He, who had been so quick to accuse another, now appeared intent only on shielding himself.
"You have found the customary refuge of guilty men," the coroner frowned at the witness.

"In the presence of murder, all honest men speak frankly.

What motive have you in concealing Mr.Whitmore's whereabouts during his absence from his office ?" "I must decline to say anything further until I have consulted with counsel," the secretary answered readily.
Certainly the two last replies smacked strongly of guilt, or at least, criminal knowledge.

If not the actual murderer, he might be an accessory before the fact.

So thought the coroner, and the cold gleam of authority in his eyes betrayed his belief.
"Since you won't speak, it is my duty to commit you to jail," he declared.
"On what charge ?" demanded the witness.
"On suspicion of being involved in the crime." The secretary made no effort to combat the coroner's resolve.