And it was unlikely that Luckstone would have revealed as much as he did unless he were absolutely sure of his ground.

Miss Burden and the chauffeur were witnesses whose testimony it would be impossible to shake.
To the coroner it looked as if all four of those before him had absolved themselves from participation in the crime.

In fact it would require only the formal testimony of the witnesses named by Luckstone to insure their acquittal.
"You say that Mr.Whitmore returned from a business trip ?" asked Britz.
"Yes," answered Luckstone.
"That is untrue." The detective's jaw snapped viciously.
"What do you mean ?" An angry flush suffused the lawyer's cheeks.
"I know precisely where Mr.Whitmore spent his time." As if to avoid further controversy, Britz nodded to Greig and the latter left the room.

He returned after a moment accompanied by a man who, for some reason, was trying desperately to hide behind the detective's broad back.

Evidently he had no relish for the role which he was to play in this tense drama.
"Travis, step forward!" commanded Britz.
The newcomer stepped into the center of the room, a timorous, shrinking figure, pale and haggard.