h.e.l.l.a Lois tried to smile.

aA little rain wonat hurt me. I wonat be long.a He reached out and took her hand.

aIam d.a.m.ned if I know what I should do without you,a he said.

She pulled her hand away and ran to the door, fighting back her tears.

aI wonat be long,a she repeated huskily, and went swiftly from the room.

II.

Roger Shermanas fingers hooked over the rungs of the ladder. Slowly he hauled himself up, paused to look up and down the deserted waterfront, and then climbed onto the jetty.

Moving quickly and silently, he squelched to a dark hut that stood at the sh.o.r.e end of the jetty, pushed open the door and entered a room half-full of empty crates and barrels. He dipped into one of the crates and pulled out an expanding suitcase he had left there the previous evening.

He stripped off his wet clothes and rubbed himself down with a towel. Then he took from the case a complete change of clothing, dressed quickly and packed his wet clothes in the case.

He left the hut, looked to the right and left, then dropped the case into the river. It sank with scarcely a ripple. Again he looked right and left, and satisfied he had the waterfront to himself, he walked quickly off the jetty, up an alley until he reached 27th Street.

He headed for the subway, and paused at the head of the steps leading to the ticket office as he heard the wail of a police siren. He watched two prowl cars tear by, heading for 5th Street, and he gave a slight nod of satisfaction. He got an uptown train and got off at 110th Street. He walked the length of the street before hailing a taxi.

aMason Street,a he said as he climbed in.

He sat in the corner of the taxi, chewing, his eyes thoughtful, every now and then glancing through the rear window to make sure no one was following him. He left the taxi at the corner of Mason Street and walked up Addison Street, turned left at Lawrence Boulevard, and, still keeping in the shadow, walked quickly toward Corrine Englishas bungalow.

He met no one. Rain beat down on him, soaking his mackintosh, and water dripped from his pulled-down hat brim and ran down his chin. He kept on, not appearing to notice the rain, his hands thrust deep into his pockets, his jaws moving steadily as he chewed.

A light showed in the front room of Corrineas bungalow. He pushed open the gate, walked up the path and paused in the shelter of the porch. He leaned forward, his face near the bay window and listened.

He heard nothing, but he remained listening at the window for more than five minutes. Still he heard nothing. He reached forward and pressed the bell push, grimacing as he heard the chimes on the other side of the door. He waited several minutes, frowning, then he pressed the bell push again.

A light sprang up in the lobby and the front door opened. Corrine stood before him, holding on to the door. Her spirit-ladened breath fanned his face.

aWho is it?a she said, peering at him as he stood in the darkness.

aHave you forgotten me so soon, Corrine?a he said softly.

He saw her stiffen, and her hand went to the door handle. He put his foot against the door to stop her slamming it in his face.

aWhat do you want?a she said sullenly.

His amber-coloured eyes searched her face.

aI was expecting you to call me, but you didnat. I think Iad better come in.a aI donat want you to come in,a she said, trying to close the door. aI donat want to see you anymore.a He moved forward, riding her back into the lobby.

aIam getting wet,a he said with deceptive mildness. aDid you see English?a She turned and went unsteadily into the sitting room. She lurched as she reached the fireplace. On the mantel was a bottle of brandy and a gla.s.s half-full of brandy.

He took off his wet coat and hat and dropped them on the floor of the lobby, then he turned and quietly pushed home the bolt on the front door. He walked into the sitting room, smiling.

aYou havenat answered my question. Did you see English?a aI saw him,a she said, and dropped onto the settee, holding the gla.s.s of brandy, slopping some of it as she sat down.

aYou donat sound very happy,a he said, awasnat our idea a success?a aIt was your idea, not mine,a Corrine said, aand it was a lousy idea. He didnat give a d.a.m.n.a Sherman went over to the cellarette, selected a brandy gla.s.s and came over to the fire. He half-filled the gla.s.s, sniffed at it, and c.o.c.ked his head on one side.

aThis isnat at all bad. Did Roy buy it?a She scowled up at him.

aI didnat tell you to help yourself,a she said belligerently. aWho do you think you are - coming here, drinking my brandy?a He laughed.

