The Coroner: "You compel me to do what will be disagreeable to you." (To a Constable.) "Officer----" Mr. Finnis, Q.C.: "One moment, I beg." (To Lady Wharton.) "Please observe the Coroner's directions. At present you can be heard only through me." (Lady Wharton, who was accompanied by her brother, Lord Fairfax, resumed her seat in great agitation.) Mr. Finnis: "It is a point of vital importance, and I ask the witness--upon whom neither Lady Wharton nor I cast any imputation--whether he positively swears that the body is that of Mr. Samuel Boyd?" The Coroner (to the witness): "Do not reply to any question except those put to you by me or the jury." Mr. Finnis: "You will understand, Mr. Coroner, when Lady Wharton is examined, why the statement of the witness appears to her incredible. Our desire is to prevent a miscarriage of justice." The Coroner: "It is the desire of all of us." A Juror: "There can be no harm in asking the question again. With your permission, Mr. Coroner, I will put it. Inspector Robson, do you positively swear that the body you saw is that of Mr. Samuel Boyd?" Inspector Robson: "So far as a human being can be positive, I swear it." "And that you formed the idea that he had been dead several days?" "That is certainly my impression." The Coroner (after listening to a whispered communication from the juror): "It has been suggested to me to ask whether you have any personal interest in the death of Mr. Samuel Boyd?" Inspector Robson (with warmth): "I do not understand you." The Coroner: "We are aware, Inspector Robson, of the high character you bear, and of the deserved estimation in which you are held. It is probable that in the course of this inquiry questions may be asked which may not seem to have any direct bearing upon the investigation, but which may eventually lead to issues of more or less importance." Inspector Robson: "I am giving my evidence as inspector of police." The Coroner: "Not entirely. You are a witness in this case, and are here both as an official and a private citizen. If you have an objection to answer the question I will not press it; but I would point out to you that your refusal may leave an unfavourable impression on the minds of the jury." Inspector Robson (after a pause): "Will you put the question in more direct terms, Mr. Coroner? I would prefer my private affairs not being imported into this case, but I should be sorry to lay myself open to misconstruction." The Coroner: "In plainer terms, then, is there any relationship between you and the deceased?" Inspector Robson: "He is my son-in-law's father." The Coroner: "You were, of course, aware of this when Mrs. Abel Death reported the disappearance of her husband?" Inspector Robson: "No, Mr. Coroner, I was not aware of it." The Coroner: "Was the marriage between your daughter and Mr. Reginald Boyd quite recent?" Inspector Robson (with evident reluctance): "No, they have been married two months."