Evening star., 1926-09-05
BY
J. PHILLIPS OPPE,NHEIIN

and respected neighbor died We're un.
doubtedly caused by the iron shoe OF
a horse. How Sir Michael came TO
be thrown we shall, unfortunately,
never know. but it seems to me most
probable that his horse stumbled, tnat
they both fell and that the Kicking
took place without any viciousness on
the part Of the animal while 1t was
struggling to regain its feet. That:
however, must remain matter OF
speculation. 1t is just one OF those
terrible accidents which happen some
times and for which we cannot alto
gether account. We were to have
had here as a witness the gentleman
who discovered the .ody, but L i'm
agine that he will have little further
light to throw upon what has hap
pened. Your verdict will naturally be
one of accidental death. and L trust
that you will add to 1t the customary
expression of coincidence with the
relatives Of the deceased"
There was subdued murmur OF
acquiescence.
Accidental death it be sure
enough" one of the farmers observ-
ed, land cruel, unlucky thing. 1t
do seem a queer business to me.
though. that Sir Michael should have
DeSIl IlHOWH L1C WCAC o AaAO oh VA
a horse
There was the sound of a motor
horn outside. George Unwin looked
up.
'Perhaps this il our missing wit
ness" he said, leaning back in his
chair.
THERE was a moments silence and
then a knock at the door, which
was opened by the police sergeant.
Nicholas Goade entered. followed by a
tall. slight man of military appear
ance.
Here be chief constable" one OF
the farmers whispered, nudging his
neighbor. What be he wanting. L
wonder?"
The coroner greeted the newcomers
with dignity and chairs were provided
for them.
I'VE have been hoping for your evil
dence, sir" he remarked, addressing
Nicholas Goade. You were summon
ed for $50
II must offer my apologies" was
the quiet reply. Il was told 3 o'clock
In any case"
lie broke off and turned toward his
companion. The chief constable whis.
pered in CnWin'S ear and there was
silence for several moments in the
room. Unwin inclined his head once
or twice as though III sympathy with
the words TO which he was listening
Once he half started and glanced to-
ward Goade. At no other time did his
face betray the slightest emotion
Finally he turned to the jury.
'Gentlemen," he said, Capt. Faux
ener here has laid before me certain
facts which I think should be investi.
gated. He points out that you have
not had an opportunity of witnessing
the scene of this terrible accident
Personally | admit that | scarcely
thought it necessary. but as Capt.
Faulkener thinks otherwise. ! am
afraid l must trouble you TO make
the journey. Would tomorrow after
noon be suitable?'
There was a, murmur of assent.
Then let 1t be tomorrow" Unwin
decided. "Conveyances shall be here
at the inn at o'clock. That is agree
able to you also. Capt. F'aulkener?"
Perfectly" the chief constable re-
piled. Il am sorry to have to inter
fere in the matter at all. Unwin. 1t
certainly seems u clear enough case
but there are one or two minor points
which I think had better be cleared
UP. Our friend Mr.. Goade here must
be considered
1T is my wish George Unwin con-
cluded with a dignified little bow. ito
conduct these proceedings strictly az
cording to the law and with due CON
sidefatiOn of any theories which you
gentlemen may have to advance. Gen
tlemen of the Jury. need not detain
YOU longer. The inquest is adjourned
until . O'Clock tomorrow afternoon. "
x \ *
THERE was nothing to call George
UnWin To his Office in Market
Bridgeford that afternoon. but on
leaving the inquest he deliberately
made his way there instead of home
ward. lie sat in his private room
transacting insignificant business until
the last of his clerks, with an apollo
getic cough. ventured to suggest that
the hour for closing had arrived
He reached home only q short time