"Gentlemen, I leave you to judge of the importance of this testimony. Mr. Stone is a well-known man of unquestionable integrity, but perhaps Mr. Van Burnam can explain how he came to visit his father's house at four o'clock in the morning on that memorable night, when according to his latest testimony he left his wife there at twelve. We will give him the opportunity."
"There is no use," began the young man from the place where he sat. But gathering courage even while speaking, he came rapidly forward, and facing Coroner and jury once more, said with a false kind of energy that imposed upon no one:
"I can explain this fact, but I doubt if you will accept my explanation. I was at my father's house at that hour, but not in it. My restlessness drove me back to my wife, but not finding the keys in my pocket, I came down the stoop again and went away."
"Ah, I see now why you prevaricated this morning in regard to the time when you missed those keys."
"I know that my testimony is full of contradictions."
"You feared to have it known that you were on the stoop of your father's house for the second time that night?"
"Naturally, in face of the suspicion I perceived everywhere about me."
"And this time you did not go in?"
"No."
"Nor ring the bell?"