In parlors, in banks, in groceries and liquor-shops, in lawyers' rooms and insurance offices, the murder was the chief topic of conversation for a day.

Then came the report of the inquest.
There was no clew to the murderers.

The eager, thirsty-eyed crowd of men, and women, and children, crushing and hanging about the shop, gradually loosened their gaze.

The jury returned that the deceased Abel Newt came to his death by the hands of some person or persons unknown.

The shop was closed, officers were left in charge, and the body was borne away.
General Belch was in his office reading the morning paper when Mr.
William Condor entered.