"To him it is-and to me," she said. "But you know how he comes to be
there?"

"Yes. I was present at the inquest. By the way, they are to resume it
this week, I heard. The chemists have finished their analyses and are
ready to testify."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

"Yes. But, speaking of Harry - poor chap - it's terrible, of course, but
he may be able to clear himself."

"Clear himself, Captain Poland? What do you mean?" and indignant Viola
faced her caller.

"Oh, well, I mean - " He seemed in some confusion.

"I want to know something," went on Viola. "Did you bring it to the
attention of the coroner or the prosecutor that Harry Bartlett saw my
father just before-before his death, and quarreled with him? Did you
tell that, Captain Poland?"

Viola Carwell was like a stem accuser now.

"Did you?" she demanded again.

"I did," answered Captain Poland, not, however, without an effort. "I
felt that it was my duty to do so. I merely offered it as a suggestion,
however, to one of the prosecutor's detectives. I didn't think it would