CHAPTER FOUR
THE SUSPICIOUS APPRENTICE
Before three o'clock on the following afternoon, Wedgwood and all the world (as represented by half a dozen reporters and a crowd of eager listeners that filled every inch of the Coroner's Court) knew precisely to what extent Thomas Wraypoole had benefited by the murder of his brother John. Thomas, indeed, made no secret of that or of anything. Attending the inquest in company with his solicitor, he proved a ready and an informing witness. He told everything that he knew about John; his history, his occupation, his bit of property, his will—which the solicitor had with him, and was prepared to produce. Everything that John had possessed was left to him, Thomas—and it was about six thousand pounds. Thomas, indeed, was candid to the point of ingenuous confidence. But as to any reason why John should be murdered, Thomas professed complete ignorance: the thing was beyond him.
The inquest was adjourned as soon as the Coroner had finished with Thomas and had
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