The Sittaford Mystery

TheSittafordMystery
Dedication
ToM.E.M.withwhomIdiscussedtheplotofthisbook,tothealarmofthosearoundus.
Contents
TitlePage
Dedication
1SittafordHouse
2TheMessage
3FiveandTwentyPastFive
4InspectorNarracott
5Evans
6AttheThreeCrowns
7TheWill
8Mr.CharlesEnderby
9TheLaurels
10ThePearsonFamily
11EmilySetstoWork
12TheArrest
13Sittaford
14TheWilletts
15VisittoMajorBurnaby
16Mr.Rycroft
17MissPercehouse
18EmilyVisitsSittafordHouse
19Theories
20VisittoAuntJennifer
21Conversations
22NocturnalAdventuresofCharles
23AtHazelmoor
24InspectorNarracottDiscussestheCase
25AtDeller’sCafé
26RobertGardner
27NarracottActs
28Boots
29TheSecondSéance
30EmilyExplains
31TheLuckyMan
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
One
SITTAFORDHOUSE
MajorBurnabydrewonhisgumboots,buttonedhisovercoatcollarroundhisneck,tookfromashelfnearthedoorahurricanelantern,andcautiouslyopenedthefrontdoorofhislittlebungalowandpeeredout.
ThescenethatmethiseyeswastypicaloftheEnglishcountrysideasdepictedonXmascardsandinold-fashionedmelodramas.Everywherewassnow,deepdriftsofit—nomerepowderinganinchortwothick.SnowhadfallenalloverEnglandforthelastfourdays,anduphereonthefringeofDartmoorithadattainedadepthofseveralfeet.AlloverEnglandhouseholdersweregroaningoverburstpipes,andtohaveaplumberfriend(orevenaplumber’smate)wasthemostcovetedofalldistinctions.
Uphere,inthetinyvillageofSittaford,atalltimesremotefromtheworld,andnowalmostcompletelycutoff,therigoursofwinterwereaveryrealproblem.
MajorBurnaby,however,wasahardysoul.Hesnortedtwice,gruntedonce,andmarchedresolutelyoutintothesnow.
Hisdestinationwasnotfaraway.Afewpacesalongawindinglane,theninatagate,andsoupadrivepartiallysweptclearofsnowtoahouseofsomeconsiderablesizebuiltofgranite.
Thedoorwasopenedbyaneatlycladparlourmaid.TheMajorwasdivestedofhisBritishWarm,hisgumbootsandhisagedscarf.
Adoorwasflungopenandhepassedthroughitintoaroomwhichconveyedalltheillusionofatransformationscene.
Althoughitwasonlyhalfpastthreethecurtainshadbeendrawn,theelectriclightswereonandahugefireblazedcheerfullyonthehearth.Twowomeninafternoonfrocksrosetogreetthestauncholdwarrior.
“Splendidofyoutoturnout,MajorBurnaby,”saidtheelderofthetwo.
“Notatall,Mrs.Willett,notatall.Verygoodofyoutoaskme.”Heshookhandswiththemboth.
“Mr.Garfieldiscoming,”wentonMrs.Willett,“andMr.Duke,andMr.Rycroftsaidhewouldcome—butonecanhardlyexpecthimathisageinsuchweather.Really,itistoodreadful.Onefeelsonemustdosomethingtokeeponeselfcheerful.Violet,putanotherlogonthefire.”
TheMajorrosegallantlytoperformthistask.
“Allowme,MissViolet.”
Heputthelogexpertlyintherightplaceandreturnedoncemoretothearmchairhishostesshadindicated.Tryingnottoappearasthoughheweredoingso,hecastsurreptitiousglancesroundtheroom.Amazinghowacoupleofwomencouldalterthewholecharacterofaroom—andwithoutdoinganythingveryoutstandingthatyoucouldputyourfingeron.
SittafordHousehadbeenbuilttenyearsagobyCaptainJosephTrevelyan,R.N.,ontheoccasionofhisretirementfromtheNavy.Hewasamanofsubstance,andhehadalwayshadagreathankeringtoliveonDartmoor.HehadplacedhischoiceonthetinyhamletofSittaford.Itwasnotinavalleylikemostofthevillagesandfarms,butperchedrightontheshoulderofthemoorundertheshadowofSittafordBeacon.Hehadpurchasedalargetractofground,hadbuiltacomfortablehousewithitsownelectriclightplantandanelectricpumptosavelabourinpumpingwater.Then,asaspeculation,hehadbuiltsixsmallbungalows,eachinitsquarteracreofground,alongthelane.
Thefirstofthese,theoneathisverygates,hadbeenallottedtohisoldfriendandcrony,JohnBurnaby—theothershadbydegreesbeensold,therebeingstillafewpeoplewhofromchoiceornecessityliketoliverightoutoftheworld.Thevillageitselfconsistedofthreepicturesquebutdilapidatedcottages,aforgeandacombinedpostofficeandsweetshop.ThenearesttownwasExhampton,sixmilesaway,asteadydescentwhichnecessitatedthesign,“Motoristsengageyourlowestgear,”sofamiliarontheDartmoorroads.
CaptainTrevelyan,ashasbeensaid,wasamanofsubstance.Inspiteofthis—orperhapsbecauseofit—hewasamanwhowasinordinatelyfondofmoney.AttheendofOctoberahouseagentinExhamptonwrotetohimaskingifhewouldconsiderlettingSittafordHouse.Atenanthadmadeinquiriesconcerningit,wishingtorentitforthewinter.
CaptainTrevelyan’sfirstimpulsewastorefuse,hissecondtodemandfurtherinformation.ThetenantinquestionprovedtobeaMrs.Willett,awidowwithonedaughter.ShehadrecentlyarrivedfromSouthAfricaandwantedahouseonDartmoorforthewinter.
“Damnitall,thewomanmustbemad,”saidCaptainTrevelyan.“Eh,Burnaby,don’tyouthinkso?”
Burnabydidthinkso,andsaidsoasforciblyashisfriendhaddone.
“Anyway,youdon’twanttolet,”hesaid.“Letthefoolwomangosomewhereelseifshewantstofreeze.ComingfromSouthAfricatoo!”
ButatthispointCaptainTrevelyan’smoneycomplexasserteditself.Notonceinahundredtimeswouldyougetachanceoflettingyourhouseinmid-winter.Hedemandedwhatrentthetenantwaswillingtopay.
Anofferoftwelveguineasaweekclinchedmatters.CaptainTrevelyanwentintoExhampton,rentedasmallhouseontheoutskirtsattwoguineasaweek,andhandedoverSittafordHousetoMrs.Willett,halftherenttobepaidinadvance.
“Afoolandhermoneyaresoonparted,”hegrowled.
ButBurnabywasthinkingthisafternoonashescannedMrs.Willettcovertly,thatshedidnotlookafool.Shewasatallwomanwitharathersillymanner—butherphysiognomywasshrewdratherthanfoolish.Shewasinclinedtooverdress,hadadistinctColonialaccent,andseemedperfectlycontentwiththetransaction.Shewasclearlyverywell-offandthat—asBurnabyhadreflectedmorethanonce—reallymadethewholeaffairmoreodd.Shewasnotthekindofwomanonewouldcreditwithapassionforsolitude.
Asaneighbourshehadprovedalmostembarrassinglyfriendly.InvitationstoSittafordHousewererainedoneverybody.CaptainTrevelyanwasconstantlyurgedto“Treatthehouseasthoughwehadn’trentedit.”Trevelyan,however,wasnotfondofwomen.Reportwentthathehadbeenjiltedinhisyouth.Hepersistentlyrefusedallinvitations.
TwomonthshadpassedsincetheinstallationoftheWillettsandthefirstwonderattheirarrivalhadpassedaway.
Burnaby,naturallyasilentman,continuedtostudyhishostess,oblivioustoanyneedforsmalltalk.Likedtomakeherselfoutafool,butwasn’treally.Sohesummedupthesituation.HisglanceshiftedtoVioletWillett.Prettygirl—scraggy,ofcourse—theyallwerenowadays.Whatwasthegoodofawomanifshedidn’tlooklikeawoman?Paperssaidcurveswerecomingback.Abouttimetoo.
Herousedhimselftothenecessityofconversation.
“Wewereafraidatfirstthatyouwouldn’tbeabletocome,”saidMrs.Willett.“Yousaidso,youremember.Weweresopleasedwhenyousaidthatafterallyouwould.”
“Friday,”saidMajorBurnaby,withanairofbeingexplicit.
Mrs.Willettlookedpuzzled.
“Friday?”
“EveryFridaygotoTrevelyan’s.Tuesdayhecomestome.Bothofusdoneitforyears.”
“Oh!Isee.Ofcourse,livingsonear—”
“Kindofhabit.”
“Butdoyoustillkeepitup?ImeannowthatheislivinginExhampton—”
“Pitytobreakahabit,”saidMajorBurnaby.“We’dbothofusmissthoseevenings.”
“Yougoinforcompetitions,don’tyou?”askedViolet.“Acrosticsandcrosswordsandallthosethings.”
Burnabynodded.
“Idocrosswords.Trevelyandoesacrostics.Weeachsticktoourownlineofcountry.Iwonthreebookslastmonthinacrosswordcompetition,”hevolunteered.
“Oh!really.Hownice.Weretheyinterestingbooks?”
“Don’tknow.Haven’treadthem.Lookedprettyhopeless.”
“It’sthewinningthemthatmatters,isn’tit?”saidMrs.Willettvaguely.
“HowdoyougettoExhampton?”askedViolet.“Youhaven’tgotacar.”
“Walk.”
“What?Notreally?Sixmiles.”
“Goodexercise.What’stwelvemiles?Keepsamanfit.Greatthingtobefit.”
“Fancy!Twelvemiles.ButbothyouandCaptainTrevelyanweregreatathletes,weren’tyou?”
“UsedtogotoSwitzerlandtogether.Wintersportsinwinter,climbinginsummer.Wonderfulmanonice,Trevelyan.Bothtoooldforthatsortofthingnowadays.”
“YouwontheArmyRacquetsChampionship,too,didn’tyou?”askedViolet.
TheMajorblushedlikeagirl.
“Whotoldyouthat?”hemumbled.
“CaptainTrevelyan.”
“Joeshouldholdhistongue,”saidBurnaby.“Hetalkstoomuch.What’stheweatherlikenow?”
Respectinghisembarrassment,Violetfollowedhimtothewindow.Theydrewthecurtainasideandlookedoutoverthedesolatescene.
“Moresnowcoming,”saidBurnaby.“Aprettyheavyfalltoo,Ishouldsay.”
“Oh!howthrilling,”saidViolet.“Idothinksnowissoromantic.I’veneverseenitbefore.”
“Itisn’tromanticwhenthepipesfreeze,youfoolishchild,”saidhermother.
“HaveyoulivedallyourlifeinSouthAfrica,MissWillett?”askedMajorBurnaby.
Someofthegirl’sanimationdroppedawayfromher.Sheseemedalmostconstrainedinhermannerassheanswered.
“Yes—thisisthefirsttimeI’veeverbeenaway.It’sallmostfrightfullythrilling.”
Thrillingtobeshutawaylikethisinaremotemoorlandvillage?Funnyideas.Hecouldn’tgetthehangofthesepeople.
Thedooropenedandtheparlourmaidannounced:
“Mr.RycroftandMr.Garfield.”
Thereenteredalittleelderly,dried-upmanandafresh-coloured,boyishyoungman.Thelatterspokefirst.
“Ibroughthimalong,Mrs.Willett.SaidIwouldn’tlethimbeburiedinasnowdrift.Ha,ha.Isay,thisalllookssimplymarvellous.Yulelogsburning.”
“Ashesays,myyoungfriendverykindlypilotedmehere,”saidMr.Rycroftasheshookhandssomewhatceremoniously.“Howdoyoudo,MissViolet?Veryseasonableweather—rathertooseasonable,Ifear.”
HemovedtothefiretalkingtoMrs.Willett.RonaldGarfieldbuttonholedViolet.
“Isay,can’twegetupanyskatinganywhere?Aren’ttheresomepondsabout?”
“Ithinkpathdiggingwillbeyouronlysport.”
“I’vebeenatitallthemorning.”
“Oh!youhe-man.”
“Don’tlaughatme.I’vegotblistersallovermyhands.”
“How’syouraunt?”
“Oh!she’salwaysthesame—sometimesshesaysshe’sbetterandsometimesshesaysshe’sworse,butIthinkit’sallthesamereally.It’saghastlylife,youknow.Eachyear,IwonderhowIcanstickit—butthereitis—ifonedoesn’trallyroundtheoldbirdforXmas—why,she’squitecapableofleavinghermoneytoaCat’sHome.She’sgotfiveofthem,youknow.I’malwaysstrokingthebrutesandpretendingIdoteuponthem.”
“Ilikedogsmuchbetterthancats.”
“SodoI.Anyday.WhatImeanisadogis—well,adog’sadog,youknow.”
“Hasyourauntalwaysbeenfondofcats?”
“Ithinkit’sjustakindofthingoldmaidsgrowinto.Ugh!Ihatethebrutes.”
“Youraunt’sverynice,butratherfrightening.”
“Ishouldthinkshewasfrightening.Snapsmyheadoffsometimes.ThinksI’vegotnobrains,youknow.”
“Notreally?”
“Oh!lookhere,don’tsayitlikethat.Lotsoffellowslooklikefoolsandarelaughingunderneath.”
“Mr.Duke,”announcedtheparlourmaid
Mr.Dukewasarecentarrival.HehadboughtthelastofthesixbungalowsinSeptember.Hewasabigman,veryquietanddevotedtogardening.Mr.Rycroftwhowasanenthusiastonbirdsandwholivednextdoortohimhadtakenhimup,overrulingthesectionofthoughtwhichvoicedtheopinionthatofcourseMr.Dukewasaveryniceman,quiteunassuming,butwashe,afterall,quite—well,quite?Mightn’the,justpossibly,bearetiredtradesman?
Butnobodylikedtoaskhim—andindeeditwasthoughtbetternottoknow.Becauseifonedidknow,itmightbeawkward,andreallyinsuchasmallcommunityitwasbesttoknoweverybody.
“NotwalkingtoExhamptoninthisweather?”heaskedofMajorBurnaby.
“No,IfancyTrevelyanwillhardlyexpectmetonight.”
“It’sawful,isn’tit?”saidMrs.Willettwithashudder.“Tobeburieduphere,yearafteryear—itmustbeghastly.”
Mr.Dukegaveheraquickglance.MajorBurnabytoostaredathercuriously.
Butatthatmomentteawasbroughtin.
Two
THEMESSAGE
Aftertea,Mrs.Willettsuggestedbridge
“Therearesixofus.Twocancutin.”
Ronnie’seyesbrightened.
“Youfourstart,”hesuggested.“MissWillettandIwillcutin.”
ButMr.Dukesaidthathedidnotplaybridge.
Ronnie’sfacefell.
“Wemightplayaroundgame,”saidMrs.Willett.
“Ortable-turning,”suggestedRonnie.“It’saspookyevening.Wespokeaboutittheotherday,youremember.Mr.RycroftandIweretalkingaboutitthiseveningaswecamealonghere.”
“IamamemberofthePsychicalResearchSociety,”explainedMr.Rycroftinhispreciseway.“Iwasabletoputmyyoungfriendrightononeortwopoints.”
“Tommyrot,”saidMajorBurnabyverydistinctly.
“Oh!butit’sgreatfun,don’tyouthink?”saidVioletWillett.“Imean,onedoesn’tbelieveinitoranything.It’sjustanamusement.Whatdoyousay,Mr.Duke?”
“Anythingyoulike,MissWillett.”
“Wemustturnthelightsout,andwemustfindasuitabletable.No—notthatone,Mother.I’msureit’smuchtooheavy.”
Thingsweresettledatlasttoeveryone’ssatisfaction.Asmallroundtablewithapolishedtopwasbroughtfromanadjoiningroom.Itwassetinfrontofthefireandeveryonetookhisplacerounditwiththelightsswitchedoff.
MajorBurnabywasbetweenhishostessandViolet.OntheothersideofthegirlwasRonnieGarfield.AcynicalsmilecreasedtheMajor’slips.Hethoughttohimself:
“InmyyoungdaysitwasUpJenkins.”Andhetriedtorecallthenameofagirlwithfluffyhairwhosehandhehadheldbeneaththetableatconsiderablelength.Alongtimeagothatwas.ButUpJenkinshadbeenagoodgame.
Therewerealltheusuallaughs,whispers,stereotypedremarks.
“Thespiritsarealongtime.”
“Gotalongwaytocome.”
“Hush—nothingwillhappenunlessweareserious.”
“Oh!dobequiet—everyone.”
“Nothing’shappening.”
“Ofcoursenot—itneverdoesatfirst.”
“Ifonlyyou’dallbequiet.”
Atlast,aftersometime,themurmuroftalkdiedaway.
Asilence.
“Thistable’sdeadasmutton,”murmuredRonnieGarfielddisgustedly.
“Hush.”
Atremorranthroughthepolishedsurface.Thetablebegantorock.
“Askitquestions.Whoshallask?You,Ronnie.”
“Oh—er—Isay—whatdoIaskit?”
“Isaspiritpresent?”promptedViolet.
“Oh!Hullo—isaspiritpresent?”
Asharprock.
“Thatmeansyes,”saidViolet.
“Oh!er—whoareyou?”
Noresponse.
“Askittospellitsname.”
Thetablestartedrockingviolently.
“ABCDEFGHI—Isay,wasthatIorJ?”
“Askit.WasthatI?”
Onerock.
“Yes.Nextletter,please.”
Thespirit’snamewasIda.
“Haveyouamessageforanyonehere?”
“Yes.”
“Whoisitfor?MissWillett?”
“No.”
“Mrs.Willett?”
“No.”
“Mr.Rycroft?”
“No.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“It’sforyou,Ronnie.Goon.Makeitspellitout.”
Thetablespelt“Diana.”
“Who’sDiana?DoyouknowanyonecalledDiana?”
“No,Idon’t.Atleast—”
“Thereyouare.Hedoes.”
“Askherifshe’sawidow?”
Thefunwenton.Mr.Rycroftsmiledindulgently.Youngpeoplemusthavetheirjokes.Hecaughtoneglanceofhishostess’sfaceinasuddenflickerofthefirelight.Itlookedworriedandabstracted.Herthoughtsweresomewherefaraway.
MajorBurnabywasthinkingofthesnow.Itwasgoingtosnowagainthisevening.Hardestwinterheeverremembered.
Mr.Dukewasplayingveryseriously.Thespirits,alas,paidverylittleattentiontohim.AllthemessagesseemedtobeforVioletandRonnie.
VioletwastoldshewasgoingtoItaly.Someonewasgoingwithher.Notawoman.Aman.HisnamewasLeonard.
Morelaughter.Thetablespeltthenameofthetown.ARussianjumbleofletters—notintheleastItalian.
Theusualaccusationswerelevelled.
“Lookhere,Violet,”(“MissWillett”hadbeendropped)“youareshoving.”
“I’mnot.Look,Itakemyhandsrightoffthetableanditrocksjustthesame.”
“Ilikeraps.I’mgoingtoaskittorap.Loudones.”
“Thereshouldberaps.”RonnieturnedtoMr.Rycroft.“Thereoughttoberaps,oughtn’tthere,sir?”
“Underthecircumstances,Ishouldhardlythinkitlikely,”saidMr.Rycroftdrily.
Therewasapause.Thetablewasinert.Itreturnednoanswertoquestions.
“HasIdagoneaway?”
Onelanguidrock.
“Willanotherspiritcome,please?”
Nothing.Suddenlythetablebegantoquiverandrockviolently.
“Hurrah.Areyouanewspirit?”
“Yes.”
“Haveyouamessageforsomeone?”
“Yes.”
“Forme?”
“No.”
“ForViolet?”
“No.”
“ForMajorBurnaby?”
“Yes.”
“It’sforyou,MajorBurnaby.Willyouspellitout,please?”
Thetablestartedrockingslowly.
“TREV—areyousureit’sV?Itcan’tbe.TREV—itdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Trevelyan,ofcourse,”saidMrs.Willett.“CaptainTrevelyan.”
“DoyoumeanCaptainTrevelyan?”
“Yes.”
“You’vegotamessageforCaptainTrevelyan?”
“No.”
“Well,whatisitthen?”
Thetablebegantorock—slowly,rhythmically.Soslowlythatitwaseasytocounttheletters.
“D—”apause.“E—AD.”
“Dead.”
“Somebodyisdead?”
InsteadofYesorNo,thetablebegantorockagaintillitreachedtheletterT.
“T—doyoumeanTrevelyan?”
“Yes.”
“Youdon’tmeanTrevelyanisdead?”
“Yes.”
Averysharprock.“Yes.”
Somebodygasped.Therewasafaintstirallroundthetable.
Ronnie’svoiceasheresumedhisquestionsheldadifferentnote—anaweduneasynote.
“Youmean—thatCaptainTrevelyanisdead?”
“Yes.”
Therewasapause.Itwasasthoughnooneknewwhattoasknext,orhowtotakethisunexpecteddevelopment.
Andinthepause,thetablestartedrockingagain.
Rhythmicallyandslowly,Ronniespelledoutthelettersaloud….
M-U-R-D-E-R….
Mrs.Willettgaveacryandtookherhandsoffthetable.
“Iwon’tgoonwiththis.It’shorrible.Idon’tlikeit.”
Mr.Duke’svoicerangout,resonantandclear.Hewasquestioningthetable.
“Doyoumean—thatCaptainTrevelyanhasbeenmurdered?”
Thelastwordhadhardlylefthislipswhentheanswercame.Thetablerockedsoviolentlyandassertivelythatitnearlyfellover.Onerockonly.
“Yes….”
“Lookhere,”saidRonnie.Hetookhishandsfromthetable.“Icallthisarottenjoke.”Hisvoicetrembled.
“Turnupthelights,”saidMr.Rycroft.
MajorBurnabyroseanddidso.Thesuddenglarerevealedacompanyofpaleuneasyfaces.
Everyonelookedateachother.Somehow—nobodyquiteknewwhattosay.
“Allrot,ofcourse,”saidRonniewithanuneasylaugh.
“Sillynonsense,”saidMrs.Willett.“Nobodyoughtto—tomakejokeslikethat.”
“Notaboutpeopledying,”saidViolet.“It’s—oh!Idon’tlikeit.”
“Iwasn’tshoving,”saidRonnie,feelingunspokencriticismlevelledathim.“IswearIwasn’t.”
“Icansaythesame,”saidMr.Duke.“Andyou,Mr.Rycroft?”
“Certainlynot,”saidMr.Rycroftwarmly.
“Youdon’tthinkI’dmakeajokeofthatkind,doyou?”growledMajorBurnaby.“Rottenbadtaste.”
“Violetdear—”
“Ididn’t,Mother.Indeed,Ididn’t.Iwouldn’tdosuchathing.”
Thegirlwasalmosttearful.
Everyonewasembarrassed.Asuddenblighthadcomeoverthecheerfulparty.
MajorBurnabypushedbackhischair,wenttothewindowandpulledasidethecurtain.Hestoodtherelookingoutwithhisbacktotheroom.
“Twenty-fiveminutespastfive,”saidMr.Rycroftglancingupattheclock.Hecompareditwithhisownwatchandsomehoweveryonefelttheactionwassignificantinsomeway.
“Letmesee,”saidMrs.Willettwithforcedcheerfulness.“Ithinkwe’dbetterhavecocktails.Willyouringthebell,Mr.Garfield?”
Ronnieobeyed.
IngredientsforcocktailswerebroughtandRonniewasappointedmixer.Thesituationgrewalittleeasier.
“Well,”saidRonnie,raisinghisglass.“Here’show.”
Theothersresponded—allbutthesilentfigurebythewindow.
“MajorBurnaby.Here’syourcocktail.”
TheMajorrousedhimselfwithastart.Heturnedslowly.
“Thankyou,Mrs.Willett.Notforme.”Helookedoncemoreoutintothenight,thencameslowlybacktothegroupbythefire.“Manythanksforaverypleasanttime.Goodnight.”
“You’renotgoing?”
“AfraidImust.”
“Notsosoon.Andonanightlikethis.”
“Sorry,Mrs.Willett—butit’sgottobedone.Iftherewereonlyatelephone.”
“Atelephone?”
“Yes—totellyouthetruth—I’m—well.I’dliketobesurethatJoeTrevelyan’sallright.Sillysuperstitionandallthat—butthereitis.Naturally,Idon’tbelieveinthistommyrot—but—”
“Butyoucan’ttelephonefromanywhere.There’snotsuchathinginSittaford.”
“That’sjustit.AsIcan’ttelephone,I’llhavetogo.”
“Go—butyoucouldn’tgetacardownthatroad!Elmerwouldn’ttakehiscaroutonsuchanight.”
Elmerwastheproprietorofthesolecarintheplace,anagedFord,hiredatahandsomepricebythosewhowishedtogointoExhampton.
“No,no—car’soutofthequestion.Mytwolegswilltakemethere,Mrs.Willett.”
Therewasachorusofprotest.
“Oh!MajorBurnaby—it’simpossible.Yousaidyourselfitwasgoingtosnow.”
“Notforanhour—perhapslonger.I’llgetthere,neverfear.”
“Oh!youcan’t.Wecan’tallowit.”
Shewasseriouslydisturbedandupset.
ButargumentandentreatyhadnomoreeffectonMajorBurnabythanifhewerearock.Hewasanobstinateman.Oncehismindwasmadeuponanypoint,nopoweronearthcouldmovehim.
HehaddeterminedtowalktoExhamptonandseeforhimselfthatallwaswellwithhisoldfriend,andherepeatedthatsimplestatementhalfadozentimes.
Intheendtheywerebroughttorealizethathemeantit.Hewrappedhimselfupinhisovercoat,lightedthehurricanelantern,andsteppedoutintothenight.
“I’lljustdropintomyplaceforaflask,”hesaidcheerily,“andthenpushstraighton.TrevelyanwillputmeupforthenightwhenIgetthere.Ridiculousfuss,Iknow.Everythingsuretobeallright.Don’tworry,Mrs.Willett.Snowornosnow—I’llgetthereinacoupleofhours.Goodnight.”
Hestrodeaway.Theothersreturnedtothefire.
Rycrofthadlookedupatthesky.
“Itisgoingtosnow,”hemurmuredtoMr.Duke.“AnditwillbeginlongbeforehegetstoExhampton.I—Ihopehegetsthereallright.”
Dukefrowned.
“Iknow.IfeelIoughttohavegonewithhim.Oneofusoughttohavedoneso.”
“Mostdistressing,”Mrs.Willettwassaying,“mostdistressing.Violet,Iwillnothavethatsillygameeverplayedagain.PoorMajorBurnabywillprobablyplungeintoasnowdrift—orifhedoesn’the’lldieofthecoldandexposure.Athisage,too.Veryfoolishofhimtogoofflikethat.Ofcourse,CaptainTrevelyanisperfectlyallright.”
Everyoneechoed:
“Ofcourse.”
Butevennowtheydidnotfeelreallytoocomfortable.
SupposingsomethinghadhappenedtoCaptainTrevelyan….
Supposing….
Three
FIVEANDTWENTYPASTFIVE
Twoandahalfhourslater,justbeforeeighto’clock,MajorBurnaby,hurricanelanterninhand,hisheaddroppedforwardsoasnottomeettheblindingdriveofsnow,stumbledupthepathtothedoorof“Hazelmoor,”thesmallhousetenantedbyCaptainTrevelyan.
Thesnowhadbeguntofallaboutanhourago—greatblindingflakesofit.MajorBurnabywasgasping,emittingtheloudsighinggaspsofanutterlyexhaustedman.Hewasnumbedwithcold.Hestampedhisfeet,blew,puffed,snortedandappliedanumbedfingertothebellpush.
Thebelltrilledshrilly.
Burnabywaited.Afterapauseofafewminutes,asnothinghappened,hepushedthebellagain.
Oncemoretherewasnostiroflife.
Burnabyrangathirdtime.Thistimehekepthisfingeronthebell.
Ittrilledonandon—buttherewasstillnosignoflifeinthehouse.
Therewasaknockeronthedoor.MajorBurnabyseizeditandworkeditvigorously,producinganoiselikethunder.
Andstillthelittlehouseremainedsilentasthedead.
TheMajordesisted.Hestoodforamomentasthoughperplexed—thenheslowlywentdownthepathandoutatthegate,continuingontheroadhehadcometowardsExhampton.Ahundredyardsbroughthimtothesmallpolicestation.
Hehesitatedagain,thenfinallymadeuphismindandentered.
ConstableGraves,whoknewtheMajorwell,roseinastonishment.
“Well,Inever,sir,fancyyoubeingoutonanightlikethis.”
“Lookhere,”saidBurnabycurtly.“I’vebeenringingandknockingattheCaptain’shouseandIcan’tgetanyanswer.”
“Why,ofcourse,it’sFriday,”saidGraveswhoknewthehabitsofthetwoprettywell.“Butyoudon’tmeantosayyou’veactuallycomedownfromSittafordonanightlikethis?SurelytheCaptainwouldneverexpectyou.”
“Whetherhe’sexpectedmeornot,I’vecome,”saidBurnabytestily.“AndasI’mtellingyou,Ican’tgetin.I’verungandknockedandnobodyanswers.”
Someofhisuneasinessseemedtocommunicateitselftothepoliceman.
“That’sodd,”hesaid,frowning.
“Ofcourse,it’sodd,”saidBurnaby.
“It’snotasthoughhe’slikelytobeout—onanightlikethis.”
“Ofcoursehe’snotlikelytobeout.”
“Itisodd,”saidGravesagain.
Burnabydisplayedimpatienceattheman’sslowness.
“Aren’tyougoingtodosomething?”hesnapped.
“Dosomething?”
“Yes,dosomething.”
Thepolicemanruminated.
“Thinkhemighthavebeentakenbad?”Hisfacebrightened.“I’lltrythetelephone.”Itstoodathiselbow.Hetookitupandgavethenumber.
Buttothetelephone,astothefrontdoorbell,CaptainTrevelyangavenoreply.
“Looksasthoughhehasbeentakenbad,”saidGravesashereplacedthereceiver.“Andallaloneinthehouse,too.We’dbestgotholdofDr.Warrenandtakehimalongwithus.”
Dr.Warren’shousewasalmostnextdoortothepolicestation.Thedoctorwasjustsittingdowntodinnerwithhiswifeandwasnotbestpleasedatthesummons.However,hegrudginglyagreedtoaccompanythem,drawingonanagedBritishWarmandapairofrubberbootsandmufflinghisneckwithaknittedscarf
Thesnowwasstillfalling.
“Damnablenight,”murmuredthedoctor.“Hopeyouhaven’tbroughtmeoutonawildgoosechase.Trevelyan’sasstrongasahorse.Neverhasanythingthematterwithhim.”
Burnabydidnotreply.
ArrivingatHazelmooroncemore,theyrangagainandknocked,butelicitednoresponse.
Thedoctorthensuggestedgoingroundthehousetooneofthebackwindows.
“Easiertoforcethanthedoor.”
Gravesagreeing,theywentroundtheback.Therewasasidedoorwhichtheytriedontheway,butittoowaslocked,andpresentlytheyemergedonthesnow-coveredlawnthatleduptothebackwindows.Suddenly,Warrenutteredanexclamation.
“Thewindowofthestudy—it’sopen.”
Trueenough,thewindow,aFrenchone,wasstandingajar.Theyquickenedtheirsteps.Onanightlikethis,nooneinhissenseswouldopenawindow.Therewasalightintheroomthatstreamedoutinathinyellowband.
Thethreemenarrivedsimultaneouslyatthewindow—Burnabywasthefirstmantoenter,theconstablehardonhisheels.
Theybothstoppeddeadinsideandsomethinglikeamuffledcrycamefromtheex-soldier.InanothermomentWarrenwasbesidethem,andsawwhattheyhadseen.
CaptainTrevelyanlayonthefloor,facedownwards.Hisarmssprawledwidely.Theroomwasinconfusion—drawersofthebureaupulledout,paperslyingaboutthefloor.Thewindowbesidethemwassplinteredwhereithadbeenforcednearthelock.BesideCaptainTrevelyanwasadarkgreenbaizetubeabouttwoinchesindiameter.
Warrensprangforward.Hekneltdownbytheprostratefigure.
Oneminutesufficed.Herosetohisfeet,hisfacepale.
“He’sdead?”askedBurnaby.
Thedoctornodded.
ThenheturnedtoGraves.
“It’sforyoutosaywhat’stobedone.Icandonothingexceptexaminethebodyandperhapsyou’dratherIdidn’tdothatuntiltheInspectorcomes.Icantellyouthecauseofdeathnow.Fractureofthebaseoftheskull.AndIthinkIcanmakeaguessattheweapon.”
Heindicatedthegreenbaizetube.
“Trevelyanalwayshadthemalongthebottomofthedoor—tokeepthedraughtout,”saidBurnaby.
Hisvoicewashoarse.
“Yes—averyefficientformofsandbag.”
“MyGod!”
“Butthishere—”theconstablebrokein,hiswitsarrivingatthepointslowly.“Youmean—thishereismurder.”
Thepolicemansteppedtothetableonwhichstoodatelephone.
MajorBurnabyapproachedthedoctor.
“Haveyouanyidea,”hesaid,breathinghard,“howlonghe’sbeendead?”
“Abouttwohours,Ishouldsay,orpossiblythree.That’saroughestimate.”
Burnabypassedhistongueoverdrylips
“Wouldyousay,”heasked,“thathemighthavebeenkilledatfivetwenty-five?”
Thedoctorlookedathimcuriously.
“IfIhadtogiveatimedefinitely,that’sjustaboutthetimeIwouldsuggest.”
“OhmyGod,”saidBurnaby.
Warrenstaredathim.
TheMajorfelthiswayblindlytoachair,collapsedontoitandmutteredtohimselfwhilstakindofstaringterroroverspreadhisface.
“Fiveandtwentypastfive—OhmyGod,thenitwastrueafterall.”
Four
INSPECTORNARRACOTT
Itwasthemorningafterthetragedy,andtwomenwerestandinginthelittlestudyofHazelmoor.
InspectorNarracottlookedroundhim.Alittlefrownappeareduponhisforehead.
“Ye-es,”hesaidthoughtfully.“Ye-es.”
InspectorNarracottwasaveryefficientofficer.Hehadaquietpersistence,alogicalmindandakeenattentiontodetailwhichbroughthimsuccesswheremanyanothermanmighthavefailed.
Hewasatallmanwithaquietmanner,ratherfarawaygreyeyes,andaslowsoftDevonshirevoice.
SummonedfromExetertotakechargeofthecase,hehadarrivedonthefirsttrainthatmorning.Theroadshadbeenimpassableforcars,evenwithchains,otherwisehewouldhavearrivedthenightbefore.HewasstandingnowinCaptainTrevelyan’sstudyhavingjustcompletedhisexaminationoftheroom.WithhimwasSergeantPollockoftheExhamptonpolice.
“Ye-es,”saidInspectorNarracott.
Arayofpalewintrysunshinecameinthroughthewindow.Outsidewasthesnowylandscape.Therewasafenceaboutahundredyardsfromthewindowandbeyonditthesteepascendingslopeofthesnow-coveredhillside.
InspectorNarracottbentoncemoreoverthebodywhichhadbeenleftforhisinspection.Anathleticmanhimself,herecognizedtheathlete’stype,thebroadshoulders,narrowflanks,andthegoodmusculardevelopment.Theheadwassmallandwellsetontheshoulders,andthepointednavalbeardwascarefullytrimmed.CaptainTrevelyan’sage,hehadascertained,wassixty,buthelookednotmuchmorethanfifty-oneortwo.
“Ah!”saidSergeantPollock.
Theotherturnedonhim.
“Whatisyourviewofit?”
“Well—”SergeantPollockscratchedhishead.Hewasacautiousman,unwillingtoadvancefurtherthannecessary.
“Well,”hesaid,“asIseeit,sir,Ishouldsaythatthemancametothewindow,forcedthelock,andstartedriflingtheroom.CaptainTrevelyan,Isuppose,musthavebeenupstairs.Doubtlesstheburglarthoughtthehousewasempty—”
“WhereisCaptainTrevelyan’sbedroomsituated?”
“Upstairs,sir.Overthisroom.”
“Atthepresenttimeofyearitisdarkatfouro’clock.IfCaptainTrevelyanwasupinhisbedroomtheelectriclightwouldhavebeenon,theburglarwouldhaveseenitasheapproachedthiswindow.”
“Youmeanhe’dhavewaited.”
“Nomaninhissenseswouldbreakintoahousewithalightinit.Ifanyoneforcedthiswindow—hediditbecausehethoughtthehousewasempty.”
SergeantPollockscratchedhishead.
“Seemsabitodd,Iadmit.Butthereitis.”
“We’llletitpassforthemoment.Goon.”
“Well,supposetheCaptainhearsanoisedownstairs.Hecomesdowntoinvestigate.Theburglarhearshimcoming.Hesnatchesupthatbolsterarrangement,getsbehindthedoor,andastheCaptainenterstheroomstrikeshimdownfrombehind.”
InspectorNarracottnodded.
“Yes,that’strueenough.Hewasstruckdownwhenhewasfacingthewindow.Butallthesame,Pollock,Idon’tlikeit.”
“No,sir?”
“No,asIsay,Idon’tbelieveinhousesthatarebrokenintoatfiveo’clockintheafternoon.”
“We-ell,hemayhavethoughtitagoodopportunity—”
“Itisnotaquestionofopportunity—slippinginbecausehefoundawindowunlatched.Itwasdeliberatehousebreaking—lookattheconfusioneverywhere—whatwouldaburglargoforfirst?Thepantrywherethesilveriskept.”
“That’strueenough,”admittedtheSergeant.
“Andthisconfusion—thischaos,”continuedNarracott,“thesedrawerspulledoutandtheircontentsscattered.Pah!It’sbunkum.”
“Bunkum?”
“Lookatthewindow,Sergeant.Thatwindowwasnotlockedandforcedopen!Itwasmerelyshutandthensplinteredfromtheoutsidetogivetheappearanceofforcing.”
Pollockexaminedthelatchofthewindowclosely,utteringanejaculationtohimselfashedidso.
“Youareright,sir,”hesaidwithrespectinhisvoice.“Who’dhavethoughtofthatnow!”
“Someonewhowishestothrowdustinoureyes—andhasn’tsucceeded.”
SergeantPollockwasgratefulforthe“our.”InsuchsmallwaysdidInspectorNarracottendearhimselftohissubordinates.
“Thenitwasn’tburglary.Youmean,sir,itwasaninsidejob.”
InspectorNarracottnodded.“Yes,”hesaid.“Theonlycuriousthingis,though,thatIthinkthemurdererdidactuallyenterbythewindow.AsyouandGravesreported,andasIcanstillseeformyself,therearedamppatchesstillvisiblewherethesnowmeltedandwastroddeninbythemurderer’sboots.Thesedamppatchesareonlyinthisroom.ConstableGraveswasquitepositivethattherewasnothingofthekindinthehallwhenheandDr.Warrenpassedthroughit.Inthisroomhenoticedthemimmediately.InthatcaseitseemsclearthatthemurdererwasadmittedbyCaptainTrevelyanthroughthewindow.ThereforeitmusthavebeensomeonewhomCaptainTrevelyanknew.Youarealocalman,Sergeant,canyoutellmeifCaptainTrevelyanwasamanwhomadeenemieseasily?”
“No,sir,Ishouldsayhehadn’tanenemyintheworld.Abitkeenonmoney,andabitofamartinet—wouldn’tstandforanyslacknessorincivility—butblessmysoul,hewasrespectedforthat.”
“Noenemies,”saidNarracottthoughtfully.
