Then she must have been endeavouring to deceive him; as deeply interested as these others--in getting him safely off the trail of this crime.

It was a hard lesson, one that instantly turned all his theories upside down, but the truth came to him with blinding, sickening force--she was as guilty as Hobart; they were both working to the same end, endeavouring to get him safely out of the way.

They would accomplish this with lies if possible, if not then with force.

It was for no other purpose he had been granted this interview alone--in the hope that he might thus be deceived by her.

Now he saw through the trick.
These thoughts swept West's brain in a sudden flash of revelation, but he had no chance to act; to denounce her, to make a single movement, before the door opened swiftly, and Hobart slipped eagerly into the room.