ON SUSPICION
Colonel Robert Lee Ashley was used to surprises.This was natural, considering his calling, and at some of the surprises he was a silent spectator, while at others he furnished the surprise.In this case he served in his former capacity, merely noting the rather startled look on the face of Harry Bartlett when handed the subpoena to the coroner's inquest.
"I thought they weren't going to have any," Bartlett repeated, but whether to himself in a sort of daze, to Colonel Ashley, or to the man from headquarters was not clear.At any rate Colonel Ashley answered him by saying:
"You never can tell what Jersey justice is going to do.Coroner's inquests are not usual in this state, but they are lawful.""But why do they consider one necessary?" asked Bartlett, as they prepared to enter the house of death.
"That, my dear sir, I don't know.Perhaps the county physician may have requested it, or the prosecutor of the pleas.He may want to be backed up by the verdict of twelve men before taking any action.""But if Mr.Carwell's death was due to suicide who can be held guilty but himself?""No one.But I thought you said there was a doubt as to its being suicide," commented the detective.
"Miss Carwell doubts," returned Bartlett; "and I admit that it does seem strange that a man of Mr.Carwell's character would do such a thing, particularly when he had shown no previous signs of being in trouble.But you can never tell.""No, you can never tell," agreed Colonel Ashley, and none knew, better than himself, how true that was.
"But why should they subpcena me?" asked Bartlett.
"Don't fret over that," advised his companion, with a calm smile."You probably aren't the only one.A coroner's inquest is, as some one has said, a sort of fishing excursion.They start out not expecting much,not knowing what they are going to get, and sometimes they catch nothing- or no one - and again, a big haul is made.It's merely a sort of clearing house, and I, for one, will be glad to listen to what is brought out at the hearing.""Well, then I suppose it will be all right," assented the young man, but the manner in which he looked again at the legal document was distinctly nervous.
"Had we better tell - her ?" and he motioned tothe house, on the steps of which they stood, Shag having pressed the bell for his master.
"Miss Carwell probably knows all about it," said Colonel Ashley.
They found Viola waiting for them in the library, passing on their way the darkened and closed room which held all that was mortal of the late owner of The Haven - no, not quite all of him, for certain portions were, even then, being subjected to the minute and searching analysis of a number of chemists, under the direction of the county prosecutor.
"It was very good of you to come, Colonel Ashley," said Viola quietly."I appreciate it more than I can express - at this time.""I'm very glad to come," said the colonel as he held her hand in his warm, firm clasp."I am only sorry that it was necessary to send for me on such an occasion.Believe me, I will do all I can for you, Miss Carwell.Your father was my very good friend.""Thank you.What most I want is to clear my father's name from the imputation of having - of having killed himself," and she halted over the words.
"You mean that you suspect - " began Colonel Ashley.
"Oh, I don't know what to think, and certainly I don't dare suspect any one!" exclaimed Viola."It is all so terrible! But one thing I would like all father's friends to know - that he did not take his own life.He would not do such a thing.""Then," said Colonel Ashley, "we must show that it was either an accident - that he took the fatal dose by mistake or that some one gave it to him.Forgive me for thus brutally putting it, but that is what it simmers down to.""Yes, I have thought of that," returned Viola, and her shrinking formand the haunted look in her eyes told what an ordeal it was for her."I leave it all to you, Colonel Ashley.Father often spoke of you, and he often said, if ever he had any mystery to clear up, that you were the only man he would trust.Now that I am alone I must trust you," and she smiled at the colonel.It was something of her former smile - a look that had turned many a man's head, some even as settled in life and years as Colonel Ashley.
"Well, I'll do my best for the sake of you and your father," replied the detective."I don't mind saying that I hoped I was done with all mystery cases, but fate seems to be against me.
"Mind, I am not complaining!" he said quickly, as he saw Viola about to protest."It's just my luck.And I can't promise you anything.From what Mr.Bartlett told me, there seem to be very few suspicious circumstances connected with the case.""I realize that," answered Viola."And that makes it all the stranger.But tell me, Colonel, haven't you often found that the cases which, at first, seemed perfectly plain and simple, afterward turned out to be the most mysterious?""Jove, but that's true !" exclaimed the former soldier."You spoke the truth then, Miss Viola.My friend Izaak never put a statement more plainly.And that's the theory I always go on.Now then, let me have all the facts in your possession.And you too, "he added, turning to Bartlett."You might remain while Miss Carwell talks to me, and you can add anything she may forget, while she can do the same in your case.I suppose you know there is to be a coroner's inquest?" he added to the girl.
"Yes," she answered."I have received a subpoena.I think it is well to have it, for it will show the public how mistaken a verdict arrived at when all the facts are not known may be.I shall attend.""I just received a summons," said Bartlett, and he seemed to breathe more easily.
"Shag -Where's that black boy of mine?" exclaimed the colonel.