aDonat be ridiculous. Weare lovers, Corrine.a Her face darkened.

aWeare not! Thatas not going to happen again. I donat know what came over me. I donat want you here - you and your lousy ideas!a aIt was a very good idea,a Sherman said. He drank some of the brandy and put down the gla.s.s. aTell me what happened.a aIam not going to. It was horrible!a Corrine said, and began to cry. aI wish I hadnat done it. They - they laughed at me.a aWho laughed at you?a Sherman asked, his eyes intent.

aI donat know. They all laughed at me. They didnat believe it. He was so d.a.m.ned smooth about it. They could see I was drunk.a aWho are - they?a aThe people in the bar, of course.a Corrineas voice went shrill. aWho else do you think? One of them called me a drunken tart!a aYou told English they were lovers then?a Sherman asked, watching her.

aOf course I did! Thatas what you told me to do, and he didnat give a d.a.m.n. He said it wasnat my business nor his,a Corrine said, dabbing her eyes. He sent me home with some smooth punk from the club. Thatas how your lousy idea worked out.a Sherman nodded. He had learned what he wanted to know - that there had been witnesses to Corrineas outburst. He finished his brandy, and touched his thin lips with his handkerchief.

aYou might be interested to know,a he said, athat after you had left the club, English went to Vinceas apartment. He found Julie and Vince there in what is called a compromising situation. He shot Vince, and then Julie. The police are already on the scene, and I imagine English is under arrest by now for murder.a Corrine stared at him, her plump, baby face seemed to shrink, and her big blue eyes looked enormous.

aHe shot them?a she said huskily.

aThatas what he did,a Sherman said, taking out a package of chewing gum and stripping off the paper. aDo you think my idea is so lousy now?a aYou mean - he killed them?a Corrineas voice went up a note.

aYes, he killed them.a aI donat believe it!a aYou will when you see tomorrowas newspapers.a aHow do you know? You talk as if you were there!a aI wasnat far away,a Sherman said, smiling. aI more or less saw what happened.a aI didnat want them to be killed!a Corrine said, starting to her feet. aI - I only wanted to hurt him!a aYou have hurt him,a Sherman said. aYouave done more than that - youave ruined him. Possibly heall go to the chair.a aBut I donat want to ruin him!a Corrine wailed. aHe was kind to me. He a" he said I was a member of the family.a aHow touching!a Sherman said with a little sneer. aIn spite of the fact he calls you a member of the family, he didnat hesitate to steal twenty thousand dollars from you.a Corrine stared at him, her fists clenched.

aI donat believe Roy ever had all that money,a she said. aI was a fool to have listened to you. Youare responsible for this. It was your idea. You wanted to get even with him, and you used me to do it!a aWhat a clever girl youave suddenly become,a Sherman said, smiling. aSuppose that was so, what are you going to do about it?a aIam going to the police!a Corrine said. aIt was a wicked thing to have done. If I tell them, they might let him off.a aI donat think they will, and youall only look a bigger fool than you looked tonight,a Sherman returned, his jaws moving as he chewed. aDonat be stupid, Corrine. Thereas nothing you can do now except keep your mouth shut.a aWeall see about that!a Corrine said angrily. aIall talk to Lieutenant Morilli. Heall tell me what I should do.a Sherman lifted his shoulders.

aWell, I canat stop you, of course, if thatas what you want to do,a he said. aBut I think you had better keep clear of it.a aI canat keep clear of it!a Corrine snapped. aTheyall call me as a witness. Theyall ask all kinds of questions, and donat imagine youare going to keep out of it. Iall tell them it was your idea.a Sherman nodded as if he expected her to say that. He began to wander around the room, his hands in his pockets, his jaws moving, his eyes expressionless.

aYes, I suppose you will,a he said, pausing by the window. He reached out and took hold of a red silk curtain cord, hanging by a hook. His fingers absently tested its strength. aThis is an extraordinary thing,a he said, aIave been looking for a curtain cord like this for weeks. You wouldnat believe it, but I canat find this exact shade anywhere.a He took the cord off the hook and moved over to the lamp to examine it. aDo you happen to remember where you bought it?a aYouare not going to put me off like that!a Corrine snapped. aYouare trying to change the subject. Iam going to telephone Lieutenant Morilli right now!a aIam not trying to change the subject,a Sherman said mildly. The cord hung like a red snake in his fingers. aI do wish you could remember where you bought this.a aI donat remember,a Corrine said and picked up the telephone book. aPlease leave it alone. I donat like my things being messed about.a aWell, if you canat remember, you canat - a pity,a Sherman said, watching her, his eyes suddenly cold.

