the complications of this matter were not to be solved by the
simple questions of the coroner. But of course this preliminary
examination was necessary, and it was from this that I must learn
the main story, and endeavor to find out the secrets afterward.

"What was your uncle's response when you refused to break your
engagement to Mr. Hall?" was the next inquiry.

Again Miss Lloyd was silent for a moment, while she directed her
gaze successively at several individuals. This time she favored
Mr. Randolph, who was Mr. Crawford's lawyer, and Philip Crawford,
the dead man's brother. After looking in turn at these two, and
glancing for a moment at Philip Crawford's son, who sat by his
side, she said, in a lower voice than she had before used

"He said he would change his will, and leave none of his fortune
to me."

"His will, then, has been made in your favor?"

"Yes; he has always told me I was to be sole heiress to his
estate, except for some comparatively small bequests."

"Did he ever threaten this proceeding before?"

"He had hinted it, but not so definitely."

"Did Mr. Hall know of Mr. Crawford's objection to his suit?"

"He did."