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He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and forbidding in

his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no active enemies. I

know nothing further of the matter.'

"The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before he

died?

"Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some

allusion to a rat.

"The Coroner: What did you understand by that?

"Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was

delirious.

"The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father

had this final quarrel?

"Witness: I should prefer not to answer.

"The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it.

"Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can

assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which

followed.

"The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point

out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case

considerably in any future proceedings which may arise.

"Witness: I must still refuse.