"But we must speak the truth, Fred!"
"Yes; it must be spoken—by us at least."
"Your fears may be groundless, Fred."
"I am afraid not."
"All we can do is to hope for the best."
"Not at all, Aunt Leth. What we have to do is to work for the best. Hoping never yet overcame a villainous plot. I must go now. There is much to do. I shall be here again in the evening."
CHAPTER X.
THE INQUEST.
The following report of the inquest appeared in the special editions of the evening papers on the following evening: