Robert de Genneville's death ?' still persisted the coroner.
"'I am sorry to say I cannot,' replied the Earl of Brockelsby with firm decision.
"The coroner still looked puzzled and thoughtful.

It seemed at first as if he wished to press his point further; every one felt that some deep import had lain behind his examination of the witness, and all were on tenter-hooks as to what the next evidence might bring forth.

The Earl of Brockelsby had waited a minute or two, then, at a sign from the coroner, had left the witness-box in order to have a talk with his solicitor.
"At first he paid no attention to the depositions of the cashier and hall porter of the Castle Hotel, but gradually it seemed to strike him that curious statements were being made by these witnesses, and a frown of anxious wonder settled between his brows, whilst his young face lost some of its florid hue.
"Mr.Tremlett, the cashier at the hotel, had been holding the attention of the court.

He stated that the Hon.

Robert Ingram de Genneville had arrived at the hotel at eight o'clock on the morning of the 13th; he had the room which he usually occupied when he came to the 'Castle,' namely, No.