Ferris felt the freezing taciturnity of the detective on the short walk, and even more the greeting of the gloomy circle.
Bowing to Stillwell, the defeated schemer said, "Before we begin, I wish a word with you in private." "There is to be no privacy here, sir," coldly replied the lawyer, "save the actions of the police.

We are all equally interested in discovering poor Clayton's murderer.
"As you branded him as a thief, you can, at least, let us all hear your whole statement now.

We have stenographers, a notary, and you can send for a lawyer if you wish counsel." "I'll not delay you a single moment," resentfully said Ferris, springing to a writing table.

He handed a few lines to the astonished attorney, and said, in a ringing voice, "Read that aloud! Let the secretary give me a written acknowledgment.

Then, swear me, and I will make a voluntary statement." There was a general murmur of surprise as Stillwell read the unconditional resignation of Arthur Ferris as vice-president, director, and special counsel of the Western Trading Company.
In the awkward pause which followed, Ferris remarked boldly: "I intended to ask for an indefinite leave on account of breaking health.