“Nothere,thatis.”
“Verytrue—wedon’tknowwhatenemieshemayhavemadeduringhisnavalcareer.It’smyexperience,Sergeant,thatamanwhomakesenemiesinoneplacewillmaketheminanother,butIagreethatwecan’tputthatpossibilityentirelyaside.Wecomelogicallynowtothenextmotive—themostcommonmotiveforeverycrime—gain.CaptainTrevelyanwas,Iunderstand,arichman?”
“Verywarmindeedbyallaccounts.Butclose.Notaneasymantotouchforasubscription.”
“Ah!”saidNarracottthoughtfully.
“Pityitsnowedasitdid,”saidtheSergeant.“Butforthatwe’dhavehadhisfootprintsassomethingtogoon.”
“Therewasnooneelseinthehouse?”askedtheInspector.
“No.ForthelastfiveyearsCaptainTrevelyanhasonlyhadoneservant—retirednavalchap.UpatSittafordHouseawomancameindaily,butthischap,Evans,cookedandlookedafterhismaster.Aboutamonthagohegotmarried—muchtotheCaptain’sannoyance.Ibelievethat’soneofthereasonsheletSittafordHousetothisSouthAfricanlady.Hewouldn’thaveanywomanlivinginthehouse.EvanslivesjustroundthecornerhereinForeStreetwithhiswife,andcomesindailytodoforhismaster.I’vegothimherenowforyoutosee.Hisstatementisthathelefthereathalfpasttwoyesterdayafternoon,theCaptainhavingnofurtherneedforhim.”
“Yes,Ishallwanttoseehim.Hemaybeabletotellussomething—useful.”
SergeantPollocklookedathissuperiorofficercuriously.Therewassomethingsooddabouthistone.
“Youthink—”hebegan.
“Ithink,”saidInspectorNarracottdeliberately,“thatthere’salotmoreinthiscasethanmeetstheeye.”
“Inwhatway,sir?”
ButtheInspectorrefusedtobedrawn.
“Yousaythisman,Evans,isherenow?”
“He’swaitinginthediningroom.”
“Good.I’llseehimstraightaway.Whatsortofafellowishe?”
SergeantPollockwasbetteratreportingfactsthanatdescriptiveaccuracy.
“He’saretirednavalchap.Uglycustomerinascrap,Ishouldsay.”
“Doeshedrink?”
“NeverbeentheworseforitthatIknowof.”
“Whataboutthiswifeofhis?NotafancyoftheCaptain’soranythingofthatsort?”
“Oh!no,sir,nothingofthatkindaboutCaptainTrevelyan.Hewasn’tthatkindatall.Hewasknownasawomanhater,ifanything.”
“AndEvanswassupposedtobedevotedtohismaster?”
“That’sthegeneralidea,sir,andIthinkitwouldbeknownifhewasn’t.Exhampton’sasmallplace.”
InspectorNarracottnodded.
“Well,”hesaid,“there’snothingmoretobeseenhere.I’llinterviewEvansandI’lltakealookattherestofthehouseandafterthatwewillgoovertotheThreeCrownsandseethisMajorBurnaby.Thatremarkofhisaboutthetimewascurious.Twenty-fivepastfive,eh?Hemustknowsomethinghehasn’ttold,orwhyshouldhesuggestthetimeofthecrimesoaccurately?”
Thetwomenmovedtowardsthedoor.
“It’sarumbusiness,”saidSergeantPollock,hiseyewanderingtothelitteredfloor.“Allthisburglaryfake!”
“It’snotthatthatstrikesmeasodd,”saidNarracott,“underthecircumstancesitwasprobablythenaturalthingtodo.No—whatstrikesmeasoddisthewindow.”
“Thewindow,sir?”
“Yes.Whyshouldthemurderergotothewindow?AssumingitwassomeoneTrevelyanknewandadmittedwithoutquestion,whynotgotothefrontdoor?Togetroundtothiswindowfromtheroadonanightlikelastnightwouldhavebeenadifficultandunpleasantproceedingwiththesnowlyingasthickasitdoes.Yettheremusthavebeensomereason.”
“Perhaps,”suggestedPollock,“themandidn’twanttobeseenturningintothehousefromtheroad.”
“Therewouldn’tbemanypeopleaboutyesterdayafternoontoseehim.Nobodywhocouldhelpitwasoutofdoors.No—there’ssomeotherreason.Well,perhapsitwillcometolightinduecourse.”
Five
EVANS
TheyfoundEvanswaitinginthediningroom.Heroserespectfullyontheirentrance.
Hewasashortthicksetman.Hehadverylongarmsandahabitofstandingwithhishandshalfclenched.Hewascleanshavenwithsmall,ratherpiglikeeyes,yethehadalookofcheerfulnessandefficiencythatredeemedhisbulldogappearance.
InspectorNarracottmentallytabulatedhisimpressions.
“Intelligent.Shrewdandpractical.Looksrattled.”
Thenhespoke:
“You’reEvans,eh?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Christiannames?”
“RobertHenry.”
“Ah!Nowwhatdoyouknowaboutthisbusiness?”
“Notathing,sir.It’sfairknockedmeover.TothinkoftheCaptingbeingdonein!”
“Whendidyoulastseeyourmaster?”
“Twoo’clockIshouldsayitwas,sir.Iclearedawaythelunchthingsandlaidthetablehereasyouseeforsupper.TheCapting,hetoldmeasIneedn’tcomeback.”
“Whatdoyouusuallydo?”
“Asageneralrule,Icomebackaboutsevenforacoupleofhours.Notalways—sometimestheCaptingwouldsayasIneedn’t.”
“Thenyouweren’tsurprisedwhenhetoldyouthatyesterdayyouwouldn’tbewantedagain?”
“No,sir.Ididn’tcomebacktheeveningbeforeeither—onaccountoftheweather.Veryconsiderategentleman,theCaptingwas,aslongasyoudidn’ttrytoshirkthings.Iknewhimandhiswaysprettywell.”
“Whatexactlydidhesay?”
“Well,helookedoutofthewindowandhesays,‘NotahopeofBurnabytoday.’‘Shouldn’twonder,’hesays,‘ifSittafordisn’tcutoffaltogether.Don’tremembersuchawintersinceIwasaboy.’ThatwashisfriendMajorBurnabyovertoSittafordthathewasreferringto.AlwayscomesonaFriday,hedoes,heandtheCaptingplaychessanddoacrostics.AndonTuesdaystheCaptingwouldgotoMajorBurnaby’s.VeryregularinhishabitswastheCapting.Thenhesaidtome:‘Youcangonow,Evans,andyouneedn’tcometilltomorrowmorning.’”
“ApartfromhisreferencetoMajorBurnaby,hedidn’tspeakofexpectinganyonethatafternoon?”
“No,sir,notaword.”
“Therewasnothingunusualordifferentinanywayinhismanner?”
“No,sir,notthatIcouldsee.”
“Ah!NowIunderstand,Evans,thatyouhavelatelygotmarried.”
“Yes,sir.Mrs.Belling’sdaughterattheThreeCrowns.Matteroftwomonthsago,sir.”
“AndCaptainTrevelyanwasnotoverpleasedaboutit.”
AveryfaintgrinappearedforamomentonEvans’sface.
“Cutuproughaboutit,hedid,theCapting.MyRebeccaisafinegirl,sir,andaverygoodcook.AndIhopedwemighthavebeenabletodofortheCaptingtogether,buthe—hewouldn’thearofit.Saidhewouldn’thavewomenservantsabouthishouse.Infact,sir,thingswereratheratadeadlockwhenthisSouthAfricanladycamealongandwantedtotakeSittafordHouseforthewinter.TheCaptingherentedthisplace,Icameintodoforhimeveryday,andIdon’tmindtellingyou,sir,thatIhadbeenhopingthatbytheendofthewintertheCaptingwouldhavecomeroundtotheidea;andthatmeandRebeccawouldgobacktoSittafordwithhim.Why,hewouldneverevenknowshewasinthehouse.Shewouldkeeptothekitchen,andshewouldmanagesothathewouldnevermeetheronthestairs.”
“HaveyouanyideawhatlaybehindCaptainTrevelyan’sdislikeofwomen?”
“Nothingtoit,sir.Justan’abit,sir,that’sall.Ihaveseenmanyagentlemanlikeitbefore.Ifyouaskme,it’snothingmoreorlessthanshyness.Someyoungladyorothergivesthemasnubwhentheyareyoung—andtheygetsthe’abit.”
“CaptainTrevelyanwasnotmarried?”
“No,indeed,sir.”
“Whatrelationshadhe?Doyouknow?”
“IbelievehehadasisterlivingatExeter,sir,andIthinkIhaveheardhimmentionanephewornephews.”
“Noneofthemevercametoseehim?”
“No,sir.IthinkhequarrelledwithhissisteratExeter.”
“Doyouknowhername?”
“Gardner,Ithink,sir,butIwouldn’tbesure.”
“Youdon’tknowheraddress?”
“I’mafraidIdon’t,sir.”
“Well,doubtlessweshallcomeacrossthatinlookingthroughCaptainTrevelyan’spapers.Now,Evans,whatwereyouyourselfdoingfromfouro’clockonwardsyesterdayafternoon?”
“Iwasathome,sir.”
“Where’shome?”
“Justroundthecorner,sir,85ForeStreet.”
“Youdidn’tgooutatall?”
“Notlikely,sir.Why,thesnowwascomingdownafairtreat.”
“Yes,yes.Isthereanyonewhocansupportyourstatement?”
“Begpardon,sir.”
“Isthereanyonewhoknowsthatyouwereathomeduringthattime?”
“Mywife,sir.”
“Sheandyouwerealoneinthehouse?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Well,well,Ihavenodoubtthat’sallright.Thatwillbeallforthepresent,Evans.”
Theex-sailorhesitated.Heshiftedfromonefoottotheother.
“AnythingIcandohere,sir—inthewayoftidyingup?”
“No—thewholeplaceistobeleftexactlyasitisforthepresent.”
“Isee.”
“Youhadbetterwait,though,untilIhavehadalookround,”saidNarracott,“incasetheremightbeanyquestionIwanttoaskyou.”
“Verygood,sir.”
InspectorNarracotttransferredhisgazefromEvanstotheroom.
Theinterviewhadtakenplaceinthediningroom.Onthetableaneveningmealwassetout.Acoldtongue,pickles,aStiltoncheeseandbiscuits,andonagasringbythefireasaucepancontainingsoup.Onthesideboardwasatantalus,asodawatersiphon,andtwobottlesofbeer.Therewasalsoanimmensearrayofsilvercupsandwiththem—aratherincongruousitem—threeverynew-lookingnovels.
InspectorNarracottexaminedoneortwoofthecupsandreadtheinscriptionsonthem.
“Bitofasportsman,CaptainTrevelyan,”heobserved.
“Yes,indeed,sir,”saidEvans.“Beenanathleteallhislife,hehad.”
InspectorNarracottreadthetitlesofthenovels.“LoveTurnstheKey,”“TheMerryMenofLincoln,”“Love’sPrisoner.”
“H’m,”heremarked.“TheCaptain’stasteinliteratureseemssomewhatincongruous.”
“Oh!that,sir.”Evanslaughed.“That’snotforreading,sir.That’stheprizeshewonintheseRailwayPicturesNamesCompetitions.TensolutionstheCaptingsentinunderdifferentnames,includingmine,becausehesaid85ForeStreetwasalikelyaddresstogiveaprizeto!ThecommoneryournameandaddressthemorelikelyyouweretogetaprizeintheCapting’sopinion.AndsureenoughaprizeIgot—butnotthe￡2,000,onlythreenewnovels—andthekindofnovels,inmyopinion,thatnoonewouldeverpaymoneyforinashop.”
Narracottsmiled,thenagainmentioningthatEvanswastowait,heproceededonhistourofinspection.Therewasalargekindofcupboardinonecorneroftheroom.Itwasalmostasmallroominitself.Here,packedinunceremoniously,weretwopairsofskis,apairofscullsmounted,tenortwelvehippopotamustusks,rodsandlinesandvariousfishingtackleincludingabookofflies,abagofgolfclubs,atennisracket,anelephant’sfootstuffedandmountedandatigerskin.Itwasclearthat,whenCaptainTrevelyanhadletSittafordHousefurnished,hehadremovedhismostpreciouspossessions,distrustfuloffemaleinfluence.
“Funnyidea—tobringallthiswithhim,”saidtheInspector.“Thehousewasonlyletforafewmonths,wasn’tit?”
“That’sright,sir.”
“SurelythesethingscouldhavebeenlockedupatSittafordHouse?”
Forthesecondtimeinthecourseoftheinterview,Evansgrinned.
“Thatwouldhavebeenmuchtheeasiestwayofdoingit,”heagreed.“NotthattherearemanycupboardsatSittafordHouse.ThearchitectandtheCaptingplannedittogether,andittakesafemaletounderstandthevalueofcupboardroom.Still,asyousay,sir,thatwouldhavebeenthecommonsensethingtodo.Cartingthemdownherewasajob—Ishouldsayitwasajob!Butthere,theCaptingcouldn’tbeartheideaofanyonemessingaroundwithhisthings.Andlockthingsupasyouwill,hesays,awomanwillalwaysfindawayofgettingin.It’scuriosity,hesays.Betternotlockthemupatallifyoudon’twanthertohandlethem,hesays.Butbestofall,takethemalong,andthenyou’resuretobeonthesafeside.Sotake’emalongwedid,andasIsay,itwasajob,andcameexpensivetoo.Butthere,thosethingsoftheCapting’swaslikehischildren.”
Evanspaused,outofbreath.
InspectorNarracottnoddedthoughtfully.Therewasanotherpointonwhichhewantedinformation,anditseemedtohimthatthiswasagoodmomentwhenthesubjecthadarisennaturally.
“ThisMrs.Willett,”hesaidcasually.“WassheanoldfriendoracquaintanceoftheCaptain’s?”
“Ohno,sir,shewasquiteastrangertohim.”
“Youaresureofthat?”saidtheInspector,sharply.
“Well—”thesharpnesstooktheoldsailoraback.“TheCaptingneveractuallysaidso—but—Ohyes,I’msureofit.”
“Iask,”explainedtheInspector,“becauseitisaverycurioustimeofyearforalet.Ontheotherhand,ifthisMrs.WillettwasacquaintedwithCaptainTrevelyanandknewthehouse,shemighthavewrittentohimandsuggestedtakingit.”
Evansshookhishead.
“’Twastheagents—Williamsons—thatwrote,saidtheyhadanofferfromalady.”
InspectorNarracottfrowned.HefoundthisbusinessoflettingSittafordHousedistinctlyodd.
“CaptainTrevelyanandMrs.Willettmet,Isuppose?”heasked.
“Oh!yes.Shecametoseethehouseandhetookheroverit.”
“Andyou’repositivetheyhadn’tmetbefore?”
“Oh!quite,sir.”
“Didthey—er—”theInspectorpaused,ashetriedtoframethequestionnaturally.“Didtheygetonwelltogether?Weretheyfriendly?”
“Theladywas.”AfaintsmilecrossedEvans’slips.“Alloverhim,asyoumightsay.Admiringthehouse,andaskinghimifhe’dplannedthebuildingofit.Altogetherlayingitonthick,asyoumightsay.”
“AndtheCaptain?”
Thesmilebroadened.
“Thatsortofgushingladywasn’tlikelytocutanyicewithhim.Politehewas,butnothingmore.Anddeclinedherinvitations.”
“Invitations?”
“Yes,toconsiderthehouseashisownanytime,anddropin,that’showsheputit—dropin.Youdon’tdropintoaplacewhenyou’relivingsixmilesaway.”
“Sheseemedanxiousto—well—toseesomethingoftheCaptain?”
Narracottwaswondering.Wasthatthereasonforthetakingofthehouse?WasitonlyapreludetothemakingofCaptainTrevelyan’sacquaintance?Wasthattherealgame?ItwouldprobablynothaveoccurredtoherthattheCaptainwouldhavegoneasfarasExhamptontolive.Shemighthavecalculatedonhismovingintooneofthesmallbungalows,perhapssharingMajorBurnaby’s.
Evans’sanswerwasnotveryhelpful.
“She’saveryhospitablelady,byallaccounts.Someoneintolunchordinnereveryday.”
Narracottnodded.Hecouldlearnnomorehere.ButhedeterminedtoseekaninterviewwiththisMrs.Willettatanearlydate.Herabruptarrivalneededlookinginto.
“Comeon,Pollock,we’llgoupstairsnow,”hesaid.
TheyleftEvansinthediningroomandproceededtotheupperstory.
“Allright,doyouthink?”askedtheSergeantinalowvoice,jerkinghisheadoverhisshoulderinthedirectionofthecloseddiningroomdoor.
“Heseemsso,”saidtheInspector.“Butoneneverknows.He’snofool,thatfellow,whateverelseheis.”
“No,he’sanintelligentsortofchap.”
“Hisstoryseemsstraightforwardenough,”wentontheInspector.“Perfectlyclearandaboveboard.Still,asIsay,oneneverknows.”
Andwiththispronouncement,verytypicalofhiscarefulandsuspiciousmind,theInspectorproceededtosearchtheroomsonthefirstfloor.
Therewerethreebedroomsandabathroom.Twoofthebedroomswereemptyandhadclearlynotbeenenteredforsomeweeks.Thethird,CaptainTrevelyan’sownroom,wasinexquisiteandapple-pieorder.InspectorNarracottmovedaboutinit,openingdrawersandcupboards.Everythingwasinitsrightplace.Itwastheroomofamanalmostfanaticallytidyandneatinhishabits.Narracottfinishedhisinspectionandglancedintotheadjoiningbathroom.Here,too,everythingwasinorder.Hegavealastglanceatthebed,neatlyturneddown,withfoldedpyjamaslaidready.
Thenheshookhishead.
“Nothinghere,”hesaid.
“No,everythingseemsinperfectorder.”
“Therearethepapersinthedeskinthestudy.Youhadbettergothroughthose,Pollock.I’lltellEvansthathecango.Imaycallroundandseehimathisownplacelater.”
“Verygood,sir.”
“Thebodycanberemoved.IshallwanttoseeWarren,bytheway.Helivesnearhere,doesn’the?”
“Yes,sir.”
“ThissideoftheThreeCrownsortheother?”
“Theother,sir.”
“ThenI’lltaketheThreeCrownsfirst.Carryon,Sergeant.”
PollockwenttothediningroomtodismissEvans.TheInspectorpassedoutofthefrontdoorandwalkedrapidlyinthedirectionoftheThreeCrowns.
Six
ATTHETHREECROWNS
InspectorNarracottwasnotdestinedtoseeMajorBurnabyuntilhehadhadaprotractedinterviewwithMrs.Belling—licensedproprietoroftheThreeCrowns.Mrs.Bellingwasfatandexcitable,andsovolublethattherewasnothingtobedonebuttolistenpatientlyuntilsuchtimeasthestreamofconversationshoulddryup.
“Andsuchanightasneverwas,”sheendedup.“Andlittledidanyofusthinkwhatwashappeningtothepoordeargentleman.Thosenastytramps—ifI’vesaiditonce,I’vesaiditadozentimes,Ican’tabearthosenastytramps.Doanybodyintheywould.TheCaptainhadnotsomuchasadogtoprotecthim.Can’tabearadog,trampscan’t.Ah,well,youneverknowwhatishappeningwithinastone’sthrow.
“Yes,Mr.Narracott,”sheproceededinanswertohisquestion,“theMajorishavinghisbreakfastnow.Youwillfindhiminthecoffeeroom.Andwhatkindofanighthehaspassedwithnopyjamasoranything,andmeawidowwomanwithnothingtolendhim,Ican’tsay,Iamsure.Saiditmadenomatterhedid—allupsetandqueerhewas—andnowonderwithhisbestfriendmurdered.Verynicegentlementhetwoofthem,thoughtheCaptainhadthereputationofbeingclosewithhismoney.Ah,well,well,IhavealwaysthoughtitdangeroustoliveuptoSittaford,milesawayfromanywhere,andhere’stheCaptainstruckdowninExhamptonitself.It’salwayswhatyoudon’texpectinthislifethathappens,isn’tit,Mr.Narracott?”
TheInspectorsaidthatundoubtedlyitwas.Thenheadded:
“Whodidyouhavestayinghereyesterday,Mrs.Belling?Anystrangers?”
“Nowletmesee.TherewasMr.MoresbyandMr.Jones—commercialgentlementheyare,andtherewasayounggentlemanfromLondon.Nobodyelse.Itstandstoreasontherewouldn’tbethistimeofyear.Veryquiethereinthewinter.Oh,andtherewasanotheryounggentleman—arrivedbythelasttrain.NoseyyoungfellowIcallhim.Heisn’tupyet.”
“Thelasttrain?”saidtheInspector.“Thatgetsinatteno’clock,eh?Idon’tthinkweneedtroubleourselvesabouthim.Whatabouttheother—theonefromLondon?Didyouknowhim?”
“Neverseenhimbeforeinmylife.Notacommercialgentleman,oh,no—acutabovethat.Ican’trememberhisnameforthemoment—butyou’llfinditintheregister.LeftonthefirsttraintoExeterthismorning,hedid.Sixten.Rathercurious.Whatdidhewantdownhereanyway,that’swhatI’dliketoknow.”
“Hedidn’tmentionhisbusiness?”
“Notaword.”
“Didhegooutatall?”
“Arrivedatlunchtime,wentoutabouthalfpastfourandcameinabouttwentypastsix.”
“Wheredidhegowhenhewentout?”
“Ihaven’ttheremotestidea,sir.Mayhavebeenjustforastrolllike.Thatwasbeforethesnowcame,butitwasn’twhatyoumightcallapleasantdayforwalking.”
“Wentoutathalfpastfourandreturnedabouttwentypastsix,”saidtheInspectorthoughtfully.“That’sratherodd.Hedidn’tmentionCaptainTrevelyan?”
Mrs.Bellingshookherheaddecisively.
“No,Mr.Narracott,hedidn’tmentionanybodyatall.Kepthimselftohimselfhedid.Anicelookingyoungfellow—butworried,Ishouldsay.”
TheInspectornoddedandsteppedacrosstoinspecttheregister.
“JamesPearson,London,”saidtheInspector.“Well—thatdoesn’ttellusmuch.We’llhavetomakeafewinquiriesaboutMr.JamesPearson.”
ThenhestrodeofftothecoffeeroominsearchofMajorBurnaby.
TheMajorwastheonlyoccupantoftheroom.Hewasdrinkingsomerathermuddy-lookingcoffeeandTheTimeswasproppedupinfrontofhim.
“MajorBurnaby?”
“That’smyname.”
“IamInspectorNarracottfromExeter.”
“Goodmorning,Inspector.Anyforrarder?”
“Yes,sir.Ithinkwearealittleforrarder.IthinkIcansafelysaythat.”
“Gladtohearit,”saidtheMajordrily.Hisattitudewasoneofresigneddisbelief.
“NowtherearejustoneortwopointsIwouldlikesomeinformationon,MajorBurnaby,”saidtheInspector,“andIthinkyoucanprobablytellmewhatIwanttoknow.”
“DowhatIcan,”saidBurnaby.
“HadCaptainTrevelyananyenemiestoyourknowledge?”
“Notanenemyintheworld.”Burnabywasdecisive.
“Thisman,Evans—doyouyourselfconsiderhimtrustworthy?”
“Shouldthinkso.Trevelyantrustedhim,Iknow.”
“Therewasnoillfeelingaboutthismarriageofhis?”
“Notillfeeling,no.Trevelyanwasannoyed—didn’tlikehishabitsupset.Oldbachelor,youknow.”
“Talkingofbachelors,that’sanotherpoint.CaptainTrevelyanwasunmarried—doyouknowifhemadeawill?Andintheeventoftherebeingnowill,haveyouanyideawhowouldinherithisestate?”
“Trevelyanmadeawill,”saidBurnabypromptly.
“Ah—youknowthat.”
“Yes.Mademeexecutor.Toldmeso.”
“Doyouknowhowhelefthismoney?”
“ThatIcan’tsay.”
“Iunderstandhewasverycomfortablyoff?”
“Trevelyanwasarichman,”repliedBurnaby.“Ishouldsayhewasmuchbetteroffthananyonearoundheresuspected.”
“Whatrelationshadhe—doyouknow?”
“He’dasisterandsomenephewsandnieces,Ibelieve.Neversawmuchofanyofthem,buttherewasnoquarrel.”
“Aboutthiswill,doyouknowwherehekeptit?”
“It’satWalters&Kirkwood—thesolicitorshereinExhampton.Theydrewitupforhim.”
“Thenperhaps,MajorBurnaby,asyouareexecutor,IwonderifyouwouldcomeroundtoWalters&Kirkwoodwithmenow.Ishouldliketohaveanideaofthecontentsofthatwillassoonaspossible.”
Burnabylookedupalertly.
“What’sinthewind?”hesaid.“What’sthewillgottodowithit?”
InspectorNarracottwasnotdisposedtoshowhishandtoosoon.
“Thecaseisn’tsuchplainsailingaswethought,”hesaid.“Bytheway,there’sanotherquestionIwanttoaskyou.Iunderstand,MajorBurnaby,thatyouaskedDr.Warrenwhetherdeathhadoccurredatfiveandtwentyminutespastfive?”
“Well,”saidtheMajorgruffly.
“Whatmadeyouselectthatexacttime,Major?”
“Whyshouldn’tI?”saidBurnaby.
“Well—somethingmusthaveputitintoyourhead.”
TherewasquiteapausebeforeMajorBurnabyreplied.InspectorNarracott’sinterestwasaroused.TheMajorhadsomethinghequitepatentlywishedtoconceal.Towatchhimdoingsowasalmostludicrous.
“Whyshouldn’tIsaytwenty-fivepastfive?”hedemandedtruculently,“ortwenty-fivetosix—ortwentypastfour,forthatmatter?”
“Quiteso,sir,”saidInspectorNarracottsoothingly.
HedidnotwishtoantagonizetheMajorjustatthismoment.Hepromisedhimselfthathewouldgettothebottomofthematterbeforethedaywasout.
“There’sonethingthatstrikesmeascurious,sir,”hewenton.
“Yes?”
“ThisbusinessofthelettingofSittafordHouse.Idon’tknowwhatyouthinkaboutit,butitseemstomeacuriousthingtohavehappened.”
“Ifyouaskme,”saidBurnaby,“it’sdamnedodd.”
“That’syouropinion?”
“It’severyone’sopinion.”
“InSittaford?”
“InSittafordandExhamptontoo.Thewomanmustbemad.”
“Well,Isupposethere’snoaccountingfortastes,”saidtheInspector.
“Damnedoddtasteforawomanofthatkind.”
“Youknowthelady?”
“Iknowher.Why,Iwasatherhousewhen—”
“Whenwhat?”askedNarracottastheMajorcametoanabrupthalt.
“Nothing,”saidBurnaby.
InspectorNarracottlookedathimkeenly.Therewassomethingherehewouldhavelikedtogetat.TheMajor’sobviousconfusionandembarrassmentdidnotescapehim.Hehadbeenonthepointofsaying—what?
“Allingoodtime,”saidNarracotttohimself.“Nowisn’tthemomenttorubhimupthewrongway.”
Aloudhesaidinnocently:
“YouwereatSittafordHouse,yousay,sir.Theladyhasbeentherenow—abouthowlong?”
“Acoupleofmonths.”
TheMajorwaseagertoescapetheresultofhisimprudentwords.Itmadehimmoreloquaciousthanusual.
“Awidowladywithherdaughter?”
“That’sit.”
“Doesshegiveanyreasonforherchoiceofresidence?”
“Well—”theMajorrubbedhisnosedubiously.“Shetalksalot,she’sthatkindofwoman—beautiesofnature—outoftheworld—thatsortofthing.But—”
Hepausedratherhelplessly.InspectorNarracottcametohisrescue.
“Itdidn’tstrikeyouasnaturalonherpart?”
“Well,it’slikethis.She’safashionablesortofwoman.Dresseduptothenines—daughter’sasmart,prettygirl.NaturalthingwouldbeforthemtobestayingattheRitzorClaridge’s,orsomeotherbighotelsomewhere.Youknowthesort.”
Narracottnodded.
“Theydon’tkeepthemselvestothemselves,dothey?”heasked.“Youdon’tthinktheyare—well—hiding?”
MajorBurnabyshookhisheadpositively
“Oh!no,nothingofthatkind.They’reverysociable—abittoosociable.Imean,inalittleplacelikeSittaford,youcan’thavepreviousengagements,andwheninvitationsareshoweredonyouit’sabitawkward.They’reexceedinglykind,hospitablepeople,butabittoohospitableforEnglishideas.”
“TheColonialtouch,”saidtheInspector.
“Yes,Isupposeso.”
“You’venoreasontothinktheywerepreviouslyacquaintedwithCaptainTrevelyan?”
“Suretheyweren’t.”
“Youseemverypositive?”
“Joewouldhavetoldme.”
“Andyoudon’tthinktheirmotivecouldhavebeen—well—toscrapeacquaintancewiththeCaptain?”
ThiswasclearlyanewideatotheMajor.Heponderedoveritforsomeminutes
“Well,Ineverthoughtofthat.Theywereverygushingtohim,certainly.NotthattheygotanychangeoutofJoe.Butno,Ithinkitwasjusttheirusualmanner.Overfriendly,youknow,likeColonialsare,”addedthesuper-insularsoldier.
“Isee.Now,astothehouseitself.CaptainTrevelyanbuiltthat,Iunderstand?”
“Yes.”
“Andnobodyelsehaseverlivedinit?Imean,it’snotbeenletbefore?”
“Never.”
“Thenitdoesn’tseemasthoughitcouldbeanythinginthehouseitselfthatwastheattraction.It’sapuzzle.Tentooneit’sgotnothingtodowiththecase,butitjuststruckmeasanoddcoincidence.ThishousethatCaptainTrevelyantook,Hazelmoor,whosepropertywasthat?”
“MissLarpent’s.Middle-agedwoman,she’sgonetoaboardinghouseatCheltenhamforthewinter.Doeseveryyear.Usuallyshutsthehouseup,butletsitifshecan,whichisn’toften.”
Thereseemednothingpromisingthere.TheInspectorshookhisheadinadiscouragedfashion.
“Williamsonsweretheagents,Iunderstand?”hesaid.
“Yes.”
“TheirofficeisinExhampton?”
“NextdoortoWalters&Kirkwood.”
“Ah!then,perhaps,ifyoudon’tmind,Major,wemightjustdropinonourway.”
“Notatall.Youwon’tfindKirkwoodathisofficebeforetenanyway.Youknowwhatlawyersare.”
“Then,shallwego?”
TheMajor,whohadfinishedhisbreakfastsometimeago,noddedassentandrose.
Seven
THEWILL
Analert-lookingyoungmanrosetoreceivethemintheofficeofMessrs.Williamson.
“Goodmorning,MajorBurnaby.”
“Morning.”
“Terriblebusiness,this,”saidtheyoungmanchattily.“NotbeensuchathinginExhamptonforyears.”
HespokewithgustoandtheMajorwinced.
“ThisisInspectorNarracott,”hesaid.
“Oh!yes,”saidtheyoungmanpleasurablyexcited.
“IwantsomeinformationthatIthinkyoucangiveme,”saidtheInspector.“IunderstandthatyouputthroughthisletofSittafordHouse.”
“ToMrs.Willett?Yes,wedid.”
“Canyougivemefulldetails,please,ofhowthatcameabout.Didtheladyapplypersonally,orbyletter?”
“Byletter.Shewrote,letmesee—”Heopenedadrawerandturnedupafile.“Yes,fromtheCarltonHotel,London.”
“DidshementionSittafordHousebyname?”
“No,shemerelysaidshewantedtorentahouseforthewinter,itmustberightonDartmoorandhaveatleasteightbedrooms.Beingneararailwaystationortownwasofnoconsequence.”
“WasSittafordHouseonyourbooks?”
“No,itwasnot.Butasamatteroffactitwastheonlyhouseintheneighbourhoodthatatallfulfilledtherequirements.Theladymentionedinherletterthatshewouldbewillingtogototwelveguineas,andinthesecircumstancesIthoughtitworthwhilewritingtoCaptainTrevelyanandaskingwhetherhewouldconsiderletting.Herepliedintheaffirmative,andwefixedthethingup.”
“WithoutMrs.Willettseeingthehouse?”
“Sheagreedtotakeitwithoutseeingit,andsignedtheagreement.Thenshecamedownhereoneday,droveuptoSittaford,sawCaptainTrevelyan,arrangedwithhimaboutplateandlinen,etc.,andsawoverthehouse.”
“Shewasquitesatisfied?”
“Shecameinandsaidshewasdelightedwithit.”
“Andwhatdidyouthink?”askedInspectorNarracott,eyeinghimkeenly.
Theyoungmanshruggedhisshoulders.
“Youlearnnevertobesurprisedatanythinginthehousebusiness,”hesaid
Onthisnoteofphilosophytheyleft,theInspectorthankingtheyoungmanforhishelp.
“Notatall,apleasure,I’msure.”
Heaccompaniedthempolitelytothedoor.
TheofficesofMessrs.WaltersandKirkwoodwere,asMajorBurnabyhadsaid,nextdoortotheestateagents.Onreachingthere,theyweretoldthatMr.Kirkwoodhadjustarrivedandtheywereshownintohisroom.
Mr.Kirkwoodwasanelderlymanwithabenignexpression.HewasanativeofExhamptonandhadsucceededhisfatherandgrandfatherinthefirm.
Herose,putonhismourningface,andshookhandswiththeMajor.
“Goodmorning,MajorBurnaby,”hesaid.“Thisisaveryshockingaffair.Veryshockingindeed.PoorTrevelyan.”
HelookedinquiringlyatNarracottandMajorBurnabyexplainedhispresenceinafewsuccinctwords.
“Youareinchargeofthecase,InspectorNarracott?”
“Yes,Mr.Kirkwood.Inpursuanceofmyinvestigations,Ihavecometoaskyouforcertaininformation.”
“Ishallbehappytogiveyouanyinformationifitisproperformetodoso,”saidthelawyer.
“ItconcernsthelateCaptainTrevelyan’swill,”saidNarracott.“Iunderstandthewillishereinyouroffice.”
“Thatisso.”
“Itwasmadesometimeago?”
“Fiveorsixyearsago.Icannotbesureoftheexactdateatthemoment.”
“Ah!Iamanxious,Mr.Kirkwood,toknowthecontentsofthatwillassoonaspossible.Itmayhaveanimportantbearingonthecase.”
“Indeed?”saidthelawyer.“Indeed!Ishouldnothavethoughtthat,butnaturallyyouknowyourownbusinessbest,Inspector.Well—”heglancedacrossattheotherman.“MajorBurnabyandmyselfarejointexecutorsofthewill.Ifhehasnoobjection—”
“None.”
“ThenIseenoreasonwhyIshouldnotaccedetoyourrequest,Inspector.”
Takingatelephonethatstoodonhisdeskhespokeafewwordsdownit.Intwoorthreeminutesaclerkenteredtheroomandlaidasealedenvelopeinfrontofthelawyer.Theclerklefttheroom,Mr.Kirkwoodpickeduptheenvelope,slititopenwithapaperknifeanddrewoutalargeandimportant-lookingdocument,clearedhisthroatandbegantoread—
“I,JosephArthurTrevelyan,ofSittafordHouse,Sittaford,intheCountyofDevon,declarethistobemylastwillandtestamentwhichImakethisthirteenthdayofAugustnineteenhundredandtwenty-six.“(1)IappointJohnEdwardBurnabyof1TheCottages,Sittaford,andFrederickKirkwoodofExhampton,tobetheexecutorsandtrusteesofthis,mywill.“(2)IgivetoRobertHenryEvans,whohasservedmelongandfaithfully,thesumof￡100(onehundredpounds)freeoflegacydutyforhisownbenefitabsolutely,providedthatheisinmyserviceatthetimeofmydeathandnotundernoticetoleavewhethergivenorreceived.“(3)IgivethesaidJohnEdwardBurnaby,asatokenofourfriendshipandofmyaffectionandregardforhim,allmytrophiesofsport,includingmycollectionofheadsandpeltsofbiggameaswellasanychallengecupsandprizesawardedtomeinanydepartmentofsportandanyspoilsofthechaseinmypossession.“(4)Igiveallmyrealandpersonalproperty,nototherwisedisposedofbythis,mywill,oranycodicilhereto,tomyTrusteesuponTrustthatmyTrusteesshallsell,callinandconvertthesameintomoney.“(5)MyTrusteesshalloutofthemoneystoariseoutofsuchsale,callinginandconversionpayanyfuneralandtestamentaryexpensesanddebts,andthelegaciesgivenbythis,mywill,oranycodicilheretoandalldeathdutiesandothermoneys.“(6)MyTrusteesshallholdtheresidueofsuchmoneysortheinvestmentsforthetimebeing,representingthesameuponTrusttodividethesameintofourequalpartsorshares.“(7)UponsuchdivisionasaforesaidmyTrusteesshallholdonesuchequalfourthpartorshareuponTrusttopaythesametomysisterJenniferGardnerforherownuseandenjoymentabsolutely.“AndmyTrusteesshallholdtheremainingthreesuchequalfourthpartsorsharesuponTrusttopayonesuchequalfourthpartorsharetoeachofthethreechildrenofmydeceasedsister,MaryPearson,forthebenefitofeachsuchchildabsolutely.“InWitnesswhereofI,thesaidJosephArthurTrevelyan,havehereuntosetmyhandthedayandyearfirstabovewritten.“SignedbytheabovenamesTestatorashislastwillinthepresenceofusbothpresentatthesametime,whoinhispresenceandathisrequestandinthepresenceofeachotherhavehereuntosubscribedournamesaswitness.”
Mr.KirkwoodhandedthedocumenttotheInspector.
“Witnessedbytwoofmyclerksinthisoffice.”
TheInspectorranhiseyeoverthewillthoughtfully.
“Mydeceasedsister,MaryPearson,”hesaid.“CanyoutellmeanythingaboutMrs.Pearson,Mr.Kirkwood?”
“Verylittle.Shediedabouttenyearsago,Ibelieve.Herhusband,astockbroker,hadpredeceasedher.AsfarasIknow,shenevervisitedCaptainTrevelyanhere.”
“Pearson,”saidtheInspectoragain.Thenheadded:“Onethingmore.TheamountofCaptainTrevelyan’sestateisnotmentioned.Towhatsumdoyouthinkitwillamount?”
“Thatisdifficulttosayexactly,”saidMr.Kirkwood,enjoying,likealllawyers,makingthereplytoasimplequestiondifficult.“Itisaquestionofrealorpersonalestate.BesidesSittafordHouse,CaptainTrevelyanownssomepropertyintheneighbourhoodofPlymouth,andvariousinvestmentshemadefromtimetotimehavefluctuatedinvalue.”
“Ijustwantanapproximateidea,”saidInspectorNarracott.
“Ishouldnotliketocommitmyself—”
“Justtheroughestestimateasaguide.Forinstancewouldtwentythousandpoundsbeoutoftheway?”
“Twentythousandpounds.Mydearsir!CaptainTrevelyan’sestatewillbeworthatleastfourtimesasmuchasthat.Eightyorevenninetythousandpoundswillbemuchnearerthemark.”
“ItoldyouTrevelyanwasarichman,”saidBurnaby.
InspectorNarracottrose.
“Thankyouverymuch,Mr.Kirkwood,”hesaid,“fortheinformationyouhavegivenme.”
“Youthinkyouwillfindithelpful,eh?”
Thelawyerveryclearlywasagogwithcuriosity,butInspectorNarracottwasinnomoodtosatisfyitatpresent.
