It discovered a multitude of contradictions which eluded the narrower vision of his subordinate.

Nevertheless he was compelled to concede that the aspect of the entire case had changed, that Mrs.
Collins now loomed as a figure not to be disregarded.
"I understand that policemen were sent to clear the corridor outside of Ward's office ?" inquired Britz.
"Yes," responded Manning.
"Well, send a man down there to call off the police.

Let him encourage the crowd to remain." The lines in Manning's forehead gathered in perplexity between his eyebrows.
"What are you going to do ?" he asked.
"I'm going to put Mrs.Collins to the test." The chief and Greig watched Britz in a sort of dumb bewilderment while he lifted the telephone receiver off the hook and called up the Collins house.

After five minutes of anxious waiting, a voice at the other end of the wire responded.
"Is Mrs.Collins at home ?" asked Britz.
"Who wishes to speak with her ?" "This is Mr.Luckstone's office," said the detective.

"Mr.
Luckstone--the attorney for Mr.Whitmore." Evidently a maid had answered the call, for a long silence ensued while the servant carried Britz's message to her mistress.