On the contrary, harshness in the inquisitor, by arousing antagonism or fear, will frequently serve to carry the witness through a most desperate ordeal.

In this case, however, the woman showed neither fear nor resentment.

Evidently she had suffered so much as to have exhausted her capability for further suffering.

She submitted to the other's will like a tired child, dropping into a chair and eyeing him with a vacuous expression.
"I am Mrs.George Collins," she answered his question in a weak, listless voice.
Britz's gaze narrowed on her as if questioning her statement.

But the very haggardness of her features accentuated her incapacity for deceit.
Gradually the detective's eyes cleared with belief and his calloused nature yielded to an impulse of pity.
"I did not expect to find you here, Mrs.Collins," he said more gently.
"I can understand your suffering--I do not wish to add a hair's weight to it.