“Inacaselikethiswehavetotakeeverythingintoaccount,”hesaid,noncommittally.“Bytheway,haveyouthenamesandaddressesofthisJenniferGardnerandofthePearsonfamily?”
“IknownothingofthePearsonfamily.Mrs.Gardner’saddressisTheLaurels,WaldonRoad,Exeter.”
TheInspectornoteditdowninhisbook
“Thatwilldotogetonwith,”hesaid.“Youdon’tknowhowmanychildrenthelateMrs.Pearsonleft?”
“Three,Ifancy.Twogirlsandaboy—orpossiblytwoboysandagirl—Icannotrememberwhich.”
TheInspectornoddedandputawayhisnotebookandthankedthelawyeroncemoreandtookhisdeparture.
Whentheyhadreachedthestreet,heturnedsuddenlyandfacedhiscompanion.
“Andnow,sir,”hesaid,“we’llhavethetruthaboutthetwenty-fivepastfivebusiness.”
MajorBurnaby’sfacereddenedwithannoyance.
“Ihavetoldyoualready—”
“Thatwon’tgodownwithme.Withholdinginformation,thatiswhatyouaredoing,MajorBurnaby.YoumusthavehadsomeideainmentioningthatspecifictimetoDr.Warren—andIthinkIhaveaverygoodideaofwhatthatsomethingis.”
“Well,ifyouknowaboutit,whyaskme?”growledtheMajor.
“ItakeitthatyouwereawarethatacertainpersonhadanappointmentwithCaptainTrevelyansomewhereaboutthattime.Now,isn’tthatso?”
MajorBurnabystaredathiminsurprise
“Nothingofthekind,”hesnarled,“nothingofthekind.”
“Becareful,MajorBurnaby.WhataboutMr.JamesPearson?”
“JamesPearson?JamesPearson,who’she?DoyoumeanoneofTrevelyan’snephews?”
“Ipresumeitwouldbeanephew.HehadonecalledJames,hadn’the?”
“Nottheleastidea.Trevelyanhadnephews—Iknowthat.Butwhattheirnameswere,Ihaven’tthevaguestidea.”
“TheyoungmaninquestionwasattheThreeCrownslastnight.Youprobablyrecognizedhimthere.”
“Ididn’trecognizeanybody,”growledtheMajor.“Shouldn’tanyway—neversawanyofTrevelyan’snephewsinmylife.”
“ButyouknewthatCaptainTrevelyanwasexpectinganephewtocalluponhimyesterdayafternoon?”
“Ididnot,”roaredtheMajor.
Severalpeopleinthestreetturnedroundtostareathim.
“Damnit,won’tyoutakeplaintruth!Iknewnothingaboutanyappointment.Trevelyan’snephewsmayhavebeeninTimbuctooforallIknewaboutthem.”
InspectorNarracottwasalittletakenaback.TheMajor’svehementdenialborethemarkoftruthtooplainlyforhimtobedeceived.
“Thenwhythistwenty-fivepastfivebusiness?”
“Oh!well—IsupposeIhadbettertellyou,”theMajorcoughedinanembarrassedfashion.“Butmindyou—thewholethingisdamnedfoolishness!Tommyrot,sir.Howanythinkingmancanbelievesuchnonsense!”
InspectorNarracottlookedmoreandmoresurprised.MajorBurnabywaslookingmoreuncomfortableandashamedofhimselfeveryminute.
“Youknowwhatitis,Inspector.Youhavetojoininthesethingstopleasealady.Ofcourse,Ineverthoughttherewasanythinginit.”
“Inwhat,MajorBurnaby?”
“Table-turning.”
“Table-turning?”
WhateverNarracotthadexpectedhehadnotexpectedthis.TheMajorproceededtoexplainhimself.Haltingly,andwithmanydisclaimersofhisownbeliefinthething,hedescribedtheeventsofthepreviousafternoonandthemessagethathadpurportedtocomethroughforhimself.
“Youmean,MajorBurnaby,thatthetablespeltoutthenameofTrevelyanandinformedyouthathewasdead—murdered?”
MajorBurnabywipedhisforehead.
“Yes,that’swhathappened.Ididn’tbelieveinit—naturally,Ididn’tbelieveinit.”Helookedashamed.“Well—itwasFridayandIthoughtafterallIwouldmakesureandgoalongandseeifeverythingwasallright.”
TheInspectorreflectedonthedifficultiesofthatsixmilewalk,withthepiled-upsnowdriftsandtheprospectofaheavysnowfall,andherealizedthatdenyitashewouldMajorBurnabymusthavebeendeeplyimpressedbythespiritmessage.Narracottturneditoverinhismind.Aqueerthingtohappen—averyqueerthingtohappen.Thesortofthingyoucouldn’texplainsatisfactorily.Theremightbesomethinginthisspiritbusinessafterall.Itwasthefirstwell-authenticatedcasehehadcomeacross.
Averyqueerbusinessaltogetherbut,asfarashecouldsee,thoughitexplainedMajorBurnaby’sattitude,ithadnopracticalbearingonthecaseasfarashehimselfwasconcerned.Hehadtodealwiththephysicalworldandnotthepsychic.
Itwashisjobtotrackdownthemurderer.
Andtodothatherequirednoguidancefromthespiritworld.
Eight
MR.CHARLESENDERBY
Glancingathiswatch,theInspectorrealizedhecouldjustcatchthetrainforExeterifhehurriedoff.HewasanxioustointerviewthelateCaptainTrevelyan’ssisterassoonaspossibleandobtainfromhertheaddressesoftheothermembersofthefamily.So,withahurriedwordoffarewelltoMajorBurnaby,heracedofftothestation.TheMajorretracedhisstepstotheThreeCrowns.Hehadhardlyputafootacrossthedoorstepwhenhewasaccostedbyabrightyoungmanwithaveryshinyheadandaround,boyishface.
“MajorBurnaby?”saidtheyoungman.
“Yes.”
“OfNo.1SittafordCottages?”
“Yes,”saidMajorBurnaby.
“IrepresenttheDailyWire,”saidtheyoungman,“andI—”
Hegotnofurther.Intruemilitaryfashionoftheoldschool,theMajorexploded.
“Notanotherword,”heroared.“Iknowyouandyourkind.Nodecency.Noreticence.Clusteringroundamurderlikevulturesroundacarcass,butIcantellyou,youngman,youwillgetnoinformationfromme.Notaword.Nostoryforyourdamnedpaper.Ifyouwanttoknowanything,goandaskthepolice,andhavethedecencytoleavethefriendsofthedeadmanalone.”
Theyoungmanseemednotawhittakenaback.Hesmiledmoreencouraginglythanever.
“Isay,sir,youknowyouhavegotholdofthewrongendofthestick.Iknownothingaboutthismurderbusiness.”
Thiswasnot,strictlyspeaking,thetruth.NooneinExhamptoncouldpretendignoranceoftheeventthathadshakenthequietmoorlandtowntoitscore.
“IamempoweredonbehalfoftheDailyWire,”wentontheyoungman,“tohandyouthischequefor￡5,000andcongratulateyouonsendingintheonlycorrectsolutionofourfootballcompetition.”
MajorBurnabywascompletelytakenaback.
“Ihavenodoubt,”continuedtheyoungman,“thatyouhavealreadyreceivedourletteryesterdaymorninginformingyouofthegoodnews.”
“Letter?”saidMajorBurnaby.“Doyourealize,youngman,thatSittafordisabouttenfeetdeepinsnow?Whatchancedoyouthinkwehavehadinthelastfewdaysofaregulardeliveryofletters?”
“ButdoubtlessyousawyournameannouncedaswinnerintheDailyWire,thismorning?”
“No,”saidMajorBurnaby.“Ihaven’tglancedatthepaperthismorning.”
“Ah!ofcoursenot,”saidtheyoungman.“Thissadbusiness.Themurderedmanwasafriendofyours,Iunderstand.”
“Mybestfriend,”saidtheMajor.
“Hardlines,”saidtheyoungmantactfullyavertinghiseyes.ThenhedrewfromhispocketasmallfoldedpieceofmauvepaperandhandedittoMajorBurnabywithabow.
“WiththecomplimentsoftheDailyWire,”hesaid.
MajorBurnabytookitandsaidtheonlythingpossibleunderthecircumstances
“Haveadrink,Mr.—er—?”
“Enderby,CharlesEnderbymynameis.Igotherelastnight,”heexplained.“MadeinquiriesaboutgettingtoSittaford.Wemakeitapointtohandchequestowinnerspersonally.Alwayspublishalittleinterview.Interestsourreaders.Well,everyonetoldmeitwasoutofthequestion—thesnowwasfallinganditsimplycouldn’tbedone,andthenwiththegreatestgoodluckIfindyouareactuallyhere,stayingattheThreeCrowns.”Hesmiled.“Nodifficultyaboutidentification.Everybodyseemstoknoweverybodyelseinthispartoftheworld.”
“Whatwillyouhave?”saidtheMajor.
“Beerforme,”saidEnderby.
TheMajororderedtwobeers.
“Thewholeplaceseemsoffitsheadwiththismurder,”remarkedEnderby.“Ratheramysteriousbusinessbyallaccounts.”
TheMajorgrunted.Hewasinsomethingofaquandary.Hissentimentstowardsjournalistsremainedunchanged,butamanwhohasjusthandedyouachequefor￡5,000isinaprivilegedposition.Youcannotverywelltellhimtogotothedevil.
“Noenemies,hadhe?”askedtheyoungman.
“No,”saidtheMajor.
“ButIhearthepolicedon’tthinkitisrobbery,”wentonEnderby.
“Howdoyouknowthat?”askedtheMajor.
Mr.Enderby,however,didnotrevealthesourceofhisinformation.
“Ihearitwasyouwhoactuallydiscoveredthebody,sir,”saidtheyoungman.
“Yes.”
“Itmusthavebeenanawfulshock.”
Theconversationproceeded.MajorBurnabywasstilldeterminedtogivenoinformation,buthewasnomatchfortheadroitnessofMr.Enderby.ThelattermadestatementswithwhichtheMajorwasforcedtoagreeordisagree,therebyprovidingtheinformationtheyoungmanwanted.Sopleasantwashismanner,however,thattheprocesswasreallynotpainfulatallandtheMajorfoundhimselftakingquitealikingtotheingenuousyoungman.
Presently,Mr.Enderbyroseandobservedthathemustgoalongtothepostoffice.
“Ifyouwilljustgivemeareceiptforthatcheque,sir.”
TheMajorwentacrosstothewritingtable,wroteareceiptandhandedittohim.
“Splendid,”saidtheyoungmanandslippeditintohispocket.
“Isuppose,”saidMajorBurnaby,“thatyouareoffbacktoLondontoday?”
“Oh!no,”saidtheyoungman.“Iwanttotakeafewphotographs,youknow,ofyourcottageatSittaford,andofyoufeedingthepigs,orhoeingupthedandelions,ordoinganythingcharacteristicthatyoufancy.Youhavenoideahowourreadersappreciatethatsortofthing.ThenIwouldliketohaveafewwordsfromyouon‘WhatIintendtodowiththe￡5,000.’”Somethingsnappy.Youhavenoideahowdisappointedourreaderswouldbeiftheydidn’tgetthatsortofthing.”
“Yes,butlookhere—it’simpossibletogettoSittafordinthisweather.Thefallofsnowwasexceptionallyheavy.Novehiclehasbeenabletotaketheroadforthreedaysanyway,anditmaybeanotherthreebeforethethawsetsinproperly.”
“Iknow,”saidtheyoungman,“itisawkward.Well,well,onewilljusthavetoresignoneselftokickingupone’sheelsinExhampton.TheydoyouprettywellattheThreeCrowns.Solong,sir,seeyoulater.”
HeemergedintothemainstreetofExhamptonandmadehiswaytothepostofficeandwiredhispaperthatbythegreatestofgoodluckhewouldbeabletosupplythemwithtastyandexclusiveinformationontheExhamptonMurderCase.
HereflectedonhisnextcourseofactionanddecidedoninterviewingthelateCaptainTrevelyan’sservant,Evans,whosenameMajorBurnabyhadincautiouslyletslipduringtheirconversation.
Afewinquiriesbroughthimto85ForeStreet.Theservantofthemurderedmanwasapersonofimportancetoday.Everyonewaswillingandanxioustopointoutwherehelived.
Enderbybeatasmartrat-tatonthedoor.Itwasopenedbyamansotypicallyanex-sailorthatEnderbyhadnodoubtofhisidentity.
“Evans,isn’tit?”saidEnderbycheerfully.“IhavejustcomealongfromMajorBurnaby.”
“Oh—”Evanshesitatedamoment.“Willyoucomein,sir.”
Enderbyacceptedtheinvitation.Abuxomyoungwomanwithdarkhairandredcheekshoveredinthebackground.EnderbyjudgedherasthenewlywedMrs.Evans.
“Badthingaboutyourlatemaster,”saidEnderby.
“It’sshocking,sir,that’swhatitis.”
“Whodoyouthinkdidit?”demandedEnderbywithaningenuousairofseekinginformation.
“Oneofthoselow-downtramps,Isuppose,”saidEvans.
“Oh!no,mydearman.Thattheoryisquiteexploded.”
“Eh?”
“That’sallaput-upjob.Thepolicesawthroughthatatonce.”
“Whotoldyouthat,sir?”
Enderby’srealinformanthadbeenthehousemaidattheThreeCrownswhosesisterwasthelegalspouseofConstableGraves,buthereplied:
“Hadatipfromheadquarters.Yes,theburglaryideawasallaput-upjob.”
“Whodotheythinkdiditthen?”demandedMrs.Evans,comingforward.Hereyeslookedfrightenedandeager.
“Now,Rebecca,don’tyoutakeonso,”saidherhusband.
“Cruelstupidthepoliceare,”saidMrs.Evans.“Don’tmindwhotheytakeupaslongastheygetholdofsomeone.”ShecastaquickglanceatEnderby.
“Areyouconnectedwiththepolice,sir?”
“Me?Oh!no.Iamfromanewspaper,theDailyWire.IcamedowntoseeMajorBurnaby.HehasjustwonourFreeFootballCompetitionfor￡5,000.”
“What?”criedEvans.“Damnitall,thenthosethingsaresquareafterall.”
“Didn’tyouthinktheywere?”askedEnderby.
“Well,it’sawickedworld,sir.”Evanswasalittleconfused,feelingthathisexclamationhadbeenwantingintact.“Ihaveheardthere’salotoftrickeryconcerned.ThelateCaptingusedtosaythataprizeneverwenttoagoodaddress.That’swhyheusedminetimeandagain.”
Withacertainn?ivetéhedescribedtheCaptain’swinningofthreenewnovels
Enderbyencouragedhimtotalk.HesawaverygoodstorybeingmadeoutofEvans.Thefaithfulservant—oldseadogtouch.HewonderedjustalittlewhyMrs.Evansseemedsonervous,heputitdowntothesuspiciousignoranceofherclass.
“Youfindtheskunkthatdoneit,”saidEvans.“Newspaperscandoalot,theysay,inhuntingdowncriminals.”
“Itwasaburglar,”saidMrs.Evans.“That’swhatitwas.”
“Ofcourse,itwasaburglar,”saidEvans.“Why,there’snooneinExhamptonwouldwanttoharmtheCapting.”
Enderbyrose.
“Well,”hesaid.“Imustbegoing.IwillruninnowandthenandhavealittlechatifImay.IftheCaptainwonthreenewnovelsinaDailyWireCompetition,theDailyWireoughttomakeitapersonalmattertohuntdownhismurderer.”
“Youcan’tsayfairerthanthat,sir.No,youcan’tsayfairerthanthat.”
Wishingthemacheerygoodday,CharlesEnderbytookhisleave.
“Iwonderwhoreallydidthebeggarin?”hemurmuredtohimself.“Idon’tthinkourfriendEvans.Perhapsitwasaburglar!Verydisappointing,ifso.Doesn’tseemanywomaninthecase,whichisapity.We’vegottohavesomesensationaldevelopmentsoonorthecasewillfadeintoinsignificance.Justmyluck,ifso.FirsttimeIhaveeverbeenonthespotinamatterofthiskind.Imustmakegood.Charles,myboy,yourchanceinlifehascome.Makethemostofit.Ourmilitaryfriendwill,Isee,soonbeeatingoutofmyhandifIremembertobesufficientlyrespectfulandcallhim‘sir’oftenenough.WonderifhewasintheIndianMutiny.No,ofcoursenot,notoldenoughforthat.TheSouthAfricanWar,that’sit.AskhimabouttheSouthAfricanWar,thatwilltamehim.”
AndponderingtheseresolutionsinhismindMr.EnderbysaunteredbacktotheThreeCrowns.
Nine
THELAURELS
IttakesabouthalfanhourfromExhamptontoExeterbytrain.AtfiveminutestotwelveInspectorNarracottwasringingthefrontdoorbellofTheLaurels.
TheLaurelswasasomewhatdilapidatedhouse,badlyinneedofanewcoatofpaint.Thegardenrounditwasunkemptandweedyandthegatehungaskewonitshinges.
“Nottoomuchmoneyabouthere,”thoughtInspectorNarracotttohimself.“Evidentlyhardup.”
Hewasaveryfair-mindedman,butinquiriesseemedtoindicatethattherewasverylittlepossibilityoftheCaptain’shavingbeendonetodeathbyanenemy.Ontheotherhand,fourpeople,asfarashecouldmakeout,stoodtogainaconsiderablesumbytheoldman’sdeath.Themovementsofeachofthesefourpeoplehadgottobeinquiredinto.Theentryinthehotelregisterwassuggestive,butafterallPearsonwasquiteacommonname.InspectorNarracottwasanxiousnottocometoanydecisiontoorapidlyandtokeepaperfectlyopenmindwhilstcoveringthepreliminarygroundasrapidlyaspossible.
Asomewhatslatternly-lookingmaidansweredthebell.
“Goodafternoon,”saidInspectorNarracott.“IwanttoseeMrs.Gardner,please.Itisinconnectionwiththedeathofherbrother,CaptainTrevelyan,atExhampton.”
Hepurposelydidnothandhisofficialcardtothemaid.Themerefactofhisbeingapoliceofficer,asheknewbyexperience,wouldrenderherawkwardandtongue-tied.
“She’sheardofherbrother’sdeath?”askedtheInspectorcasuallyasthemaiddrewbacktolethimintothehall
“Yes,gotatelegramshedid.Fromthelawyer,Mr.Kirkwood.”
“Justso,”saidInspectorNarracott.
Themaidusheredhimintothedrawingroom—aroomwhich,liketheoutsideofthehouse,wasbadlyinneedofalittlemoneyspentuponit,butyethad,withallthat,anairofcharmwhichtheInspectorfeltwithoutbeingabletoparticularizethewhyandwhereforeofit.
“Musthavebeenashocktoyourmistress,”heobserved.
Thegirlseemedalittlevagueaboutthat,henoticed.
“Shedidn’tseemuchofhim,”washeranswer.
“Shutthedoorandcomehere,”saidInspectorNarracott.
Hewasanxioustotrytheeffectofasurpriseattack.
“Didthetelegramsaythatitwasmurder?”heasked.
“Murder!”
Thegirl’seyesopenedwide,amixtureofhorrorandintenseenjoymentinthem.“Murderedwashe?”
“Ah!”saidInspectorNarracott,“Ithoughtyouhadn’theardthat.Mr.Kirkwooddidn’twanttobreakthenewstooabruptlytoyourmistress,butyousee,mydear—whatisyourname,bytheway?”
“Beatrice,sir.”
“Well,yousee,Beatrice,itwillbeintheeveningpaperstonight.”
“Well,Inever,”saidBeatrice.“Murdered.’orrible,isn’tit?Didtheybashhisheadinorshoothimorwhat?”
TheInspectorsatisfiedherpassionfordetail,thenaddedcasually,“IbelievetherewassomeideaofyourmistressgoingovertoExhamptonyesterdayafternoon.ButIsupposetheweatherwastoobadforher.”
“Ineverheardanythingaboutit,sir,”saidBeatrice.“Ithinkyoumusthavemadeamistake.ThemistresswentoutintheafternoontodosomeshoppingandthenshewenttothePictures.”
“Whattimedidshegetin?”
“Aboutsixo’clock.”
SothatletMrs.Gardnerout.
“Idon’tknowmuchaboutthefamily,”hewentoninacasualtone.“IsMrs.Gardnerawidow?”
“Oh,no,sir,there’smaster.”
“Whatdoeshedo?”
“Hedoesn’tdoanything,”saidBeatricestaring.“Hecan’t.He’saninvalid.”
“Aninvalid,ishe?Oh,I’msorry.Ihadn’theard.”
“Hecan’twalk.Heliesinbedallday.Gotanursealwaysinthehousewehave.Itisn’teverygirlwhatstaysonwithan’ospitalnurseinthehousethewholetime.Alwayswantingtrayscarriedupandpotsofteamade.”
“Mustbeverytrying,”saidtheInspectorsoothingly.“Now,willyougoandtellyourmistress,please,thatIamherefromMr.KirkwoodofExhampton?”
Beatricewithdrew,andafewminuteslaterthedooropenedandatall,rathercommandingwomancameintotheroom.Shehadanunusual-lookingface,broadaboutthebrows,andblackhairwithatouchofgreyatthetemples,whichsheworecombedstraightbackfromherforehead.ShelookedattheInspectorinquiringly.
“YouhavecomefromMr.KirkwoodatExhampton?”
“Notexactly,Mrs.Gardner.Iputitthatwaytoyourmaid.Yourbrother,CaptainTrevelyan,wasmurderedyesterdayafternoonandIamDivisionalInspectorNarracottinchargeofthecase.”
WhateverelseMrs.Gardnermightbeshewascertainlyawomanofironnerve.Hereyesnarrowedandshedrewinherbreathsharply,thenmotioningtheInspectortoachairandsittingdownherselfshesaid:
“Murdered!Howextraordinary!WhointheworldwouldwanttomurderJoe?”
“ThatiswhatI’manxioustofindout,Mrs.Gardner.”
“Ofcourse.IhopeIshallbeabletohelpyouinsomeway,butIdoubtit.MybrotherandIhaveseenverylittleofeachotherinthelasttenyears.Iknownothingofhisfriendsorofanytieshehasformed.”
“You’llexcuseme,Mrs.Gardner,buthadyouandyourbrotherquarrelled?”
“No—notquarrelled.Ithinkestrangedwouldbeabetterwordtodescribethepositionbetweenus.Idon’twanttogointofamilydetails,butmybrotherratherresentedmymarriage.Brothers,Ithink,seldomapproveoftheirsisters’choice,butusually,Ifancy,theyconcealitbetterthanmybrotherdid.Mybrother,asperhapsyouknow,hadalargefortunelefthimbyanaunt.Bothmysisterandmyselfmarriedpoormen.Whenmyhusbandwasinvalidedoutofthearmyafterthewarwithshellshock,alittlefinancialassistancewouldhavebeenawonderfulrelief—wouldhaveenabledmetogivehimanexpensivecourseoftreatmentwhichwasotherwisedeniedtohim.Iaskedmybrotherforaloanwhichherefused.That,ofcourse,hewasperfectlyentitledtodo.Butsincethenwehavemetatveryrareintervals,andhardlycorrespondedatall.”
Itwasaclearsuccinctstatement.
Anintriguingpersonality,thisMrs.Gardner’s,theInspectorthought.Somehow,hecouldn’tquitemakeherout.Sheseemedunnaturallycalm,unnaturallyreadywithherrecitaloffacts.Healsonoticedthat,withallhersurprise,sheaskedfornodetailsofherbrother’sdeath.Thatstruckhimasextraordinary.
“Idon’tknowifyouwanttohearwhatexactlyoccurred—atExhampton,”hebegan.
Shefrowned.
“MustIhearit?Mybrotherwaskilled—painlessly,Ihope.”
“Quitepainlessly,Ishouldsay.”
“Thenpleasesparemeanyrevoltingdetails.”
“Unnatural,”thoughttheInspector,“decidedlyunnatural.”
Asthoughshehadreadhismindsheusedthewordthathehadspokentohimself.
“Isupposeyouthinkthatveryunnatural,Inspector,but—Ihaveheardagoodmanyhorrors.Myhusbandhastoldmethingswhenhehashadoneofhisbadturns—”sheshivered.“Ithinkyouwouldunderstandifyouknewmycircumstancesbetter.”
“Oh!quiteso,quiteso,Mrs.Gardner.WhatIreallycameforwastogetafewfamilydetailsfromyou.”
“Yes?”
“Doyouknowhowmanyrelativeslivingyourbrotherhasbesidesyourself?”
“Ofnearrelations,onlythePearsons.MysisterMary’schildren.”
“Andtheyare?”
“James,SylviaandBrian.”
“James?”
“Heistheeldest.HeworksinanInsuranceOffice.”
“Whatageishe?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“Ishemarried?”
“No,butheisengaged—toaverynicegirl,Ibelieve.I’venotyetmether.”
“Andhisaddress?”
“21CromwellStreet,S.W.3.”
TheInspectornoteditdown.
“Yes,Mrs.Gardner?”
“Thenthere’sSylvia.She’smarriedtoMartinDering—youmayhavereadhisbooks.He’samoderatelysuccessfulauthor.”
“Thankyou,andtheiraddress?”
“TheNook,SurreyRoad,Wimbledon.”
“Yes?”
“AndtheyoungestisBrian—butheisoutinAustralia.IamafraidIdon’tknowhisaddress,buteitherhisbrotherorsisterwouldknow.”
“Thankyou,Mrs.Gardner.Justamatterofform,doyoumindmyaskingyouhowyouspentyesterdayafternoon?”
Shelookedsurprised.
“Letmesee.Ididsomeshopping—yes—thenIwenttothePictures.Icamehomeaboutsixandlaydownonmybeduntildinner,asthePictureshadgivenmeratheraheadache.”
“Thankyou,Mrs.Gardner.”
“Isthereanythingelse?”
“No,Idon’tthinkIhaveanythingfurthertoaskyou.Iwillnowgetintocommunicationwithyournephewandniece.Idon’tknowifMr.Kirkwoodhasinformedyouofthefactyet,butyouandthethreeyoungPearsonsarethejointinheritorsofCaptainTrevelyan’smoney.”
Thecolourcameintoherfaceinaslow,richblush.
“Thatwillbewonderful,”shesaidquietly.“Ithasbeensodifficult—soterriblydifficult—alwaysskimpingandsavingandwishing.”
Shestartedupasaman’sratherquerulousvoicecamefloatingdownthestairs.
“Jennifer,Jennifer,Iwantyou.”
“Excuseme,”shesaid.
Assheopenedthedoorthecallcameagain,louderandmoreimperiously.
“Jennifer,whereareyou?Iwantyou,Jennifer.”
TheInspectorhadfollowedhertothedoor.Hestoodinthehalllookingafterherassheranupthestairs.
“Iamcoming,dear,”shecalled.
Ahospitalnursewhowascomingdownthestairsstoodasidetoletherpassup
“PleasegotoMr.Gardner,heisgettingveryexcited.Youalwaysmanagetocalmhim.”
InspectorNarracottstooddeliberatelyinthenurse’swayasshereachedthebottomofthestairs.
“MayIspeaktoyouforamoment?”hesaid.“MyconversationwithMrs.Gardnerwasinterrupted.”
Thenursecamewithalacrityintothedrawingroom.
“Thenewsofthemurderhasupsetmypatient,”sheexplained,adjustingawell-starchedcuff.“Thatfoolishgirl,Beatrice,camerunningupandblurteditallout.”
“Iamsorry,”saidtheInspector.“Iamafraidthatwasmyfault.”
“Oh,ofcourse,youcouldn’tbeexpectedtoknow,”saidthenursegraciously.
“IsMr.Gardnerdangerouslyill?”inquiredtheInspector.
“It’sasadcase,”saidthenurse.“Ofcourse,inamannerofspeaking,there’snothingthematterwithhimreally.He’slosttheuseofhislimbsentirelythroughnervousshock.There’snovisibledisability.”
“Hehadnoextrastrainorshockyesterdayafternoon?”inquiredtheInspector.
“NotthatIknowof,”thenurselookedsomewhatsurprised.
“Youwerewithhimalltheafternoon?”
“Iintendedtobe,but,well—asamatteroffact,CaptainGardnerwasveryanxiousformetochangetwobooksforhimatthelibrary.Hehadforgottentoaskhiswifebeforeshewentout.So,toobligehimIwentoutwiththem,andheaskedmeatthesametimetogetoneortwolittlethingsforhim—presentsforhiswifeasamatteroffact.Veryniceaboutithewas,andtoldmeIwastohaveteaathisexpenseatBoots.Hesaidnursesneverlikedmissingtheirtea.Hislittlejoke,youknow.Ididn’tgetoutuntilpastfour,andwhatwiththeshopsbeingsofulljustbeforeChristmas,andonethingandanother,Ididn’tgetbackuntilaftersix,butthepoorfellowhadbeenquitecomfortable.Infact,hetoldmehehadbeenasleepmostofthetime.”
“Mrs.Gardnerwasbackbythen?”
“Yes,Ibelieveshewaslyingdown.”
“She’sverydevotedtoherhusband,isn’tshe?”
“Sheworshipshim.Ireallydobelievethatwomanwoulddoanythingintheworldforhim.Quitetouching,andverydifferentfromsomeofthecasesIhaveattended.Why,onlylastmonth—”
ButInspectorNarracottfendedofftheimpendingscandaloflastmonthwithconsiderableskill.Heglancedathiswatchandgavealoudexclamation.
“Goodnessgracious,”hecried,“Ishallmissmytrain.Thestationisnotfaraway,isit?”
“St.David’sisonlythreeminutes’walk,ifit’sSt.David’syouwant,ordidyoumeanQueenStreet?”
“Imustrun,”saidtheInspector,“tellMrs.GardnerIamsorrynottohaveseenhertosaygood-bye.Verypleasedtohavehadthislittlechatwithyou,nurse.”
Thenursebridledeversoslightly.
“Ratheragood-lookingman,”shesaidtoherselfasthefrontdoorshutaftertheInspector.“Reallyquitegood-looking.Suchanicesympatheticmanner.”
Andwithaslightsighshewentupstairstoherpatient.
Ten
THEPEARSONFAMILY
InspectorNarracott’snextmovewastoreporttohissuperior,SuperintendentMaxwell.
ThelatterlistenedwithinteresttotheInspector’snarrative.
“It’sgoingtobeabigcase,”hesaidthoughtfully.“There’llbeheadlinesinthepapersoverthis.”
“Iagreewithyou,sir.”
“We’vegottobecareful.Wedon’twanttomakeanymistake.ButIthinkyou’reontherighttrack.YoumustgetafterthisJamesPearsonassoonaspossible—findoutwherehewasyesterdayafternoon.Asyousay,it’sacommonenoughname,butthere’stheChristiannameaswell.Ofcourse,hissigninghisownnameopenlylikethatshowstherewasn’tanypremeditationaboutit.He’dhardlyhavebeensuchafoolotherwise.Itlookstomelikeaquarrelandasuddenblow.Ifitistheman,hemusthaveheardofhisuncle’sdeaththatnight.Andifso,whydidhesneakoffbythesixtraininthemorningwithoutawordtoanyone?No,itlooksbad.Alwaysgrantingthatthewholething’snotacoincidence.Youmustclearthatupasquicklyaspossible.”
“That’swhatIthought,sir.I’dbettertakethe1:45totown.SometimeorotherIwanttohaveawordwiththisWillettwomanwhorentedtheCaptain’shouse.There’ssomethingfishythere.ButIcan’tgettoSittafordatpresent,theroadsareimpassablewithsnow.Andanyway,shecan’thaveanydirectconnectionwiththecrime.Sheandherdaughterwereactually—well—table-turningatthetimethecrimewascommitted.And,bytheway,ratheraqueerthinghappened—”
TheInspectornarratedthestoryhehadheardfromMajorBurnaby.
“That’sarumgo,”ejaculatedtheSuperintendent.“Thinkthisoldfellowwastellingthetruth?That’sthesortofstorythatgetscookedupafterwardsbythosebelieversinspooksandthingsofthatkind.”
“Ifancyit’strueallright,”saidNarracottwithagrin.“Ihadalotofdifficultygettingitoutofhim.He’snotabeliever—justtheopposite—oldsoldier,alldamnednonsenseattitude.”
TheSuperintendentnoddedhiscomprehension.
“Well,it’sodd,butitdoesn’tgetusanywhere,”washisconclusion.
“ThenI’lltakethe1:45toLondon.”
Theothernodded.
OnarrivalintownNarracottwentstraightto21CromwellStreet.Mr.Pearson,hewastold,wasattheoffice.Hewouldbebackforcertainaboutseveno’clock.
Narracottnoddedcarelesslyasthoughtheinformationwereofnovaluetohim.
“I’llcallbackifIcan,”hesaid.“It’snothingofimportance,”anddepartedquicklywithoutleavinganame.
HedecidednottogototheInsuranceOffice,buttovisitWimbledoninsteadandhaveaninterviewwithMrs.MartinDering,formerlyMissSylviaPearson.
TherewerenosignsofshabbinessaboutTheNook.“Newandshoddy,”washowInspectorNarracottdescribedittohimself.
Mrs.Deringwasathome.Aratherpert-lookingmaiddressedinlilaccolourshowedhimintoaratherovercrowdeddrawingroom.Hegaveherhisofficialcardtotaketohermistress.
Mrs.Deringcametohimalmostimmediately,hiscardinherhand.
“IsupposeyouhavecomeaboutpoorUncleJoseph,”washergreeting.“It’sshocking—reallyshocking!Iamsodreadfullynervousofburglarsmyself.Ihadtwoextraboltsputonthebackdoorlastweek,andnewpatentcatchesonthewindows.”
SylviaDering,theInspectorknewfromMrs.Gardner,wasonlytwenty-five,butshelookedconsiderablyoverthirty.Shewassmallandfairandanaemic-looking,withaworriedandharassedexpression.Hervoicehadthatfaintlycomplainingnoteinitwhichisaboutthemostannoyingsoundahumanvoicecancontain.StillnotallowingtheInspectortospeak,shewenton:
“Ifthere’sanythingIcandotohelpyouinanyway,ofcourse,Ishallbeonlytoogladtodoso,butonehardlyeversawUncleJoseph.Hewasn’taveryniceman—Iamsurehecouldn’thavebeen.Notthesortofpersononecouldgotointrouble,alwayscarpingandcriticizing.Notthesortofmanwhohadanyknowledgeofwhatliteraturemeant.Success—truesuccessisnotalwaysmeasuredintermsofmoney,Inspector.”
Atlastshepaused,andtheInspector,towhomthoseremarkshadopenedcertainfieldsofconjecture,wasgivenhisturntospeak.
“You’veheardofthetragedyveryquickly,Mrs.Dering.”
“AuntJenniferwiredittome.”
“Isee.”
“ButIsupposeitwillbeintheeveningpapers.Dreadful,isn’tit?”
“Igatheryou’venotseenyouruncleoflateyears.”
“Ihaveonlyseenhimtwicesincemymarriage.OnthesecondoccasionhewasreallyveryrudetoMartin.Ofcoursehewasaregularphilistineineveryway—devotedtosport.Noappreciation,asIsaidjustnow,ofliterature.”
“Husbandappliedtohimforaloanandgotrefused,”wasInspectorNarracott’sprivatecommentonthesituation.
“Justasamatterofform,Mrs.Dering,willyoutellmewhatyourmovementswereyesterdayafternoon?”
“Mymovements?Whataveryqueerwayofputtingit,Inspector.Iplayedbridgemostoftheafternoonandafriendcameinandspenttheeveningwithme,asmyhusbandwasout.”
“Out,washe?Awayfromhomealtogether?”
“Aliterarydinner,”explainedMrs.Deringwithimportance.“HelunchedwithanAmericanpublisherandhadthisdinnerintheevening.”
“Isee.”
Thatseemedquitefairandaboveboard.Hewenton.
“YouryoungerbrotherisinAustralia,Ibelieve,Mrs.Dering?”
“Yes.”
“Youhavehisaddress?”
“Oh,yes,Icanfinditforyouifyouwish—ratherapeculiarname—I’veforgottenitfortheminute.SomewhereinNewSouthWales.”
“Andnow,Mrs.Dering,yourelderbrother?”
“Jim?”
“Yes.Ishallwanttogetintouchwithhim.”
Mrs.Deringhastenedtosupplyhimwiththeaddress—thesameasthatwhichMrs.Gardnerhadalreadygivenhim.
Then,feelingtherewasnomoretobesaidoneitherside,hecuttheinterviewshort.
Glancingathiswatch,henotedthatbythetimehehadreturnedtotownitwouldbeseveno’clock—alikelytime,hehoped,forfindingMr.JamesPearsonathome.
Thesamesuperior-looking,middle-agedwomanopenedthedoorofNo.21.Yes,Mr.Pearsonwasathomenow.Itwasonthesecondfloor,ifthegentlemanwouldwalkup.
Sheprecededhim,tappedatadoor,andinamurmuredandapologeticvoicesaid:“Thegentlemantoseeyou,sir.”Then,standingback,sheallowedtheInspectortoenter.
Ayoungmanineveningdresswasstandinginthemiddleoftheroom.Hewasgood-looking,indeedhandsome,ifyoutooknoaccountoftheratherweakmouthandtheirresoluteslantoftheeye.Hehadahaggard,worriedlookandanairofnothavinghadmuchsleepoflate.
HelookedinquiringlyattheInspectorasthelatteradvanced.
“IamDetectiveInspectorNarracott,”hebegan—butgotnofurther.
Withahoarsecrytheyoungmandroppedontoachair,flunghisarmsoutinfrontofhimonthetable,bowinghisheadonthemandmuttering:
“Oh!myGod!It’scome.”
Afteraminuteortwoheliftedhisheadandsaid,“Well,whydon’tyougetonwithit,man?”
InspectorNarracottlookedexceedinglystolidandunintelligent.
“Iaminvestigatingthedeathofyouruncle,CaptainJosephTrevelyan.MayIaskyou,sir,ifyouhaveanythingtosay?”
Theyoungmanroseslowlytohisfeetandsaidinalowstrainedvoice:
“Areyou—arrestingme?”
“No,sir,Iamnot.IfIwasarrestingyouIwouldgiveyouthecustomarycaution.Iamsimplyaskingyoutoaccountforyourmovementsyesterdayafternoon.Youmayreplytomyquestionsornotasyouseefit.”
“AndifIdon’treplytothem—itwilltellagainstme.Oh,yes,Iknowyourlittleways.You’vefoundoutthenthatIwasdownthereyesterday?”
“Yousignedyournameinthehotelregister,Mr.Pearson.”
“Oh,Isupposethere’snousedenyingit.Iwasthere—whyshouldn’tIbe?”
“Whyindeed?”saidtheInspectormildly.
“Iwentdowntheretoseemyuncle.”
“Byappointment?”
“Whatdoyoumean,byappointment?”
“Didyouruncleknowyouwerecoming?”
“I—no—hedidn’t.It—itwasasuddenimpulse.”
“Noreasonforit?”
“I—reason?No—no,whyshouldtherebe?I—Ijustwantedtoseemyuncle.”
“Quiteso,sir.Andyoudidseehim?”
Therewasapause—averylongpause.Indecisionwaswrittenoneveryfeatureoftheyoungman’sface.InspectorNarracottfeltakindofpityashewatchedhim.Couldn’ttheboyseethathispalpableindecisionwasasgoodasanadmissionofthefact?
AtlastJimPearsondrewadeepbreath.“I—IsupposeIhadbettermakeacleanbreastofit.Yes—Ididseehim.IaskedatthestationhowIcouldgettoSittaford.Theytoldmeitwasoutofthequestion.Theroadswereimpassableforanyvehicle.Isaiditwasurgent.”
“Urgent?”murmuredtheInspector.
