Found Dead by Fred M. White

The preliminary inquiry into the death of Richard Grimshaw was almost perfunctory. Inspector Gore had seen the coroner previous to the inquest, and, between them, they had decided upon a certain line of action. So that, quite early in the day, Margaret had been informed that her attendance would not be required, though she had walked over to Mortmain's with a view to doing the best she could for her paper.

First came Farthing, who testified to the finding of the body and, after him, Charles the footman, who had been the second to be acquainted with the strange tragedy. Then came Dr. Deacon, who said no more than that he had been called in and testified to the fact that the body had been dead for certainly not more than six or less than four hours when he reached the library. Nothing whatever was said as to the identity of the deceased and, at this point, Inspector Gore intimated that he had no further evidence to call. He applied for an adjournment for a week and intimated that, in the meantime, it was his intention to enlist the services of Scotland Yard. The proceedings were over almost before they were started and, with a curt intimation to the effect that the inquest was adjourned until that day week in the town hall at Watersmouth, the coroner closed his court and the more or less disappointed gathering slowly dispersed.