“Foul play? Why, he was killed with a life-preserver.”

The doctor tapped with his fingers on his hat, as if he was beating a funeral march. Then, quickly:

“No, sir; the more I study this case, the more I feel convinced that he was not.”


Chapter Fourteen.

A Clever Diplomatist.

“Doctor Heston, you surprise me. There was the inquest.”

“Yes, where my opinion, sir, was overruled by the coroner and my colleague, both elderly medical men, sir, while I am young and comparatively inexperienced. You are disposed to think that this is a case of professional jealousy.”

“I will be frank with you. I did think so.”