“How recently had this man Hobson extorted money from Mr. Mainwaring, and in what amount?”

“The last money sent him was about three years ago, a sum of five thousand dollars.  Hobson wrote a most insolent letter of acknowledgment, stating that, as this money would set him on his feet for a time, he would not write again immediately, but assuring Mr. Mainwaring that he would never be able to elude him, as the writer would keep posted regarding his whereabouts, and might, some time in the future, call upon him in person.”

“Can you describe this man’s appearance?”

“I cannot, having never met him.”

“Will you describe the stranger who is reported to have called in the afternoon.”

“He was tall, quite pale, with dark hair and moustache.  He was dressed in a tweed suit, somewhat travel-worn, and wore dark glasses.”

“Did he state his errand?”

“Only that he wished to see Mr. Mainwaring on business of special importance.  He at first seemed rather insistent, but, on learning that Mr. Mainwaring was out and that he would receive no business calls for a day or two, he readily consented to defer his interview until later.”

“Did he leave his name or address?”

“His card bore the name of J. Henry Carruthers, of London.  He gave his present address as the Arlington House.”

“You noticed nothing unusual in his appearance?”

“The only thing that struck me as rather peculiar was that Mr. Carruthers seemed well informed regarding events expected to take place here, while his name was wholly unfamiliar to Mr. Mainwaring.”

At this point a pencilled note was handed by the coroner to Mr. Whitney, who immediately summoned George Hardy and hastily despatched him on some errand.

“Mr. Scott,” resumed the coroner, “were you in Mr. Mainwaring’s private library at any time during last evening?”

“I was not.  I spent the entire evening in my own room.”

“When did you again see Mr. Mainwaring?”

“Not until after eleven o’clock.  I had come down for a smoke in the grounds outside and met Mr. Mainwaring in the lower hall on the way to his rooms.  He asked me to come to his library before retiring, as he wished to give some final directions for the next day.  About half an hour later I went to the library door, but hearing loud and angry talk within, I waited in the hall some fifteen or twenty minutes until I knew Mr. Mainwaring was alone.  I then entered, received his instructions, and went directly to my room for the night.”

“Were you able to recognize the voices or hear any of the conversation?”

“I was.  I recognized the voice of the housekeeper, Mrs. LaGrange; but feeling that I was hearing what was not intended for me, I walked back into the main hall and remained there until Mrs. LaGrange came out.”

“You saw her leave the library?”

“Yes, sir; I passed her in the corridor.”