“It is possible,” said the doctor, as the remark was practically addressed to him, “but not probable. The attitude in which the body was found indicates that the victim was awake, and in full possession of his faculties. Apparently he made no resistance of any sort.” “Which seems to show,” said the coroner, “that his assailant was not a burglar or tramp, for in that case he would surely have risen and tried to put him out. The fact that Mr. Crawford was evidently shot by a person standing in front of him, seems to imply that that person's attitude was friendly, and that the victim had no suspicion of the danger that threatened him.” This was clear and logical reasoning, and I looked at the coroner in admiration, until I suddenly remembered Parmalee's hateful suspicion and wondered if Coroner Monroe was preparing for an attack upon Miss Lloyd. Gregory Hall was summoned next. He was self-possessed and even cool in his demeanor. There was a frank manner about him that pleased me, but there was also a something which repelled me. I couldn't quite explain it to myself, but while he had an air of extreme straightforwardness, there was also an indefinable effect of reserve. I couldn't help feeling that if this man had anything to conceal, he would be quite capable of doing so under a mask of great outspokenness. But, as it turned out, he had nothing either to conceal or reveal, for he had been away from West Sedgwick since six o'clock the night before, and knew nothing of the tragedy until he heard of it by telephone at Mr. Crawford's New York office that morning about half-past ten. This made him of no importance as a witness, but Mr. Monroe asked him a few questions. “You left here last evening, you say?” “On the six o'clock train to New York, yes.” “For what purpose?” “On business for Mr. Crawford.” “Did that business occupy you last evening?” Mr. Hall looked surprised at this question, but answered quietly “No; I was to attend to the business to-day. But I often go to New York for several days at a time.” “And where were you last evening?” pursued the coroner. This time Mr. Hall looked more surprised still, and said “As it has no bearing on the matter in hand, I prefer not to answer that rather personal question.” Mr. Monroe looked surprised in his turn, and said: “I think I must insist upon an answer, Mr. Hall, for it is quite necessary that we learn the whereabouts of every member of this household last evening.” “I cannot agree with you, sir,” said Gregory Hall, coolly; “my engagements for last evening were entirely personal matters, in no way connected with Mr. Crawford's business. As I was not in West Sedgwick at the time my late employer met his death, I cannot see that my private affairs need be called into question.” “Quite so, quite so,” put in Mr. Orville; but Lemuel Porter interrupted him. “Not at all so. I agree with Mr. Monroe, that Mr. Hall should frankly tell us where he spent last evening.”