could have spared you the pain and publicity of an inquest, but
of course it's quite unavoidable in the absence of a doctor's
certificate."

"Yes, I suppose so."

"Clever man, Bauerstein. Great authority on toxicology, I
believe."

"Indeed," said John with a certain stiffness in his manner. Then
he added rather hesitatingly: "Shall we have to appear as
witnesses--all of us, I mean?"

"You, of course--and ah--er--Mr.--er--Inglethorp."

A slight pause ensued before the lawyer went on in his soothing
manner:

"Any other evidence will be simply confirmatory, a mere matter of
form."

"I see."

A faint expression of relief swept over John's face. It puzzled
me, for I saw no occasion for it.

"If you know of nothing to the contrary," pursued Mr. Wells, "I
had thought of Friday. That will give us plenty of time for the
doctor's report. The post-mortem is to take place to-night, I
believe?"