“I—Iwantedtoseemyuncleverymuch.”
“Soitseems,sir.”
“Theportercontinuedtoshakehisheadandsaythatitwasimpossible.Imentionedmyuncle’snameandatoncehisfaceclearedup,andhetoldmemyunclewasactuallyinExhampton,andgavemefulldirectionsastohowtofindthehousehehadrented.”
“Thiswasatwhattime,sir?”
“Aboutoneo’clock,Ithink.IwenttotheInn—theThreeCrowns—bookedaroomandhadsomelunchthere.ThenafterwardsI—Iwentouttoseemyuncle.”
“Immediatelyafterwards?”
“No,notimmediately.”
“Whattimewasit?”
“Well,Icouldn’tsayforcertain.”
“Halfpastthree?Fouro’clock?Halfpastfour?”
“I—I—”hestammeredworsethanever.“Idon’tthinkitcouldhavebeenaslateasthat.”
“Mrs.Belling,theproprietress,saidyouwentoutathalfpastfour.”
“DidI?I—Ithinkshe’swrong.Itcouldn’thavebeenaslateasthat.”
“Whathappenednext?”
“Ifoundmyuncle’shouse,hadatalkwithhimandcamebacktotheInn.”
“Howdidyougetintoyouruncle’shouse?”
“Irangthebellandheopenedthedoortomehimself.”
“Wasn’thesurprisedtoseeyou?”
“Yes—yes—hewasrathersurprised.”
“Howlongdidyouremainwithhim,Mr.Pearson?”
“Aquarterofanhour—twentyminutes.Butlookhere,hewasperfectlyallrightwhenIlefthim.Perfectlyallright.Iswearit.”
“Andwhattimedidyouleavehim?”
Theyoungmanloweredhiseyes.Again,thehesitationwaspalpableinhistone,“Idon’tknowexactly.”
“Ithinkyoudo,Mr.Pearson.”
Theassuredtonehaditseffect.Theboyrepliedinalowtone.
“Itwasaquarterpastfive.”
“YoureturnedtotheThreeCrownsataquartertosix.Atmostitcouldonlytakeyousevenoreightminutestowalkoverfromyouruncle’shouse.”
“Ididn’tgostraightback.Iwalkedaboutthetown.”
“Inthaticyweather—inthesnow!”
“Itwasn’tactuallysnowingthen.Itcameontosnowlater.”
“Isee.Andwhatwasthenatureofyourconversationwithyouruncle?”
“Oh!nothinginparticular.I—Ijustwantedtotalktotheoldboy,lookhimup,thatsortofthing,youknow.”
“He’sapoorliar,”thoughtInspectorNarracotttohimself.“Why,Icouldmanagebetterthanthatmyself.”
Aloudhesaid:
“Verygood,sir.Now,mayIaskyouwhy,onhearingofyouruncle’smurder,youleftExhamptonwithoutdisclosingyourrelationshiptothemurderedman?”
“Iwasscared,”saidtheyoungmanfrankly.“IheardhehadbeenmurderedroundaboutthetimeIlefthim.Now,dashitall,that’senoughtoscareanyone,isn’tit?Igotthewindupandlefttheplacebythefirstavailabletrain.Oh,IdaresayIwasafooltodoanythingofthesort.Butyouknowwhatitiswhenyouarerattled.Andanyonemighthavebeenrattledunderthesecircumstances.”
“Andthat’sallyouhavetosay,sir?”
“Yes—yes,ofcourse.”
“Then,perhapsyou’llhavenoobjection,sir,tocomingroundwithmeandhavingthisstatementtakendowninwriting,afterwhichyouwillhaveitreadovertoyou,andyouwillsignit.”
“Is—isthatall?”
“Ithinkitpossible,Mr.Pearson,thatitmaybenecessarytodetainyouuntilaftertheinquest.”
“Oh!myGod,”saidJimPearson.“Cannobodyhelpme?”
Atthatmomentthedooropenedandayoungwomanwalkedintotheroom.
Shewas,astheobservantInspectorNarracottnotedatonce,averyexceptionalkindofyoungwoman.Shewasnotstrikinglybeautiful,butshehadafacewhichwasarrestingandunusual,afacethathavingonceseenyoucouldnotforget.Therewasaboutheranatmosphereofcommonsense,savoirfaire,invincibledeterminationandamosttantalizingfascination.
“Oh!Jim,”sheexclaimed.“What’shappened?”
“It’sallover,Emily,”saidtheyoungman.“TheythinkImurderedmyuncle.”
“Whothinksso?”demandedEmily.
Theyoungmanindicatedhisvisitorbyagesture.
“ThisisInspectorNarracott,”hesaid,andheaddedwithadismalattemptatintroduction,“MissEmilyTrefusis.”
“Oh!”saidEmilyTrefusis.
ShestudiedInspectorNarracottwithkeenhazeleyes.
“Jim,”shesaid,“isafrightfulidiot.Buthedoesn’tmurderpeople.”
TheInspectorsaidnothing.
“Iexpect,”saidEmily,turningtoJim,“thatyou’vebeensayingthemostfrightfullyimprudentthings.Ifyoureadthepapersalittlebetterthanyoudo,Jim,youwouldknowthatyoumustnevertalktopolicemenunlessyouhaveastrongsolicitorsittingbesideyoumakingobjectionstoeveryword.What’shappened?Areyouarrestinghim,InspectorNarracott?”
InspectorNarracottexplainedtechnicallyandclearlyexactlywhathewasdoing.
“Emily,”criedtheyoungman,“youwon’tbelieveIdidit?Youneverwillbelieveit,willyou?”
“No,darling,”saidEmilykindly.“Ofcoursenot.”Andsheaddedinagentlemeditativetone,“Youhaven’tgottheguts.”
“Idon’tfeelasifIhadafriendintheworld,”groanedJim.
“Yes,youhave,”saidEmily.“You’vegotme.Cheerup,Jim,lookatthewinkingdiamondsonthethirdfingerofmylefthand.Herestandsthefaithfulfiancée.GowiththeInspectorandleaveeverythingtome.”
JimPearsonrose,stillwithadazedexpressiononhisface.Hisovercoatwaslyingoverachairandheputiton.InspectorNarracotthandedhimahatwhichwaslyingonabureaunearby.TheymovedtowardsthedoorandtheInspectorsaidpolitely:
“Goodevening,MissTrefusis.”
“Aurevoir,Inspector,”saidEmilysweetly.
AndifhehadknownMissEmilyTrefusisbetterhewouldhaveknownthatinthesethreewordslayachallenge.
Eleven
EMILYSETSTOWORK
TheinquestonthebodyofCaptainTrevelyanwasheldonMondaymorning.Fromthepointofviewofsensationitwasatameaffair,foritwasalmostimmediatelyadjournedforaweek,thusdisappointinglargenumbersofpeople.BetweenSaturdayandMondayExhamptonhadsprungintofame.Theknowledgethatthedeadman’snephewhadbeendetainedinconnectionwiththemurdermadethewholeaffairspringfromamereparagraphinthebackpagesofthenewspaperstogiganticheadlines.OntheMonday,reportershadarrivedatExhamptoninlargenumbers.Mr.CharlesEnderbyhadreasononcemoretocongratulatehimselfonthesuperiorpositionhehadobtainedfromthepurelyfortuitouschanceofthefootballcompetitionprize.
Itwasthejournalist’sintentiontosticktoMajorBurnabylikealeech,andunderthepretextofphotographingthelatter’scottage,toobtainexclusiveinformationoftheinhabitantsofSittafordandtheirrelationshipwiththedeadman.
ItdidnotescapeMr.Enderby’snoticethatatlunchtimeasmalltablenearthedoorwasoccupiedbyaveryattractivegirl.Mr.EnderbywonderedwhatshewasdoinginExhampton.Shewaswelldressedinademureandprovocativestyle,anddidnotappeartobearelationofthedeceased,andstilllesscouldbelabelledasoneoftheidlecurious.
“Iwonderhowlongshe’sstaying?”thoughtMr.Enderby.“RatherapityIamgoinguptoSittafordthisafternoon.Justmyluck.Well,youcan’thaveitbothways,Isuppose.”
Butshortlyafterlunch,Mr.Enderbyreceivedanagreeablesurprise.HewasstandingonthestepsoftheThreeCrownsobservingthefast-meltingsnow,andenjoyingthesluggishraysofwintrysunshine,whenhewasawareofavoice,anextremelycharmingvoice,addressinghim.
“Ibegyourpardon—butcouldyoutellme—ifthereisanythingtoseeinExhampton?”
CharlesEnderbyrosetotheoccasionpromptly.
“There’sacastle,Ibelieve,”hesaid.“Notmuchtoit—butthereitis.Perhapsyouwouldallowmetoshowyouthewaytoit.”
“Thatwouldbefrightfullykindofyou,”saidthegirl.“Ifyouaresureyouarenottoobusy—”
CharlesEnderbydisclaimedimmediatelythenotionofbeingbusy.
Theysetouttogether.
“YouareMr.Enderby,aren’tyou?”saidthegirl.
“Yes.Howdidyouknow?”
“Mrs.Bellingpointedyououttome.”
“Oh,Isee.”
“MynameisEmilyTrefusis.Mr.Enderby—Iwantyoutohelpme.”
“Tohelpyou?”saidEnderby.“Why,certainly—but—”
“Yousee,IamengagedtoJimPearson.”
“Oh!”saidMr.Enderby,journalisticpossibilitiesrisingbeforehismind.
“Andthepolicearegoingtoarresthim.Iknowtheyare.Mr.Enderby,IknowthatJimdidn’tdothisthing.Iamdownheretoprovehedidn’t.ButImusthavesomeonetohelpme.Onecan’tdoanythingwithoutaman.Menknowsomuch,andareabletogetinformationinsomanywaysthataresimplyimpossibletowomen.”
“Well—I—yes,Isupposethatistrue,”saidMr.Enderbycomplacently.
“Iwaslookingatallthesejournaliststhismorning,”saidEmily.“SuchalotofthemIthoughthadsuchstupidfaces.Ipickedyououtastheonereallycleveroneamongthem.”
“Oh!Isay.Idon’tthinkthat’strue,youknow,”saidMr.Enderbystillmorecomplacently.
“WhatIwanttopropose,”saidEmilyTrefusis,“isakindofpartnership.Therewould,Ithink,beadvantagesonbothsides.TherearecertainthingsIwanttoinvestigate—tofindoutabout.Thereyouinyourcharacterofjournalistcanhelpme.Iwant—”
Emilypaused.WhatshereallywantedwastoengageMr.Enderbyasakindofprivatesleuthofherown.Togowhereshetoldhim,toaskthequestionsshewantedasked,andingeneraltobeakindofbondslave.Butshewasawareofthenecessityofcouchingtheseproposalsintermsatonceflatteringandagreeable.Thewholepointwasthatshewastobetheboss,butthematterneededmanagingtactfully.
“Iwant,”saidEmily,“tofeelthatIcandependuponyou.”
Shehadalovelyvoice,liquidandalluring.AssheutteredthelastsentenceafeelingroseinMr.Enderby’sbosomthatthislovelyhelplessgirlcoulddependuponhimtothelastditch.
“Itmustbeghastly,”saidMr.Enderby,andtakingherhandhesqueezeditwithfervour.
“Butyouknow,”hewentonwithajournalisticreaction,“mytimeisnotentirelymyown.Imean,IhavegottogowhereIamsent,andallthat.”
“Yes,”saidEmily.“Ihavethoughtofthat,andthatyouseeiswhereIcomein.SurelyIamwhatyoucalla‘scoop,’aren’tI?Youcandoaninterviewwithmeeveryday,youcanmakemesayanythingthatyouthinkyourreaderswilllike.JimPearson’sfiancée.Girlwhobelievespassionatelyinhisinnocence.Reminiscencesofhischildhoodwhichshesupplies.Idon’treallyknowabouthischildhood,youknow,”sheadded,“butthatdoesn’tmatter.”
“Ithink,”saidMr.Enderby,“thatyouaremarvellous.Youreallyaremarvellous.”
“Andthen,”saidEmilypursuingheradvantage,“IhaveaccessnaturallytoJim’srelations.Icangetyouinthereasafriendofmine,wherequitepossiblyyoumighthavethedoorshutinyourfaceanyotherway.”
“Don’tIknowthatonlytoowell,”saidMr.Enderbywithfeeling,recallingvariousrebuffsofthepast.
Agloriousprospectopenedoutbeforehim.Hehadbeeninluckoverthisaffairallround.Firsttheluckychanceofthefootballcompetition,andnowthis.
“It’sadeal,”hesaidfervently.
“Good,”saidEmilybecomingbriskandbusinesslike.“Now,what’sthefirstmove?”
“I’mgoinguptoSittafordthisafternoon.”
HeexplainedthefortunatecircumstancewhichhadputhiminsuchanadvantageouspositionwithregardtoMajorBurnaby.“Because,mindyou,heisthekindofoldbufferthathatesnewspapermenlikepoison.Butyoucan’texactlypushachapinthefacewhohasjusthandedyou￡5,000,canyou?”
“Itwouldbeawkward,”saidEmily.“Well,ifyouaregoingtoSittaford,Iamcomingwithyou.”
“Splendid,”saidMr.Enderby.“Idon’tknow,though,ifthere’sanywheretostayupthere.AsfarasIknowthere’sonlySittafordHouseandafewoldcottagesbelongingtopeoplelikeBurnaby.”
“Weshallfindsomething,”saidEmily.“Ialwaysfindsomething.”
Mr.Enderbycouldwellbelievethat.Emilyhadthekindofpersonalitythatsoarstriumphantlyoverallobstacles.
Theyhadarrivedbynowattheruinedcastle,butpayingnoattentiontoit,theysatdownonapieceofwallintheso-calledsunshineandEmilyproceededtodevelopherideas.
“Iamlookingatthis,Mr.Enderby,inanabsolutelyunsentimentalandbusinesslikeway.You’vegottotakeitfrommetobeginwiththatJimdidn’tdothemurder.I’mnotsayingthatsimplybecauseIaminlovewithhim,orbelieveinhisbeautifulcharacteroranythinglikethat.It’sjustwell—knowledge.YouseeIhavebeenonmyownprettywellsinceIwassixteen.IhavenevercomeintocontactwithmanywomenandIknowverylittleaboutthem,butIknowalotaboutmen.Andunlessagirlcansizeupamanprettyaccurately,andknowwhatshe’sgottodealwith,shewillnevergeton.Ihavegoton.IworkasamannequinatLucie’s,andIcantellyou,Mr.Enderby,thattoarrivethereisaFeat.
“Well,asIwassaying,Icansizeupmenprettyaccurately.Jimisratheraweakcharacterinmanyways.Iamnotsure,”saidEmily,forgettingforamomentherr?leofadmirerofstrongmen,“thatthat’snotwhyIlikehim.ThefeelingthatIcanrunhimandmakesomethingofhim.Therearequitealotof—well—evencriminalthingsthatIcanimaginehimdoingifpushedtoit—butnotmurder.Hesimplycouldn’tpickupasandbagandhitanoldmanonthebackoftheneckwithit.Hewouldmakeaboshshotandhithiminthewrongplaceifhedid.Heisa—heisagentlecreature,Mr.Enderby.Hedoesn’tevenlikekillingwasps.Healwaystriestoputthemoutofawindowwithouthurtingthemandusuallygetsstung.However,it’snogoodmygoingonlikethis.You’vegottotakemywordforitandstartontheassumptionthatJimisinnocent.”
“Doyouthinkthatsomebodyisdeliberatelytryingtofastenthecrimeonhim?”askedCharlesEnderbyinhisbestjournalisticmanner.
“Idon’tthinkso.YouseenobodyknewaboutJimcomingdowntoseehisuncle.Ofcourse,onecan’tbecertain,butIshouldputthatdownasjustacoincidenceandbadluck.WhatwehavetofindissomeoneelsewithamotiveforkillingCaptainTrevelyan.Thepolicearequitecertainthatthisisnotwhattheycallan‘outsidejob’—Imean,itwasn’taburglar.Thebrokenopenwindowwasfaked.”
“Didthepolicetellyouallthis?”
“Practically,”saidEmily.
“Whatdoyoumeanbypractically?”
“Thechambermaidtoldme,andhersisterismarriedtoConstableGraves,so,ofcourse,sheknowseverythingthepolicethink.”
“Verywell,”saidMr.Enderby,“itwasn’tanoutsidejob.Itwasaninsideone.”
“Exactly,”saidEmily.“Thepolice—thatisInspectorNarracott,who,bytheway,Ishouldthinkisanawfullysoundman,havestartedinvestigatingtofindwhobenefitsbyCaptainTrevelyan’sdeath,andwithJimstickingoutamile,sotospeak,theywon’tbothertogoonwithotherinvestigationsmuch.Well,that’sgottobeourjob.”
“Whatascoopitwouldbe,”saidMr.Enderby,“ifyouandIdiscoveredtherealmurderer.ThecrimeexpertoftheDailyWire—that’sthewayIshouldbedescribed.Butit’stoogoodtobetrue,”headdeddespondently.“Thatsortofthingonlyhappensinbooks.”
“Nonsense,”saidEmily,“ithappenswithme.”
“You’resimplymarvellous,”saidEnderbyagain.
Emilybroughtoutalittlenotebook.
“Nowlet’sputthingsdownmethodically.Jimhimself,hisbrotherandsister,andhisAuntJenniferbenefitequallybyCaptainTrevelyan’sdeath.OfcourseSylvia—that’sJim’ssister—wouldn’thurtafly,butIwouldn’tputitpastherhusband,he’swhatIcallanastykindofbrute.Youknow—theartisticnastykind,hasaffairswithwomen—allthatsortofthing.Verylikelytobeinaholefinancially.Themoneythey’dcomeintowouldactuallybeSylvia’s,butthatwouldn’tmattertohim.Hewouldsoonmanagetogetitoutofher.”
“Hesoundsamostunpleasantperson,”saidMr.Enderby.
“Oh!yes.Good-lookinginaboldsortofway.Womentalkaboutsexwithhimincorners.Realmenhatehim.”
“Well,that’ssuspectNo.1,”saidMr.Enderby,alsowritinginalittlebook.“InvestigatehismovementsonFriday—easilydoneundertheguiseofinterviewwithpopularnovelistconnectedwiththecrime.Isthatallright?”
“Splendid,”saidEmily.“Thenthere’sBrian,Jim’syoungerbrother.He’ssupposedtobeinAustralia,buthemightquiteeasilyhavecomeback.Imean,peopledosometimeswithoutsaying.”
“Wecouldsendhimacable.”
“Wewill.IsupposeAuntJenniferisoutofit.FromallI’veheardshe’saratherwonderfulperson.She’sgotcharacter.Still,afterall,shewasn’tveryfaraway,shewasonlyatExeter.Shemighthavecomeovertoseeherbrother,andhemighthavesaidsomethingnastyaboutherhusbandwhomsheadores,andshemighthaveseenredandsnatchedupasandbagandbiffedhimone.”
“Doyoureallythinkso?”saidMr.Enderbydubiously.
“No,notreally.Butoneneverknows.Then,ofcourse,there’sthebatman.Heonlygets￡100underthewillandheseemsallright.Butthereagain,oneneverknows.HiswifeisMrs.Belling’sniece.YouknowMrs.BellingwhokeepstheThreeCrowns.IthinkIshallweeponhershoulderwhenIgetback.Shelooksratheramotherlyandromanticsoul.Ithinkshewouldbeterriblysorryformewithmyyoungmanprobablygoingtoprison,andshemightletslipsomethinguseful.Andthen,ofcourse,there’sSittafordHouse.Doyouknowwhatstruckmeasqueer?”
“No,what?”
“Thesepeople,theWilletts.TheonesthattookCaptainTrevelyan’shousefurnishedinthemiddleofwinter.It’sanawfullyqueerthingtodo.”
“Yes,itisodd,”agreedMr.Enderby.“Theremightbesomethingatthebottomofthat—somethingtodowithCaptainTrevelyan’spastlife.
“Thatséancebusinesswasqueertoo,”headded.“I’mthinkingofwritingthatupforthepaper.GetopinionsfromSirOliverLodgeandSirArthurConanDoyleandafewactressesandpeopleaboutit.”
“Whatséancebusiness?”
Mr.Enderbyrecounteditwithgusto.Therewasnothingconnectedwiththemurderthathehadnotmanagedsomehoworothertohear.
“Bitodd,isn’tit?”hefinished.“Imean,itmakesyouthinkandallthat.Maybesomethinginthesethings.FirsttimeI’vereallyevercomeacrossanythingauthentic.”
Emilygaveaslightshiver.“Ihatesupernaturalthings,”shesaid.“Justforonce,asyousay,itdoeslookasthoughtherewassomethinginit.Buthow—howgruesome!”
“Thisséancebusinessneverseemsverypractical,doesit?Iftheoldboycouldgetthroughandsayhewasdead,whycouldn’thesaywhomurderedhim?Itoughttobeallsosimple.”
“IfeeltheremaybeaclueinSittaford,”saidEmilythoughtfully.
“Yes,Ithinkweoughttoinvestigatetherethoroughly,”saidEnderby.“I’vehiredacarandI’mstartingthereinabouthalfanhour’stime.Youhadbettercomealongwithme.”
“Iwill,”saidEmily.“WhataboutMajorBurnaby?”
“He’sgoingtotrampit,”saidEnderby.“Startedimmediatelyaftertheinquest.Ifyouaskme,hewantedtogetoutofhavingmycompanyonthewaythere.Nobodycouldliketrudgingtherethroughallthisslush.”
“Willthecarbeabletogetupallright?”
“Oh!yes.Firstdayacarhasbeenabletogetthroughthough.”
“Well,”saidEmilyrisingtoherfeet.“It’sabouttimewewentbacktotheThreeCrowns,andIwillpackmysuitcaseanddoashortweepingactonMrs.Belling’sshoulder.”
“Don’tyouworry,”saidMr.Enderbyratherfatuously.“Youleaveeverythingtome.”
“That’sjustwhatImeantodo,”saidEmilywithacompletelackoftruth.“It’ssowonderfultohavesomeoneyoucanreallyrelyon.”
EmilyTrefusiswasreallyaveryaccomplishedyoungwoman.
Twelve
THEARREST
OnherreturntotheThreeCrowns,EmilyhadthegoodfortunetorunrightintoMrs.Bellingwhowasstandinginthehallway.
“Oh!Mrs.Belling,”sheexclaimed.“Iamleavingthisafternoon.”
“Yes,Miss.BythefourtentraintoExeter,Miss?”
“No,IamgoinguptoSittaford.”
“ToSittaford?”
Mrs.Belling’scountenanceshowedthemostlivelycuriosity.
“Yes,andIwantedtoaskyouifyouknewofanywheretherewhereIcouldstay.”
“Youwanttostayupthere?”
Thecuriositywasheightened.
“Yes,thatis—Oh!Mrs.Belling,istheresomewhereIcouldspeaktoyouprivatelyforamoment?”
WithsomethinglikealacrityMrs.Bellingledthewaytoherownprivatesanctum.Asmallcomfortableroomwithalargefireburning.
“Youwon’ttellanyone,willyou?”beganEmily,knowingwellthatofallopeningsonearththisoneisthemostcertaintoprovokeinterestandsympathy.
“No,indeed,Miss,thatIwon’t,”saidMrs.Bellingherdarkeyesaglitterwithinterest.
“Yousee,Mr.Pearson—youknow—”
“TheyounggentlemanthatstayedhereonFriday?Andthatthepolicehavearrested?”
“Arrested?Doyoumeanreallyarrested?”
“Yes,Miss.Nothalfanhourago.”
Emilyhadgoneverywhite.
“You—you’resureofthat?”
“Oh!yes,Miss.OurAmyhaditfromtheSergeant.”
“It’stooawful!”saidEmily.Shehadbeenexpectingthis,butitwasnonethebetterforthat.“Yousee,Mrs.Belling,I—I’mengagedtohim.Andhedidn’tdoit,and,ohdear,it’salltoodreadful!”
AndhereEmilybegantocry.Shehad,earlierintheday,announcedherintentiontoCharlesEnderbyofdoingso,butwhatappalledhersowaswithwhateasethetearscame.Tocryatwillisnotaneasyaccomplishment.Therewassomethingmuchtoorealaboutthesetears.Itfrightenedher.Shemustn’treallygiveway.Givingwaywasn’ttheleastusetoJim.Toberesolute,logicalandclear-sighted—thesewerethequalitiesthatweregoingtocountinthisgame.Sloppycryinghadneverhelpedanyoneyet.
Butitwasareliefallthesame,toletyourselfgo.Afterallshehadmeanttocry.CryingwouldbeanundeniablepassporttoMrs.Belling’ssympathyandhelp.Sowhynothaveagoodcrywhileshewasaboutit?Arealorgyofweepinginwhichallhertroubles,doubtsandunacknowledgedfearsmightfindventandbesweptaway.
“There,there,mydear,don’teetakeonso,”saidMrs.Belling.
SheputalargemotherlyarmroundEmily’sshouldersandpattedherconsolingly.
“SaidfromthestartIhavethathedidn’tdoit.Aregularniceyounggentleman.Alotofchuckleheadsthepoliceare,andsoI’vesaidbeforenow.Somethievingtrampisagreatdealmorelikely.Now,don’teefret,mydear,it’llallcomeright,youseeifitdon’t.”
“Iamsodreadfullyfondofhim,”wailedEmily.
DearJim,dear,sweet,boyish,helpless,impracticalJim.Soutterlytobedependedontodothewrongthingatthewrongmoment.Whatpossiblechancehadhegotagainstthatsteady,resoluteInspectorNarracott?
“Wemustsavehim,”shewailed.
“Ofcourse,wewill.Ofcourse,wewill,”Mrs.Bellingconsoledher.
Emilydabbedhereyesvigorously,gaveonelastsniffandgulp,andraisingherheaddemandedfiercely:
“WherecanIstayatSittaford?”
“UptoSittaford?You’resetongoingthere,mydear?”
“Yes,”Emilynoddedvigorously.
“Well,now,”Mrs.Bellingcogitatedthematter.“There’sonlyoneplaceforeetostay.There’snotmuchtoSittaford.There’sthebighouse,SittafordHouse,whichCaptainTrevelyanbuilt,andthat’sletnowtoaSouthAfricanlady.Andthere’sthesixcottageshebuilt,andNo.5ofthemcottageshasgotCurtis,whatusedtobegardeneratSittafordHouse,init,andMrs.Curtis.Sheletsroomsinthesummertime,theCaptainallowinghertodoso.There’snowhereelseyoucouldstayandthat’safact.There’stheblacksmith’sandthepostoffice,butMaryHibbert,she’sgotsixchildrenandhersister-in-lawlivingwithher,andtheblacksmith’swifeshe’sexpectinghereighth,sotherewon’tbesomuchasacornerthere.ButhowareyougoingtogetuptoSittaford,Miss?Haveyouhiredacar?”
“IamgoingtoshareMr.Enderby’s.”
“Ah,andwherewillhebestaying,Iwonder?”
“IsupposehewillhavetobeputupatMrs.Curtis’stoo.Willshehaveroomforbothofus?”
“Idon’tknowthatthatwilllookquiterightforayoungladylikeyou,”saidMrs.Belling.
“He’smycousin,”saidEmily.
Onnoaccount,shefelt,mustasenseofproprietyintervenetoworkagainstherinMrs.Belling’smind.
Thelandlady’sbrowcleared.“Well,thatmaybeallrightthen,”sheallowedgrudgingly,“andlikelyasnotifyou’renotcomfortablewithMrs.Curtistheywouldputyouupatthebighouse.”
“I’msorryI’vebeensuchanidiot,”saidEmilymoppingoncemoreathereyes.
“It’sonlynatural,mydear.Andyoufeelbetterforit.”
“Ido,”saidEmilytruthfully.“Ifeelmuchbetter.”
“Agoodcryandacupoftea—there’snothingtobeatthem,andanicecupofteayoushallhaveatonce,mydear,beforeyoustartoffonthatcolddrive.”
“Oh,thankyou,butIdon’tthinkIreallywant—”
“Nevermindwhatyouwant,it’swhatyou’regoingtohave,”saidMrs.Bellingrisingwithdeterminationandmovingtowardsthedoor.“AndyoutellAmeliaCurtisfrommethatshe’stolookafteryouandseeyoutakeyourfoodproperandseeyoudon’tfret.”
“Youarekind,”saidEmily.
“Andwhat’smoreIshallkeepmyeyesandearsopendownhere,”saidMrs.Bellingenteringwithrelishintoherpartoftheromance.“There’smanyalittlethingthatIhearthatnevergoestothepolice.AndanythingIdohearI’llpassontoyou,Miss.”
“Willyoureally?”
“ThatIwill.Don’teeworry,mydear,we’llhaveyouryounggentlemanoutofhistroubleinnotime.”
“Imustgoandpack,”saidEmilyrising.
“I’llsendtheteauptoyou,”saidMrs.Belling.
Emilywentupstairs,packedherfewbelongingsintohersuitcase,spongedhereyeswithcoldwaterandappliedaliberalallowanceofpowder.
“Youhavemadeyourselflookasight,”sheapostrophizedherselfintheglass.Sheaddedmorepowderandatouchofrouge.
“Curious,”saidEmily,“howmuchbetterIfeel.It’sworththepuffylook.”
Sherangthebell.Thechambermaid(thesympatheticsister-in-lawofConstableGraves)camepromptly.Emilypresentedherwithapoundnoteandbeggedherearnestlytopassonanyinformationshemightacquireinroundaboutwaysfrompolicecircles.Thegirlpromisedreadily.
“Mrs.Curtis’suptoSittaford?Iwillindeed,Miss.Doanything,thatIwill.Weallfeelforyou,Miss,morethanIcansay.AllthetimeIkeepsayingtomyself,‘JustfancyifitwasyouandFred,’Ikeepsaying.Iwouldbedistracted—thatIwould.TheleastthingIhearsI’llpassitontoyou,Miss.”
“Youangel,”saidEmily.
“JustlikeasixpennyIgotatWoolworth’stheotherday,TheSyringaMurdersitwascalled.Anddoyouknowwhatledthemtofindtherealmurderer,Miss.Justabitofcommonsealingwax.Yourgentlemanisgood-looking,Miss,isn’the?Quiteunlikehispictureinthepapers.I’msureI’lldoanythingIcan,Miss,foryouandforhim.”
Thusthecentreofromanticattention,EmilylefttheThreeCrowns,havingdulygulpeddownthecupofteaprescribedbyMrs.Belling.
“Bytheway,”shesaidtoEnderbyastheagedFordsprangforward,“youaremycousin,don’tforget.”
“Why?”
“They’vegotsuchpuremindsinthecountry,”saidEmily.“Ithoughtitwouldbebetter.”
“Splendid.Inthatcase,”saidMr.Enderbyrisingtohisopportunities,“IhadbettercallyouEmily.”
“Allright,cousin—what’syourname?”
“Charles.”
“Allright,Charles.”
ThecarwentupwardsontheSittafordroad.
Thirteen
SITTAFORD
EmilywasratherfascinatedbyherfirstviewofSittaford.TurningoffthemainroadabouttwomilesfromExhampton,theywentupwardsoveraroughmoorlandroaduntiltheyreachedavillagethatwassituatedrightontheedgeofthemoor.Itconsistedofasmithy,andacombinedpostofficeandsweetshop.Fromtheretheyfollowedalaneandcametoarowofnewlybuiltsmallgranitebungalows.AtthesecondofthesethecarstoppedandthedrivervolunteeredtheinformationthatthiswasMrs.Curtis’s.
Mrs.Curtiswasasmall,thin,grey-hairedwoman,energeticandshrewishindisposition.ShewasallagogwiththenewsofthemurderwhichhadonlypenetratedtoSittafordthatmorning.
“Yes,ofcourseIcantakeyouin,Miss,andyourcousintoo,ifhecanjustwaituntilIshiftafewduds.Youwon’tmindhavingyourmealsalongofus,Idon’tsuppose?Well,whowouldhavebelievedit!CaptainTrevelyanmurderedandaninquestandall!Cutofffromtheworldwe’vebeensinceFridaymorning,andthismorningwhenthenewscameyoucouldhaveknockedmedownwithafeather.‘TheCaptain’sdead,’IsaidtoCurtis,‘thatshowsyouthewickednessthereisintheworldnowadays.’ButI’mkeepingyoutalkinghere,Miss.Comeawayinandthegentlemantoo.Ihavegotthekettleonandyoushallhaveacupofteaimmediately,foryoumustbeperishedbythedriveup,thoughofcourse,it’swarmertodayafterwhatit’sbeen.Eightandtenfeetthesnowhasbeenhereabout.”
Drownedinthisseaoftalk,EmilyandCharlesEnderbywereshowntheirnewquarters.Emilyhadasmallsquareroom,scrupulouslyclean,lookingoutanduptotheslopeofSittafordBeacon.Charles’sroomwasasmallslitfacingthefrontofthehouseandthelane,containingabedandamicroscopicchestofdrawersandwashstand.
“Thegreatthingis,”heobservedafterthedriverofthecarhaddisposedhissuitcaseuponthebed,andhadbeendulypaidandthanked,“thatwearehere.Ifwedon’tknowallthereistobeknownabouteveryonelivinginSittafordwithinthenextquarterofanhour,I’lleatmyhat.”
Tenminuteslater,theyweresittingdownstairsinthecomfortablekitchenbeingintroducedtoCurtis,arathergruff-looking,grey-hairedoldman,andbeingregaledwithstrongtea,breadandbutter,Devonshirecreamandhard-boiledeggs.Whiletheyateanddranktheylistened.Withinhalfanhourtheykneweverythingtherewastobeknownabouttheinhabitantsofthesmallcommunity.
FirsttherewasaMissPercehouse,wholivedinNo.4,TheCottages,aspinsterofuncertainyearsandtemperwhohadcomedownheretodie,accordingtoMrs.Curtis,sixyearsago.
“Butbelieveitornot,Miss,theairofSittafordisthathealthythatshepickedupfromthedayshecame.Wonderfullypureairforlungsitis.
“MissPercehousehasanephewwhooccasionallycomesdowntoseeher,”shewenton,“andindeedhe’sstayingwithheratthepresenttime.Seeingtoitthatthemoneydoesn’tgooutofthefamily,that’swhathe’sdoing.Verydullforayounggentlemanatthistimeofyear.Butthere,there’smorewaysthanoneofamusingyourself,andhiscominghasbeenaprovidencefortheyoungladyatSittafordHouse.Pooryoungthing,theideaofbringinghertothatgreatbarrackofahouseinthewintertime.Selfishiswhatsomemothersare.Averyprettyyounglady,too.Mr.RonaldGarfieldisupthereasoftenashecanbewithoutneglectingMissPercehouse.”
CharlesEnderbyandEmilyexchangedglances.CharlesrememberedthatRonaldGarfieldhadbeenmentionedasoneofthepartypresentatthetable-turning.
“Thecottagethissideofmine,No.6,”continuedMrs.Curtis,“hasonlyjustbeentook.GentlemanofthenameofDuke.Thatisifyouwouldcallhimagentleman.Ofcourse,hemaybeandhemaynot.There’snosaying,folksaren’tsoparticularnowadaysastheyusedtobe.He’sbeenmadefreeoftheplaceintheheartiestmanner.Abashfulsortofgentlemanheis—mightbeamilitarygentlemanfromthelookofhim,butsomehowhehasn’tgotthemanner.NotlikeMajorBurnaby,thatyouwouldknowasamilitarygentlemanthefirsttimeyouclappedeyesonhim.
“No.3,that’sMr.Rycroft’s,littleelderlygentleman.TheydosaythatheusedtogoafterbirdstooutlandishpartsfortheBritishMuseum.Whattheycallanaturalistheis.Alwaysoutandroamingoverthemoorwhentheweatherpermits.Andhehasaveryfinelibraryofbooks.Hiscottageisnearlyallbookcases.
“No.2,isaninvalidgentleman’s,aCaptainWyattwithanIndianservant.Andpoorfellowhedoesfeelthecold,hedoes.TheservantImean,nottheCaptain.Comingfromwarmoutlandishparts,it’snowonder.Theheattheykeepupinsidethehousewouldfrightenyou.It’slikewalkingintoanoven.
“No.1,isMajorBurnaby’scottage.Livesbyhimselfhedoes,andIgointodoforhimearlymornings.Heisaveryneatgentleman,heis,andveryparticular.HeandCaptainTrevelyanwereasthickasthieves.Friendsofalifetimetheywere.Andtheybothhavethesamekindofoutlandishheadsstuckuponthewalls.
“AsforMrs.WillettandMissWillett,that’swhatnoonecanmakeout.Plentyofmoneythere.AmosParkeratExhamptontheydealwith,andhetellsmetheirweeklybookcomestowellovereightpoundsorninepounds.Youwouldn’tbelievetheeggsthatgoesintothathouse!BroughttheirmaidservantsfromExeterwiththem,theydid,buttheydon’tlikeitandwanttoleave,andI’msureIdon’tblamethem.Mrs.Willett,shesendsthemintoExetertwiceaweekinhercar,andwhatwiththatandthelivingbeingsogood,theyagreedtostopon,butifyouaskmeit’saqueerbusiness,buryingyourselfinthecountrylikethis,asmartladylikethat.Well,well,IsupposeIhadbetterbeclearingawaytheseteathings.”
ShedrewadeepbreathandsodidCharlesandEmily.Theflowofinformationloosenedwithsolittledifficultyhadalmostoverwhelmedthem.
Charlesventuredtoputaquestion.
“HasMajorBurnabygotbackyet?”heasked.
Mrs.Curtispausedatonce,trayinhand.“Yes,indeed,sir,cametrampinginjustthesameaseverabouthalfanhourbeforeyouarrived.‘Why,sir,’Icriedtohim.‘You’veneverwalkedallthewayfromExhampton?’Andhesaysinhissternway,‘Whynot?Ifamanhasgottwolegshedoesn’tneedfourwheels.Idoitonceaweekanywayasyouknow,Mrs.Curtis.’‘Oh,yes,sir,butthisisdifferent.Whatwiththeshockandthemurderandtheinquestit’swonderfulyou’vegotthestrengthtodoit.’Butheonlygruntedlikeandwalkedon.Helooksbadthough.It’samiracleheevergotthroughonFridaynight.BraveIcallitathisage.Trampingofflikethatandthreemilesofitinasnowstorm.Youmaysaywhatyoulike,butnowadaystheyounggentlemenaren’tapatchontheoldones.ThatMr.RonaldGarfieldhewouldneverhavedoneit,andit’smyopinion,andit’stheopinionofMrs.Hibbertatthepostoffice,andit’stheopinionofMr.Pound,theblacksmith,thatMr.Garfieldoughtnevertohavelethimgooffalonethewayhedid.Heshouldhavegonewithhim.IfMajorBurnabyhadbeenlostinasnowdrift,everybodywouldhaveblamedMr.Garfield.Andthat’safact.”
Shedisappearedtriumphantlyintothesculleryamidaclatterofteathings.
Mr.Curtisthoughtfullyremovedanagedpipefromtherightsideofhismouthtotheleftside.
“Women,”hesaid,“talkalot.”
Hepausedandthenmurmured.
“Andhalfthetimetheydon’tknowthetruthofwhattheyaretalkingabout.”
EmilyandCharlesreceivedthisannouncementinsilence.Seeingthatnomorewascoming,however,Charlesmurmuredapprovingly.
“That’sverytrue—yes,verytrue.”
“Ah!”saidMr.Curtis,andrelapsedintoapleasantandcontemplativesilence.
Charlesrose.“IthinkI’llgoroundandseeoldBurnaby,”hesaid,“tellhimthecameraparadewillbetomorrowmorning.”
