"Gentlemen," he remarked, in a clear and commanding tone that at once secured attention and awakened interest, "we have spent the morning in examining the persons who live in this street, with a view to ascertaining, if possible, who was in conversation with Mrs. Clemmens at the time the tramp went up to her door." Was it a coincidence, or was there something in the words themselves that called forth the stir that at this moment took place among the people assembled directly before Mr. Byrd? It was of the slightest character, and was merely momentary in its duration; nevertheless, it attracted his attention, especially as it seemed to have its origin in a portion of the room shut off from his observation by the corner of the wall already alluded to. The coroner proceeded without pause. "The result, as you know, has not been satisfactory. No one seems to be able to tell us who it was that visited Mrs. Clemmens on that day. I now propose to open another examination of a totally different character, which I hope may be more conclusive in its results. Miss Firman, are you prepared to give your testimony?" Immediately a tall, gaunt, but pleasant-faced woman arose from the dim recesses of the parlor. She was dressed with decency, if not taste, and took her stand before the jury with a lady-like yet perfectly assured air that promised well for the correctness and discretion of her answers. The coroner at once addressed her. "Your full name, madam?" "Emily Letitia Firman, sir." "Emily!" ejaculated Mr. Byrd, to himself, with a throb of sudden interest. "That is the name of the murdered woman's correspondent." "Your birthplace," pursued the coroner, "and the place of your present residence?" "I was born in Danbury, Connecticut," was the reply, "and I am living in Utica, where I support my aged mother by dress-making." "How are you related to Mrs. Clemmens, the lady who was found murdered here two days ago?" "I am her second cousin; her grandmother and my mother were sisters." "Upon what terms have you always lived, and what can you tell us of her other relatives and connections?" "We have always been friends, and I can tell you all that is generally known of the two or three remaining persons of her blood and kindred. They are, first, my mother and myself, who, as I have before said, live in Utica, where I am connected with the dress-making establishment of Madame Trebelle; and, secondly, a nephew of hers, the son of a favorite brother, whom she has always supported, and to whom she has frequently avowed her intention of leaving her accumulated savings." "The name of this gentleman and his place of residence?" "His name is Mansell--Craik Mansell--and he lives in Buffalo, where he has a situation of some trust in the large paper manufactory of Harrison, Goodman, & Chamberlin." Buffalo! Mr. Byrd gave an involuntary start, and became, if possible, doubly attentive. The coroner's questions went on. "Do you know this young man?"