Coroner Penfield rose and addressed the foreman.

"Have you viewed the body?" he inquired.

"Yes, doctor," and the man sat down.

Coroner Penfield then concisely stated the reason for the inquest
and summoned Officer O'Ryan to the witness stand. The policeman
stood, cap in hand, while being sworn by the morgue master, and
then took his place on the platform in the chair reserved for the
witnesses.

His answer to Coroner Penfield's questions relative to his name,
residence in Washington, and length of service in the city Police
Force were given with brevity and a rich Irish brogue.

"Where were you on Tuesday morning at about five o'clock?" asked
Penfield, first consulting some memoranda on his desk.

"On my way home," explained O'Ryan. My relief had just come."

"Does your beat take in the McIntyre residence? "

"It does, sir."

"Did you observe any one loitering in the vicinity of the residence
prior to five o'clock, Tuesday morning?"

"No, sir. It was only when the lady called to me that I was
attracted to the house."