As he spoke the door opened and the six men, led by the morgue master, filed into the room and took their places, and the low hum of conversation died away as the coroner, stepping to the platform, stated briefly the reason for the inquest, and summoned Dr. Hall, of the Emergency Hospital, to the witness chair. He was quickly sworn by the morgue master, and in response to the coroner's question, stated that he had reached the Whitney residence shortly after eight o'clock Wednesday morning in answer to a telephone call.
"Tell the jury what you found on your arrival," directed the coroner.
"I was shown upstairs by the butler, whose incoherent remarks led me to suppose that someone was ill in the elevator. On entering it I found Mr. Spencer, whom I knew slightly, lying there dead."
"Did you make a thorough examination?"
"Only enough to prove that life was extinct. The butler informed me that my services were needed by Miss Whitney, and I went at once to her."
"In what condition did you find her?"
"Hysterical. To quiet her, I finally administered an opiate, and sent for a trained nurse."
"Did you consider her case dangerous?"
"No, but she was completely unstrung; her nervous system had undergone a severe shock, and I feared for her mental condition if not given immediate relief and complete rest."
"Have you seen her today?"