"Are you prepared to substantiate that accusation with proof ?" "I do not accuse anyone of murder and I have no proof," asserted Beard.
The coroner decided to try a new tack.
"Where did Mr.Whitmore spend the past six weeks ?" "I decline to tell," Beard answered firmly.
"On what ground do you refuse to answer ?" The secretary shifted uneasily from one position to another.

His eyes roved about the room, finally studying the ceiling as if trying to discover written thereon some means out of his dilemma.
"I decline to answer--on the ground that my reply might tend to incriminate or degrade me.

I'm sorry, but I must invoke my constitutional privilege." Had a tongue of flame shot from the witness's mouth it could not have produced greater amazement.

The coroner and the detectives regarded each other as if uncertain whether they had heard aright.

The changed attitude of the witness could only denote that he feared to involve himself.