Although the man seemed sure enough of his statements he was
evidently troubled in his mind. It might have been merely that
his French nature was more excitable than the stolid indifference
of the English butler. But at the same time I couldn't help
feeling that the man had not told all he knew. This was merely
surmise on my part, and I could not persuade myself that there
was enough ground for it to call it even an intuition. So I
concluded it best to ask no questions of the valet at present,
but to look into his case later.

Parmalee, however, seemed to have concluded differently. He
looked at Louis with an intent gaze as he said, "Had your master
said or done anything recently to make you think he was
despondent or troubled in any way?"

"No, sir," said the man; but the answer was not spontaneous, and
Louis's eyes rolled around with an expression of fear. I was
watching him closely myself, and I could not help seeing that
against his will his glance sought always Florence Lloyd, and
though he quickly averted it, he was unable to refrain from
furtive, fleeting looks in her direction.

"Do you know anything more of this matter than you have told us?"
inquired the coroner of the witness.

"No, sir," replied Louis, and this time he spoke as with more
certainty. "After Lambert and I came out of Mr. Crawford's
office, we did just exactly as Lambert has tell you."

"That's all, Louis . . . . But, Lambert, one other matter. Tell