of the Hall, I thought there was no harm in it. He said it was
to poison a dog."

Inwardly I sympathized. It was only human nature to endeavour to
please "The Hall"--especially when it might result in custom
being transferred from Coot's to the local establishment.

"Is it not customary for anyone purchasing poison to sign a
book?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Inglethorp did so."

"Have you got the book here?"

"Yes, sir."

It was produced; and, with a few words of stern censure, the
Coroner dismissed the wretched Mr. Mace.

Then, amidst a breathless silence, Alfred Inglethorp was called.
Did he realize, I wondered, how closely the halter was being
drawn around his neck?

The Coroner went straight to the point.

"On Monday evening last, did you purchase strychnine for the
purpose of poisoning a dog?"

Inglethorp replied with perfect calmness: