While awaiting the arrival of the Headquarters men, the coroner busied himself with a preliminary examination of the clerks.

The coroner was a small, fussy individual, smooth-shaven, with reddish-brown hair brushed back in pompadour fashion.

Because of his small stature and insignificant appearance he was compelled to adopt a brisk air of command, lest witnesses presume to trifle with his authority.
"Gentlemen, I am Coroner Hart," he announced, stepping into the outer office and addressing the assembled clerks.

"I shall immediately begin a preliminary inquest and you will all regard yourselves summoned as witnesses.

The policeman will permit no one to leave the room without my permission." The clerks, unfamiliar with the legal proceedings attached to a homicide case, exchanged puzzled glances.