“He will be here directly, Colonel; at present he is with the doctor and coroner in the southwest chamber. You had better sit down, sir,” glancing with commiseration at Thornton’s haggard face; but the Colonel continued his nervous pacing to and fro.
“Jove!” he muttered. “This affair has given me a devilish shock.” He paused before a small wall cabinet, and, selecting a key on his ring bunch, he opened the door and took out a decanter.
“Will you join me?” he asked, placing it on the table with several tumblers.
“No, thanks, Colonel.” Douglas heard the glass click faintly against the mouth of the decanter as the Colonel poured out a liberal portion, which he drank neat. He was just replacing the decanter in the wall cabinet when Brett, followed by the coroner, walked into the room.
“If you have no objection, Colonel Thornton, we will hold an informal investigation here,” said Dr. Penfield, courteously.
“Not at all, sir, not at all,” exclaimed Thornton heartily. “I am most anxious to have this terrible affair cleared up as soon as possible. Simply state your wishes and they will be carried out to the best of my ability.”
“Thanks.” The coroner seated himself at the mahogany table standing in the center of the room and drew out his notebook and fountain pen, while Brett established himself on the opposite side.
“Shall I retire?” inquired the Colonel.
“I think it would be best,” replied Dr. Penfield gravely. “I prefer to examine the members of the household separately. No offense is intended.”
“And none is taken.” Thornton smiled wearily. “You forget I’m a lawyer, Doctor, and understand your position. If you wish to see me I will be in my room.”