Corrine was bending over the telephone book she had placed on the table. Sherman moved so he was behind her. He arranged the cord into a loop. The sudden sound of chimes at the front door turned him into a motionless statue.

Corrine looked up, frowning. She saw Shermanas reflection in the mirror above the mantel. He was standing close beside her, his hands raised, the loop of the cord hovering above her head.

She knew at once what he was about to do, and she stumbled aside, keeping her back turned to him.

aIall answer it,a she managed to get out, and before he could stop her, she ran unsteadily to the door, opened it and went into the lobby. She tried to open the front door, her knees buckling under her. Then she saw the bolt had been pushed home and she jerked it back.

A tall, dark girl in a rain-soaked mackintosh stood on the step.

aMrs. English?a Corrine nodded. Her breath whistled through her open mouth and she was trembling so violently she could scarcely stand.

aIam Lois Marshall, Mr. Englishas secretary,a Lois said. aMay I come in?a aOh, yes,a Corrine gasped. aYes, come in.a Lois looked at her sharply as she stepped into the lobby.

aIs anything the matter? You look frightened.a aFrightened?a Corrine said huskily. aIam terrified. Thereas a man in there . . .a Sherman came to the sitting room door, a .38 Police Special in his hand. He pointed it at Lois, and smiled.

aCome in, Miss Marshall,a he said quietly. aUnexpected, but nevertheless welcome.a Corrineas hand fluttered to her face.

aI - I think he was going to strangle me,a she said, and slid to the floor in a faint.

III.

English lifted his hands.

aWell, there you are, thatas the setup. How do you like it?a Crail took out his handkerchief and wiped his sweating face.

aThis is bad, Nick,a he said in a hard, tight voice.

aA master of the understatement,a Leon said from his armchair. aThe man says itas bad. Brother, itas a lot worse than bad. The lidas blown right off.a English said curtly, aYou havenat been much help, Ed. I told you to watch that devil. I warned you head start something.a aTake it easy,a Leon said. aWe were watching him. I hired two of Blackas men, and theyare good. We havenat let him out of our sight since noon. There are only two exits to Crown Court, as you know. I had them both covered. I remained in your apartment, and every half-hour I went along to Shermanas apartment and listened outside the door. He was in there, playing his radio.a aBut he shot Julie and Harry!a aSure she didnat make a mistake?a aNo. She described him. It was Sherman all right.a aHe couldnat have left the building.a aIs he there now?a Crail put in.

aHe should be. When Miss Marshall called me I left Burt and Horwill watching the entrance and the rear exit. I guess heas there or theyall know about it.a English went over to the telephone, dialled Shermanas number and listened to the steady ringing. After a while he hung up.

aHe doesnat answer.a aThat doesnat prove he isnat there,a Leon said.

aThereas only one thing you can do,a Crail said. aCome down with me to headquarters and let us give the commissioner the whole story.a English smiled sarcastically.

aHow heall love it! How Rees will love it! How the mayor will love it! Do you think one of them will believe me? Not a chance in h.e.l.l!

aHeas right,a Leon said. aHe canat give himself up.a aBut heas got to give himself up!a Crail said violently. He turned to English. aYou can see that, canat you? Itas your only hope of beating this rap.a English shook his head.

