"If we speak the truth, Fred, there is nothing to fear." "I am not so sure," said Fred, gloomily. "But we _must_ speak the truth, Fred!" "Yes; it must be spoken--by us at least." "Your fears may be groundless, Fred." "I am afraid not." "All we can do is to hope for the best." "Not at all, Aunt Leth. What we have to do is to work for the best. Hoping never yet overcame a villainous plot. I must go now. There is much to do. I shall be here again in the evening." CHAPTER X. THE INQUEST. The following report of the inquest appeared in the special editions of the evening papers on the following evening: "The inquest upon the body of the gentleman known as 'Miser' Farebrother, who was found dead in the grounds of Parksides, was held in Beddington this morning. "The coroner, addressing the jury, said that they were about to investigate what there was little reason to doubt was a foul murder. Certain witnesses were present whose evidence would enable them to decide under what circumstances death had taken place. He was informed that one witness was absent whose evidence might have an important bearing upon the inquiry, although it would not probably alter the verdict which would be given. Their first duty was to identify the body of the dead man. "This being done, the actual inquiry commenced. The first witness called was Mrs. Deborah Pamflett. Before she was examined, however, Mr. Frederick Cornwall, barrister, rose, and asked to be allowed to say a few words. "The Coroner: 'Have they any bearing upon this inquiry?' "Mr. Cornwall: 'A direct bearing. I appear here to watch the case on behalf of the only child of the murdered man, and I request permission to put some questions to the witnesses, if I consider it necessary to do so.' "The Coroner: 'I shall have no objection to pertinent questions being put to the witnesses, but it must be done through me.' "Mr. Cornwall: 'I thank you, sir. You have referred to the absence of a witness whose evidence would be likely to have an important bearing upon this inquiry. I assume that the witness referred to is the lady I represent. An unhappy circumstance prevents her attendance. I hand you a certificate, signed by two doctors, to the effect that Miss Farebrother is suffering from brain-fever, and that she is not in a fit state to be removed from the house in which she is lying, or to be examined either there or here. Were she well enough she would be present on this occasion, painful as it would be to her.' "The Coroner: 'In whose house is Miss Farebrother being nursed?' "Mr. Cornwall: 'In her aunt's house in Camden Town. You will find the exact address on the certificate.' "The certificate was handed in, and the examination of Mrs. Pamflett was proceeded with. "'Your name is Deborah Pamflett?'--'Yes.' "'You are a widow?'--'Yes.' "'In the service of the deceased?'--'Yes.' "'In what capacity?'--'As his house-keeper.' "'How long have you been so employed?'--'Eighteen years.'