"Yes," assented the coroner, "she was of a parsimonious disposition, and by some in this neighborhood was called very grasping and miserly."
"It seems to me the chief ought to know something about her affairs," remarked Stricket, in a musing tone; "for, if I remember rightly, he was employed by her years ago, when he was practicing law."
"You are right, Mr. Stricket," assented the coroner, "years ago he was her counsel, but only, as he informs me, on two or three occasions."
At that moment the chief and several other officials joined them. As they seemed very willing to talk, Old Spicer determined to be a listener, and very sparing of his own words.
[CHAPTER III.]
OLD SPICER BEGINS AN INVESTIGATION.
"What do you think of the case, Spicer?" asked the chief, carelessly.
"I have formed no decided opinion as yet," was the reply, "have you?"
"Well," rejoined the chief, "I am beginning to map out a theory."