something which could not often be said of Sweetwater.

Meantime, the coroner had collected his thoughts. With an apology for
the extremely personal nature of his inquiry, he asked Mr. Brotherson
if he would object to giving him some further details of his
acquaintanceship with Miss Challoner; where he first met her and under
what circumstances their friendship had developed.

"Not at all," was the ready reply. "I have nothing to conceal in the
matter. I only wish that her father were present that he might listen to
the recital of my acquaintanceship with his daughter. He might possibly
understand her better and regard with more leniency the presumption
into which I was led by my ignorance of the pride inherent in great
families."

"Your wish can very easily be gratified," returned the official,
pressing an electric button on his desk.

"Mr. Challoner is in the adjoining room." Then, as the door
communicating with the room he had mentioned swung ajar and stood
so, Dr. Heath added, without apparent consciousness of the dramatic
character of this episode, "You will not need to raise your voice beyond
its natural pitch. He can hear perfectly from where he sits."

"Thank you. I am glad to speak in his presence," came in undisturbed
self-possession from this not easily surprised witness. "I shall relate
the facts exactly as they occurred, adding nothing and concealing
nothing. If I mistook my position, or Miss Challoner's position, it
is not for me to apologise. I never hid my business from her, nor the
moderate extent of my fortune. If she knew me at all, she knew me for
what I am; a man of the people who glories in work and who has risen
by it to a position somewhat unique in this city. I feel no lack of
equality even with such a woman as Miss Challoner."

A most unnecessary preamble, no doubt, and of doubtful efficacy in
smoothing his way to a correct understanding with the deeply bereaved
father. But he looked so handsome as he thus asserted himself and made
so much of his inches and the noble poise of his head--though cold of
eye and always cold of manner--that those who saw, as well as heard him,
forgave this display of egotism in consideration of its honesty and the
dignity it imparted to his person.

"I first met Miss Challoner in the Berkshires," he began, after a moment
of quiet listening for any possible sound from the other room. "I had
been on the tramp, and had stopped at one of the great hotels for a
s