don't know, Janet dear," he said. "That is what the coroner will inquire into." I was thankful that my own business did not imperatively demand my presence at my office that day, and I concluded to stay where I was, at any rate, until the coroner arrived. [Pg 54] [Pg 54] I would doubtless be called as a witness, and, too, I trusted I could be of help to Janet. The girl puzzled while she fascinated me. She seemed so helpless and alone, and yet she showed a strange courage—almost bravado. George Lawrence, too, was reserved and self-contained, and I imagined they both inherited something of their dead uncle's strength of character. Doctor Masterson had telephoned for the coroner, who said he would come soon and bring an inspector. Then Laura persuaded Miss Pembroke to go with her across to our own apartment, and rest there for a time. This plan commended itself to Doctor Masterson, and he told Janet not to return until he sent for her. Doctor Post said he would return to his office, but would come up to the apartment again when called for. He contrived to have a short talk with me before leaving. "There's more to this than appears on the surface," he declared, with the air of imparting information of value. "This is a most cold-blooded murder, carefully planned and cleverly carried out. The criminal is no ordinary sneak thief or burglar." [Pg 55] [Pg 55] "That may be," I returned, "but if so, it is the coroner's place to discover and punish the murderer. Surely we can do nothing." "We ought to," urged Doctor Post; "we ought to examine the whole place carefully for clues." "I confess, Doctor Post," I returned, "that I should be glad to do so. My inclinations, like yours, are toward going to work at once. But we are not in authority, and Doctor Masterson is. It is only courteous to him and to Miss Pembroke to acquiesce in their wishes." So,
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