CHAPTER V.
IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES As the attorney, in response to the summons from Mr.Thornton, hastened from the corridor into the main hall, five gentlemen were slowly ascending the broad stairway, conversing together in subdued tones.

One, younger than the others and evidently more familiar with the surroundings at Fair Oaks, stepped quickly in advance of the rest and extended his hand to Mr.Whitney in silent greeting.
This was Dr.Hobart, Hugh Mainwaring's physician and one of his most intimate friends, although a number of years his junior.

Following him were Mr.Elliott and Mr.Chittenden, of the firm of Mainwaring & Co., while bringing up the rear were the coroner and a gentleman, somewhat below medium size and of modest appearance, whom the attorney greeted very cordially and afterwards introduced to Mr.
Thornton as Mr.Merrick.

Proceeding at once to the library, they were joined a moment later by Ralph Mainwaring and his son.

The necessary introductions followed, and Mr.Mainwaring having given the butler instructions to admit no one into the library, Mr.Whitney made a brief statement regarding the discovery of the murder, and all passed into the room in the tower.
Dr.Hobart at once bent over the prostrate form with genuine sorrow.
The millionaire broker had been one of his earliest patrons, and their acquaintance had soon ripened into a mutual attachment, notwithstanding the disparity in their ages.