However, as Mr. Allen sagely observed, such conjectures were at
present idle. These and all other matters would be cleared up at the
inquest.
"Oh, dear!" said Miss Waddy. "Will there have to be an inquest?"
"Certainly there will," said Mr. Allen.
"Yes, that's the law always," said somebody else.
"Surely not," said Miss Waddy, "in the case of such a well-known
gentleman as Mr. Barradine."
"It would be the same," said Allen, "if it was the Prince of Wales, or
the Archbishop of Canterbury. Coroner's Court sits on everybody who
doesn't die in his bed certified by his doctor."
"And it rained, too, last night," said Miss Waddy.
"Yes, there was some heavy showers."
"Fancy the poor gentleman lying out in the rain. Oh, dear!"
Mavis Dale left them talking and went back to the post office. In her
agitation she had forgotten about the reply telegram to her husband.
She got Mr. Ridgett to write the message--her hands were trembling so
that she could scarcely hold the pencil.
"Very sorry, I'm sure," said Mr. Ridgett sympathetically. "This was
the party you told me of--the gentleman that was giving his support to
Mr. Dale?"
"Yes."
"Well, well--very sad. How will you word it?"
"Please say--'Report true.
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