I simply wanted your confession before witnesses." He whipped the three written sheets from his pocket.

"Here, substantially, is that confession written out." He passed it to Carruthers.

"Read it to him, Carruthers." Carruthers read it aloud.
"Now," said Jimmie Dale grimly, "this spells ruin for you, Clayton.

You don't deserve a chance to escape prison bars, but I'm going to give you one, for you're going to get it pretty stiff, anyhow.

If you refuse to sign this, I'll hand you over to the district attorney in half an hour, and Carruthers and I will swear to your confession; on the other hand, if you sign it, Carruthers will not be able to print it until to-morrow morning, and that gives you something like fourteen hours to put distance between yourself and New York.