"But first of all that wasn't his
revolver they found lying beside him. He always had one in his valise,
an' it's there now, or was when I looked to see."
"You didn't tell that to the coroner."
"No, sir; he never put me on the stand. Besides I didn't know about it
then. After I thought about it, I told Miss Natalie, sir."
"Oh, you did! and what did she say?"
"She didn't think that proved anything; that he probably had the other in
his pocket."
"This was before you were dismissed?"
"Yes, sir; the evening before, sir."
West whistled gravely, his gaze on the other's face.
"And is that all, Sexton?" he asked finally. "Is there any other reason
why you doubt Coolidge killed himself?"
"Did you notice where he was shot, sir?"
"Behind the right ear; the wound was plainly visible."
"Not very easy for a man to do himself, sir."
"No, but possible, nevertheless. The coroner was satisfied on that
point."
"Yes, sir, but the coroner overlooked one thing, sir. He was sure it was
a suicide case, and wanted to get done with it in a hurry. I and
Simmons, sir, washed the body to get it ready for burial, an' I combed
the hair down over the bullet wound. There wasn't no powder marks on the
skin, an' not a hair was singed, sir. That's what makes me say he never
killed himself."
West sat silent and motionless, looking straight at the man opposite,
endeavouring to decide on a course of action.
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