"
It was a silent meal, and when it was over, Godfrey led the way into
his study.
"Now," he began, when we were seated, "where was Miss Vaughan at the
moment you sprang through the door?"
"She was lying on the floor by the table, in front of her father's
chair," Swain replied.
"You are sure of that?"
"Yes; I didn't see her until I ran around the table."
"I was hoping," said Godfrey, "that she had fainted with her arms
clasped about her father's neck, and that, in freeing them, you made
those marks on his robe."
But Swain shook his head.
"No," he said; "I'm positive I didn't touch him."
"Then how did the marks get there?"
"I don't know," said Swain helplessly.
"Now, see here, Swain," said Godfrey, a little sternly, "there is only
one way in which those finger-prints could have got on that garment,
and that is from your fingers. If you didn't put them there
consciously, you must have done so unconsciously. If they aren't
explained in some way, the jury will very probably hold you
responsible for the crime."
"I understand that," Swain answered thickly; "but how can they be
explained? I don't see why I should put my hands on Mr.
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