“Accidental death it be sure
enough," one of the farmers observ
ed. "and a cruel, unlucky thing. It
do seem a queer business to me,
though, that Sir Michael should have
been thrown. He were a rare 'un on
a horse.”
There was the sound of a motor
horn outside. George Unwin looked
up.
"Perhaps this is our missing wit
ness.” lie said, leaning back in his
chair.
** * *
r PHEKE was a moment’s 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 lie wanting. I
wonder?"
The coroner greeted the newcomers
with dignity and chairs were provided
for them.
"We have been hoping for your evi
dence, sir,” he remarked, addressing
Nicholas Goade. "You were summon
ed for 2:30.”
"I must offer my apologies.” was
the quiet reply. “I was told 3 o'clock.
In any case "
He broke off and turned toward his
companion. The chief constable whis
pered in Unwin's ear and there was
silence for several moments in the
room. Unwin inclined his head onbe
or twice as though in sympathy with
the words to which he was listening.
Once lie half started and glanced to
ward Goade. At no other time did his
face betray the slightest emotion.
Finally lie turned to the jury.
“Gentlemen." he said, “Capt. Faulk
ener here has laid before me certain
facts which 1 think should be investi
gated. He points out that you have
not had an opportunity of witnessing
the scene of this terrible accident.
Personally I admit that I scarcely
thought it necessary, but as Capt.
