A Soft Lead Pencil
Coroner Benson looked at the young man curiously. Knowing him to be a stranger in the household, he had not expected information from him.
“Your name?” he said quietly.
“I am Robert Fessenden, of New York City. I am a lawyer by profession, and I came to Mapleton yesterday for the purpose of acting as best man at Mr. Carleton’s wedding. I came here this morning, not knowing of what had occurred in the night, and after conversation with some members of the household I felt impelled to investigate some points which seemed to me mysterious. I trust I have shown no intrusive curiosity, but I confess to a natural detective instinct, and I noticed some peculiarities about that paper you hold in your hand to which I should like to call your attention.”
Fessenden’s words caused a decided stir among his hearers, including the coroner and the two doctors.