with set lips and drawn face; this was but the beginning of the ordeal
through which he must pass! Then slowly he resumed his hat and overcoat.

The prosecuting attorney's office was on the second floor of the
court-house, at the back of the building, and its windows overlooked the
court-house yard.

On the steps and in the long corridors, men stood about, discussing the
murder. Langham pushed his way resolutely through these groups and
mounted the stairs. Moxlow's door was locked, as he found when he tried
to open it, but in response to his knock a bolt was drawn and a
policeman swung open the door, closing it the instant Marshall had
entered.

Langham glanced around. Doctor Taylor--the coroner--was seated before
the desk; aside from this official Colonel Harbison, Andy Gilmore,
Shrimplin, Moxlow, Mr. Allison, the mayor, Conklin, the sheriff, and two
policemen were present.

"Thank you, that is all, Mr. Gilmore," the coroner had said as Langham
entered the room.

He turned and motioned one of the policemen to place a chair for the
prosecuting attorney beside his own at the desk.

"As you know, Mr. Moxlow," the coroner began, "these gentlemen, Mr.
Shrimplin, Colonel Harbison and Mr. Gilmore, were the first to view the
murdered man. Later I was summoned, and with the sheriff spent the
greater part of the night in making an examination of the building. We
found no clue. The murderer had gone without leaving any trace of his