“I’llcomewithyou,”saidEmily.“IwanttoknowwhathereallythinksaboutJimandwhatideashehasaboutthecrimeingeneral.”
“Haveyougotanyrubberbootsoranything?It’sawfullyslushy.”
“IboughtsomeWellingtonsinExhampton,”saidEmily.
“Whatapracticalgirlyouare.Youthinkofeverything.”
“Unfortunately,”saidEmily,“that’snotmuchhelptoyouinfindingoutwho’sdoneamurder.Itmighthelponetodoamurder,”sheaddedreflectively.
“Well,don’tmurderme,”saidMr.Enderby.
Theywentouttogether.Mrs.Curtisimmediatelyreturned.
“TheybegoneroundtotheMajor’s,”saidMr.Curtis.
“Ah!”saidMrs.Curtis.“Now,whatdoyouthink?Aretheysweethearting,oraretheynot?Alotofharmcomesofcousinsmarrying,sotheysay.Deafanddumbsandhalf-witsandalotofotherevils.He’ssweetonher,thatyoucanseeeasilyenough.Asforher,she’sadeeponelikemyGreatAuntSarah’sBelinda,sheis.Gotawaywithherandwiththemen.Iwonderwhatshe’safternow?DoyouknowwhatIthink,Curtis?”
Mr.Curtisgrunted.
“Thisyounggentlemanthatthepoliceareholdingonaccountofthemurder,it’smybeliefthathe’stheoneshe’sseton.Andshe’scomeupheretonoseaboutandseewhatshecanfindout.Andmarkmywords,”saidMrs.Curtis,rattlingchina,“ifthere’sanythingtofindoutshewillfindit!”
Fourteen
THEWILLETTS
AtthesamemomentthatCharlesandEmilystartedouttovisitMajorBurnaby,InspectorNarracottwasseatedinthedrawingroomofSittafordHouse,tryingtoformulateanimpressionofMrs.Willett.
Hehadnotbeenabletointerviewhersoonerastheroadshadbeenimpassableuntilthismorning.Hehadhardlyknownwhathehadexpectedtofind,butcertainlynotwhathehadfound.ItwasMrs.Willettwhohadtakenchargeofthesituation,nothe.
Shehadcomerushingintotheroom,thoroughlybusinesslikeandefficient.Hesawatallwoman,thin-facedandkeen-eyed.Shewaswearingratheranelaborateknittedsilkjumpersuitthatwasjustovertheborderlineofunsuitabilityforcountrywear.Herstockingswereofveryexpensivegossamersilk,hershoeshigh-heeledpatentleather.Sheworeseveralvaluableringsandratheralargequantityofverygoodandexpensiveimitationpearls.
“InspectorNarracott?”saidMrs.Willett.“Naturally,youwanttocomeoverthehouse.Whatashockingtragedy!Icouldhardlybelieveit.Weonlyheardaboutitthismorning,youknow.Wewereterriblyshocked.Sitdown,won’tyou,Inspector?Thisismydaughter,Violet.”
Hehadhardlynoticedthegirlwhohadfollowedherin,andyet,shewasaveryprettygirl,tallandfairwithbigblueeyes.
Mrs.Willettherselftookaseat.
“IsthereanywayinwhichIcanhelpyou,Inspector?IknewverylittleofpoorCaptainTrevelyan,butifthereisanythingyoucanthinkof—”
TheInspectorsaidslowly:
“Thankyou,madam.Ofcourse,oneneverknowswhatmaybeusefulorwhatmaynot.”
“Iquiteunderstand.Theremaypossiblybesomethinginthehousethatmaythrowlightuponthissadbusiness,butIratherdoubtit.CaptainTrevelyanremovedallhispersonalbelongings.HeevenfearedIshouldtamperwithhisfishingrods,poor,dearman.”
Shelaughedalittle.
“Youwerenotacquaintedwithhim?”
“BeforeItookthehouse,youmean?Oh!no.I’veaskedhimhereseveraltimessince,buthenevercame.Terriblyshy,poordear.Thatwaswhatwasthematterwithhim.I’veknowndozensofmenlikeit.Theyarecalledwomenhatersandallsortsofsillythings,andreallyallthetimeit’sonlyshyness.IfIcouldhavegotathim,”saidMrs.Willettwithdetermination,“I’dsoonhavegotoverallthatnonsense.Thatsortofmanonlywantsbringingout.”
InspectorNarracottbegantounderstandCaptainTrevelyan’sstronglydefensiveattitudetowardshistenants.
“Webothaskedhim,”continuedMrs.Willett.“Didn’twe,Violet?”
“Oh!yes,Mother.”
“Arealsimplesailoratheart,”saidMrs.Willett.“Everywomanlovesasailor,InspectorNarracott.”
ItoccurredtoInspectorNarracottatthisjuncturethattheinterviewsofarhadbeenrunentirelybyMrs.Willett.Hewasconvincedthatshewasanexceedinglycleverwoman.Shemightbeasinnocentassheappeared.Ontheotherhandshemightnot.
“ThepointIamanxioustogetinformationaboutisthis,”hesaidandpaused.
“Yes,Inspector?”
“MajorBurnaby,asyoudoubtlessknow,discoveredthebody.Hewasledtodosobyanaccidentthatoccurredinthishouse.”
“Youmean?”
“Imean,thetable-turning.Ibegyourpardon—”
Heturnedsharply.
Afaintsoundhadcomefromthegirl.
“PoorViolet,”saidhermother.“Shewasterriblyupset—indeedweallwere!Mostunaccountable.I’mnotsuperstitious,butreallyitwasthemostunaccountablething.”
“Itdidoccurthen?”
Mrs.Willettopenedhereyesverywide.
“Occur?Ofcourseitoccurred.AtthetimeIthoughtitwasajoke—amostunfeelingjokeandoneinverybadtaste.IsuspectedyoungRonaldGarfield—”
“Oh!no,Mother.I’msurehedidn’t.Heabsolutelysworehedidn’t.”
“I’msayingwhatIthoughtatthetime,Violet.Whatcouldonethinkitbutajoke?”
“Itwascurious,”saidtheInspectorslowly.“Youwereveryupset,Mrs.Willett?”
“Weallwere.Uptothenithadbeen,oh,justlightheartedfooling.Youknowthesortofthing.Goodfunonawinter’sevening.Andthensuddenly—this!Iwasveryangry.”
“Angry?”
“Well,naturally.Ithoughtsomeonewasdoingitdeliberately—forajoke,asIsay.”
“Andnow?”
“Now?”
“Yes,whatdoyouthinknow?”
Mrs.Willettspreadherhandsoutexpressively.
“Idon’tknowwhattothink.It—it’suncanny.”
“Andyou,MissWillett?”
“I?”
Thegirlstarted.
“I—Idon’tknow.Ishallneverforgetit.Idreamofit.Ishallneverdaretodotable-turningagain.”
“Mr.Rycroftwouldsayitwasgenuine,Isuppose,”saidhermother.“Hebelievesinallthatsortofthing.ReallyI’minclinedtobelieveinitmyself.Whatotherexplanationisthereexceptthatitwasagenuinemessagefromaspirit?”
TheInspectorshookhishead.Thetable-turninghadbeenhisredherring.Hisnextremarkwasmostcasualsounding.
“Don’tyoufinditverybleakhereinwinter,Mrs.Willett?”
“Oh,weloveit.Suchachange.We’reSouthAfricans,youknow.”
Hertonewasbriskandordinary.
“Really?WhatpartofSouthAfrica?”
“Oh!theCape.ViolethasneverbeeninEnglandbefore.Sheisenchantedwithit—findsthesnowmostromantic.Thishouseisreallymostcomfortable.”
“Whatledyoutocometothispartoftheworld?”
Therewasjustgentlecuriosityinhisvoice.
“We’vereadsomanybooksonDevonshire,andespeciallyonDartmoor.Wewerereadingoneontheboat—allaboutWiddecombeFair.I’vealwayshadahankeringtoseeDartmoor.”
“WhatmadeyoufixonExhampton?It’snotaverywellknownlittletown.”
“Well—wewerereadingthesebooksasItoldyou,andtherewasaboyonboardwhotalkedaboutExhampton—hewassoenthusiasticaboutit.”
“Whatwashisname?”askedtheInspector.“Didhecomefromthispartoftheworld?”
“Now,whatwashisname?Cullen—Ithink.No—itwasSmythe.Howstupidofme.Ireallycan’tremember.Youknowhowitisonboardship,Inspector,yougettoknowpeoplesowellandplantomeetagain—andaweekafteryou’velanded,youcan’tevenbesureoftheirnames!”
Shelaughed.
“Buthewassuchaniceboy—notgood-looking,reddishhair,butadelightfulsmile.”
“Andonthestrengthofthatyoudecidedtotakeahouseintheseparts?”saidtheInspectorsmiling.
“Yes,wasn’titmadofus?”
“Clever,”thoughtNarracott.“Distinctlyclever.”HebegantorealizeMrs.Willett’smethods.Shealwayscarriedthewarintotheenemy’scountry.
“Soyouwrotetothehouseagentsandinquiredaboutahouse?”
“Yes—andtheysentusparticularsofSittaford.Itsoundedjustwhatwewanted.”
“Itwouldn’tbemytasteatthistimeofyear,”saidtheInspectorwithalaugh.
“Idaresayitwouldn’tbeoursifwelivedinEngland,”saidMrs.Willettbrightly.
TheInspectorrose.
“HowdidyouknowthenameofahouseagenttowritetoinExhampton?”heasked.“Thatmusthavepresentedadifficulty.”
Therewasapause.Thefirstpauseintheconversation.Hethoughthecaughtaglimpseofvexation,more,ofangerinMrs.Willett’seyes.Hehadhituponsomethingtowhichshehadnotthoughtouttheanswer.Sheturnedtowardsherdaughter.
“Howdidwe,Violet?Ican’tremember.”
Therewasadifferentlookinthegirl’seyes.Shelookedfrightened.
“Why,ofcourse,”saidMrs.Willett.“Delfridges.Theirinformationbureau.It’stoowonderful.Ialwaysgoandinquirethereabouteverything.Iaskedthemthenameofthebestagenthereandtheytoldme.”
“Quick,”thoughttheInspector.“Veryquick.Butnotquitequickenough.Ihadyouthere,madam.”
Hemadeacursoryexaminationofthehouse.Therewasnothingthere.Nopapers,nolockeddrawersorcupboards.
Mrs.Willettaccompaniedhimtalkingbrightly.Hetookhisleave,thankingherpolitely.
Ashedepartedhecaughtaglimpseofthegirl’sfaceoverhershoulder.Therewasnomistakingtheexpressiononherface.
Itwasfearhesawonhercountenance.Fearwrittenthereplainlyatthismomentwhenshethoughtherselfunobserved.
Mrs.Willettwasstilltalking.
“Alas.Wehaveonegravedrawbackhere.Thedomesticproblem,Inspector.Servantswillnotstandthesecountryplaces.Allofminehavebeenthreateningtoleaveusforsometime,andthenewsofthemurderseemstohaveunsettledthemutterly.Idon’tknowwhatIshalldo.Perhapsmenservantswouldanswerthecase.ThatiswhattheRegistryOfficeinExeteradvised.”
TheInspectoransweredmechanically.Hewasnotlisteningtoherflowoftalk.Hewasthinkingoftheexpressionhehadsurprisedonthegirl’sface.
Mrs.Willetthadbeenclever—butnotquitecleverenough.
Hewentawaycogitatingonhisproblem.
IftheWillettshadnothingtodowithCaptainTrevelyan’sdeath,whywasVioletWillettafraid?
Hefiredhislastshot.Withhisfootactuallyoverthethresholdofthefrontdoorheturnedback.
“Bytheway,”hesaid,“youknowyoungPearson,don’tyou?”
Therewasnodoubtofthepausethistime.Adeadsilenceofaboutasecond.ThenMrs.Willettspoke:
“Pearson?”shesaid.“Idon’tthink—”
Shewasinterrupted.Aqueersighingbreathcamefromtheroombehindherandthenthesoundofafall.TheInspectorwasoverthethresholdandintotheroominaflash.
VioletWilletthadfainted.
“Poorchild,”criedMrs.Willett.“Allthisstrainandshock.Thatdreadfultable-turningbusinessandthemurderonthetopofit.Sheisn’tstrong.Thankyousomuch,Inspector.Yes,onthesofaplease.Ifyouwouldringthebell.No,Idon’tthinkthereisanythingmoreyoucando.Thankyousomuch.”
TheInspectorwentdownthedrivewithhislipssetinagrimline.
JimPearsonwasengaged,heknew,tothatextremelycharming-lookinggirlhehadseeninLondon.
WhythenshouldVioletWillettfaintatthementionofhisname?WhatwastheconnectionbetweenJimPearsonandtheWilletts?
Hepausedindecisivelyasheemergedfromthefrontgate.Thenhetookfromhispocketasmallnotebook.InitwasenteredalistoftheinhabitantsofthesixbungalowsbuiltbyCaptainTrevelyanwithafewbriefremarksagainsteachname.InspectorNarracott’sstubbyforefingerpausedattheentryagainstNo.6TheCottages.
“Yes,”hesaidtohimself.“I’dbetterseehimnext.”
Hestrodebrisklydownthelaneandbeatafirmrat-tatontheknockerofNo.6—thebungalowinhabitedbyMr.Duke.
Fifteen
VISITTOMAJORBURNABY
LeadingthewayupthepathtotheMajor’sfrontdoor,Mr.Enderbyrappeduponitinacheeryfashion.ThedoorwasflungopenalmostimmediatelyandMajorBurnaby,redintheface,appearedonthethreshold.
“It’syou,isit?”heobservedwithnoverygreatfervourinhisvoice,andwasabouttogooninthesamestrainwhenhecaughtsightofEmilyandhisexpressionaltered.
“ThisisMissTrefusis”saidCharleswiththeairofoneproducingtheaceoftrumps.“Shewasveryanxioustoseeyou.”
“MayIcomein?”saidEmilywithhersweetestsmile.
“Oh!yes.Certainly.Ofcourse—Oh,yes,ofcourse.”
StumblinginhisspeechtheMajorbackedintothelivingroomofhiscottageandbeganpullingforwardchairsandpushingasidetables.
Emily,aswasherfashion,camestraighttothepoint.
“Yousee,MajorBurnaby,IamengagedtoJim—JimPearson,youknow.AndnaturallyIamterriblyanxiousabouthim.”
IntheactofpushingatabletheMajorpausedwithhismouthopen.
“Ohdear,”hesaid,“that’sabadbusiness.Mydearyounglady,IammoresorryaboutitthanIcansay.”
“MajorBurnaby,tellmehonestly.Doyouyourselfbelieveheisguilty?Oh,youneedn’tmindsayingifyoudo.Iwouldahundredtimesratherpeopledidn’tlietome.”
“No,Idonotthinkhimguilty,”saidtheMajorinaloudassertivevoice.Hehitacushiononceortwicevigorously,andthensatdownfacingEmily.“Thechapisaniceyoungchap.Mindyou,hemightbeabitweak.Don’tbeoffendedifIsaythathe’sthekindofyoungfellowthatmighteasilygowrongiftemptationcameinhisway.Butmurder—no.Andmindyou,IknowwhatIamtalkingabout—alotofsubalternshavepassedthroughmyhandsinmytime.It’sthefashiontopokefunatretiredarmyofficersnowadays,butweknowathingortwoallthesame,MissTrefusis.”
“I’msureyoudo,”saidEmily.“I’mawfullygratefultoyouforsayingwhatyou’vedone.”
“Have—haveawhiskyandsoda?”saidtheMajor.“I’mafraidthere’snothingelse,”hesaidapologetically.
“No,thankyou,MajorBurnaby.”
“Someplainsodathen?”
“No,thankyou,”saidEmily.
“Ioughttobeabletoproducetea,”saidtheMajorwithatouchofwistfulness.
“We’vehadit,”saidCharles.“AtMrs.Curtis’s,”headded.
“MajorBurnaby,”saidEmily,“whodoyouthinkdidit—haveyouanyideaatall?”
“No.Iamdamned—er—bother—ifIhave,”saidtheMajor.“Tookitforgranteditwassomechapthatbrokein,butnowthepolicesaythatcan’tbeso.Well,it’stheirjob,andIsupposetheyknowbest.Theysaynobodybrokein,soIsupposenobodydidbreakin.Butallthesameitbeatsme,MissTrefusis.Trevelyanhadn’tanenemyintheworldasfarasIknow.”
“Andyouwouldknowifanybodydid,”saidEmily
“Yes,IsupposeIknewmoreofTrevelyanthanmanyofhisrelationsdid.”
“Andyoucan’tthinkofanything—anythingthatwouldhelp,inanyway?”askedEmily.
TheMajorpulledathisshortmoustache
“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking.LikeinbooksthereoughttobesomelittleincidentthatIshouldrememberthatwouldbeaclue.Well,I’msorry,butthereisn’tanysuchthing.Trevelyanjustledanordinarylife.Gotveryfewlettersandwroteless.Therewerenofemalecomplicationsinhislife,Iamsureofthat.No,itbeatsme,MissTrefusis.”
Allthreeweresilent.
“Whataboutthatservantofhis?”askedCharles.
“Beenwithhimforyears.Absolutelyfaithful.”
“Hehadmarriedlately,”saidCharles
“Marriedaperfectlydecentrespectablegirl.”
“MajorBurnaby,”saidEmily,“forgivemeputtingitthisway—butdidn’tyougetthewinduprathereasilyabouthim?”
TheMajorrubbedhisnosewiththeembarrassedairthatalwayscameoverhimwhenthetable-turningwasmentioned.
“Yes,there’snodenyingit,Idid.Iknewthewholethingwastommyrotandyet—”
“Youfeltsomehowitwasn’t,”saidEmilyhelpfully.
TheMajornodded.
“That’swhyIwonder—”saidEmily.
Thetwomenlookedather.
“Ican’tquiteputwhatImeaninthewayIwant,”saidEmily.“WhatImeanisthis:Yousaythatyoudon’tbelieveinallthistable-turningbusiness—andyet,inspiteoftheawfulweatherandwhatmusthaveseemedtoyoutheabsurdityofthewholething—youfeltsouneasythatyouhadtosetout,nomatterwhattheweatherconditions,andseeforyourselfthatCaptainTrevelyanwasallright.Well,don’tyouthinkthatmayhavebeenbecause—becausetherewassomethingintheatmosphere?
“Imean,”shecontinueddesperatelyasshesawnotraceofcomprehensionintheMajor’sface,“thattherewassomethinginsomeoneelse’smindaswellasyours.Andthatsomehoworotheryoufeltit.”
“Well,Idon’tknow,”saidtheMajor.Herubbedhisnoseagain.“Ofcourse,”headdedhopefully,“womendotakethesethingsseriously.”
“Women!”saidEmily.“Yes,”shemurmuredsoftlytoherself,“Ibelievesomehoworotherthat’sit.”
SheturnedabruptlytoMajorBurnaby.
“Whataretheylike,theseWilletts?”
“Oh,well,”MajorBurnabycastaboutinhismind,hewasclearlynogoodatpersonaldescription.“Well—theyareverykindyouknow—veryhelpfulandallthat.”
“WhydotheywanttotakeahouselikeSittafordHouseatthistimeofyear?”
“Ican’timagine,”saidtheMajor.“Nobodydoes,”headded.
“Don’tyouthinkit’sveryqueer?”persistedEmily.
“Ofcourse,it’squeer.However,there’snoaccountingfortastes.That’swhattheInspectorsaid.”
“That’snonsense,”saidEmily.“Peopledon’tdothingswithoutareason.”
“Well,Idon’tknow,”saidMajorBurnabycautiously.“Somepeopledon’t.Youwouldn’t,MissTrefusis.Butsomepeople—”Hesighedandshookhishead
“Youaresuretheyhadn’tmetCaptainTrevelyanbefore?”
TheMajorscoutedtheidea.Trevelyanwouldhavesaidsomethingtohim.No,hewasasastonishedhimselfasanyonecouldbe.
“Sohethoughtitqueer?”
“Ofcourse,I’vejusttoldyouwealldid.”
“WhatwasMrs.Willett’sattitudetowardsCaptainTrevelyan?”askedEmily.“Didshetryandavoidhim?”
AfaintchucklecamefromtheMajor.
“No,indeedshedidn’t.Pesteredthelifeoutofhimalwaysaskinghimtocomeandseethem.”
“Oh!”saidEmilythoughtfully.Shepausedandthensaid.“Soshemight—justpossiblyshemighthavetakenSittafordHousejustonpurposetogetacquaintedwithCaptainTrevelyan.”
“Well,”theMajorseemedtoturnitoverinhismind.“Yes,Isupposeshemighthave.Ratheranexpensivewayofdoingthings.”
“Idon’tknow,”saidEmily.“CaptainTrevelyanwouldn’thavebeenaneasypersontogettoknowotherwise.”
“No,hewouldn’t,”agreedthelateCaptainTrevelyan’sfriend.
“Iwonder,”saidEmily.
“TheInspectorthoughtofthattoo,”saidBurnaby.
EmilyfeltasuddenirritationagainstInspectorNarracott.EverythingthatshethoughtofseemedtohavealreadybeenthoughtofbytheInspector.Itwasgallingtoayoungwomanwhopridedherselfonbeingsharperthanotherpeople.
Sheroseandheldoutherhand.
“Thankyouverymuch,”shesaidsimply.
“IwishIcouldhelpyoumore,”saidtheMajor.“I’mratheranobvioussortofperson—alwayshavebeen.IfIwereacleverchapImightbeabletohituponsomethingthatmightbeaclue.Atanyratecountonmeforanythingyouwant.”
“Thankyou,”saidEmily.“Iwill.”
“Good-bye,sir,”saidEnderby.“Ishallbealonginthemorningwithmycamera,youknow.”
Burnabygrunted.
EmilyandCharlesretracedtheirstepstoMrs.Curtis’s.
“Comeintomyroom,Iwanttotalktoyou,”saidEmily.
ShesatontheonechairandCharlessatonthebed.Emilypluckedoffherhatandsentitspinningintoacorneroftheroom.
“Now,listen,”shesaid.“IthinkI’vegotakindofstartingpoint.ImaybewrongandImayberight,atanyrateit’sanidea.Ithinkalothingesonthistable-turningbusiness.You’vedonetable-turning,haven’tyou?”
“Oh,yes,nowandthen.Notserious,youknow.”
“No,ofcoursenot.It’sthekindofthingonedoesonawetafternoon,andeveryoneaccuseseveryoneelseofshoving.Well,ifyou’veplayedityouknowwhathappens.Thetablestartsspellingout,say,aname,well,it’sanamesomebodyknows.Veryoftentheyrecognizeitatonceandhopeitisn’tgoingtobethat,andallthetimeunconsciouslytheyarewhatonecallsshoving.Imeansortofrecognizingthingsmakesonegiveaninvoluntaryjerkwhenthenextlettercomesandstopsthething.Andthelessyouwanttodothatsometimesthemoreithappens.”
“Yes,that’strue,”agreedMr.Enderby.
“Idon’tbelieveforamomentinspiritsoranythinglikethat.ButsupposingthatoneofthosepeoplewhowereplayingknewthatCaptainTrevelyanwasbeingmurderedatthatminute—”
“Oh,Isay,”protestedCharles,“that’sawfullyfarfetched.”
“Well,itneedn’tbequitesocrudeasthat.Yes,Ithinkitmustbe.Wearejusttakingahypothesis—that’sall.WeareassertingthatsomebodyknewthatCaptainTrevelyanwasdeadandabsolutelycouldn’thidetheirknowledge.Thetablebetrayedthem.”
“It’sawfullyingenious,”saidCharles,“butIdon’tbelieveforaminuteit’strue.”
“We’llassumethatitistrue,”saidEmilyfirmly.“Iamsurethatindetectionofcrimeyoumustn’tbeafraidtoassumethings.”
“Oh,I’mquiteagreeable,”saidMr.Enderby.“We’llassumethatitistrue—anythingyoulike.”
“Sowhatwehavetodo,”saidEmily,“istoconsiderverycarefullythepeoplewhowereplaying.Tobeginwiththere’sMajorBurnabyandMr.Rycroft.Well,itseemswildlyunlikelythateitherofthemshouldhaveanaccomplicewhowasthemurderer.ThenthereisthisMr.Duke.Well,forthemomentweknownothingabouthim.Hehasonlyjustarrivedherelatelyandofcourse,hemightbeasinisterstranger—partofagangorsomething.WewillputXagainsthisname.AndnowwecometotheWilletts.Charles,thereissomethingawfullymysteriousabouttheWilletts.”
“WhatonearthhavetheygottogainfromCaptainTrevelyan’sdeath?”
“Well,onthefaceofit,nothing.Butifmytheoryiscorrecttheremustbeaconnectionsomewhere.We’vegottofindwhatistheconnection.”
“Right,”saidMr.Enderby.“Andsupposingit’sallamare’snest?”
“Well,we’llhavetostartalloveragain,”saidEmily.
“Hark!”criedCharlessuddenly.
Hehelduphishand.Thenhewentovertothewindowandopenedit,andEmilytoo,heardthesoundwhichhadarousedhisattention.Itwasthefar-offboomingofagreatbell.
Astheystoodlistening,Mrs.Curtis’svoicecalledexcitedlyfrombelow:
“Doyouhearthebell,Miss—doyouhearit?”
Emilyopenedthedoor.
“D’youhearit?Plainasplan,isn’tit?Wellnow,now,tothinkofthat!”
“Whatisit?”askedEmily.
“It’sthebellatPrincetown,Miss,neartotwelvemileaway.Itmeansthataconvict’sescaped.George,George,whereistheman?D’youhearthebell?There’saconvictloose.”
Hervoicediedawayasshewentthroughthekitchen.
Charlesshutthewindowandsatdownonthebedagain.
“It’sapitythatthingshappenallwrong,”hesaiddispassionately.“IfonlythisconvicthadescapedonFriday,why,therewouldbeourmurderernicelyaccountedfor.Nofarthertolook.Hungryman,desperatecriminalbreaksin.TrevelyandefendshisEnglish-man’scastle—anddesperatecriminalbiffshimone.Allsosimple.”
“Itwouldhavebeen,”saidEmilywithasigh.
“Insteadofwhich,”saidCharles,“heescapesthreedaystoolate.It’s—it’shopelesslyinartistic.”
Heshookhisheadsadly.
Sixteen
MR.RYCROFT
Emilywokeearlythenextmorning.Beingasensibleyoungwoman,sherealizedtherewaslittlepossibilityofMr.Enderby’scollaborationuntilthemorningwaswelladvanced.So,feelingrestlessandunabletoliestillshesetoutforabriskwalkalongthelaneintheoppositedirectionfromwhichtheyhadcomelastnight.
ShepassedthegatesofSittafordHouseonherrightandshortlyafterthatthelanetookasharpturntotherightandransteeplyuphillandcameoutontheopenmoorwhereitdegeneratedintoagrasstrackandsoonpeteredoutaltogether.Themorningwasafineone,coldandcrisp,andtheviewwaslovely.EmilyascendedtotheverytopofSittafordTor,apileofgreyrockofafantasticshape.Fromthisheightshelookeddownoveranexpanseofmoorland,unbrokenasfarasshecouldseewithoutanyhabitationoranyroad.Belowher,ontheoppositesideoftheTor,weregreymassesofgranitebouldersandrocks.Afterconsideringthesceneforaminuteortwosheturnedtoviewtheprospecttothenorthfromwhichshehadcome.JustbelowherlaySittaford,clusteringontheflankofthehill,thesquaregreyblobofSittafordHouse,andthedottedcottagesbeyondit.InthevalleybelowshecouldseeExhampton.
“Oneought,”thoughtEmilyconfusedly,“toseethingsbetterwhenyouarehighuplikethis.Itoughttobelikeliftingoffthetopofadoll’shouseandpeeringin.”
Shewishedwithallherheartthatshehadmetthedeadmanevenifonlyonce.Itwassohardtogetanideaofpeopleyouhadneverseen.Youhadtorelyonotherpeople’sjudgment,andEmilyhadneveryetacknowledgedthatanyotherperson’sjudgmentwassuperiortoherown.Otherpeople’simpressionswerenogoodtoyou.Theymightbejustastrueasyoursbutyoucouldn’tactonthem.Youcouldn’t,asitwere,useanotherperson’sangleofattack.
Meditatingvexedlyonthesequestions,Emilysighedimpatientlyandshiftedherposition.
Shehadbeensolostinherownthoughtsthatshehadbeenoblivioustoherimmediatesurroundings.Itwaswithashockofsurprisethatsherealizedthatasmallelderlygentlemanwasstandingafewfeetawayfromher,hishatheldcourteouslyinhishand,whilehebreathedratherfast.
“Excuseme,”hesaid.“MissTrefusis,Ibelieve?”
“Yes,”saidEmily.
“MynameisRycroft.Youmustforgivemespeakingtoyou,butinthislittlecommunityofoursthesmallestdetailisknown,andyourarrivalhereyesterdayhasnaturallygonetheround.Icanassureyouthateveryonefeelsadeepsympathywithyourposition,MissTrefusis.Weareall,oneandall,anxioustoassistyouinanywaywecan.”
“That’sverykindofyou,”saidEmily.
“Notatall,notatall,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Beautyindistress,youwillpardonmyold-fashionedmannerofputtingit.Butseriously,mydearyounglady,docountonmeifthereisanywayinwhichIcanpossiblyassistyou.Beautifulviewfromuphere,isitnot?”
“Wonderful,”agreedEmily.“Themoorisawonderfulplace.”
“YouknowthataprisonermusthaveescapedlastnightfromPrincetown.”
“Yes.Hashebeenrecaptured?”
“Notyet,Ibelieve.Ah,well,poorfellow,hewillnodoubtberecapturedsoonenough.IbelieveIamrightinsayingthatnoonehasescapedsuccessfullyfromPrincetownforthelasttwentyyears.”
“WhichdirectionisPrincetown?”
Mr.Rycroftstretchedouthisarmandpointedsouthwardsoverthemoor.
“Itliesoverthere,abouttwelvemilesasthecrowfliesoverunbrokenmoorland.It’ssixteenmilesbyroad.”
Emilygaveafaintshiver.Theideaofadesperatehuntedmanimpressedherpowerfully.Mr.Rycroftwaswatchingherandgavealittlenod.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Ifeelthesamemyself.It’scurioushowone’sinstinctsrebelatthethoughtofamanbeinghunteddown,andyet,thesemenatPrincetownarealldangerousandviolentcriminals,thekindofmenwhomprobablyyouandIwoulddoourutmosttoputthereinthefirstplace.”
Hegavealittleapologeticlaugh.
“Youmustforgiveme,MissTrefusis,Iamdeeplyinterestedinthestudyofcrime.Afascinatingstudy.Ornithologyandcriminologyaremytwosubjects.”Hepausedandthenwenton:
“That’sthereasonwhy,ifyouwillallowmetodoso,Ishouldliketoassociatemyselfwithyouinthismatter.Tostudyacrimeatfirsthandhaslongbeenanunrealizeddreamofmine.Willyouplaceyourconfidenceinme,MissTrefusis,andallowmetoplacemyexperienceatyourdisposal?Ihavereadandstudiedthissubjectdeeply.”
Emilywassilentforaminute.Shewascongratulatingherselfonthewayeventswereplayingintoherhand.HerewasfirsthandknowledgebeingofferedheroflifeasithadbeenlivedatSittaford.“Angleofattack,”Emilyrepeatedthephrasethathadcreptintohermindsoshortatimebefore.ShehadhadMajorBurnaby’sangle—matteroffact—simple—direct.Takingcognizanceoffactsandcompletelyobliviousofsubtleties.Now,shewasbeingofferedanotheranglewhichshesuspectedmightopenupaverydifferentfieldofvision.Thislittle,shrivelled,dried-upgentlemanhadreadandstudieddeeply,waswellversedinhumannature,hadthatdevouringinterestedcuriosityinlifedisplayedbythemanofreflectionasopposedtothemanofaction.
“Pleasehelpme,”shesaidsimply.“Iamsoveryworriedandunhappy.”
“Youmustbe,mydear,youmustbe.Now,asIunderstandtheposition,Trevelyan’seldestnephewhasbeenarrestedordetained—theevidenceagainsthimbeingofasomewhatsimpleandobviousnature.I,ofcourse,haveanopenmind.Youmustallowmethat.”
“Ofcourse,”saidEmily.“Whyshouldyoubelieveinhisinnocencewhenyouknownothingabouthim?”
“Mostreasonable,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Really,MissTrefusis,youyourselfareamostinterestingstudy.Bytheway,yourname—isitCornishlikeourpoorfriendTrevelyan?”
“Yes,”saidEmily.“MyfatherwasCornish,mymotherwasScottish.”
“Ah!”saidMr.Rycroft,“veryinteresting.Nowtoapproachourlittleproblem.OntheonehandweassumethatyoungJim—thenameisJim,isitnot?WeassumethatyoungJimhadapressingneedofmoney,thathecamedowntoseehisuncle,thatheaskedformoney,thathisunclerefused,thatinamomentofpassionhepickedupasandbagthatwaslyingatthedoorandthathehithisuncleoverthehead.Thecrimewasunpremeditated—wasinfactafoolishirrationalaffairmostdeplorablyconducted.Now,allthatmaybeso;ontheotherhandhemayhavepartedwithhisuncleinangerandsomeotherpersonmayhavesteppedinshortlyafterwardsandcommittedthecrime.Thatiswhatyoubelieve—andtoputitalittledifferently,thatiswhatIhope.Idonotwantyourfiancétohavecommittedthecrime,forfrommypointofviewitissouninterestingthatheshouldhavedoneso.Iamthereforebackingtheotherhorse.Thecrimewascommittedbysomeoneelse.Wewillassumethatandgoatoncetoamostimportantpoint.Wasthatsomeoneelseawareofthequarrelthathadjusttakenplace?Didthatquarrel,infact,actuallyprecipitatethemurder?Youseemypoint?SomeoneismeditatingdoingawaywithCaptainTrevelyanandseizedthisopportunity,realizingthatsuspicionisboundtofallonyoungJim.”
Emilyconsideredthematterfromthisangle.
“Inthatcase,”shesaidslowly—
Mr.Rycrofttookthewordsoutofhermouth.
“Inthatcase,”hesaidbriskly,“themurdererwouldhavetobeapersonincloseassociationwithCaptainTrevelyan.HewouldhavetobedomiciledinExhampton.Inallprobabilityhewouldhavetobeinthehouse,eitherduringorafterthequarrel.Andsincewearenotinacourtoflawandcanbandyaboutnamesfreely,thenameoftheservant,Evans,leapstoourmindsasapersonwhocouldsatisfyourconditions.Amanwhoquitepossiblymighthavebeeninthehouse,haveoverheardthequarrelandseizedtheopportunity.OurnextpointistodiscoverwhetherEvansbenefitsinanywayfromhismaster’sdeath.”
“Ibelievehegetsasmalllegacy,”saidEmily.
“Thatmayormaynotconstituteasufficientmotive.WeshallhavetodiscoverwhetherornotEvanshadapressingneedofmoney.WemustalsoconsiderMrs.Evans—thereisaMrs.Evansofrecentdate,Iunderstand.Ifyouhadstudiedcriminology,MissTrefusis,youwouldrealizethecuriouseffectcausedbyinbreeding,especiallyincountrydistricts.ThereareatleastfouryoungwomeninBroadmoor,pleasantinmanner,butwiththatcuriouskinkintheirdispositionsthathumanlifeisoflittleornoaccounttothem.No—wemustnotleaveMrs.Evansoutofaccount.”
“Whatdoyouthinkaboutthistable-turningbusiness,Mr.Rycroft?”
“Now,thatisverystrange.Moststrange.Iconfess,MissTrefusis,thatIampowerfullyimpressedbyit.Iam,asperhapsyoumayhaveheard,abelieverinpsychicthings.ToacertaindegreeIamabelieverinspiritualism.IhavealreadywrittenoutafullaccountandsentituptotheSocietyofPsychicalResearch.Awell-authenticatedandamazingcase.Fivepeoplepresent,noneofwhomcouldhavetheleastideaorsuspicionthatCaptainTrevelyanwasmurdered.”
“Youdon’tthink—”
Emilystopped.ItwasnotsoeasytosuggestherownideatoMr.Rycroftthatoneofthefivepeoplemighthaveguiltyforeknowledge,ashehimselfhadbeenoneofthem.NotthatshesuspectedforamomentthattherewasanythingwhatevertoconnectMr.Rycroftwiththetragedy.Stillshefeltthatthesuggestionmightnotbewhollytactful.Shepursuedherobjectinamoreroundaboutmanner.
“Itallinterestedmeverymuch,Mr.Rycroft;itis,asyousay,anamazingoccurrence.Youdon’tthinkthatanyofthepeoplepresent,withtheexceptionofyourselfofcourse,wereinanywaypsychic?”
“Mydearyounglady,Imyselfamnotpsychic.Ihavenopowersinthatdirection.Iamonlyaverydeeplyinterestedobserver.”
“WhataboutthisMr.Garfield?”
“Anicelad,”saidMr.Rycroft,“butnotremarkableinanyway.”
“Welloff,Isuppose,”saidEmily.
“Stonybroke,Ibelieve,”saidMr.Rycroft.“IhopeIamusingthatidiomcorrectly.Hecomesdownheretodanceattendanceonanaunt,fromwhomhehaswhatIcall‘expectations.’MissPercehouseisaverysharpladyandIthinksheknowswhattheseattentionsareworth.Butasshehasasardonicformofhumourofherownshekeepshimdancing.”
“Ishouldliketomeether,”saidEmily.
“Yes,youmustcertainlymeether.Shewillnodoubtinsistonmeetingyou.Curiosity—alas,mydearMissTrefusis—curiosity.”
“TellmeabouttheWilletts,”saidEmily.
“Charming,”saidMr.Rycroft,“quitecharming.Colonial,ofcourse.Norealpoise,ifyouunderstandme.Alittletoolavishintheirhospitality.Everythingashadeontheornateside.MissVioletisacharminggirl.”
“Afunnyplacetocomeforthewinter,”saidEmily.
“Yes,veryodd,isitnot?Butafterallitisonlylogical.Weourselveslivinginthiscountrylongforthesunshine,hotclimates,wavingpalmtrees.PeoplewholiveinAustraliaorSouthAfricaareenchantedwiththeideaofanold-fashionedChristmaswithsnowandice.”
“Iwonderwhichofthem,”saidEmilytoherself,“toldhimthat.”
Shereflectedthatitwasnotnecessarytoburyyourselfinamoorlandvillageinordertoobtainanold-fashionedChristmaswithsnowandice.Clearly,Mr.RycroftdidnotseeanythingsuspiciousintheWilletts’choiceofawinterresort.Butthat,shereflected,wasperhapsnaturalinonewhowasanornithologistandacriminologist.SittafordclearlyappearedanidealresidencetoMr.Rycroft,andhecouldnotconceiveofitasanunsuitableenvironmenttosomeoneelse.
Theyhadbeenslowlydescendingtheslopeofthehillsideandwerenowwendingtheirwaydownthelane.
“Wholivesinthatcottage?”askedEmilyabruptly.
“CaptainWyatt—heisaninvalid.RatherunsociableIfear.”
“WasheafriendofCaptainTrevelyan’s?”
“Notanintimatefriendinanyway.Trevelyanmerelymadeaformalvisittohimeverynowandthen.AsamatteroffactWyattdoesn’tencouragevisitors.Asurlyman.”
Emilywassilent.Shewasreviewingthepossibilityofhowsheherselfmightbecomeavisitor.Shehadnointentionofallowinganyangleofattacktoremainunexplored.
Shesuddenlyrememberedthehithertounmentionedmemberoftheséance.
