He had undertaken to make the autopsy and had been absent, for this purpose, several hours.
Five o'clock had struck, and they were momentarily looking for his reappearance; but, when the door opened, as it did at this time, it was to admit young Cumberland, whose white face and shaking limbs betrayed his suspense and nervous anxiety.
He was welcomed coldly, but not impolitely, and sat down in very much the same place he had occupied during his last visit, but in a very different, and much more quiet state of mind.

To Sweetwater, his aspect was one of despair, but be made no remark upon it; only kept all his senses alert for the coming moment, of so much importance to them all.

But even he failed to guess how important, until the door opened again, and the coroner appeared, looking not so much depressed as stunned.

Picking out Arthur from the group, he advanced towards him with some commonplace remark; but desisted suddenly and turned upon the others instead.
"I have finished the autopsy," said he.

"I knew just what poison the phial had held, and lost no time in my tests.