aOnce they get me in their clutches, Sam, the rapas unbeatable. There are too many of them against me.a aNonsense!a Crail exploded. aIf you run away, youare signing your death warrant! Let me fight for you, Nick. I give you my word Iall put up a fight thatall make legal history.a aHe wonat be interested in legal nor any other history once heas in the chair,a Leon said. aYou keep out of this, Crail. All you lawyers think about is fighting in court. Weare going to fight outside court, then if we donat pull it off, you can take over.a aYes,a English said. aThatas how itas going to be.a aBut donat you see,a Crail said, pounding the table with his fist, aif you run now, you donat give me a weapon with which to fight.a aListen to that. Even in a situation like this,a Leon said sarcastically, athe man refuses to end his sentence with a preposition.a aShut up!a Crail shouted, his fat face furious. aI know what Iam talking about! Nick, youave got to listen to me. Come down with me to headquarters, and let me tell the story. Itas your only way out.a aIt isnat,a English said. aIf I can get my hands on Sherman Iall d.a.m.n well choke a confession out of him!a aThatas talking,a Leon said approvingly. aIall find him, you choke him.a Crail nearly tore his hair.

aDonat listen to this crazy man, Nick! You must take my advice. d.a.m.n it! Iam the best lawyer in the country, and Iam telling you you must not run away! Do you imagine Iad tell you to give yourself up unless I was convinced there was no other out for you?a English smiled.

aTake it easy, Sam. I know your advice is sound, but you re forgetting what Iam up against. Iave got too many enemies. Rees is only waiting for a chance to fix me, and Iave given it to him. With me in jail, the D.A. knows Beaumont will fold up. It canat be done. No matter how smart you are, you canat beat the combination. Itas too strong. Thereas only one way of beating this rap. Weave got to find Sherman, and weave got to crack him so heall come clean. There is no other way.a Crail started to say something, controlled himself and took a turn up and down the room. His face was pale, and his eyes feverish.

aI know what youare up against all right,a he said, aand I still say you must give yourself up. Leave the fighting to me. If you don t, youare a dead duck. All right, suppose you find Sherman, suppose you crack him, what good do you imagine that will do you? Once heas in the box heall deny everything youave made him admit, and then where will you be? Youave got to be the innocent man who has been framed. Youave got to start that way, and an innocent man doesnat run away. Leave it to me to make the jury believe you.a aItas not good enough,a English said. aSorry, Sam, but Iam going to drop out of sight. Ed and I are going to find Sherman, and weare going to fix him.a Crail stood looking at English for a long moment, then he lifted his fat shoulders.

aAll right, but donat forget Iave warned you. Iall do what I can when it comes to the trial, but youare tying my hands.a aIf youall lend me your hankie, Iall cry,a Leon said.

aIave warned you,a Crail went on, ignoring Leon. He picked up his hat and coat. aYou know where to find me, Nick, when you want me. Good luck to you.a English came over and shook hands.

aTake it easy, Sam. Iave handled my affairs all right up to now, and I think this is the way to play it.a aWeall see. For one thing, where are you going to hide? This townas like a hot stove already, and theyall take it to pieces as soon as they know youare ducked out of sight. Itas not as if youall go unrecognized. Nearly everyone in town knows what you look like.a aDonat worry about that,a English said quietly. aIall get along. See you in court, Sam.a When Crail had gone, English poured a little whisky into a gla.s.s and drank it. His face was hard and pale.

aHeas right, you know Ed,a he said, beginning to pace up and down. aIf we canat find Sherman, Iam sunk.a aWeall find him, and weall make him talk.a English glanced at the clock on the mantel.

aI wish Lois would hurry up,a he said, sitting down. aSheas been gone three quarters of an hour.a Leon stretched his long legs toward the fire.

aGone where?a To get Corrine. I didnat tell Sam because he would have started fussing about the legal end, but Corrine must have been working with Sherman. If I could talk to her, I might get her to admit it. She could be a big help in upsetting Sherman. Once weave got Sherman in the box, Corrineas evidence might unseat him.a aLetas hope Sherman hasnat thought of that angle,a Leon said lazily, reaching for a pack of cigarettes.

English stiffened and half sat up.

aWhat did you say?a Leon glanced up, surprised at the sharpness of Englishas tone.

aI said I hope Sherman doesnat realize Corrine could be used as a witness against him. Might be bad for her if he did.a English got to his feet. The look in his eyes brought Leon out of his chair.

aWhatas biting you?a Leon demanded.