"You are?"
"Yes, ma'am, and I assure you, in such cases, the law places unlimited authority in the hands of the coroner."
"It does?"
"Yes, ma'am, and he has ordered me to get Miss Minnie's testimony. I have also the authority of the late Mrs. Ernst's executor to back me. In short, I am employed by these two gentlemen."
"And who may you be, sir?"
"My name is Spicer—Mark Spicer," answered the detective with a polite bow. "It's just possible you may have heard of me before."
"Oh!" exclaimed Minnie Neustrom, eagerly. "Old Spicer! Of course, auntie, I shall tell him everything."
"Why, certainly, my dear," answered her aunt, "especially as it's the law."
Old Spicer smiled quietly, and turning to the young lady, said:
"You saw three strange men hovering round the premises until nearly midnight, I believe?"