9

THE MOUSE NIBBLES AT THE NET

The next day saw me at police headquarters begging an interview from the
inspector, with the intention of confiding to him a theory which must either
cost me his sympathy or open the way to a new inquiry, which I felt sure would
lead to Mr. Durand's complete exoneration.

I chose this gentleman for my confidant, from among all those with whom I had
been brought in contact by my position as witness in a case of this magnitude,
first, because he had been present at the most tragic moment of my life, and
secondly, because I was conscious of a sympathetic bond between us which would
insure me a kind hearing. However ridiculous my idea might appear to him, I was
assured that he would treat me with consideration and not visit whatever folly
I might be guilty of on the head of him for whom I risked my reputation for
good sense.