If, as the woman invited, he helped to “hush it up,” and Tammany learned the truth, it would make short work of him. It would say, for the murderer of Banf he had one law and for the rich brother-in-law, who had tried to kill the girl he deceived, another. But before he gave voice to his thoughts he recognized them as springing only from panic. They were of a part with the acts of men driven by sudden fear, and of which acts in their sane moments they would be incapable.
The shock of the woman’s words had unsettled his traditions. Not only was he condemning a man unheard, but a man who, though he might dislike him, he had for years, for his private virtues, trusted and admired. The panic passed and with a confident smile he shook his head.
The manner of the woman was equally calm, equally assured.
“I’d rather see my brother-in-law,” he answered
“Doctor Muir took him to his private hospital,” she said. “I loaned them my car because it’s a limousine. The address is on that card. But,” she added, “both your brother and Sammy--that’s Sam Muir, the doctor--asked you wouldn’t use the telephone; they’re afraid of a leak.”
Apparently Wharton did not hear her. As though it were “Exhibit A,” presented in evidence by the defense, he was studying the card she had given him. He stuck it in his pocket.
To restrain or dissuade him, the woman made no sudden move. In level tones she said:
“Your brother-in-law asked especially that you wouldn’t do that until you’d fixed it with the girl. Your face is too well known. He’s afraid some one might find out where he is--and for a day or two no one must know that.”
“This doctor knows it,” retorted Wharton.
The suggestion seemed to strike Mrs. Earle as humorous. For the first time she laughed. “Sammy!” she exclaimed. “He’s a lobbygow of mine. He’s worked for me for years. I could send him up the river if I liked. He knows it.” Her tone was convincing. “They both asked,” she continued evenly, “you should keep off until the girl is out of the country, and fixed.” Wharton frowned thoughtfully.
And, observing this, the eyes of the woman showed that, so far, toward the unfortunate incident the attitude of the district attorney was to her most gratifying. Wharton ceased frowning. “How fixed?” he asked. Mrs. Earle shrugged her shoulders.