I am sorry to ask this much of you, but you see how I am placed." "Oh, that's all right," said the sheriff, good-naturedly; "I shall be very glad to do what you wish," and with that he once more disappeared.
The sheriff stayed away longer this time, and Stratton paced the room impatiently.

Finally, the official returned, and said-- "Mrs.Brenton has consented to see you.

Come this way, please.

You will excuse me, I know," continued the sheriff, as they walked along together, "but it is part of my duty to remain in the room while you are talking with Mrs.Brenton." "Certainly, certainly," said Stratton; "I understand that." "Very well; then, if I may make a suggestion, I would say this: you should be prepared to ask just what you want to know, and do it all as speedily as possible, for really Mrs.Brenton is in a condition of nervous exhaustion that renders it almost cruel to put her through any rigid cross-examination." "I understand that also," said Stratton; "but you must remember that she has a very much harder trial to undergo in the future.

I am exceedingly anxious to get at the truth of this thing, and so, if it seems to you that I am asking a lot of very unnecessary questions, I hope you will not interfere with me as long as Mrs.Brenton consents to answer." "I shall not interfere at all," said the sheriff; "I only wanted to caution you, for the lady may break down at any moment.