lowly and uncertainly. At that moment he
felt that the occupation of a detective was the most detestable in the
world.

"You--you know something?" she gasped. "Oh, Uncle Adam, what is it?"

CHAPTER XI

AT THE CORONER'S INQUEST

Sidham was in a state of keen excitement. No such mystery as the
double tragedy had occurred in that neighborhood before, and all of the
inhabitants were anxious to hear the latest news and learn what the
coroner and the police were going to do. A hundred theories were
afloat, all centering on the one object--to find the murderer.

"Find him or her, and swing him or her to the nearest tree," was the
verdict of many. "The law is all well enough, but this dastardly crime
demands an object lesson."

Coroner Jack Busby, who was a dealer in horses, had never had a murder
case before, and was uncertain as to the method of procedure. But with
the eyes of the whole community on him he realized his importance, as
he ran hither and thither, to arrange for the inquest. He felt that
his own little office was altogether too small for the occasion and so
arranged to bring off the affair in the general courtroom.

The place was soon crowded with people, and another crowd gathered
outside. The hour for opening the inquest was at hand and the majority
of the witnesses were present. The coroner, short, fat and
bald-headed, looked around anxiously and then turned to the chief of
police, who was near at hand.

"I don't see Miss Langmore."

"Neither do I," answered the guardian of the law, with a shrug of his
shoulders, as if it was none of his especial business,

"Yes, but--ahem! you are--ahem! responsible--"

"She'll be here, coroner, don't worry."

"You have had her properly guarded?"

"Yes. I reckon she's coming now," and the chief of police nodded
towards a side door of the courtroom.

There was a slight commotion, and Margaret entered, escorted by Raymond
Case, and followed by one of the women and the policeman who had been
on guard at the Langmore mansion. The crowd arose to gaze at the girl
and to pass various comments.

"Mighty pale, ain't she?"

"Wouldn't think a girl like that could do such an awful thing!"

"Humph! you can't tell about these high-toned folks. They'd do
anything. Didn't one of them millionaires run over two of my hens with
his automobile an' never stop to settle the damage? Don't tell me!"

"Yes, and she detested her step-mother--the hired girl to