That Mainwaring Affair

in subdued tones. One, younger than the others and evidently more familiar with the surroundings at Fair Oaks, stepped quickly in advance of the rest and extended his hand to Mr. Whitne

and afterwards introduced to Mr. Thornton as Mr. Merrick. Proceeding at once to the library, they were joined a moment later by Ralph Mainwaring and his son. The necessary introductions followed, and

roner, who was also a physician. They partially lifted the body and both examined the wound, the small man who had accompanied the coroner looking on silently. It was found that the bullet had entered just above the right eye and had passed through the brain in a slightly downward direction, coming out near

or not this belonged to the deceased?" inq

inwaring owned a revolver, but, having never seen it, am unable to answer

ecretary; "but I doubt whether I could identify it, as I never observed i

still there?" suggested the attorney.

ossing the room, he unlocked and opened the desk. An instant

ornton was heard to exclaim, "Suicide!

who shook his head emphatically, while the coroner o

waring, "in your opinion, how

ne hours," replied Dr. Hobart. "W

be my judg

th was instantaneous?"

ing consulted his watch. "It is now half after nine; in your judgm

that

ing last seen by any one in t

scertained thus far, at

eed! By whom

retary, and in the

importance; "the undertaker can now be summoned as I believe he is waiting below, and we seem to have ascertained all the facts poss

their departure, with the usual expressions of condolence and regret, followed a f

que coat and his eyes apparently riveted on the floor. Several times in the library he paused and, bending downward, seemed to be intently studying the carpet; then, after two or three t

with the valet. "Thus far nothing can be learned which throws much actual light on t

turning to Mr. Whitney in surpri

eason that in a case of this kind he usually prefe

his matter. You understand, of course, Mr. Whitney

rney, quietly; "he is one of the most trus

I suggest that we ascertain whether or not there has been

clined to think there has been any robbery. Without a knowledge of the combination, the safe could not

o had entered unobserved from the smoking-room; "unless I am greatly mistaken, the person

owards Mr. Merrick for an explanation, but a glance at his i

eir accustomed places. Everything appeared in perfect order; but as the attorney began a rapid examination of the interio

tney? anything missing?"

ace and holding in his hand an empty cash box; "there is absolutely nothing left but an old cheque

d: "Was there a large amount of money in the s

in the brilliant gems flashing in the sunlight, as he had see

ainwaring deposited a large sum there when he last came out from the city,

sible! incredible!" While Ralph Mainwaring exclaimed, "Why,

nstrated with Mr. Mainwaring, but to no purpose; for some

d him capable of such reckl

piece of imbecility I ever heard of! What is your opinion now,

y but firmly; "but my opinion of the matter is still unchanged. I regard the robbery a

beside yourself understood the combinatio

that all eyes had turned upon him at the inquiry

t was evident to all that their loss, for the time at least, had compl

ssing the detective. "There were single gems in that collection which co

ther the murder or the robbery, arrangements were made for the inquest to be held at three o'c

l clue to this case-something to throw light on the possible motive which prompted the murder of Hugh Mainwaring. I now wish to make a

rted. "The will? You

our own possession," said the

n, approvingly. "I wonder you had not

d it, was searching through the numerous receptacles containing Mr. Mainwaring's private papers. The silence around him became oppressive, and suddenly looking up, he encounte

ne; it is nowhe

ch," said the at