The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-12
Continued.l
 CHAPTER XL fH C2a

'1 Decline to Say"
 Schuyler Carleton was questioned next When MT. Benson asked him to tell his story, he hesitated and finally said that he would prefer to have the coroner ask direct questions, (which he would answer.
 ssDid you go away from this house with the other guests at about ten io'clock last evening""
 "No, I was not here at dinner. I fafternoon."
 where did you go7"
 sT went directly home and remain ked there until late in the evening" sMr. Fessenden was with your"
 ssHe was with us at dinner. He is kstaying at my house, as he was in tvitsd to be best man at the wedding" Though this statement came calm hy from Carleton's lips. it was evil Aent to all that he fully appreciated hkhe tragic picture it suggested. '.He was with you through the svening7"
 1 "Part of the time. He went early ito his room, saying he had some busi- hess to attend to-" 1 'swhy were you two not here to kdinner with Miss Van Norman?"
 Fessenden looked up, surprised at sthis question. Surely MT. Benson had tgathered odd bits of information since smorning.
 Schuyler Carleton looked stern. "I did not come because I did not twish to. Mr. Fessenden remained with me, saying he did not care to httend the dinner unless I did,"
 Carleton looked casually at Fessen- .den as he said this, and though there twas no question in the glance, Rob nodded his head in corroboration of 9he witness.
 ~You spent the entire evening at home, then?"
 "Yes, until a late hour.
 -And then?"
 .aI returned here between eleven and twelve o'clock"
 ITO make a call?"
 @No, came upon an errand."
 ~What was the errand?"
 "As it has no bearing upon the case, I think it is my privilege tc decline to answer"
 sYou entered the house with 8 ,atch-key?"
 q did"
 els that latch-key your own prop erty?"
 For the time, yes. Mrs. Markha n, gave it to me few days ago, for my convenience, because I have occasion to come to the house so frequently ''
 swas it your intention when you went away in the afternoon to return later?"
 'It was"
 Upon this secret errand?"
 .sYes"
 Did you expect to see Miss vail s<lorman when you entered the house with the latch-key?"
 'T did not"
 And when you entered you discov. cred the tragedy in the library?"
 Schuyler Carleton hesitated. His .iary lips quivered and his whole frame shook with intense emotion. "Y-yes, " nhe stammered.
 But the mere fact of that hesita. stion instantly kindled spark of sus- rpicion in the minds of some of his thearers. Until that moment Carle- Aon's excessive agitation had been at. ltributed entirely to his grief at the lawful fate which had come to his fancee; but now, all at once, the ,man's demeanor gave an impression of something else.
 Could it be guiltf
 Fessenden looked at his friend 1uriously. In his mind, however, nc slightest suspicion was aroused, but ton was keeping back. Surely the man must know that to make any mystery about his call at the Var Norman mansion the night before was to invite immediate and justif able suspicion.
 The court had instructed the dis trict attorney to be present at the inquest, and though that unobtrusivt gentleman had taken notes, and oth erwise' shown quiet interest in tht proceedings he now awakened to more alert manner, and leaned for ward to get better look at tn, white, set face of the witness.
 Carleton looked like a marbl, Image. His refined, patrician fea lures seemed even handsomer foI their haggard agony. Surely he wa in no way responsible for the awful deed that had been done, and ye just as surely he was possessed O. some awful secret feat which kep every nerve strained and tense.
 Endeavoring not to exhibit the sur prise and dismay which he felt, Cor oner Benson continued his questions
 And then, when you discoveret Miss Van Norman, what did you do :?
 Carleton passed his hand across hi