frank manner about him that pleased me, but there was also a
something which repelled me.

I couldn't quite explain it to myself, but while he had an air of
extreme straightforwardness, there was also an indefinable effect
of reserve. I couldn't help feeling that if this man had
anything to conceal, he would be quite capable of doing so under
a mask of great outspokenness.

But, as it turned out, he had nothing either to conceal or
reveal, for he had been away from West Sedgwick since six o'clock
the night before, and knew nothing of the tragedy until he heard
of it by telephone at Mr. Crawford's New York office that morning
about half-past ten. This made him of no importance as a
witness, but Mr. Monroe asked him a few questions.

"You left here last evening, you say?"

"On the six o'clock train to New York, yes."

"For what purpose?"

"On business for Mr. Crawford."

"Did that business occupy you last evening?"

Mr. Hall looked surprised at this question, but answered quietly

"No; I was to attend to the business to-day. But I often go to
New York for several days at a time."