“WhataboutMr.Duke?”sheaskedbrightly.
“Whatabouthim?”
“Well,whoishe?”
“Well,”saidMr.Rycroftslowly,“thatiswhatnobodyknows.”
“Howextraordinary,”saidEmily.
“Asamatteroffact,”saidMr.Rycroft,“itisn’t.Yousee,Dukeissuchanentirelyunmysteriousindividual.Ishouldimaginethattheonlymysteryabouthimwashissocialorigin.Not—notquite,ifyouunderstandme.Butaverysolidgoodfellow,”hehastenedtoadd.
Emilywassilent.
“Thisismycottage,”saidMr.Rycroftpausing,“perhapsyouwilldomethehonourofcominginandinspectingit.”
“Ishouldliketo,”saidEmily.
Theywentupthesmallpathandenteredthecottage.Theinteriorwascharming.Bookcaseslinedthewalls.
Emilywentfromonetotheotherglancingcuriouslyatthetitlesofthebooks.Onesectiondealtwithoccultphenomena,anotherwithmoderndetectivefiction,butbyfarthegreaterpartofthebookcasewasgivenuptocriminologyandtotheworld’sfamoustrials.Booksonornithologyheldacomparativelysmallportion.
“Ithink,it’salldelightful,”saidEmily.“Imustgetbacknow.IexpectMr.Enderbywillbeupandwaitingforme.AsamatteroffactIhaven’thadbreakfastyet.WetoldMrs.Curtishalfpastnine,andIseeit’steno’clock.Ishallbedreadfullylate—that’sbecauseyou’vebeensointeresting—andsoveryhelpful.”
“AnythingIcando,”burbledMr.RycroftasEmilyturnedabewitchingglanceonhim.“Youcancountonme.Wearecollaborators.”
Emilygavehimherhandandsqueezedhiswarmly.
“It’ssowonderful,”shesaid,usingthephrasethatinthecourseofhershortlifeshehadfoundsoeffectual,“tofeelthatthere’ssomeoneonwhomonecanreallyrely.”
Seventeen
MISSPERCEHOUSE
Emilyreturnedtofindeggsandbacon,andCharles,waitingforher.
Mrs.Curtiswasstillagogwithexcitementovertheescapeoftheconvict.
“Twoyearsitissincelastoneescaped,”shesaid,“andthreedaysitwasbeforetheyfoundhim.NeartoMoretonhampsteadhewas.”
“Doyouthinkhe’llcomethisway?”askedCharles.
Localknowledgevetoedthissuggestion.
“Theynevercomesthisway,allbaremoorlanditisandonlysmalltownswhenyoudocomeoffthemoor.He’llmakeforPlymouth,that’sthemostlikely.Butthey’llcatchhimlongbeforethat.”
“YoucouldfindagoodhidingplaceamongtheserocksontheothersideoftheTor,”saidEmily.
“You’reright,Miss,andthereisahidingplacethere,thePixie’sCavetheycallit.Asnarrowanopeningbetweentworocksasyoucouldfind,butitwidensoutinside.TheysayoneofKingCharles’smenhidthereonceforafortnightwithaservingmaidfromafarmbringinghimfood.”
“ImusttakealookatthatPixie’sCave,”saidCharles.
“You’llbesurprisedhowharditistofind,sir.Manyapicnicpartyinsummerlooksforitthewholeafternoonanddoesn’tfindit,butifyoudofinditbesureyouleaveapininsideitforluck.”
“Iwonder,”saidCharleswhenbreakfastwasoverandheandEmilyhadstrolledoutintothesmallbitofgarden,“ifIoughttogoofftoPrincetown?Amazinghowthingspileuponceyouhaveabitofluck.HereIam—Istartwithasimplefootballcompetitionprize,andbeforeIknowwhereIamIrunstraightintoanescapedconvictandamurderer.Marvellous!”
“WhataboutthisphotographingofMajorBurnaby’scottage?”
Charleslookedupatthesky.
“H’m,”hesaid.“IthinkIshallsaytheweatheriswrong.Ihavegottohangontomyraisond’étreofbeinginSittafordaslongaspossible,andit’scomingovermisty.Er—Ihopeyoudon’tmind,Ihavejustpostedoffaninterviewwithyou?”
“Oh!that’sallright,”saidEmilymechanically.“Whathaveyoumademesay?”
“Oh,theusualsortofthingspeopleliketohear,”saidMr.Enderby.“OurspecialrepresentativerecordshisinterviewwithMissEmilyTrefusis,thefiancéeofMr.JamesPearsonwhohasbeenarrestedbythepoliceandchargedwiththemurderofCaptainTrevelyan—Thenmyimpressionofyouasahigh-spirited,beautifulgirl.”
“Thankyou,”saidEmily.
“Shingled,”wentonCharles.
“Whatdoyoumeanbyshingled?”
“Youare,”saidCharles.
“Well,ofcourseIam,”saidEmily.“Butwhymentionit?”
“Womenreadersalwaysliketoknow,”saidCharlesEnderby.“Itwasasplendidinterview.You’venoideawhatfinewomanlytouchingthingsyousaidaboutstandingbyyourman,nomatterifthewholeworldwasagainsthim.”
“DidIreallysaythat?”saidEmilywincingslightly.
“Doyoumind?”saidMr.Enderbyanxiously.
“Oh!no,”saidEmily.“Enjoyyourself,darling.”Mr.Enderbylookedslightlytakenaback.
“It’sallright,”saidEmily.“That’saquotation.IhaditonmybibwhenIwassmall—mySundaybib.Theweekdayonehad‘Don’tbeaglutton’onit.”
“Oh!Isee.IputinaverygoodbitaboutCaptainTrevelyan’sseacareerandjustahintatforeignidolslootedandapossibilityofastrangepriest’srevenge—onlyahintyouknow.”
“Well,youseemtohavedoneyourday’sgooddeed,”saidEmily.
“Whathaveyoubeenupto?Youwereupearlyenough,heavenknows.”
EmilydescribedhermeetingwithMr.Rycroft.
ShebrokeoffsuddenlyandEnderby,glancingoverhisshoulderandfollowingthedirectionofhereyes,becameawareofapink,healthy-lookingyoungmanleaningoverthegateandmakingvariousapologeticnoisestoattractattention.
“Isay,”saidtheyoungman,“frightfullysorrytobuttinandallthat.Imean,itisawfullyawkward,butmyauntsentmealong.”
EmilyandCharlesbothsaid,“Oh,”inaninquiringtone,notbeingmuchthewiserfortheexplanation.
“Yes,”saidtheyoungman.“Totellthetruthmyaunt’sratheraTartar.Whatshesaysgoes,ifyouknowwhatImean.Ofcourse,Ithinkit’sfrightfullybadformcomingalongatatimelikethis,butifyouknewmyaunt—andifyoudoasshewants,youwillknowherinafewminutes—”
“IsyourauntMissPercehouse?”brokeinEmily.
“That’sright,”saidtheyoungmanmuchrelieved.“Soyouknowallabouther?OldMotherCurtishasbeentalking,Isuppose.Shecanwagatongue,can’tshe?Notthatshe’sabadsort,mindyou.Well,thefactis,myauntsaidshewantedtoseeyou,andIwastocomealongandtellyouso.Compliments,andallthat,andwoulditbetroublingyoutoomuch—shewasaninvalidandquiteunabletogetoutanditwouldbeagreatkindness—well,youknowthesortofthing.Ineedn’tsayitall.It’scuriosityreally,ofcourse,andifyousayyou’vegotaheadache,orhavegotletterstowrite,itwillbequiteallrightandyouneedn’tbother.”
“Oh,butIshouldliketobother,”saidEmily.“I’llcomewithyouatonce.Mr.EnderbyhasgottogoalongandseeMajorBurnaby.”
“HaveI?”saidEnderbyinalowvoice
“Youhave,”saidEmilyfirmly.
Shedismissedhimwithabriefnodandjoinedhernewfriendintheroad.
“Isupposeyou’reMr.Garfield,”shesaid.
“That’sright.Ioughttohavetoldyou.”
“Oh,well,”saidEmily,“itwasn’tverydifficulttoguess.”
“Splendidofyoucomingalonglikethis,”saidMr.Garfield.“Lotsofgirlswouldhavebeenawfullyoffended.Butyouknowwhatoldladiesare.”
“Youdon’tlivedownhere,doyou,Mr.Garfield?”
“YoubetyourlifeIdon’t.”saidRonnieGarfieldwithfervour.“Didyoueverseesuchagodforsakenspot?NotsomuchasthePicturestogoto.Iwondersomeonedoesn’tcommitamurderto—”
Hepaused,appalledbywhathehadsaid
“Isay,Iamsorry.Iamthemostunluckydevilthateverlived.Alwayscomingoutwiththewrongthing.Inevermeantitforamoment.”
“I’msureyoudidn’t,”saidEmilysoothingly.
“Hereweare,”saidMr.Garfield.Hepushedopenagate,andEmilypassedthroughandwentupthepathleadingtoasmallcottageidenticalwiththerest.Inthelivingroomgivingonthegardenwasacouch,andonitwaslyinganelderlyladywithathinwrinkledfaceandwithoneofthesharpestandmostinterrogativenosesthatEmilyhadeverseen.Sheraisedherselfonanelbowwithalittledifficulty.
“Soyou’vebroughther,”shesaid.“Verykindofyou,mydear,tocomealongtoseeanoldwoman.Butyouknowwhatitiswhenyouareaninvalid.Youmusthaveafingerineverypiegoingandifyoucan’tgotothepie,thenthepiehasgottocometoyou.Andyouneedn’tthinkit’sallcuriosity—it’smorethanthat.Ronnie,gooutandpaintthegardenfurniture.Intheshedattheendofthegarden.Twobasketchairsandabench.You’llfindthepaintthereallready.”
“Rightoh,AuntCaroline.”
Theobedientnephewdisappeared.
“Sitdown,”saidMissPercehouse.
Emilysatonthechairindicated.Strangetosayshehadimmediatelyfeltconsciousofadistinctlikingandsympathyforthisrathersharp-tonguedmiddle-agedinvalid.Shefeltindeedakindofkinshipwithher.
“Hereissomeone,”thoughtEmily,“whogoesstraighttothepointandmeanstohaveherownwayandbosseseverybodyshecan.Justlikeme,onlyIhappentoberathergood-looking,andshehastodoitallbyforceofcharacter.”
“IunderstandyouarethegirlwhoisengagedtoTrevelyan’snephew,”saidMissPercehouse.“I’veheardallaboutyouandnowIhaveseenyouIunderstandexactlywhatyouareupto.AndIwishyougoodluck.”
“Thankyou,”saidEmily.
“Ihateaslobberingfemale,”saidMissPercehouse.“Ilikeonewhogetsupanddoesthings.”
ShelookedatEmilysharply.
“Isupposeyoupityme—lyinghereneverabletogetupandwalkabout?”
“No,”saidEmilythoughtfully.“Idon’tknowthatIdo.Isupposethatonecan,ifonehasthedetermination,alwaysgetsomethingoutoflife.Ifyoucan’tgetitinonewayyougetitinanother.”
“Quiteright,”saidMissPercehouse.“You’vegottotakelifefromadifferentangle,that’sall.”
“Angleofattack,”murmuredEmily.
“What’sthatyousay?”
Asclearlyasshewasable,Emilyoutlinedthetheorythatshehadevolvedthatmorningandtheapplicationofitshehadmadetothematterinhand.
“Notbad,”saidMissPercehousenoddingherhead.“Now,mydear—wewillgetdowntobusiness.Notbeingabornfool,Isupposeyou’vecomeuptothisvillagetofindoutwhatyoucanaboutthepeoplehere,andtoseeifwhatyoufindouthasanybearingonthemurder.Well,ifthere’sanythingyouwanttoknowaboutthepeoplehere,Icantellittoyou.”
Emilywastednotime.Conciseandbusinesslikeshecametothepoint.
“MajorBurnaby?”sheasked.
“Typicalretiredarmyofficer,narrow-mindedandlimitedinoutlook,jealousdisposition.Credulousinmoneymatters.KindofmanwhoinvestsinaSouthSeaBubblebecausehecan’tseeayardinfrontofhisownnose.Likestopayhisdebtspromptlyanddislikespeoplewhodon’twipetheirfeetonthemat.”
“Mr.Rycroft?”saidEmily.
“Queerlittleman,enormousegotist.Cranky.Likestothinkhimselfawonderfulfellow.Isupposehehasofferedtohelpyousolvethecasearightowingtohiswonderfulknowledgeofcriminology.”
Emilyadmittedthatthatwasthecase.
“Mr.Duke?”sheasked.
“Don’tknowathingabouttheman—andyetIoughtto.Mostordinarytype.Ioughttoknow—andyetIdon’t.It’squeer.It’slikeanameonthetipofyourtongueandyetforthelifeofyou,youcan’trememberit.”
“TheWilletts?”askedEmily.
“Ah!theWilletts!”MissPercehousehoistedherselfuponanelbowagaininsomeexcitement.“WhatabouttheWillettsindeed?Now,I’lltellyousomethingaboutthem,mydear.Itmaybeusefultoyou,oritmaynot.Goovertomywritingtablethereandpulloutthelittletopdrawer—theonetotheleft—that’sright.Bringmetheblankenvelopethat’sthere.”
Emilybroughttheenvelopeasdirected.
“Idon’tsayit’simportant—itprobablyisn’t,”saidMissPercehouse.“Everybodytellsliesonewayoranother,andMrs.Willettisperfectlyentitledtodothesameaseverybodyelse.”
Shetooktheenvelopeandslippedherhandinside.
“Iwilltellyouallaboutit.WhentheWillettsarrivedhere,withtheirsmartclothesandtheirmaidsandtheirinnovationtrunks,sheandVioletcameupinForder’scarandthemaidsandtheinnovationtrunkscamebythestationbus.Andnaturally,thewholethingbeinganeventasyoumightsay,Iwaslookingoutastheypassed,andIsawacolouredlabelblowofffromoneofthetrunksanddivedownontooneofmyborders.Now,ifthereisonethingIhatemorethananotheritisalitterofpaperormessofanykind,soIsentRonnieouttopickitup,andIwasgoingtothrowitawaywhenitstruckmeitwasabright,prettything,andImightaswellkeepitforthescrapbooksImakeforthechildren’shospital.Well,Iwouldn’thavethoughtaboutitagainexceptforMrs.WillettdeliberatelymentioningontwoorthreeoccasionsthatViolethadneverbeenoutofSouthAfricaandthatsheherselfhadonlybeentoSouthAfrica,England,andtheRiviera.”
“Yes?”saidEmily.
“Exactly.Now—lookatthis.”
MissPercehousethrustaluggagelabelintoEmily’shand.Itboretheinscription,Mendle’sHotel,Melbourne.
“Australia,”saidMissPercehouse,“isn’tSouthAfrica—oritwasn’tinmyyoungdays.Idaresayitisn’timportant,butthereitisforwhatitisworth.AndI’lltellyouanotherthing.IhaveheardMrs.Willettcallingtoherdaughter,andshecalledCooee,andthatagainismoretypicalofAustraliathanSouthAfrica.AndwhatIsayis,itisqueer.Whyshouldn’tyouwishtoadmitthatyoucomefromAustraliaifyoudo?”
“It’scertainlycurious,”saidEmily.“Andit’scuriousthattheyshouldcometolivehereinwintertimeastheyhave.”
“Thatleapstotheeye,”saidMissPercehouse.“Haveyoumetthemyet?”
“No.Ithoughtofgoingtherethismorning.OnlyIdidn’tknowquitewhattosay.”
“I’llprovideyouwithanexcuse,”saidMissPercehousebriskly.“Fetchmemyfountainpenandsomenotepaperandanenvelope.That’sright.Now,letmesee.”Shepauseddeliberately,thenwithouttheleastwarningraisedhervoiceinahideousscream.
“Ronnie,Ronnie,Ronnie!Istheboydeaf?Whycan’thecomewhenhe’scalled?Ronnie!Ronnie!”
Ronniearrivedatabrisktrot,paintbrushinhand.
“Isthereanythingthematter,AuntCaroline?”
“Whatshouldbethematter?Iwascallingyou,thatwasall.DidyouhaveanyparticularcakeforteawhenyouwereattheWilletts’yesterday?”
“Cake?”
“Cake,sandwiches—anything.Howslowyouare,boy.Whatdidyouhavetoeatfortea?”
“Therewascoffeecake,”saidRonnieverymuchpuzzled,“andsomepatésandwiches—”
“Coffeecake,”saidMissPercehouse.“That’lldo.”Shebegantowritebriskly.“Youcangobacktoyourpainting,Ronnie.Don’thangabout,anddon’tstandtherewithyourmouthopen.Youhadyouradenoidsoutwhenyouwereeightyearsold,sothereisnoexcuseforit.”
Shecontinuedtowrite:
DearMrs.Willett,—Ihearyouhadthemostdeliciouscoffeecakeforteayesterdayafternoon.Willyoubesoverykindastogivemetherecipeforit?Iknowyou’llnotmindmyaskingyouthis—aninvalidhassolittlevarietyexceptinherdiet.MissTrefusishaskindlypromisedtotakethisnoteformeasRonnieisbusythismorning.Isnotthisnewsabouttheconvicttoodreadful?Yoursverysincerely,CarolinePercehouse.
Sheputitinanenvelope,sealeditdownandaddressedit.
“Thereyouare,youngwoman.Youwillprobablyfindthedoorsteplitteredwithreporters.AlotofthempassedalongthelaneinForder’scharabanc.Isawthem.ButyouaskforMrs.Willettandsayyouhavebroughtanotefrommeandyou’llsailin.Ineedn’ttellyoutokeepyoureyesopenandmakethemostyoucanofyourvisit.Youwilldothatanyway.”
“Youarekind,”saidEmily.“Youreallyare.”
“Ihelpthosewhocanhelpthemselves,”saidMissPercehouse.“Bytheway,youhaven’taskedmewhatIthinkofRonnieyet.Ipresumeheisonyourlistofthevillage.Heisagoodladinhisway,butpitifullyweak.Iamsorrytosayhewoulddoalmostanythingformoney.Lookatwhathestandsfromme!Andhehasn’tgotthebrainstoseethatIwouldlikehimjusttentimesbetterifhestooduptomenowandagain,andtoldmetogotothedevil.
“TheonlyotherpersoninthevillageisCaptainWyatt.Hesmokesopium,Ibelieve.Andhe’seasilytheworst-temperedmaninEngland.Anythingmoreyouwanttoknow?”
“Idon’tthinkso,”saidEmily.“Whatyouhavetoldmeseemsprettycomprehensive.”
Eighteen
EMILYVISITSSITTAFORDHOUSE
AsEmilywalkedbrisklyalongthelaneshenoticedoncemorehowthecharacterofthemorningwaschanging.Themistwasclosingupandround.
“WhatanawfulplacetoliveinEnglandis,”thoughtEmily.“Ifitisn’tsnowingorrainingorblowingit’smisty.Andifthesundoesshineit’ssocoldthatyoucan’tfeelyourfingersortoes.”
Shewasinterruptedinthesereflectionsbyaratherhoarsevoicespeakingratherclosetoherrightear.
“Excuseme,”itsaid,“butdoyouhappentohaveseenabullterrier?”
Emilystartedandturned.Leaningoveragatewasatallthinmanwithaverybrowncomplexion,bloodshoteyesandgreyhair.Hewasproppedupwithacrutchoneside,andwaseyeingEmilywithenormousinterest.ShehadnodifficultyinidentifyinghimasCaptainWyatt,theinvalidownerofNo.2TheCottages.
“No,Ihaven’t,”saidEmily.
“She’sgotout,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Anaffectionatecreature,butanabsolutefool.Withallthesecarsandthings—”
“Ishouldn’tthinkmanymotorscomeupthislane,”saidEmily.
“Charabancsdointhesummertime,”saidCaptainWyattgrimly.“It’sthethreeandsixpennymorningrunfromExhampton.AscentofSittafordBeaconwithahalthalfwayupfromExhamptonforlightrefreshments.”
“Yes,butthisisn’tsummertime,”saidEmily.
“Allthesameacharabanccamealongjustnow.Reporters,Isuppose,goingtohavealookatSittafordHouse.”
“DidyouknowCaptainTrevelyanwell?”askedEmily.
ShewasoftheopinionthattheincidentofthebullterrierhadbeenameresubterfugeonCaptainWyatt’spartdictatedbyaverynaturalcuriosity.Shewas,shewaswellaware,theprincipalobjectofattentioninSittafordatpresent,anditwasonlynaturalthatCaptainWyattshouldwishtohavealookatheraswellaseveryoneelse.
“Idon’tknowaboutwell,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Hesoldmethiscottage.”
“Yes,”saidEmilyencouragingly.
“Askinflint,that’swhathewas,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Thearrangementwasthathewastodotheplaceuptosuitthepurchaser’staste,andjustbecauseIhadthewindowsashesinchocolatepickedoutinlemon,hewantedmetopayhalf.Saidthearrangementwasforuniformcolour.”
“Youdidn’tlikehim,”saidEmily.
“Iwasalwayshavingrowswithhim,”saidCaptainWyatt.“ButIalwayshaverowswitheveryone,”headdedasanafterthought.“Inaplacelikethisyouhavetoteachpeopletoleaveamanalone.Alwaysknockingatthedooranddroppinginandchattering.Idon’tmindseeingpeoplewhenIaminthemood—butithasgottobemymood,nottheirs.NogoodTrevelyangivingmehisLordoftheManorairsanddroppinginwheneverhefeltlikeit.There’snotasoulintheplacecomesnearmenow,”headdedwithsatisfaction.
“Oh!”saidEmily.
“That’sthebestofhavinganativeservant,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Theyunderstandorders.Abdul!”heroared.
AtallIndianinaturbancameoutofthecottageandwaitedattentively.
“Comeinandhavesomething,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Andseemylittlecottage.”
“I’msorry,”saidEmily,“butIhavetohurryon.”
“Oh,no,youhaven’t,”saidCaptainWyatt.
“Yes,Ihave,”saidEmily.“I’vegotanappointment.”
“Nobodyunderstandstheartoflivingnowadays,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Catchingtrains,makingappointments,fixingtimesforeverything—allnonsense.Getupwiththesun,Isay,haveyourmealswhenyoufeellikeit,andnevertieyourselftoatimeoradate.Icouldteachpeoplehowtoliveiftheywouldlistentome.”
Theresultsofthisexaltedwayoflivingwerenottoohopeful,Emilyreflected.AnythingmorelikeabatteredwreckofamanthanCaptainWyattshehadneverseen.However,feelingthathiscuriosityhadbeensufficientlysatisfiedforthetimebeing,sheinsistedoncemoreonherappointmentandwentonherway.
SittafordHousehadasolidoakfrontdoor,aneatbellpull,animmensewiremat,andabrilliantlypolishedbrassletterbox.Itrepresented,asEmilycouldnotfailtosee,comfortanddecorum.Aneatandconventionalparlourmaidansweredthebell.
Emilydeducedthejournalistevilhadbeenbeforeherastheparlourmaidsaidatonceinadistanttone,“Mrs.Willettisnotseeinganyonethismorning.”
“IhavebroughtanotefromMissPercehouse,”saidEmily.
Thisclearlyalteredmatters.Theparlourmaid’sfaceexpressedindecision,thensheshiftedherground.
“Willyoucomeinside,please.”
Emilywasusheredintowhathouseagentsdescribeas“awell-appointedhall,”andfromthereintoalargedrawingroom.Afirewasburningbrightlyandthereweretracesoffeminineoccupationintheroom.Someglasstulips,anelaborateworkbag,agirl’shat,andaPierrotdollwithverylonglegs,werelyingabout.Therewere,shenoticed,nophotographs.
Havingtakeninalltherewastosee,Emilywaswarmingherhandsinfrontofthefirewhenthedooropenedandagirlaboutherownagecamein.Shewasaveryprettygirl,Emilynoticed,smartlyandexpensivelydressed,andshealsothoughtthatshehadneverseenagirlinagreaterstateofnervousapprehension.Notthatthiswasapparentonthesurface,however.MissWillettwasmakingagallantappearanceofbeingentirelyatherease.
“Goodmorning,”shesaidadvancingandshakinghands.“I’msosorryMotherisn’tdown,butshe’sspendingthemorninginbed.”
“Oh,Iamsorry,I’mafraidIhavecomeatanunfortunatetime.”
“No,ofcoursenot.Thecookiswritingouttherecipeforthatcakenow.WeareonlytoodelightedforMissPercehousetohaveit.Areyoustayingwithher?”
EmilyreflectedwithaninwardsmilethatthiswasperhapstheonlyhouseinSittafordwhosememberswerenotexactlyawareofwhoshewasandwhyshewasthere.SittafordHousehadadefiniteregimeofemployersandemployed.Theemployedmightknowabouther—theemployersclearlydidnot.
“Iamnotexactlystayingwithher,”saidEmily.“Infact,I’matMrs.Curtis’s.”
“Ofcoursethecottageisterriblysmall,andshehashernephew,Ronnie,withher,hasn’tshe?Isupposetherewouldn’tberoomforyoutoo.She’sawonderfulperson,isn’tshe?Somuchcharacter,Ialwaysthink,butIamratherafraidofherreally.”
“She’sabully,isn’tshe?”agreedEmilycheerfully.“Butit’sanawfultemptationtobeabully,especiallyifpeoplewon’tstanduptoyou.”
MissWillettsighed.
“IwishIcouldstanduptopeople,”shesaid.“We’vehadthemostawfulmorningabsolutelypesteredbyreporters.”
“Oh,ofcourse,”saidEmily.“ThisisCaptainTrevelyan’shousereally,isn’tit?—themanwhowasmurderedatExhampton.”
ShewastryingtodeterminetheexactcauseofVioletWillett’snervousness.Thegirlwasclearlyonthejump.Somethingwasfrighteningher—andfrighteningherbadly.ShementionedCaptainTrevelyan’snamebluntlyonpurpose.Thegirldidn’tnoticeablyreacttoitinanyway,butthenshewasprobablyexpectingsomesuchreference.
“Yes,wasn’titdreadful?”
“Dotellme—that’sifyoudon’tmindtalkingaboutit?”
“No—no—ofcoursenot—whyshouldI?”
“There’ssomethingverywrongwiththisgirl,”thoughtEmily.“Shehardlyknowswhatshe’ssaying.Whathasmadehergetthewindupthismorningparticularly?”
“Aboutthattable-turning,”wentonEmily.“Iheardaboutitinacasualsortofwayanditseemedtomesofrightfullyinteresting—Imeansoabsolutelygruesome.”
“Girlishthrills,”shethoughttoherself,“that’smyline.”
“Oh,itwashorrid,”saidViolet.“Thatevening—Ishallneverforgetit!Wethought,ofcourse,thatitwassomebodyjustfooling—onlyitseemedaverynastykindofjoke.”
“Yes?”
“Ishallneverforgetwhenweturnedthelightson—everybodylookedsoqueer.NotMr.DukeandMajorBurnaby—theyarethestolidkind,theywouldneverliketoadmitthattheywereimpressedbyanythingofthatkind.ButyoucouldseethatMajorBurnabywasreallyawfullyrattledbyit.Ithinkthatactuallyhebelievedinitmorethananybodyelse.ButIthoughtpoorlittleMr.Rycroftwasgoingtohaveaheartattackorsomething,yethemustbeusedtothatkindofthingbecausehedoesalotofpsychicresearch,andasforRonnie,RonnieGarfieldyouknow—helookedasthoughhehadseenaghost—actuallyseenone.EvenMotherwasawfullyupset—morethanIhaveeverseenherbefore.”
“Itmusthavebeenmostspooky,”saidEmily.“IwishIhadbeentheretosee.”
“Itwasratherhorridreally.Weallpretendedthatitwas—justfun,youknow,butitdidn’tseemlikethat.AndthenMajorBurnabysuddenlymadeuphismindtogoovertoExhamptonandwealltriedtostophim,andsaidhewouldbeburiedinasnowdrift,buthewouldgo.Andtherewesat,afterhehadgone,allfeelingdreadfulandworried.Andthen,lastnight—no,yesterdaymorning,wegotthenews.”
“YouthinkitwasCaptainTrevelyan’sspirit?”saidEmilyinanawedvoice.“Ordoyouthinkitwasclairvoyanceortelepathy?”
“Oh,Idon’tknow.ButIshallnever,neverlaughatthesethingsagain.”
TheparlourmaidenteredwithafoldedpieceofpaperonasalverwhichshehandedtoViolet.
TheparlourmaidwithdrewandVioletunfoldedthepaper,glancedoveritandhandedittoEmily.
“Thereyouare,”shesaid.“Asamatteroffactyouarejustintime.Thismurderbusinesshasupsettheservants.Theythinkit’sdangeroustoliveinthisoutofthewaypart.Motherlosthertemperwiththemyesterdayeveningandhassentthemallpacking.Theyaregoingafterlunch.Wearegoingtogettwomeninstead—ahouseparlourmanandakindofbutler-chauffeur.Ithinkitwillanswermuchbetter.”
“Servantsaresilly,aren’tthey?”saidEmily.
“Itisn’tevenasifCaptainTrevelyanhadbeenkilledinthishouse.”
“Whatmadeyouthinkofcomingtolivehere?”askedEmily,tryingtomakethequestionsoundartlessandgirlishlynatural.
“Oh,wethoughtitwouldberatherfun,”saidViolet.
“Don’tyoufinditratherdull?”
“Oh,no,Ilovethecountry.”
ButhereyesavoidedEmily’s.Justforamomentshelookedsuspiciousandafraid.
ShestirreduneasilyinherchairandEmilyroseratherreluctantlytoherfeet.
“Imustbegoingnow,”shesaid.“Thankyousomuch,MissWillett.Idohopeyourmotherwillbeallright.”
“Oh,she’squitewellreally.It’sonlytheservants—andalltheworry.”
“Ofcourse.”
Adroitly,unperceivedbytheother,Emilymanagedtodiscardherglovesonasmalltable.VioletWillettaccompaniedhertothefrontdoorandtheytookleaveofeachotherwithafewpleasantremarks.
TheparlourmaidwhohadopenedthedoortoEmilyhadunlockedit,butasVioletWillettcloseditbehindherretreatingguestEmilycaughtnosoundofthekeybeingturned.Whenshereachedthegate,therefore,sheretracedherstepsslowly.
HervisithadmorethanconfirmedthetheoriessheheldaboutSittafordHouse.Therewassomethingqueergoingonhere.Shedidn’tthinkVioletWillettwasdirectlyimplicated—thatisunlessshewasaverycleveractressindeed.Buttherewassomethingwrong,andthatsomethingmusthaveaconnectionwiththetragedy.TheremustbesomelinkbetweentheWillettsandCaptainTrevelyan,andinthatlinktheremightliethecluetothewholemystery.
Shecameuptothefrontdoor,turnedthehandleverygentlyandpassedacrossthethreshold.Thehallwasdeserted.Emilypaused,uncertainwhattodonext.Shehadherexcuse—theglovesleftthoughtfullybehindinthedrawingroom.Shestoodstock-stilllistening.Therewasnosoundanywhereexceptaveryfaintmurmurofvoicesfromupstairs.AsquietlyaspossibleEmilycrepttothefootofthestairsandstoodlookingup.Then,verygingerlysheascendedastepatatime.Thiswasrathermorerisky.Shecouldhardlypretendthathergloveshadwalkedoftheirownaccordtothefirstfloor,butshehadaburningdesiretooverhearsomethingoftheconversationthatwasgoingonupstairs.Modernbuildersnevermadetheirdoorsfitwell,inEmily’sopinion.Youcouldhearamurmurofvoicesdownhere.Therefore,ifyoureachedthedooritselfyouwouldhearplainlytheconversationthatwasgoingoninsidetheroom.Anotherstep—onemoreagain…Twowomen’svoices—Violetandhermotherwithoutdoubt.
Suddenlytherewasabreakintheconversation—asoundofafootstep.Emilyretreatedrapidly.
WhenVioletWillettopenedhermother’sdoorandcamedownthestairsshewassurprisedtofindherlategueststandinginthehallpeeringaboutherinalostdogkindofway.
“Mygloves,”sheexplained.“Imusthaveleftthem.Icamebackforthem.”
“Iexpecttheyareinhere,”saidViolet.
Theywentintothedrawingroomandthere,sureenough,onalittletablenearwhereEmilyhadbeensittinglaythemissinggloves.
“Oh,thankyou,”saidEmily.“It’ssostupidofme.Iamalwaysleavingthings.”
“Andyouwantglovesinthisweather,”saidViolet.“It’ssocold.”Onceagaintheypartedatthehalldoor,andthistimeEmilyheardthekeybeingturnedinthelock.
Shewentdownthedrivewithplentytothinkabout,for,asthatdoorontheupperlandinghadopened,shehadhearddistinctlyonesentencespokeninanolderwoman’sfretfulandplaintivevoice.
“MyGod,”thevoicehadwailed,“Ican’tbearit.Willtonightnevercome?”
Nineteen
THEORIES
Emilyarrivedbackatthecottagetofindherboyfriendabsent.Hehad,Mrs.Curtisexplained,goneoffwithseveralotheryounggentlemen,buttwotelegramshadcomefortheyounglady.Emilytookthem,openedthem,andputtheminthepocketofhersweater,Mrs.Curtiseyeingthemhungrilythewhile.
“Notbadnews,Ihope?”saidMrs.Curtis.
“Oh,no,”saidEmily.
“Alwaysgivesmeaturn,atelegramdoes,”saidMrs.Curtis.
“Iknow,”saidEmily.“Verydisturbing.”
Atthemomentshefeltdisinclinedforanythingbutsolitude.Shewantedtosortoutandarrangeherownideas.Shewentuptoherownroom,andtakingpencilandnotepapershesettoworkonasystemofherown.AftertwentyminutesofthisexerciseshewasinterruptedbyMr.Enderby.
“Hullo,hullo,hullo,thereyouare.FleetStreethasbeenhardonyourtracksallmorningbuttheyhavejustmissedyoueverywhere.Anywaytheyhavehaditfrommethatyouarenottobeworried.Asfarasyou’reconcerned,Iamthebignoise.”
Hesatdownonthechair—Emilywasoccupyingthebed—andchuckled.
“Envyandmaliceisn’tinit!”hesaid.“Ihavebeenhandingthemoutthegoods.IknoweveryoneandIamrightinit.It’stoogoodtobetrue.IkeeppinchingmyselfandfeelingIwillwakeupinaminute.Isay,haveyounoticedthefog?”
“Itwon’tstopmegoingtoExeterthisafternoon,willit?”saidEmily.
“DoyouwanttogotoExeter?”
“Yes.IhavetomeetMr.Dacresthere.Mysolicitor,youknow—theonewhoisundertakingJim’sdefence.Hewantstoseeme.AndIthinkIshallpayavisittoJim’sAuntJennifer,whileIamthere.Afterall,Exeterisonlyhalfanhouraway.”
“Meaningshemighthavenippedoverbytrainandbattedherbrotherovertheheadandnobodywouldhavenoticedherabsence.”
“Oh,Iknowitsoundsratherimprobable,butonehastogointoeverything.NotthatIwantittobeAuntJennifer—Idon’t.IwouldmuchratheritwasMartinDering.Ihatethesortofmanwhopresumesongoingtobeabrother-in-lawanddoesthingsinpublicthatyoucan’tsmackhisfacefor.”
“Ishethatkind?”
“Verymuchthatkind.He’sanidealpersonforamurderer—alwaysgettingtelegramsfrombookmakersandlosingmoneyonhorses.It’sannoyingthathe’sgotsuchagoodalibi.Mr.Dacrestoldmeaboutit.Apublisherandaliterarydinnerseemssoveryunbreakableandrespectable.”
“Aliterarydinner,”saidEnderby.“Fridaynight.MartinDering—letmesee—MartinDering—why,yes—Iamalmostsureofit.Dashitall,Iamquitesureofit,butIcanclinchthingsbywiringtoCarruthers.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”saidEmily.
“Listen.YouknowIcamedowntoExhamptononFridayevening.Well,therewasabitofinformationIwasgoingtogetfromapalofmine,anothernewspaperman,Carruthershisnameis.Hewascomingroundtoseemeabouthalfpastsixifhecould—beforehewentontosomeliterarydinner—heisratherabigbug,Carruthers,andifhecouldn’tmakeithewouldsendmealinetoExhampton.Well,hedidn’tmakeitandhedidsendmealine.”
“Whathasallthisgottodowithit?”saidEmily.
“Don’tbesoimpatient,Iamcomingtothepoint.Theoldchapwasratherscrewedwhenhewroteit—donehimselfwellatthedinner—aftergivingmetheitemIwanted,hewentontowasteagoodbitofjuicydescriptiononme.Youknow—aboutthespeeches,andwhatassessoandso,afamousnovelistandafamousplaywright,were.Andhesaidhehadbeenrottenlyplacedatdinner.TherewasanemptyseatononesideofhimwhereRubyMcAlmott,thatawfulbestsellerwoman,oughttohavesatandanemptyplaceontheothersideofhimwherethesexspecialist,MartinDering,oughttohavebeen,buthemovedupnearertoapoet,whoisverywellknowninBlackheath,andtriedtomakethebestofthings.Now,doyouseethepoint?”
“Charles!Darling!”Emilybecamelyricalwithexcitement.“Howmarvellous.Thenthebrutewasn’tatthedinneratall?”
“Exactly.”
“Youaresureyou’verememberedthenameright?”
“I’mpositive.Ihavetornuptheletter,worseluck,butIcanalwayswiretoCarrutherstomakesure.ButIabsolutelyknowthatI’mnotmistaken.”
“There’sthepublisherstill,ofcourse,”saidEmily.“Theonehespenttheafternoonwith.ButIratherthinkitwasapublisherwhowasjustgoingbacktoAmerica,andifso,thatlooksfishy.Imeanitlooksasthoughhehadselectedsomeonewhocouldn’tbeaskedwithoutratheralotoftrouble.”
“Doyoureallythinkwehavehitit?”saidCharlesEnderby.
“Well,itlookslikeit.Ithinkthebestthingtobedoneis—togostraighttothatniceInspectorNarracottandjusttellhimthesenewfacts.Imean,wecan’ttackleanAmericanpublisherwhoisontheMauretaniaortheBerengariaorsomewhere.That’sajobforthepolice.”
“Mywordifthiscomesoff.Whatascoop!”saidMr.Enderby.“Ifitdoes,IshouldthinktheDailyWirecouldn’toffermelessthan—”
Emilybrokeruthlesslyintohisdreamsofadvancement.
“Butwemustn’tloseourheads,”shesaid,“andthroweverythingelsetothewind.ImustgotoExeter.Idon’tsupposeIshallbeabletobebackhereuntiltomorrow.ButI’vegotajobforyou.”
“Whatkindofajob?”
EmilydescribedhervisittotheWillettsandthestrangesentenceshehadoverheardonleaving.
“Wehavegotabsolutelyandpositivelytofindoutwhatisgoingtohappentonight.There’ssomethinginthewind.”
“Whatanextraordinarything!”
“Wasn’tit?Butofcourseitmaybeacoincidence.Oritmaynot—butyouobservethattheservantsarebeingclearedoutoftheway.Somethingqueerisgoingtohappentheretonight,andyouhavetobeonthespottoseewhatitis.”
“YoumeanIhavetospendthewholenightshiveringunderabushinthegarden?”
“Well,youdon’tmindthat,doyou?Journalistsdon’tmindwhattheydoinagoodcause.”
“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Nevermindwhotoldme,Iknowit.Youwilldoit,won’tyou?”
“Oh,rather,”saidCharles.“Iamnotgoingtomissanything.IfanythingqueergoesonatSittafordHousetonight,Ishallbeinit.”
Emilythentoldhimabouttheluggagelabel.
