The landlord, stable boy and several hangers-on of the Luray Hotel were called to the stand; their testimony was practically identical, and I did not attempt to question its truth.
"What time did Radnor Gaylord come back to the hotel ?" the coroner asked of "old man Tompkins," the landlord.
"I reckon it must 'a' been 'long about three in the afternoon." "Please describe exactly what occurred." "Well, we was sittin' on the veranda talkin' about one thing and another when we see young Gaylord comin' across the lot, his head down and his hands in his pockets walkin' fast.

He yelled to Jake, who was washin' off a buggy at the pump, to saddle his horse and be quick about it.

Then he come up the steps and into the bar-room and called for brandy.

He drunk two glasses straight off without blinkin'." "Had he ordered anything to drink in the morning when they left their horses ?" the coroner interrupted at this point.
"No, he didn't go into the bar-room--and it wasn't usually his custom to slight us either." A titter ran around the room and the coroner rapped for order.

"This is not the place for any cheap witticisms; you will kindly confine yourself to answering my questions .-- Did Mr.Gaylord appear to have been drinking when he returned from the cave ?" The landlord closed his right eye speculatively.