ll knew before."

A remark of this kind was not calculated to allay the slight inclination
to mirth which his former observation had raised; but the coroner
rapping with his gavel on the table at this moment, every other
consideration was lost in the natural curiosity which every one felt as
to who the next witness would be.

But the coroner had something to say before he called for further
testimony.

"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 yo