"And how long have you been in his employ?"
"About two months."
"You are then acquainted with his private affairs also?"
"Not at all, only those relating to his business."
"And what is this business you are always talking about?" inquired the coroner ironically. In his opinion rich men evidently had no need of occupation.
"He was director of the Darwin Bank," answered Orton, discomfited. "He also played on the market."
"A speculator, eh? Did he also play fast and loose in his domestic affairs?" continued the coroner with a shrewdness I should not have given him credit for.
For a moment Orton was puzzled, then a great light dawned upon him and he laughed feebly. "Yes, he was not on good terms with his wife, if that is what you mean. He was not what you would call a model husband."
"What an infernal idiot that fellow is," said the man beside me with a sneer, but I was too much concerned with what Orton would reveal to take any interest in side comments.
"You testified last night that you had heard the shot?" remarked the coroner, changing the subject abruptly. "Where were you at that particular time?"