"No, sir," the latter replied, with a bow and a sidelong look at
the red-cheeked girl at his side. "You asked me who were in the house
at the time the murder was discovered, and I told you."

"Oh," cried the coroner, satirically; "used to police courts, I
see." Then, turning back to the cook, who had all this while been
rolling her eyes in a vague fright about the room, inquired, "And
where is this Hannah?"

"Shure, sir, she's gone."

"How long since?"

The cook caught her breath hysterically. "Since last night."

"What time last night?"

"Troth, sir, and I don't know. I don't know anything about it."

"Was she dismissed?"

"Not as I knows on; her clothes is here."

"Oh, her clothes are here. At what hour did you miss her?"

"I didn't miss her. She was here last night, and she isn't here
this morning, and so I says she 's gone."

"Humph!" cried the coroner, casting a slow glance down the room,