“It’sodd,”saidMr.Enderby.“AustraliaiswherethethirdPearsonis,isn’tit?—theyoungestone.Not,ofcourse,thatthatmeansanything,butstillit—well,theremightbeaconnection.”
“H’m,”saidEmily.“Ithinkthat’sall.Haveyouanythingtoreportonyourside?”
“Well,”saidCharles,“I’vegotanidea.”
“Yes?”
“TheonlythingisIdon’tknowhowyou’lllikeit.”
“Whatdoyoumean—howI’lllikeit?”
“Youwon’tflyoutoverit,willyou?”
“Idon’tsupposeso.ImeanIhopeIcanlistensensiblyandquietlytoanything.”
“Well,thepointis,”saidCharlesEnderbyeyeingherdoubtfully,“don’tthinkImeantobeoffensiveoranythinglikethat,butdoyouthinkthatladofyoursistobedependedonforthestricttruth?”
“Doyoumean,”saidEmily,“thathedidmurderhimafterall?Youarequitewelcometothatviewifyoulike.Isaidtoyouatthebeginningthatthatwasthenaturalviewtotake,butIsaidwehadtoworkontheassumptionthathedidn’t.”
“Idon’tmeanthat,”saidEnderby.“Iamwithyouinassumingthathedidn’tdotheoldboyin.WhatImeanis,howfarishisownstoryofwhathappenedtrue?Hesaysthathewentthere,hadachatwiththeoldfellow,andcameawayleavinghimaliveandwell.”
“Yes.”
“Well,itjustoccurredtome,youdon’tthinkit’spossiblethathewentthereandactuallyfoundtheoldmandead?Imean,hemighthavegotthewindupandbeenscaredandnotliketosayso.”
Charleshadpropoundedthistheoryratherdubiously,buthewasrelievedtofindthatEmilyshowednosignsofflyingoutathimoverit.Instead,shefrownedandcreasedherbrowinthought.
“Iamnotgoingtopretend,”shesaid.“Itispossible.Ihadn’tthoughtofitbefore.IknowJimwouldn’tmurderanyone,buthemightquitewellgetrattledandtellasillylieandthen,ofcourse,hewouldhavetosticktoit.Yes,itisquitepossible.”
“Theawkwardthingisthatyoucan’tgoandaskhimaboutitnow.Imeantheywouldn’tletyouseehimalone,wouldthey?”
“IcanputMr.Dacresontohim,”saidEmily.“Youseeyoursolicitoralone,Ibelieve.TheworstofJimisthatheisfrightfullyobstinate,ifhehasoncesaidathinghestickstoit.”
“That’smystoryandI’mgoingtosticktoit,”saidMr.Enderbycomprehendingly.
“Yes.Iamgladyoumentionedthatpossibilitytome,Charles,ithadn’toccurredtome.WehavebeenlookingforsomeonewhocameinafterJimhadleft—butifitwasbefore—”
Shepaused,lostinthought.Twoverydifferenttheoriesstretchedoutinoppositedirections.TherewastheonesuggestedbyMr.Rycroft,inwhichJim’squarrelwithhisunclewasthedeterminingpoint.Theothertheory,however,tooknocognizanceofJimwhatsoever.Thefirstthingtodo,Emilyfelt,wastoseethedoctorwhohadfirstexaminedthebody.IfitwerepossiblethatCaptainTrevelyanhadbeenmurderedat—say—fouro’clock,itmightmakeaconsiderabledifferencetothequestionofalibis.AndtheotherthingtodowastomakeMr.Dacresurgemoststronglyonhisclienttheabsolutenecessityofspeakingthetruthonthispoint.
Sherosefromthebed.
“Well,”shesaid,“youhadbetterfindouthowIcangettoExhampton.Themanatthesmithyhasacarofakind,Ibelieve.Willyougoandsettlewithhimaboutit?I’llstartimmediatelyafterlunch.There’satrainatthreetentoExeter.Thatwillgivemetimetoseethedoctorfirst.What’sthetimenow?”
“Halfpasttwelve,”saidMr.Enderby,consultinghiswatch.
“Thenwewillbothgoupandfixupaboutthatcar,”saidEmily.“Andthere’sjustoneotherthingIwanttodobeforeleavingSittaford.”
“What’sthat?”
“IamgoingtopayacallonMr.Duke.He’stheonlypersoninSittafordIhaven’tseen.Andhewasoneofthepeopleatthetable-turning.”
“Oh,we’llpasshiscottageonthewaytothesmithy.”
Mr.Duke’scottagewasthelastoftherow.EmilyandCharlesunlatchedthegateandwalkedupthepath.Andthensomethingrathersurprisingoccurred.Forthedooropenedandamancameout.AndthatmanwasInspectorNarracott.
He,too,lookedsurprisedand,Emilyfancied,embarrassed.
Emilyabandonedheroriginalintention.
“Iamsogladtohavemetyou,InspectorNarracott,”shesaid.“ThereareoneortwothingsIwanttotalktoyouaboutifImay.”
“Delighted,MissTrefusis.”Hedrewoutawatch.“I’mafraidyouwillhavetolooksharp.I’veacarwaiting.I’vegottogobacktoExhamptonalmostimmediately.”
“Howextraordinarilyfortunate,”saidEmily.“Youmightgivemealift,willyou,Inspector?”
TheInspectorsaidratherwoodenlythathewouldbeverypleasedtodoso.
“Youmightgoandgetmysuitcase,Charles,”saidEmily.“It’spackedupandready.”
Charlesdepartedimmediately.
“It’sagreatsurprisemeetingyouhere,MissTrefusis,”saidInspectorNarracott.
“Isaidaurevoir,”Emilyremindedhim.
“Ididn’tnoticeitatthetime.”
“You’venotseenthelastofmebyalongway,”saidEmilycandidly.“Youknow,InspectorNarracott,you’vemadeamistake.Jim’snotthemanyou’reafter.”
“Indeed!”
“Andwhat’smore,”saidEmily,“Ibelieveinyourheartthatyouagreewithme.”
“Whatmakesyouthinkthat,MissTrefusis?”
“WhatwereyoudoinginMr.Duke’scottage?”retaliatedEmily.
Narracottlookedembarrassed,andshewasquicktofollowitup.
“You’redoubtful,Inspector—that’swhatyouare—doubtful.Youthoughtyouhadgottherightmanandnowyouarenotsosure,andsoyouaremakingafewinvestigations.Well,Ihavegotsomethingtotellyouthatmayhelp.I’lltellittoyouonthewaytoExhampton.”
Footstepssoundeddowntheroad,andRonnieGarfieldappeared.Hehadtheairofatruant,breathlessandguilty.
“Isay,MissTrefusis,”hebegan.“Whataboutawalkthisafternoon?Whilemyaunthasanap,youknow.”
“Impossible,”saidEmily.“I’mgoingaway.ToExeter.”
“What,notreally!Forgoodyoumean?”
“Oh,no,”saidEmily.“Ishallbebackagaintomorrow.”
“Oh,that’ssplendid.”
Emilytooksomethingfromthepocketofhersweaterandhandedittohim.“Givethattoyouraunt,willyou?It’sarecipeforcoffeecake,andtellherthatshewasjustintime,thecookisleavingtodayandsoaretheotherservants.Besuretotellher,shewillbeinterested.”
Afar-offscreamwasborneonthebreeze.“Ronnie,”itsaid,“Ronnie,Ronnie.”
“There’smyaunt,”saidRonniestartingnervously.“Ihadbettergo.”
“Ithinkyouhad,”saidEmily.“You’vegotgreenpaintonyourleftcheek,”shecalledafterhim.RonnieGarfielddisappearedthroughhisaunt’sgate
“Here’smyboyfriendwithmysuitcase,”saidEmily.“Comeon,Inspector.I’lltellyoueverythinginthecar.”
Twenty
VISITTOAUNTJENNIFER
AthalfpasttwoDr.WarrenreceivedacallfromEmily.Hetookanimmediatefancytothisbusinesslikeandattractivegirl.Herquestionswerebluntandtothepoint.
“Yes,MissTrefusis,Iseeexactlywhatyoumean.You’llunderstandthatcontrarytothepopularbeliefinnovelsitisextremelydifficulttofixthetimeofdeathaccurately.Isawthebodyateighto’clock.IcansaydecidedlythatCaptainTrevelyanhadbeendeadatleasttwohours.Howmuchlongerthanthatwouldbedifficulttosay.Ifyouweretotellmethathewaskilledatfouro’clock,Ishouldsaythatitwaspossible,thoughmyownopinioninclinestoalatertime.Ontheotherhandhecouldcertainlynothavebeendeadformuchlongerthanthat.Fourandahalfhourswouldbetheoutsidelimit.”
“Thankyou,”saidEmily,“that’sallIwantedtoknow.”
ShecaughtthethreetentrainatthestationanddrovestraighttothehotelwhereMr.Dacreswasstaying.
Theirinterviewwasbusinesslikeandunemotional.Mr.DacreshadknownEmilysinceshewasasmallchildandhadmanagedheraffairsforhersinceshecameofage.
“Youmustprepareyourselfforashock,Emily,”hesaid.“ThingsaremuchworseforJimPearsonthanweimagined.”
“Worse?”
“Yes.It’snogoodbeatingaboutthebush.Certainfactshavecometolightwhichareboundtoshowhimupinamostunfavourablelight.Itisthosefactswhichledthepoliceactuallytochargehimwiththecrime.IshouldnotbeactinginyourinterestsifIwithheldthesefactsfromyou.”
“Pleasetellme,”saidEmily.
Hervoicewasperfectlycalmandcomposed.Whatevertheinwardshockshemighthavefelt,shehadnointentionofmakinganoutwarddisplayofherfeelings.ItwasnotfeelingsthatweregoingtohelpJimPearson,itwasbrains.Shemustkeepallherwitsabouther.
“Thereisnodoubtthathewasinurgentandimmediateneedofmoney.Iamnotgoingtoenterintotheethicsofthesituationatthemoment.Pearsonhadapparentlybeforenowoccasionallyborrowedmoney—touseaeuphemism—fromhisfirm—Imaysaywithouttheirknowledge.Hewasfondofspeculatinginshares,andononeoccasionpreviously,knowingthatcertaindividendsweretobepaidintohisaccountinaweek’stime,heanticipatedthembyusingthefirm’smoneytobuycertainshareswhichhehadprettycertainknowledgewereboundtogoup.Thetransactionwasquitesatisfactory,themoneywasreplacedandPearsonreallydoesn’tseemtohavehadanydoubtsastothehonestyofthetransaction.Apparentlyherepeatedthisjustoveraweekago.Thistimeanunforeseenthingoccurred.Thebooksofthefirmwereexaminedatcertainstatedtimes,butforsomereasonorotherthisdatewasadvanced,andPearsonwasfacedwithaveryunpleasantdilemma.Hewasquiteawareoftheconstructionthatwouldbeputonhisactionandhewasquiteunabletoraisethesumofmoneyinvolved.HeadmitshimselfthathehadtriedinvariousquartersandfailedwhenasalastresourceherusheddowntoDevonshiretolaythematterbeforehisuncleandpersuadehimtohelphim.ThisCaptainTrevelyanabsolutelyrefusedtodo.
“Now,mydearEmily,weshallbequiteunabletopreventthesefactsfrombeingbroughttolight.Thepolicehavealreadyunearthedthematter.Andyousee,don’tyou,thatwehavehereaverypressingandurgentmotiveforthecrime?ThemomentCaptainTrevelyanwasdeadPearsoncouldeasilyhaveobtainedthenecessarysumasanadvancefromMr.Kirkwoodandsavedhimselffromdisasterandpossiblycriminalprosecution.”
“Oh,theidiot,”saidEmilyhelplessly.
“Quiteso,”saidMr.Dacresdryly.“ItseemstomethatouronlychanceliesinprovingthatJimPearsonwasquiteunawareoftheprovisionsofhisuncle’swill.”
TherewasapausewhileEmilyconsideredthematter.Thenshesaidquietly:
“I’mafraidthat’simpossible.Allthreeofthemknew—Sylvia,JimandBrian.TheyoftendiscusseditandlaughedandjokedabouttherichuncleinDevonshire.”
“Dear,dear,”saidMr.Dacres.“That’sunfortunate.”
“Youdon’tthinkhimguilty,Mr.Dacres?”askedEmily.
“CuriouslyenoughIdonot,”repliedthelawyer.“InsomewaysJimPearsonisamosttransparentyoungman.Hehasn’t,ifyouwillallowmetosayso,Emily,averyhighstandardofcommercialhonesty,butIdonotbelieveforoneminutethathishandsandbaggedhisuncle.”
“Well,that’sagoodthing,”saidEmily.“Iwishthepolicethoughtthesame.”
“Quiteso.Ourownimpressionsandideasareofnopracticaluse.Thecaseagainsthimisunfortunatelystrong.Iamnotgoingtodisguisefromyou,mydearchild,thattheoutlookisbad.IshouldsuggestLorimer,K.C.,asthedefence.Forlornhopemantheycallhim,”headdedcheerfully.
“ThereisonethingIshouldliketoknow,”saidEmily.“Youhave,ofcourse,seenJim?”
“Certainly.”
“Iwantyoutotellmehonestlyifyouthinkhehastoldthetruthinotherrespects.”SheoutlinedtohimtheideathatEnderbyhadsuggestedtoher.
Thelawyerconsideredthemattercarefullybeforereplying.
“It’smyimpression,”hesaid,“thatheisspeakingthetruthwhenhedescribeshisinterviewwithhisuncle.Butthereislittledoubtthathehasgotthewindupbadly,andifhewentroundtothewindow,enteredthatwayandcameacrosshisuncle’sdeadbody—hemightjustpossiblybetooscaredtoadmitthefactandhaveconcoctedthisotherstory.”
“That’swhatIthought,”saidEmily.“Nexttimeyouseehim,Mr.Dacres,willyouurgehimtospeakthetruth?Itmaymakethemosttremendousdifference.”
“Iwilldoso.Allthesame,”hesaidafteramomentortwo’spause,“Ithinkyouaremistakeninthisidea.ThenewsofCaptainTrevelyan’sdeathwasbandiedaroundinExhamptonabouteightthirty.AtthattimethelasttrainhadleftforExeter,butJimPearsongotthefirsttrainavailableinthemorning—athoroughlyunwiseproceeding,bytheway,asitcalledattentiontohismovementswhichotherwisewouldnothavebeenarousedifhehadleftbyatrainatamoreconventionalhour.Nowif,asyousuggest,hediscoveredhisuncle’sdeadbodysometimeafterhalfpastfour,IthinkhewouldhaveleftExhamptonstraightaway.There’satrainwhichleavesshortlyaftersixandanotherataquartertoeight.”
“That’sapoint,”admittedEmily,“Ididn’tthinkofthat.”
“Ihavequestionedhimnarrowlyabouthismethodofenteringhisuncle’shouse,”wentonMr.Dacres.“HesaysthatCaptainTrevelyanmadehimremovehisboots,andleavethemonthedoorstep.Thataccountsfornowetmarksbeingdiscoveredinthehall.”
“Hedoesn’tspeakofhavingheardanysound—anythingatall—thatgiveshimtheideathattheremighthavebeensomeoneelseinthehouse?”
“Hedidn’tmentionittome.ButIwillaskhim.”
“Thankyou,”saidEmily.“IfIwriteanotecanyoutakeittohim?”
“Subjecttoitsbeingread,ofcourse.”
“Oh,itwillbeaverydiscreetone.”
Shecrossedtothewritingtableandscribbledafewwords.
“DearestJim,—Everything’sgoingtobeallright,socheerup.Iamworkingliketheworstkindofslavetofindoutthetruth.Whatanidiotyou’vebeen,darling.LovefromEmily.”
“There,”shesaid.
Mr.Dacresreaditbutmadenocomment.
“Ihavetakenpainswithmyhandwriting,”saidEmily,“sothattheprisonauthoritiescanreaditeasily.Now,Imustbeoff.”
“Youwillallowmetoofferyouacupoftea.”
“No,thankyou,Mr.Dacres.Ihavenotimetolose.IamgoingtoseeJim’sAuntJennifer.”
AtTheLaurels,EmilywasinformedthatMrs.Gardnerwasoutbutwouldbehomeshortly.
Emilysmiledupontheparlourmaid.
“I’llcomeinandwaitthen.”
“WouldyouliketoseeNurseDavis?”
Emilywasalwaysreadytoseeanybody.“Yes,”shesaidpromptly.
AfewminuteslaterNurseDavis,starchedandcurious,arrived.
“Howdoyoudo,”saidEmily.“IamEmilyTrefusis—akindofnieceofMrs.Gardner’s.Thatis,Iamgoingtobeaniece,butmyfiancé,JimPearson,hasbeenarrested,asIexpectyouknow.”
“Oh,it’sbeentoodreadful,”saidNurseDavis.“Wesawitallinthepapersthismorning.Whataterriblebusiness.Youseemtobebearingupwonderfully,MissTrefusis—reallywonderfully.”
Therewasafaintnoteofdisapprovalinthenurse’svoice.Hospitalnurses,sheimplied,wereabletobearupowingtotheirforceofcharacter,butlessermortalswereexpectedtogiveway.
“Well,onemustn’tsagattheknees,”saidEmily.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindverymuch.Imean,itmustbeawkwardforyoutobeassociatedwithafamilythathasgotamurderinit.”
“It’sveryunpleasant,ofcourse,”saidNurseDavis,unbendingatthisproofofconsideration.“Butone’sdutytoone’spatientcomesbeforeeverything.”
“Howsplendid,”saidEmily.“ItmustbewonderfulforAuntJennifertofeelshehassomebodyuponwhomshecanrely.”
“Oh,really,”saidthenursesimpering,“youaretookind.But,ofcourse,Ihavehadcuriousexperiencesbeforethis.Why,atthelastcaseIattended—”Emilylistenedpatientlytoalongandscandalousanecdotecomprisingcomplicateddivorceandpaternityquestions.AftercomplimentingNurseDavisonhertact,discretionandsavoirfaire,EmilyslidbacktothetopicoftheGardners.
“Idon’tknowAuntJennifer’shusbandatall,”shesaid.“I’venevermethim.Henevergoesawayfromhome,doeshe?”
“No,poorfellow.”
“Whatexactlyisthematterwithhim?”
NurseDavisembarkedonthesubjectwithprofessionalgusto.
“So,reallyhemightgetwellagainanyminute,”Emilymurmuredthoughtfully
“Hewouldbeterriblyweak,”saidthenurse.
“Oh,ofcourse.Butitmakesitseemmorehopeful,doesn’tit?”
Thenurseshookherheadwithfirmprofessionaldespondency.
“Idon’tsupposetherewillbeanycureinhiscase.”
EmilyhadcopieddowninherlittlenotebookthetimetableofwhatshecalledAuntJennifer’salibi.Shenowmurmuredtentatively:
“HowqueeritseemstothinkthatAuntJenniferwasactuallyatthePictureswhenherbrotherwasbeingkilled.”
“Verysad,isn’tit?”saidNurseDavis.“Ofcourse,shecouldn’ttell—butitgivesonesuchashockafterwards.”
Emilycastaboutinhermindtofindoutwhatshewantedtoknowwithoutaskingadirectquestion.
“Didn’tshehavesomequeerkindofvisionorpremonition?”sheinquired.“Wasn’tityouwhometherinthehallwhenshecameinandexclaimedthatshelookedquitequeer?”
“Oh,no,”saidthenurse.“Itwasn’tme.Ididn’tseeheruntilweweresittingdowntodinnertogether,andsheseemedquiteherordinaryselfthen.Howveryinteresting.”
“IexpectIammixingitupwithsomethingelse,”saidEmily.
“Perhapsitwassomeotherrelation,”suggestedNurseDavis.“Icameinratherlatemyself.Ifeltratherguiltyaboutleavingmypatientsolong,buthehimselfhadurgedmetogo.”
Shesuddenlylookedatherwatch.
“Oh,dear.Heaskedmeforanotherhotwaterbottle.Imustseeaboutitatonce.Willyouexcuseme,MissTrefusis?”
Emilyexcusedherandgoingovertothefireplacesheputherfingeronthebell.
Theslipshodmaidcamewithratherafrightenedface.
“What’syourname?”saidEmily.
“Beatrice,Miss.”
“Oh,Beatrice,Imaynotbeabletowaittoseemyaunt,Mrs.Gardner,afterall—IwantedtoaskheraboutsomeshoppingshedidonFriday.Doyouknowifshebroughtabigparcelbackwithher?”
“No,Miss,Ididn’tseehercomein.”
“Ithoughtyousaidshecameinatsixo’clock.”
“Yes,Miss,shedid.Ididn’tseehercomein,butwhenIwenttotakesomehotwatertoherroomatseveno’clockitgavemeashocktofindherlyinginthedarkonthebed.‘Well,ma’am,’Isaidtoher,‘Yougavemequiteashock.’‘Icameinquitealongtimeago.Atsixo’clock,’shesaid.Ididn’tseeabigparcelanywhere,”saidBeatricetryingherhardesttobehelpful.
“It’sallverydifficult,”thoughtEmily.“Onehastoinventsomanythings.I’vealreadyinventedapremonitionandabigparcel,butsofarasIcanseeonehastoinventsomethingifonedoesn’twanttosoundsuspicious.”Shesmiledsweetlyandsaid:
“That’sallright,Beatrice,itdoesn’tmatter.”
Beatricelefttheroom.Emilytookasmalllocaltimetableoutofherhandbagandconsultedit.
“LeaveExeter,St.David’s,threeten,”shemurmured,“ArriveExhampton,threeforty-two.Timeallowedforgoingtobrother’shouseandmurderinghim—howbeastlyandcold-bloodeditsounds—andsuchnonsensetoo—sayhalfanhourtothreequarters.Whatarethetrainsback?There’soneatfourtwenty-fiveandthere’soneMr.Dacresmentionedatsixten,thatgetsinattwenty-threeminutestoseven.Yes,it’sactuallypossibleeitherway.It’sapitythere’snothingtosuspectthenursefor.Shewasoutalltheafternoonandnobodyknowswhereshewas.Ofcourse,Idon’treallybelieveanybodyinthishousemurderedCaptainTrevelyan,butinawayit’scomfortingtoknowthattheycouldhave.Hello—there’sthefrontdoor.”
TherewasamurmurofvoicesinthehallandthedooropenedandJenniferGardnercameintotheroom.
“I’mEmilyTrefusis,”saidEmily.“Youknow—theonewhoisengagedtoJimPearson.”
“SoyouareEmily,”saidMrs.Gardnershakinghands.“Well,thisisasurprise.”
SuddenlyEmilyfeltveryweakandsmall.Ratherlikealittlegirlintheactofdoingsomethingverysilly.Anextraordinaryperson,AuntJennifer.Character—thatwaswhatitwas.AuntJenniferhadaboutenoughcharacterfortwoandthree-quarterpeopleinsteadofone.
“Haveyouhadtea,mydear?No?Thenwe’llhaveithere.Justamoment—ImustgoupandseeRobertfirst.”
Astrangeexpressionflittedoverherfaceasshementionedherhusband’sname.Thehard,beautifulvoicesoftened.Itwaslikealightoverdarkripplesofwater.
“Sheadoreshim,”thoughtEmily,leftaloneinthedrawingroom.“Allthesamethere’ssomethingfrighteningaboutAuntJennifer.IwonderifUncleRobertlikesbeingadoredquiteasmuchasthat.”
WhenJenniferGardnerreturned,shehadtakenoffherhat.Emilyadmiredthesmoothsweepofthehairbackfromherforehead.
“Doyouwanttotalkaboutthings,Emily,ordon’tyou?Ifyoudon’tIshallquiteunderstand.”
“Itisn’tmuchgoodtalkingaboutthem,isit?”
“Wecanonlyhope,”saidMrs.Gardner,“thattheywillfindtherealmurdererquickly.Justpressthebell,willyou,Emily?I’llsendnurse’steauptoher.Idon’twantherchatteringdownhere.HowIhatehospitalnurses.”
“Issheagoodone?”
“Isupposesheis.Robertsayssheisanyway.Idislikeherintenselyandalwayshave.ButRobertsaysshe’sfarandawaythebestnursewe’vehad.”
“She’srathergood-looking,”saidEmily.
“Nonsense.Withheruglybeefyhands?”
Emilywatchedheraunt’slongwhitefingersastheytouchedthemilkjugandthesugartongs.
Beatricecame,tookthecupofteaandaplateofeatablesandlefttheroom.
“Roberthasbeenveryupsetoverallthis,”saidMrs.Gardner.“Heworkshimselfintosuchcuriousstates.Isupposeit’sallpartofhisillnessreally.”
“Hedidn’tknowCaptainTrevelyanwell,didhe?”
JenniferGardnershookherhead.
“Heneitherknewhimnorcaredabouthim.Tobehonest,Imyselfcan’tpretendanygreatsorrowoverhisdeath.Hewasacruelgraspingman,Emily.Heknewthestrugglewehavehad.Thepoverty!HeknewthataloanofmoneyattherighttimemighthavegivenRobertspecialtreatmentthatwouldhavemadeallthedifference.Well,retributionhasovertakenhim.”
Shespokeinadeepbroodingvoice.
“Whatastrangewomansheis,”thoughtEmily.“Beautifulandterrible,likesomethingoutofaGreekplay.”
“Itmaystillnotbetoolate,”saidMrs.Gardner.“IwrotetothelawyersatExhamptontoday,toaskthemifIcouldhaveacertainsumofmoneyinadvance.ThetreatmentIamspeakingofisinsomerespectswhattheywouldcallaquackremedy,butithasbeensuccessfulinalargenumberofcases.Emily—howwonderfulitwillbeifRobertisabletowalkagain.”
Herfacewasglowing,litupasthoughbyalamp.
Emilywastired.Shehadhadalongday,littleornothingtoeat,andshewaswornoutbysuppressedemotion.Theroomkeptgoingawayandcomingbackagain.
“Aren’tyoufeelingwell,dear?”
“It’sallright,”gaspedEmily,andtoherownsurprise,annoyanceandhumiliationburstintotears.
Mrs.Gardnerdidnotattempttoriseandconsoleher,forwhichEmilywasgrateful.ShejustsatsilentlyuntilEmily’stearsshouldsubside.Shemurmuredinathoughtfulvoice:
“Poorchild.It’sveryunluckythatJimPearsonshouldhavebeenarrested—veryunlucky.Iwish—somethingcouldbedoneaboutit.”
Twenty-one
CONVERSATIONS
LefttohisowndevicesCharlesEnderbydidnotrelaxhisefforts.TofamiliarizehimselfwithlifeaslivedinSittafordvillagehehadonlytoturnonMrs.Curtismuchasyouwouldturnonthetapofahydrant.Listeningslightlydazedtoastreamofanecdote,reminiscence,rumours,surmiseandmeticulousdetailheendeavouredvaliantlytosiftthegrainfromthechaff.Hethenmentionedanothernameandimmediatelytheforceofthewaterwasdirectedinthatdirection.HeheardallaboutCaptainWyatt,histropicaltemper,hisrudeness,hisquarrelswithhisneighbours,hisoccasionalamazinggraciousness,usuallytopersonableyoungwomen.ThelifeheledhisIndianservant,thepeculiartimeshehadhismealsandtheexactdietthatcomposedthem.HeheardaboutMr.Rycroft’slibrary,hishairtonics,hisinsistenceonstricttidinessandpunctuality,hisinordinatecuriosityoverotherpeople’sdoings,hisrecentsellingofafewoldprizedpersonalpossessions,hisinexplicablefondnessforbirds,andtheprevalentideathatMrs.Willettwassettinghercapathim.HeheardaboutMissPercehouseandhertongueandthewayshebulliedhernephew,andoftherumoursofthegaylifethatsamenephewledinLondon.HeheardalloveragainofMajorBurnaby’sfriendshipwithCaptainTrevelyan,theirreminiscencesofthepastandtheirfondnessforchess.HeheardeverythingthatwasknownabouttheWilletts,includingthebeliefthatMissVioletWillettwasleadingonMr.RonnieGarfieldandthatshedidn’treallymeantohavehim.Itwashintedthatshemademysteriousexcursionstothemoorandthatshehadbeenseenwalkingtherewithayoungman.Anditwasdoubtlessforthatreason,soMrs.Curtishadsurmised,thattheyhadcometothisdesolatespot.Hermotherhadtakenherrightaway,“togetrightoveritlike.”Butthere—“girlscanbefarmoreartfulthanladieseverdreamof.”AboutMr.Duke,therewascuriouslylittletohear.Hehadbeenthereonlyashorttimeandhisactivitiesseemedtobesolelyhorticultural.
Itwashalfpastthree,and,withhisheadspinningfromtheeffectsofMrs.Curtis’sconversation,Mr.Enderbywentoutforastroll.HisintentionwastocultivatetheacquaintanceofMissPercehouse’snephewmoreclosely.PrudentreconnaissanceintheneighbourhoodofMissPercehouse’scottageprovedunavailing,butbyastrokeofgoodfortuneheranintothatyoungmanjustashewasemergingdisconsolatelyfromthegatesofSittafordHouse.Hehadalltheappearanceofhavingbeensentawaywithafleainhisear.
“Hello,”saidCharles.“Isay,isn’tthatCaptainTrevelyan’shouse?”
“That’sright,”saidRonnie.
“Iwashopingtogetasnapshotofitthismorning.Formypaper,youknow,”headded.“Butthisweatherishopelessforphotography.”
Ronnieacceptedthisstatementinallgoodfaithwithoutreflectingthatifphotographywasonlypossibleondaysofbrilliantsunshine,thepicturesappearinginthedailypaperswouldbefew.
“Itmustbeaveryinterestingjob—yours,”hesaid.
“Adog’slife,”saidCharlesfaithfultotheconventionofnevershowingenthusiasmaboutone’swork.HelookedoverhisshoulderatSittafordHouse.“RatheragloomyplaceIshouldimagine.”
“NoendofadifferencetheresincetheWillettsmovedin,”saidRonnie.“Iwasdownherelastyearaboutthesametime,andreallyyouwouldhardlytakeitforthesameplace,andyet,Idon’tknowquitewhattheyhavedone.Movedthefurnitureaboutabit,Isuppose,gotcushionsandthingsofthatsortabout.It’sbeenagodsendtometheirbeingthere,Icantellyou.”
“Can’tbeaveryjollyspotasarule,Isuppose,”saidCharles.
“Jolly?IfIlivedhereafortnightIshouldpassoutaltogether.Howmyauntmanagestoclingontolifeinthewayshedoesbeatsme.Youhaven’tseenhercats,haveyou?Ihadtocomboneofthemthismorningandlookatthewaythebrutescratchedme.”Heheldoutahandandanarmforinspection.
“Ratherroughluck,”saidCharles.
“Ishouldsayitwas.Isay,areyoudoinganysleuthing?Ifso,canIhelp?BetheWatsontoyourSherlock,oranythingofthatkind?”
“AnycluesinSittafordHouse?”inquiredCharlescasually.“ImeandidCaptainTrevelyanleaveanyofhisthingsthere?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Myauntwassayinghemovedlock,stockandbarrel.Tookhiselephant’strottersandhishippopotamus’stoothypegsandallthesportingriflesandwhatnots.”
“Almostasthoughhedidn’tmeantocomeback,”saidCharles.
“Isay—that’sanidea.Youdon’tthinkitwassuicide,doyou?”
“Amanwhocanhithimselfcorrectlyonthebackoftheheadwithasandbagwouldbesomethingofanartistinthesuicideworld,”saidCharles.
“Yes,Ithoughttherewasn’tmuchinthatidea.Looksasifhehadapremonitionthough,”Ronnie’sfacebrightened.“Lookhere,whataboutthis?Enemiesonhistrack,heknowsthey’recoming,soheclearsoutandpassesthebuck,asitwere,totheWilletts.”
“TheWillettswereabitofamiraclebythemselves,”saidCharles.
“Yes,Ican’tmakeitout.Fancyplantingyourselfdownhereinthecountrylikethis.Violetdoesn’tseemtomind—actuallysaysshelikesit.Idon’tknowwhat’sthematterwithhertoday.Isupposeit’sthedomestictrouble.Ican’tthinkwhywomenworrysoaboutservants.Iftheycutupnasty,justpushthemout.”
“That’sjustwhattheyhavedone,isn’tit?”saidCharles.
“Yes,Iknow.Buttheyareinagreatstewaboutitall.Motherlyingdownwithscreaminghystericsorsomethinganddaughtersnappinglikeaturtle.Fairlypushedmeoutjustnow.”
“Theyhaven’thadthepolicehere,havethey?”
Ronniestared.
“Thepolice,no,whywouldthey?”
“Well,Iwondered.SeeingInspectorNarracottinSittafordthismorning.”
Ronniedroppedhisstickwithaclatterandstoopedtopickitup.
“WhodidyousaywasinSittafordthismorning—InspectorNarracott?”
“Yes.”
“Ishe—ishethemaninchargeoftheTrevelyancase?”
“That’sright.”
“WhatwashedoinginSittaford?Wheredidyouseehim?”
“Oh,Isupposehewasjustnosingabout,”saidCharles,“checkingupCaptainTrevelyan’spastlifesotospeak.”
“Youthinkthat’sall?”
“Isupposeso.”
“Hedoesn’tthinkanyoneinSittafordhadanythingtodowithit?”
“Thatwouldbeveryunlikely,wouldn’tit?”
“Oh,frightfully.Butthenyouknowwhatthepoliceare—alwaysbuttinginonthewrongtack.Atleastthat’swhatitsaysindetectivenovels.”
“Ithinktheyarereallyratheranintelligentbodyofmen,”saidCharles.“Ofcourse,thePressdoesalottohelpthem.”headded.“Butifyoureallyreadacasecarefullyit’samazingthewaytheytrackdownmurdererswithpracticallynoevidencetogoon.”
“Oh—well—it’snicetoknowthat,isn’tit?TheyhavecertainlygotontothismanPearsonprettyquick.Itseemsaprettyclearcase.”
“Crystalclear,”saidCharles.“Agoodthingitwasn’tyouorme,eh?Well,Imustbesendingoffafewwires.Theydon’tseemveryusedtotelegramsinthisplace.Ifyousendmorethanhalfacrown’sworthatonegotheyseemtothinkyouareanescapedlunatic.”
Charlessenthistelegrams,boughtapacketofcigarettes,afewdoubtful-lookingbull’seyesandtwoveryagedpaperbackednovelettes.Hethenreturnedtothecottage,threwhimselfonhisbedandsleptpeacefully,blissfullyunawarethatheandhisaffairs,particularlyMissEmilyTrefusis,werebeingdiscussedinvariousplacesallaroundhim.
ItisfairlysafetosaythattherewereonlythreetopicsofconversationatpresentinSittaford.Onewasthemurder,onewastheescapeoftheconvict,andtheotherwasMissEmilyTrefusisandhercousin.Indeedatacertainmoment,fourseparateconversationsweregoingonwithherastheirmaintheme.
ConversationNo.1wasatSittafordHouse,whereVioletWillettandhermotherhadjustwasheduptheirownteathingsowingtothedomesticretreat.
“ItwasMrs.Curtiswhotoldme,”saidViolet.
Shestilllookedpaleandwan.
“It’salmostadiseasethewaythatwomantalks,”saidhermother.
“Iknow.Itseemsthegirlisactuallystoppingtherewithacousinorsomething.ShedidmentionthismorningthatshewasatMrs.Curtis’s,butIthoughtthatthatwassimplybecauseMissPercehousehadn’troomforher.Andnowitseemsthatshe’dneverevenseenMissPercehousetillthismorning!”
“Idislikethatwomanintensely,”saidMrs.Willett.
“Mrs.Curtis?”
“No,no,thePercehousewoman.Thatkindofwomanisdangerous.Theyliveforwhattheycanfindoutaboutotherpeople.Sendingthatgirlalonghereforarecipeforcoffeecake!I’dliketohavesentherapoisonedcake.Thatwouldhavestoppedherinterferingforgoodandall!”
“IsupposeIoughttohaverealized—”beganViolet.Buthermotherinterruptedher.
“Howcouldyou,mydear!Andanywaywhatharmisdone?”
“Whydoyouthinkshecamehere?”
“Idon’tsupposeshehadanythingdefiniteinmind.Shewasjustspyingouttheland.IsMrs.CurtissureaboutherbeingengagedtoJimPearson?”
“ThatgirltoldMr.Rycroftso,Ibelieve.Mrs.Curtissaidshesuspecteditfromthefirst.”
“Well,thenthewholething’snaturalenough.She’sjustlookingaboutaimlesslyforsomethingthatmighthelp.”
“Youdidn’tseeher,Mother,”saidViolet.“Sheisn’taimless.”
“IwishIhadseenher,”saidMrs.Willett.“Butmynerveswerealltopiecesthismorning.Reaction,Isuppose,afterthatinterviewwiththepoliceinspectoryesterday.”
“Youwerewonderful,Mother.IfonlyIhadn’tbeensuchanutterfool—togoandfaint.Oh!I’mashamedofmyselfforgivingthewholeshowaway.Andtherewereyouperfectlycalmandcollected—notturningahair.”
“I’minprettygoodtraining,”saidMrs.Willettinaharddryvoice.“Ifyou’dbeenthroughwhatI’vebeenthrough—butthere,Ihopeyouneverwill,mychild.Itrustandbelievethatyou’vegotahappy,peacefullifeaheadofyou.”
Violetshookherhead.
“I’mafraid—I’mafraid—”
“Nonsense—andasforsayingyougavetheshowawaybyfaintingyesterday—nothingofthekind.Don’tworry.”
“ButthatInspector—he’sboundtothink—”
“ThatitwasthementionofJimPearsonmadeyoufaint?Yes—he’llthinkthatallright.He’snofool,thatInspectorNarracott.Butwhatifhedoes?He’llsuspectaconnection—andhe’lllookforit—andhewon’tfindit.”
“Youthinknot?”
“Ofcoursenot!Howcanhe?Trustme,Violetdear.That’scast-ironcertaintyand,inaway,perhapsthatfaintofyourswasaluckyhappening.We’llthinksoanyway.”
ConversationNo.2wasinMajorBurnaby’scottage.Itwasasomewhatone-sidedone,thebruntofitbeingbornebyMrs.Curtis,whohadbeenpoisedfordepartureforthelasthalfhour,havingdroppedintocollectMajorBurnaby’slaundry.
“LikemyGreatAuntSarah’sBelinda,that’swhatIsaidtoCurtisthismorning,”saidMrs.Curtistriumphantly.“Adeepone—andonethatcantwistallthemenroundherlittlefinger.”
AgreatgruntfromMajorBurnaby.
“Engagedtooneyoungmanandcarryingonwithanother,”saidMrs.Curtis.“That’smyGreatAuntSarah’sBelindaallover.Andnotforthefunofit,markyou.It’snotjustflightiness—she’sadeepone.AndnowyoungMr.Garfield—she’llhavehimropedinbeforeyoucansayknife.NeverhaveIseenayounggentlemanlookmorelikeasheepthanhedidthismorning—andthat’sasuresign.”
Shepausedforbreath.
“Well,well,”saidMajorBurnaby.“Don’tletmekeepyou,Mrs.Curtis.”
“Curtiswillbewantinghisteaandthat’safact,”saidMrs.Curtiswithoutmoving.“Iwasneveronetostandaboutgossiping.Getonwithyourjob—that’swhatIsay.Andtalkingaboutjobs,whatdoyousay,sir,toagoodturnout?”
“No!”saidMajorBurnabywithforce.
“It’samonthsinceit’sbeendone.”
“No.Iliketoknowwheretolaymyhandoneverything.Afteroneoftheseturnoutsnothing’severputbackinitsplace.”
Mrs.Curtissighed.Shewasanimpassionedcleanerandturnerout.
