"Richard Hobson," announced the coroner.
"At your service, sir," said the man, advancing with a cringing gait and fawning, apologetic smile.
"Mr. Hobson," said the coroner, after a few preliminaries, "I understand you were somewhat acquainted with the late Hugh Mainwaring."
"Well, yes, sir, somewhat," the other replied in soft, insinuating tones, but with peculiar emphasis on the word used by Dr. Westlake. "Indeed, I might say, without exaggeration, that I was probably better acquainted with that estimable gentleman than was any one in this country."
"When did you last see Mr. Mainwaring?"
"I have not seen him to speak with him for fully twenty-three years."
"You have corresponded with, him, however, in that time?"
The witness showed no surprise.
"We exchanged a few letters while I was in England. I have neither heard from him nor written to him since coming to this country."
"When did you last see him, regardless of whether you spoke to him or not?"