Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-03-19

remark was practically addressed to him.
but not probable. The attitude in which
the body was found indicates that the
victim was awake and in full possession
of his faculties. Apparently he made no
resistance of any sort
(which seems to show said the coro-
ner, that his assailant was not a burglar
or tramp, for in that case he would surely
have risen and tried to put him out. the
fact that Mr.. Crawford was evidently
shot by a person standing in front of him.
seems to imply that that persons attitude
was friendly, and that the victim had no
suspicion of the danger that threatened
him.
and looked at the coroner in admiration.
until l suddenly remembered Parmalee's
hateful suspicion and wondered II Coro-
ner Monroe was preparing for an aattack
upon Miss Lloyd.
Gregory Hall was summoned next
He was self-possessed and even cool in
his demeanor. There was frank manner
about him that pleased me. but there was
also something which repealed me.
l couldn't quite explain 1t to myself hut
while he had an air of extreme straight
forwardness. there was also an indefinable
effect of reserve. i couldn't help feeling
that if this man had anything to conceal.
he would be quite capable of doing So
under a mask of great outspokenness
But. as it turned out. he had nothing
either to conceal or reveal. for he had
been away from West Sedgwick since 4
o'clock the night before. and knew moth
ing of the trasedy until he heard of it by
telephone at Mr.. Crawford's New York
office that morning about half-past 10
This made him of no Importance as wit
ness but Mr.. Monroe asked him a few
questions
You left here last evening, you say?'
ION the 6 o'clock train to New York,
yes
"On business for Mr. Crawford
did that business occupy you last even
ing?'
Mr.. Hall looked surprised at this ques-
ton. but answered. quietly:
NO: l was to attend to the business to-
day. But often go to New York for sew
eral days at a time,"
And where were you last evening"
pursued the coroner.
This time Mr. Hall looked more sur
prised still and said:
LAS it has no bearing on the matter in
hand. i prefer not to answer that rather
personal question"
Mr.. Monroe looked surprised in his turn
and said: Il think l must insist upon an
answer. Mr.. Hall, for it is quite necessary
that We learn the Whereabouts of every
member of this household last evening.
Il cannot agree with you. sir" said
Gregory Hall, coolly; my engagements
for last evening were entirely personal
matters. in no way connected with Mr.
Crawford S business. AS | was not In
West Sedgwick at the time my late en-
ployer met his death, l cannot see that
my private affairs need be called into
question:
quite so, quite So" put in Mr. Orville
but Lemuel Porter interrupted him.
Not at all SO. l agree with Mr.. Mon
roe, that Mr.. Hall should frankly tell us
where he spent last evening"
And / refuse to do So said Mr.. Hall
speaking not angrily, but with great deci-
sion.
Your refusal may tend to direct sus-
picion toward yourself, Mr.. Hail." said
the coroner.
Gregory Hall smiled slightly. CAS-
was out of town your suggestion sounds
little absurd. However, l take that
risk, and absolutely refuse to answer any
questions save those which relate to the
matter in hand"
Coroner Monroe looked rather helplessly
at his jurors, but as none Of them said
anything further, he turned again to
Gregory Hall.
1.-The telephone message you received
this morning. then, was the first knowl-
edge you had of Mr.. Crawford DEATH
1T was"
"And you came out here at once?"
YES on the first train 1 could CATCH"
Il am sorry you resent personal queS-
tons, Mr.. Hall. for l must ask you some.
Are you engaged to Mr. Crawford's niece,
MISS ILloSu.
Il am"
This answer was given in a low quiet
tone, apparently without emotion of any
kind, but Miss Lloyd showed a different
attitude. At the words of Gregory Hall
she blushed, dropped her eyes, fingered
her handkerchief nervously, and evinced
just such embarrassment as might be
expected from any young woman in the
event of a public mention of her betrothal
And yet l had not looked for such an ex-
hibition from Florence Lloyd. Her very
evident strength of character would seem
to preclude the actions of an inexperi-
enced debutante.
Did Mr.. Crawford approve of your en-
gagement to his niece?' pursued Mr. Mon
roe.
with all due respect, Mr. Coroner .
said Gregory Hall, in his subdued but firm
way. Il cannot think these questions are
relevant or pertinent. Unless you can as
sure me that they are, l prefer not to
reply
They are both relevant and pertinent
to the matter In hand, Mr.. Hall: but /
am now of the opinion that they would
better be asked of another witness. You
are excused. l now call Miss Florence
Lloyd"
mr. Al nrn "