Doctor Taylor, the coroner, and Conklin, the sheriff. The latter
instantly set about clearing the room.

Gilmore and the colonel remained with the officials and during the
succeeding ten minutes the gambler, who had kept his post at the door,
opened, it to Moxlow, young Watt Harbison and two policemen.

As the coroner finished his examination of the body, the sound of wheels
was heard in the Square and an undertaker's wagon drew up to the door.
The murdered man was placed on a stretcher and covered with a black
cloth, then four men raised the stretcher and for the last time the old
merchant passed out under his creaking sign into the night.

"I've agreed to watch at the house, Andy," said Colonel Harbison. "I
want you and Watt to come with me."

The gambler lighted a fresh cigar and the three men left the store.

On the Square groups of men discussed the murder. Though none was
permitted to enter the store, the windows afforded occasional glimpses
of the little group of officials within, until a policeman closed and
fastened the heavy wooden shutters. Then the crowd slowly and
reluctantly dispersed.

Meanwhile the town marshal, under cover of the excitement, had descended
on the gas house where tramps congregated of winter nights for warmth
and shelter. Here he found shivering over a can of beer, two homeless
wretches, whom he arrested as suspicious characters. After this,
official activity languished, for the official mind could think of
nothing more to do.