Gretchen’s place was taken by Damason. His facial resemblance to his brother was marked, but whereas Fernando was thin and wiry, Damason was above medium height and thick-set. His testimony was brief and to the point. He corroborated Herman’s statement of having been aroused the night before by the butler and Gerald Armstrong.
“Mr. Armstrong got his car,” he went on to say. “And when he drove away I went back to bed.”
“Did you hear any one walking about the place, Damason?” questioned Penfield.
“No, sir.”
“That is all, thanks.” And at a sign from the coroner Damason rose and stepped toward the door with alacrity, then halted and turned back.
“I forgot, please, sir,” he said, with a low bow. “This note has just come for you, sir.”
Penfield tore off the envelope and read the few lines penned on the note paper. Turning he addressed the jury.
“This is a note from Mr. Gerald Armstrong,” he began. “In it Mr. Armstrong states that,” he replaced his eyeglasses and read aloud, “‘The news of Mr. John Meredith’s tragic death has proved a great shock. I have just learned that the inquest is called for three o’clock. Unfortunately I have an engagement which I am unable to break and cannot be present. As you probably have been told, I left Ten Acres just before midnight, therefore know nothing of the distressing event which transpired there after my departure, and my testimony would not aid your investigation.’”
Penfield laid down the note without comment. “Mayo,” he said, “kindly request Miss Lucille Hull to step here.”