As a matter of fact, every person in the court was staring at Lauriston,
and presently the Coroner addressed him.

"Do you wish to ask this witness any questions?" he enquired.

Lauriston rose to his feet.

"No!" he replied. "What he says is quite correct. That is, as regards
myself."

The Coroner hesitated a moment; then he motioned to Hollinshaw to leave
the box, and once more turned to Lauriston.

"We will have your evidence now," he said. "And--let me warn you that
there is no obligation on you to say anything which would seem to
incriminate you."



CHAPTER NINE


WHOSE WERE THOSE RINGS?

Paying no attention to another attempted murmur of advice from Melky, who
seemed to be on pins and needles, Lauriston at once jumped to his feet and
strode to the witness-box. The women in the public seats glanced at him
with admiring interest--such a fine-looking young fellow, whispered one
sentimental lady to another, to have set about a poor old gentleman like
Mr. Multenius! And everybody else, from the Coroner to the newspaper