“It’sCaptainWyattascoulddowithaspringcleaning,”sheobserved.“Thatnastynativeofhis—whatdoesheknowaboutcleaning,Ishouldliketoknow?Nastyblackfellow.”
“Nothingbetterthananativeservant,”saidMajorBurnaby.“Theyknowtheirjobandtheydon’ttalk.”
AnyhintthelastsentencemighthavecontainedwaslostonMrs.Curtis.Hermindhadrevertedtoaformertopic.
“Twotelegramsshegot—twoarrivinginhalfanhour.Gavemequiteaturnitdid.Butshereadthemascoolasanything.AndthenshetoldmeshewasgoingtoExeterandwouldn’tbebacktilltomorrow.”
“Didshetakeheryoungmanwithher?”inquiredtheMajorwithagleamofhope.
“No,he’sstillhere.Apleasant-spokenyounggentleman.Heandshe’dmakeanicepair.”
GruntfromMajorBurnaby.
“Well,”saidMrs.Curtis.“I’llbegettingalong.”
TheMajorhardlydaredbreatheforfearhemightdistractherfromherpurpose.ButthistimeMrs.Curtiswasasgoodasherword.Thedoorclosedbehindher.
WithasighofrelieftheMajordrewforthapipeandbegantoperuseaprospectusofacertainminewhichwascouchedintermssoblatantlyoptimisticthatitwouldhavearousedsuspicioninanyheartbutthatofawidoworaretiredsoldier.
“Twelvepercent,”murmuredMajorBurnaby.“Thatsoundsprettygood….”
NextdoorCaptainWyattwaslayingdownthelawtoMr.Rycroft.
“Fellowslikeyou,”hesaid,“don’tknowanythingoftheworld.You’veneverlived.You’veneverroughedit.”
Mr.Rycroftsaidnothing.ItwassodifficultnottosaythewrongthingtoCaptainWyattthatitwasusuallysafernottoreplyatall.
TheCaptainleanedoverthesideofhisinvalidchair.
“Where’sthatbitchgotto?Nice-lookinggirl,”headded.
Theassociationofideasinhismindwasquitenatural.ItwaslesssotoMr.Rycroft,wholookedathiminascandalizedfashion.
“What’sshedoinghere?That’swhatIwanttoknow?”demandedCaptainWyatt.“Abdul!”
“Sahib?”
“Where’sBully?Hasshegotoutagain?”
“Sheinkitchen,Sahib.”
“Well,don’tfeedher.”Hesankbackinhischairagainandproceededonhissecondtack.“Whatdoesshewanthere?Who’sshegoingtotalktoinaplacelikethis?Allyouoldfogieswillboreherstiff.Ihadawordwithherthismorning.Expectshewassurprisedtofindamanlikemeinaplacelikethis.”
Hetwistedhismoustache.
“She’sJamesPearson’sfiancée,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Youknow—themanwhohasbeenarrestedforTrevelyan’smurder.”
Wyattdroppedaglassofwhiskyhewasjustraisingtohislipswithacrashuponthefloor.HeimmediatelyroaredforAbdulandcursedhiminnomeasuredtermsfornotplacingatableataconvenientangletohischair.Hethenresumedtheconversation.
“Sothat’swhosheis.Toogoodforacounterjumperlikethat.Agirllikethatwantsarealman.”
“YoungPearsonisverygood-looking,”saidMr.Rycroft.
“Good-looking—good-looking—agirldoesn’twantabarber’sblock.Whatdoesthatsortofyoungmanwhoworksinanofficeeverydayknowoflife?Whatexperiencehashehadofreality?”
“Perhapstheexperienceofbeingtriedformurderwillbesufficientrealitytolasthimforsometime,”saidMr.Rycroftdryly.
“Policesurehedidit,eh?”
“Theymustbefairlysureortheywouldn’thavearrestedhim.”
“Countrybumpkins,”saidCaptainWyattcontemptuously.
“Notquite,”saidMr.Rycroft.“InspectorNarracottstruckmethismorningasanableandefficientman.”
“Wheredidyouseehimthismorning?”
“Hecalledatmyhouse.”
“Hedidn’tcallatmine,”saidCaptainWyattinaninjuredfashion.
“Well,youweren’taclosefriendofTrevelyan’soranythinglikethat.”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.TrevelyanwasaskinflintandItoldhimsotohisface.Hecouldn’tcomebossingitoverme.Ididn’tkowtowtohimliketherestofthepeoplehere.Alwaysdroppingin—droppingin—toomuchdroppingin.IfIdon’tchoosetoseeanyoneforaweek,oramonth,orayear,that’smybusiness.”
“Youhaven’tseenanyoneforaweeknow,haveyou?”saidMr.Rycroft.
“No,andwhyshouldI?”Theirateinvalidbangedthetable.Mr.Rycroftwasaware,asusual,ofhavingsaidthewrongthing.“WhythebloodyhellshouldI?Tellmethat?”
Mr.Rycroftwasprudentlysilent.TheCaptain’swrathsubsided.
“Allthesame,”hegrowled,“ifthepolicewanttoknowaboutTrevelyanI’mthemantheyshouldhavecometo.I’veknockedabouttheworld,andI’vegotjudgment.Icansizeamanupforwhathe’sworth.What’sthegoodofgoingtoalotofdodderersandoldwomen?Whattheywantisaman’sjudgment.”
Hebangedthetableagain.
“Well,”saidMr.Rycroft,“Isupposetheythinktheyknowthemselveswhattheyareafter.”
“Theyinquiredaboutme,”saidCaptainWyatt.“Theywouldnaturally.”
“Well—er—Idon’tquiteremember,”saidMr.Rycroftcautiously.
“Whycan’tyouremember?You’renotinyourdotageyet.”
“IexpectIwas—er—rattled,”saidMr.Rycroftsoothingly.
“Rattled,wereyou?Afraidofthepolice?I’mnotafraidofthepolice.Let’emcomehere.That’swhatIsay.I’llshowthem.DoyouknowIshotacatatahundredyardstheothernight?”
“Didyou?”saidMr.Rycroft.
TheCaptain’shabitoflettingoffarevolveratrealorimaginarycatswasasoretrialtohisneighbours.
“Well,I’mtired,”saidCaptainWyattsuddenly.“Haveanotherdrinkbeforeyougo?”
Rightlyinterpretingthishint,Mr.Rycroftrosetohisfeet.CaptainWyattcontinuedtourgeadrinkuponhim.
“You’dbetwicethemanifyoudrankabitmore.Amanwhocan’tenjoyadrinkisn’tamanatall.”
ButMr.Rycroftcontinuedtodeclinetheoffer.Hehadalreadyconsumedonewhiskyandsodaofmostunusualstrength.
“Whatteadoyoudrink?”askedWyatt.“Idon’tknowanythingabouttea.ToldAbdultogetsome.Thoughtthatgirlmightliketocomeintoteaoneday.Darnedprettygirl.Mustdosomethingforher.Shemustbeboredtodeathinaplacelikethiswithnoonetotalkto.”
“There’sayoungmanwithher,”saidMr.Rycroft.
“Theyoungmenofthepresentdaymakemesick,”saidCaptainWyatt.“What’sthegoodofthem?”
Thisbeingadifficultquerytoanswersuitably,Mr.Rycroftdidnotattemptit,hetookhisdeparture.
Thebullterrierbitchaccompaniedhimtothegateandcausedhimacutealarm.
InNo.4TheCottages,MissPercehousewasspeakingtohernephew,Ronald.
“Ifyouliketomoonaboutafteragirlwhodoesn’twantyou,thatisyouraffair,Ronald,”shewassaying.“BettersticktotheWillettgirl.Youmayhaveachancethere,thoughIthinkitisextremelyunlikely.”
“Oh,Isay,”protestedRonnie.
“TheotherthingIhavetosayis,thatiftherewasapoliceofficerinSittafordIshouldhavebeeninformedofit.Whoknows,Imighthavebeenabletogivehimvaluableinformation.”
“Ididn’tknowaboutitmyselftillafterhehadgone.”
“Thatissolikeyou,Ronnie.Absolutelytypical.”
“Sorry,AuntCaroline.”
“Andwhenyouarepaintingthegardenfurniture,thereisnoneedtopaintyourfaceaswell.Itdoesn’timproveitanditwastesthepaint.”
“Sorry,AuntCaroline.”
“Andnow,”saidMissPercehouseclosinghereyes,“don’targuewithmeanymore.I’mtired.”
Ronnieshuffledhisfeetandlookeduncomfortable.
“Well?”saidMissPercehousesharply.
“Oh!nothing—only—”
“Yes?”
“Well,Iwaswonderingifyou’dmindifIblewintoExetertomorrow.”
“Why?”
“Well,Iwanttomeetafellowthere.”
“Whatkindofafellow?”
“Oh!justafellow.”
“Ifayoungmanwishestotelllies,heshoulddosowell,”saidMissPercehouse.
“Oh!Isay—but—”
“Don’tapologize.”
“It’sallrightthen?Icango?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumeanbysaying,‘Icango?’asthoughyouwereasmallchild.Youareovertwenty-one.”
“Yes,butwhatImeanis,Idon’twant—”
MissPercehouseclosedhereyesagain.
“Ihaveaskedyouoncebeforenottoargue.Iamtiredandwishtorest.Ifthe‘fellow’youaremeetinginExeterwearsskirtsandiscalledEmilyTrefusis,morefoolyou—thatisallIhavetosay.”
“Butlookhere—”
“Iamtired,Ronald.That’senough.”
Twenty-two
NOCTURNALADVENTURESOFCHARLES
Charleswasnotlookingforwardwithanyrelishtotheprospectofhisnight’svigil.Heprivatelyconsideredthatitwaslikelytobeawildgoosechase.Emily,heconsidered,waspossessedofatoovividimagination.
Hewasconvincedthatshehadreadintothefewwordsshehadoverheardameaningthathaditsorigininherownbrain.ProbablysheerwearinesshadinducedMrs.Willetttoyearnfornighttocome.
Charleslookedoutofhiswindowandshivered.Itwasapiercinglycoldnight,rawandfoggy—thelastnightonewouldwishtospendintheopenhangingaboutandwaitingforsomething,verynebulousinnature,tohappen.
Stillhedarednotyieldtohisintensedesiretoremaincomfortablyindoors.HerecalledtheliquidmelodiousnessofEmily’svoiceasshesaid,“It’swonderfultohavesomeoneyoucanreallyrelyon.”
Shereliedonhim,Charles,andsheshouldnotrelyinvain.What?Failthatbeautiful,helplessgirl?Never.
Besides,hereflectedashedonnedallthespareunderclotheshepossessedbeforeencasinghimselfintwopulloversandhisovercoat,thingswerelikelytobedeucedlyunpleasantifEmilyonherreturnfoundoutthathehadnotcarriedouthispromise.
Shewouldprobablysaythemostunpleasantthings.No,hecouldn’triskit.Butasforanythinghappening—
Andanyway,whenandhowwasitgoingtohappen?Hecouldn’tbeeverywhereatonce.ProbablywhateverwasgoingtohappenwouldhappeninsideSittafordHouseandhewouldneverknowathingaboutit.
“Justlikeagirl,”hegrumbledtohimself,“waltzingofftoExeterandleavingmetodothedirtywork.”
AndthenherememberedoncemoretheliquidtonesofEmily’svoiceassheexpressedherrelianceonhim,andhefeltashamedofhisoutburst.
Hecompletedhistoilet,ratherafterthemodelofTweedledee,andeffectedasurreptitiousexitfromthecottage.
Thenightwasevencolderandmoreunpleasantthanhehadthought.DidEmilyrealizeallhewasabouttosufferonherbehalf?Hehopedso.
Hishandwenttenderlytoapocketandcaressedahiddenflaskconcealedinanearpocket.
“Theboy’sbestfriend,”hemurmured.“Itwouldbeanightlikethisofcourse.”
WithsuitableprecautionsheintroducedhimselfintothegroundsofSittafordHouse.TheWillettskeptnodog,sotherewasnofearofalarmfromthatquarter.Alightinthegardener’scottageshowedthatitwasinhabited.SittafordHouseitselfwasindarknesssaveforonelightedwindowonthefirstfloor.
“Thosetwowomenarealoneinthehouse,”thoughtCharles.“Ishouldn’tcareforthatmyself.Abitcreepy!”
HesupposedEmilyhadreallyoverheardthatsentence,“Willtonightnevercome?”Whatdiditreallymean?
“Iwonder,”hethoughttohimself,“iftheymeantodoaflit?Well,whateverhappens,littleCharlesisgoingtobeheretoseeit.”
Hecircledthehouseatadiscreetdistance.Owingtothefoggynatureofthenighthehadnofearsofbeingobserved.Everythingasfarashecouldseeappearedtobeasusual.Acautiousvisitingoftheoutbuildingsshowedthemtobelocked.
“Ihopesomethingdoeshappen,”saidCharlesasthehourspassed.Hetookaprudentsipfromhisflask.“I’veneverknownanythinglikethiscold.‘WhatdidyoudointheGreatWar,Daddy?’can’thavebeenanyworsethanthis.”
Heglancedathiswatchandwassurprisedtofindthatitwasstillonlytwentyminutestotwelve.Hehadbeenconvincedthatitmustbenearlydawn.
Anunexpectedsoundmadehimprickuphisearsexcitedly.Itwasthesoundofaboltbeingverygentlydrawnbackinitssocket,anditcamefromthedirectionofthehouse.Charlesmadeanoiselesssprintfrombushtobush.Yes,hehadbeenquiteright,thesmallsidedoorwasslowlyopening.Adarkfigurestoodonthethreshold.Itwaspeeringanxiouslyoutintothenight.
“Mrs.orMissWillett,”saidCharlestohimself.“ThefairViolet,Ithink.”
Afterwaitingaminuteortwo,thefiguresteppedoutonthepathandclosedthedoornoiselesslybehindherandstartedtowalkawayfromthehouseintheoppositedirectiontothefrontdrive.ThepathinquestionledupbehindSittafordHouse,passingthroughasmallplantationoftreesandsooutontotheopenmoor.
ThepathwoundquitenearthebusheswhereCharleswasconcealed,sonearthatCharleswasabletorecognizethewomanasshepassed.Hehadbeenquiteright,itwasVioletWillett.Shewaswearingalongdarkcoatandhadaberetonherhead.
Shewentonup,andasquietlyaspossibleCharlesfollowedher.Hehadnofearsofbeingseen,buthewasalivetothedangerofbeingoverheard.Hewasparticularlyanxiousnottoalarmthegirl.Owingtohiscareinthisrespectsheoutdistancedhim.Foramomentortwohewasafraidlestheshouldloseher,butasheinhisturnwoundhiswayanxiouslythroughtheplantationoftreeshesawherstandingalittlewayaheadofhim.Herethelowwallwhichsurroundedtheestatewasbrokenbyagate.VioletWillettwasstandingbythisgate,leaningoveritpeeringoutintothenight.
Charlescreptupasnearashedaredandwaited.Thetimepassed.Thegirlhadasmallpockettorchwithherandoncesheswitcheditonforamomentortwo,directingit,Charlesthought,toseethetimebythewristwatchshewaswearing,thensheleantoverthegateagaininthesameattitudeofexpectantinterest.Suddenly,Charlesheardalowwhistletwicerepeated.
Hesawthegirlstarttosuddenattention.Sheleantfartheroverthegateandfromherlipscamethesamesignal—alowwhistletwicerepeated.
Thenwithstartlingsuddennessaman’sfigureloomedoutofthenight.Alowexclamationcamefromthegirl.Shemovedbackapaceortwo,thegateswunginwardandthemanjoinedher.Shespoketohiminalowhurriedvoice.Unabletocatchwhattheysaid,Charlesmovedforwardsomewhatimprudently.Atwigsnappedbeneathhisfeet.Themanswungroundinstantly.
“What’sthat?”hesaid.
HecaughtsightofCharles’sretreatingfigure.
“Hie,youstop!Whatareyoudoinghere?”
WithaboundhesprangafterCharles.Charlesturnedandtackledhimadroitly.Thenextmomenttheywererollingoverandovertogetherlockedinatightembrace.
Thetusslewasashortone.Charles’sassailantwasbyfartheheavierandstrongerofthetwo.Herosetohisfeetjerkinghiscaptivewithhim.
“Switchonthatlight,Violet,”hesaid,“let’shavealookatthisfellow.”
Thegirlwhohadbeenstandingterrifiedafewpacesawaycameforwardandswitchedonthetorchobediently.
“Itmustbethemanwhoisstayinginthevillage,”shesaid.“Ajournalist.”
“Ajournalist,eh?”exclaimedtheother.“Idon’tlikethebreed.Whatareyoudoing,youskunk,nosingroundprivategroundsatthistimeofnight?”
ThetorchwaveredinViolet’shand.ForthefirsttimeCharleswasgivenafullviewofhisantagonist.Forafewminuteshehadentertainedthewildideathatthevisitormighthavebeentheescapedconvict.Onelookattheotherdispelledanysuchfancy.Thiswasayoungmannotmorethantwenty-fouror-fiveyearsofage.Tall,good-lookinganddetermined,withnoneofthehuntedcriminalabouthim.
“Nowthen,”hesaidsharply,“what’syourname?”
“MynameisCharlesEnderby,”saidCharles.“Youhaven’ttoldmeyours,”hecontinued.
“Confoundyourcheek!”
AsuddenflashofinspirationcametoCharles.Aninspiredguesshadsavedhimmorethanonce.Itwasalongshot,buthebelievedthathewasright.
“Ithink,however,”hesaidquietly,“thatIcanguessit.”
“Eh?”
Theotherwasclearlytakenaback.
“Ithink,”saidCharles,“thatIhavethepleasureofaddressingMr.BrianPearsonfromAustralia.Isthatso?”
Therewasasilence—ratheralongsilence.Charleshadafeelingthatthetableswereturned.
“HowthedevilyouknewthatIcan’tthink,”saidtheotheratlast,“butyou’reright.MynameisBrianPearson.”
“Inthatcase,”saidCharles,“supposingweadjourntothehouseandtalkthingsover!”
Twenty-three
ATHAZELMOOR
MajorBurnabywasdoinghisaccountsor—touseamoreDickens-likephrase—hewaslookingintohisaffairs.TheMajorwasanextremelymethodicalman.Inacalf-boundbookhekeptarecordofsharesbought,sharessoldandtheaccompanyinglossorprofit—usuallyaloss,forincommonwithmostretiredarmymentheMajorwasattractedbyahighrateofinterestratherthanamodestpercentagecoupledwithsafety.
“Theseoilwellslookedallright,”hewasmuttering.“Seemsasthoughthereoughttohavebeenafortuneinit.Almostasbadasthatdiamondmine!Canadianland,thatoughttobesoundnow.”
HiscogitationswereinterruptedastheheadofMr.RonaldGarfieldappearedattheopenwindow.
“Hello,”saidRonniecheerfully,“IhopeI’mnotbuttingin?”
“Ifyouarecomingingoroundtothefrontdoor,”saidMajorBurnaby.“Mindtherockplants.Ibelieveyouarestandingonthematthemoment.”
Ronnieretreatedwithanapologyandpresentlypresentedhimselfatthefrontdoor.
“Wipeyourfeetonthemat,ifyoudon’tmind,”criedtheMajor.
Hefoundyoungmenextremelytrying.Indeed,theonlyyoungmantowardswhomhehadfeltanykindlinessforalongtimewasthejournalist,CharlesEnderby.
“Aniceyoungchap,”theMajorhadsaidtohimself.“Andveryinterested,too,inwhatIhavetoldhimabouttheBoerWar.”
TowardsRonnieGarfieldtheMajorfeltnosuchkindliness.PracticallyeverythingthattheunfortunateRonniesaidordidmanagedtorubtheMajorupthewrongway.Still,hospitalityishospitality.
“Haveadrink?”saidtheMajor,loyaltothattradition.
“Nothanks.AsamatteroffactIjustdroppedintoseeifwecouldn’tgettogether.IwantedtogotoExhamptontodayandIhearElmerisbookedtotakeyouin.”
Burnabynodded.
“GottogooverTrevelyan’sthings,”heexplained.“Thepolicehavedonewiththeplacenow.”
“Well,yousee,”saidRonnieratherawkwardly,“IparticularlywantedtogointoExhamptontoday.Ithoughtifwecouldgettogetherandshareandsharealikeasitwere.Eh?Whataboutit?”
“Certainly,”saidtheMajor.“Iamagreeable.Doyoualotmoregoodtowalk,”headded.“Exercise.Noneofyouyoungchapsnowadaystakeanyexercise.Abrisksixmilesthereandabrisksixmilesbackwoulddoyouallthegoodintheworld.Ifitweren’tthatIneededthecartobringsomeofTrevelyan’sthingsbackhere,Ishouldbewalkingmyself.Gettingsoft—that’sthecurseofthepresentday.”
“Oh,well,”saidRonnie,“Idon’tbelieveinbeingstrenuousmyself.ButI’mgladwe’vesettledthatallright.Elmersaidyouwerestartingateleveno’clock.Isthatright?”
“That’sit.”
“Good.I’llbethere.”
Ronniewasnotquitesogoodashisword.Hisideaofbeingonthespotwastobetenminuteslate,andhefoundMajorBurnabyfumingandfrettingandnotatallinclinedtobeplacatedbyacarelessapology.
“Whatafussoldbuffersmake,”thoughtRonnietohimself.“Theyhavenoideawhatacursetheyaretoeverybodywiththeirpunctuality,andeverythingdoneonthedotoftheminute,andtheircursedexerciseandkeepingfit.”
HismindplayedagreeablyforafewminuteswiththeideaofamarriagebetweenMajorBurnabyandhisaunt.Which,hewondered,wouldgetthebetterofit?Hethoughthisaunteverytime.RatheramusingtothinkofherclappingherhandsandutteringpiercingcriestosummontheMajortoherside.
Banishingthesereflectionsfromhismindheproceededtoenterintocheerfulconversation.
“Sittafordhasbecomeaprettygayspot—what?MissTrefusisandthischapEnderbyandtheladfromAustralia—bytheway,whendidheblowin?Therehewasaslargeaslifethismorningandnobodyknewwherehehadcomefrom.It’sbeenworryingmyauntblueintheface.”
“HeisstayingwiththeWilletts,”saidMajorBurnabytartly.
“Yes,butwheredidheblowinfrom?EventheWillettshaven’tgotaprivateaerodrome.Youknow,Ithinkthere’ssomethingdeucedmysteriousaboutthisladPearson.He’sgotwhatIcallanastygleaminhiseye—averynastyglint.It’smyimpressionthathe’sthechapwhodidinpooroldTrevelyan.”
TheMajormadenoreply.
“ThewayIlookatitisthis,”continuedRonnie,“fellowsthatgoofftotheColoniesareusuallybadhats.Theirrelationsdon’tlikethemandpushthemoutthereforthatreason.Verywellthen—thereyouare.Thebadhatcomesback,shortofmoney,visitswealthyuncleintheneighbourhoodofChristmastime,wealthyrelativewon’tcoughuptoimpecuniousnephew—andimpecuniousnephewbatshimone.That’swhatIcallatheory.”
“Youshouldmentionittothepolice,”saidMajorBurnaby.
“Ithoughtyoumightdothat,”saidMr.Garfield.“You’reNarracott’slittlepal,aren’tyou?Bythewayhehasn’tbeennosingaboutSittafordagain,hashe?”
“NotthatIknowabout.”
“Notmeetingyouatthehousetoday,ishe?”
TheshortnessoftheMajor’sanswersseemedtostrikeRonnieatlast.
“Well,”hesaidvaguely,“that’sthat,”andrelapsedintoathoughtfulsilence.
AtExhamptonthecardrewupoutsidetheThreeCrowns.RonniealightedandafterarrangingwiththeMajorthattheywouldrendezvousthereathalfpastfourforthereturnjourney,hestrodeoffinthedirectionofsuchshopsasExhamptonoffered.
TheMajorwentfirsttoseeMr.Kirkwood.Afterabriefconversationwithhim,hetookthekeysandstartedoffforHazelmoor.
HehadtoldEvanstomeethimthereattwelveo’clock,andhefoundthefaithfulretainerwaitingonthedoorstep.Witharathergrimface,MajorBurnabyinsertedthekeyintothefrontdoorandpassedintotheemptyhouse,Evansathisheels.Hehadnotbeeninitsincethenightofthetragedy,andinspiteofhisirondeterminationtoshownoweakness,hegaveaslightshiverashepassedthedrawingroom.
EvansandtheMajorworkedtogetherinsympathyandsilence.Wheneitherofthemmadeabriefremarkitwasdulyappreciatedandunderstoodbytheother.
“Unpleasantjobthis,butithastobedone,”saidMajorBurnaby,andEvans,sortingoutsocksintoneatpiles,andcountingpyjamas,responded.
“Itseemsratherunnaturallike,butasyousay,sir,it’sgottobedone.”
Evanswasdeftandefficientathiswork.Everythingwasneatlysortedandarrangedandclassifiedinheaps.Atoneo’clocktheyrepairedtotheThreeCrownsforashortmiddaymeal.WhentheyreturnedtothehousetheMajorsuddenlycaughtEvansbythearmasthelatterclosedthefrontdoorbehindhim.
“Hush,”hesaid.“Doyouhearthatfootstepoverhead?It’s—it’sinJoe’sbedroom.”
“MyGawd,sir.Soitis.”
Akindofsuperstitiousterrorheldthembothforaminute,andthen,breakingloosefromit,andwithanangrysquaringoftheshoulders,theMajorstrodetothefootofthestairsandshoutedinastentorianvoice:
Tohisintensesurpriseandannoyanceandyet,beitconfessed,tohisslightrelief,RonnieGarfieldappearedatthetopofthestairs.Helookedembarrassedandsheepish.
“Hello,”hesaid.“Ihavebeenlookingforyou.”
“Whatdoyoumean,lookingforme?”
“Well,IwantedtotellyouthatIshan’tbereadyathalfpastfour.I’vegottogointoExeter.Sodon’twaitforme.I’llhavetogetacarupfromExhampton.”
“Howdidyougetintothishouse?”askedtheMajor.
“Thedoorwasopen,”exclaimedRonnie.“NaturallyIthoughtyouwerehere.”
TheMajorturnedtoEvanssharply.
“Didn’tyoulockitwhenyoucameout?”
“No,sir,Ihadn’tgotthekey.”
“Stupidofme,”mutteredtheMajor.
“Youdon’tmind,doyou?”saidRonnie.“Icouldn’tseeanyonedownstairssoIwentupstairsandhadalookround.”
“Ofcourse,itdoesn’tmatter,”snappedtheMajor,“youstartledme,that’sall.”
“Well,”saidRonnieairily.“Ishallbepushingalongnow.Solong.”
TheMajorgrunted.Ronniecamedownthestairs.
“Isay,”hesaidboyishly,“doyoumindtellingme—er—er—whereithappened?”
TheMajorjerkedathumbinthedirectionofthedrawingroom.
“Oh,mayIlookinside?”
“Ifyoulike,”growledtheMajor.
Ronnieopenedthedrawingroomdoor.Hewasabsentafewminutesandthenreturned.
TheMajorhadgoneupthestairs,butEvanswasinthehall.Hehadtheairofabulldogonguard;hissmalldeep-seteyeswatchedRonniewithasomewhatmaliciousscrutiny.
“Isay,”saidRonnie.“Ithoughtyoucouldneverwashoutbloodstains.Ithought,howevermuchyouwashedthem,theyalwayscameback.Oh,ofcourse—theoldfellowwassandbagged,wasn’the?Stupidofme.Itwasoneofthese,wasn’tit?”Hetookupalongnarrowbolsterthatlayagainstoneoftheotherdoors.Heweigheditthoughtfullyandbalanceditinhishand.“Nicelittletoy,eh?”Hemadeafewtentativeswingswithitintheair.
Evanswassilent.
“Well,”saidRonnie,realizingthatthesilencewasnotawhollyappreciativeone,“I’dbetterbegettingalong.I’mafraidI’vebeenabittactless,eh?”Hejerkedhisheadtowardstheupperstory.“Iforgotaboutthembeingsuchpalsandallthat.Twoofakind,weren’tthey?Well,I’mreallygoingnow.SorryifI’vesaidallthewrongthings.”
Hewalkedacrossthehallandoutthroughthefrontdoor.Evansstayedimpassivelyinthehall,andonlywhenhehadheardthelatchofthegateclosebehindMr.GarfielddidhemountthestairsandrejoinMajorBurnaby.Withoutanywordorcommentheresumedwherehehadleftoff,goingstraightacrosstheroomandkneelingdowninfrontofthebootcupboard.
Athalfpastthreetheirtaskwasfinished.OnetrunkofclothesandunderclotheswasallottedtoEvans,andanotherwasstrappedupreadytobesenttotheSeamen’sOrphanage.PapersandbillswerepackedintoanattachécaseandEvanswasgiveninstructionstoseealocalfirmofremoversaboutthestorageofthevarioussportingtrophiesandheads,astherewasnoroomfortheminMajorBurnaby’scottage.SinceHazelmoorwasonlyrentedfurnishednootherquestionsarose.
WhenallthiswassettledEvansclearedhisthroatnervouslyonceortwiceandthensaid:
“Begpardon,sir,but—I’llbewantingajobtolookafteragentleman,sameasIdidtolookaftertheCapting.”
“Yes,yes,youcantellanyonetoapplytomeforarecommendation.Thatwillbequiteallright.”
“Beggingyourpardon,sir,thatwasn’tquitewhatImeant.Rebeccaandme,sir,we’vetalkeditoverandwewaswonderingif,sir—ifmaybeyouwouldgiveusatrial?”
“Oh!but—well—Ilookaftermyselfasyouknow.Thatoldwhat’shernamecomesinandcleansformeonceadayandcooksafewthings.That’s—er—aboutallIcanafford.”
“Itisn’tthemoneythatmatterssomuch,sir,”saidEvansquickly.“Yousee,sir,IwasveryfondoftheCaptingand—well,ifIcoulddoforyou,sir,thesameasIdidforhim,well,itwouldbealmostlikethesamething,ifyouknowwhatImean.”
TheMajorclearedhisthroatandavertedhiseyes.
“Verydecentofyou,’ponmyword.I’ll—I’llthinkaboutit.”Andescapingwithalacrityhealmostbolteddowntheroad.Evansstoodlookingafterhim,anunderstandingsmileuponhisface
“Likeastwopeas,himandtheCapting,”hemurmured.
Andthenapuzzledexpressioncameoverhisface.
“Wherecantheyhavegotto?”hemurmured.“It’sabitqueerthat.ImustaskRebeccawhatshethinks.”
Twenty-four
INSPECTORNARRACOTTDISCUSSESTHECASE
“Iamnotentirelyhappyaboutit,sir,”saidInspectorNarracott.
TheChiefConstablelookedathiminquiringly.
“No,”saidInspectorNarracott.“I’mnotnearlyashappyaboutitasIwas.”
“Youdon’tthinkwe’vegottherightman?”
“I’mnotsatisfied.Yousee,tostartwith,everythingpointedtheonewaybutnow—it’sdifferent.”
“TheevidenceagainstPearsonremainsthesame.”
“Yes,butthere’sagooddealoffurtherevidencecometolight,sir.There’stheotherPearson—Brian.FeelingthatwehadnofurthertolookIacceptedthestatementthathewasinAustralia.Now,itturnsoutthathewasinEnglandallthetime.ItseemshearrivedbackinEnglandtwomonthsago—travelledonthesameboatastheseWillettsapparently.Looksasthoughhehadgotsweetonthegirlonthevoyage.Anyway,forwhateverreasonhedidn’tcommunicatewithanyofhisfamily.NeitherhissisternorhisbrotherhadanyideahewasinEngland.OnThursdayoflastweekhelefttheOrmsbyHotelinRussellSquareanddrovetoPaddington.FromthereuntilTuesdaynight,whenEnderbyranacrosshim,herefusestoaccountforhismovementsinanyway.”
“Youpointedouttohimthegravityofsuchacourseofaction?”
“Saidhedidn’tgiveadamn.Hehadhadnothingtodowiththemurderanditwasuptoustoprovehehad.Thewayhehademployedhistimewashisownbusinessandnoneofours,andhedeclineddefinitelytostatewherehehadbeenandwhathehadbeendoing.”
“Mostextraordinary,”saidtheChiefConstable.
“Yes,sir.It’sanextraordinarycase.Yousee,there’snousegettingawayfromthefacts,thisman’sfarmorethetypethantheother.There’ssomethingincongruousaboutJamesPearsonhittinganoldmanontheheadwithasandbag—butinamannerofspeakingitmightbeallintheday’sworktoBrianPearson.He’sahot-tempered,high-handedyoungman—andheprofitstoexactlythesameextent,remember?”
“Yes—hecameoverwithMr.Enderbythismorning,verybrightandbreezy,quitesquareandaboveboard,thatwashisattitude.Butitwon’twash,sir,itwon’twash.”
“H’m—youmean—”
“Itisn’tborneoutbythefacts.Whydidn’thecomeforwardbefore?Hisuncle’sdeathwasinthepapersSaturday.HisbrotherwasarrestedMonday.Andhedoesn’tgiveasignoflife.Andhewouldn’thaveeither,ifthatjournalisthadn’trunacrosshiminthegardenofSittafordHouseatmidnightlastnight.”
“Whatwashedoingthere?Enderby,Imean?”
“Youknowwhatjournalistsare,”saidNarracott,“alwaysnosinground.They’reuncanny.”
“Theyareadarnednuisanceveryoften,”saidtheChiefConstable.“Thoughtheyhavetheirusestoo.”
“Ifancyitwastheyoungladyputhimuptoit,”saidNarracott.
“Theyounglady?”
“MissEmilyTrefusis.”
“Howdidsheknowanythingaboutit?”
“ShewasupatSittafordnosingaround.Andshe’swhatyou’dcallasharpyounglady.There’snotmuchgetspasther.”
“WhatwasBrianPearson’sownaccountofhismovements?”
“SaidhecametoSittafordHousetoseehisyounglady,MissWillett,thatis.Shecameoutofthehousetomeethimwheneveryonewasasleepbecauseshedidn’twanthermothertoknowaboutit.That’stheirstory.”
InspectorNarracott’svoiceexpresseddistinctdisbelief.
“It’smybelief,sir,thatifEnderbyhadn’trunhimtoearth,heneverwouldhavecomeforward.He’dhavegonebacktoAustraliaandclaimedhisinheritancefromthere.”
AfaintsmilecrossedtheChiefConstable’slips.
“Howhemusthavecursedthesepestilentialpryingjournalists,”hemurmured
“There’ssomethingelsecometolight,”continuedtheInspector.“TherearethreePearsons,youremember,andSylviaPearsonismarriedtoMartinDering,thenovelist.HetoldmethathelunchedandspenttheafternoonwithanAmericanpublisherandwenttoaliterarydinnerintheevening,butnowitseemsthathewasn’tatthedinneratall.”
“Whosaysso?”
“Enderbyagain.”
“IthinkImustmeetEnderby,”saidtheChiefConstable.“Heappearstobeoneofthelivewiresofthisinvestigation.Nodoubtaboutit,theDailyWiredoeshavesomebrightyoungmenontheirstaff.”
“Well,ofcourse,thatmaymeanlittleornothing,”continuedtheInspector.“CaptainTrevelyanwaskilledbeforesixo’clock,sowhereDeringspenthiseveningisreallyofnoconsequence—butwhyshouldhehavedeliberatelyliedaboutit?Idon’tlikeit,sir.”
“No,”agreedtheChiefConstable.“Itseemsalittleunnecessary.”
“Itmakesonethinkthatthewholethingmaybefalse.It’safar-fetchedsupposition,Isuppose,butDeringmighthaveleftPaddingtonbythetwelvetentrain—arrivedatExhamptonsometimeafterfive,havekilledtheoldman,gotthesixtentrainandbeenbackhomeagainbeforemidnight.Atanyrateit’sgottobelookedinto,sir.We’vegottoinvestigatehisfinancialposition,seeifhewasdesperatelyhardup.Anymoneyhiswifecameintohewouldhavethehandlingof—you’veonlygottolookathertoknowthat.We’vegottomakeperfectlysurethattheafternoonalibiholdswater.”
“Thewholethingisextraordinary,”commentedtheChiefConstable.“ButIstillthinktheevidenceagainstPearsonisprettyconclusive.Iseethatyoudon’tagreewithme—you’veafeelingyou’vegotholdofthewrongman.”
“Theevidenceisallright,”admittedInspectorNarracott,“circumstantialandallthat,andanyjuryoughttoconvictonit.Still,whatyousayistrueenough—Idon’tseehimasamurderer.”
“Andhisyoungladyisveryactiveinthecase,”saidtheChiefConstable.
“MissTrefusis,yes,she’saoneandnomistake.Arealfineyounglady.Andabsolutelydeterminedtogethimoff.She’sgotholdofthatjournalist,Enderby,andshe’sworkinghimforallshe’sworth.She’sagreatdealtoogoodforMr.JamesPearson.BeyondhisgoodlooksIwouldn’tsaytherewasmuchtohiminthewayofcharacter.”
“Butifshe’samanagingyoungwomanthat’swhatshelikes,”saidtheChiefConstable.
“Ahwell,”saidInspectorNarracott,“there’snoaccountingfortastes.Well,youagree,sir,thatIhadbettertakeupthisalibiofDering’swithoutanymoredelay.”
“Yes,getontoitatonce.Whataboutthefourthinterestedpartyinthewill?There’safourth,isn’tthere?”
“Yes,thesister.That’sperfectlyallright.Ihavemadeinquiriesthere.Shewasathomeatsixo’clockallright,sir.I’llgetrightonwiththeDeringbusiness.”
ItwasaboutfivehourslaterthatInspectorNarracottfoundhimselfoncemoreinthesmallsittingroomofTheNook.ThistimeMr.Deringwasathome.Hecouldn’tbedisturbedashewaswriting,themaidhadsaidatfirst,buttheInspectorhadproducedanofficialcardandbadehertakeittohermasterwithoutdelay.Whilstwaitinghestrodeupanddowntheroom.Hismindwasworkingactively.Everynowandthenhepickedupasmallobjectfromatable,lookedatitalmostunseeingly,andthenreplacedit.ThecigaretteboxofAustralianfiddleback—apresentfromBrianPearsonpossibly.Hepickeduparatherbatteredoldbook.“PrideandPrejudice.”Heopenedthecoverandsawscrawledonthefly-leafinratherfadedinkthename,MarthaRycroft.Somehow,thenameofRycroftseemedfamiliar,buthecouldnotforthemomentrememberwhy.HewasinterruptedasthedooropenedandMartinDeringcameintotheroom.
Thenovelistwasamanofmiddleheightwiththickratherheavychestnuthair.Hewasgood-lookinginasomewhatheavyfashion,withlipsthatwereratherfullandred.
InspectorNarracottwasnotprepossessedbyhisapppearance.
“Goodmorning,Mr.Dering.Sorrytotroubleyouallhereagain.”
“Oh,itdoesn’tmatter,Inspector,butreallyIcan’ttellyouanymorethanyou’vebeentoldalready.”
“Wewereledtounderstandthatyourbrother-in-law,Mr.BrianPearson,wasinAustralia.Now,wefindthathehasbeeninEnglandforthelasttwomonths.Imighthavebeengivenaninklingofthat,Ithink.YourwifedistinctlytoldmethathewasinNewSouthWales.”
“BrianinEngland!”Deringseemedgenuinelyastonished.“Icanassureyou,Inspector,thatIhadnoknowledgeofthatfact—nor,I’msure,hadmywife.”
“Hehasnotcommunicatedwithyouinanyway?”
“No,indeed,IknowforafactthatSylviahastwicewrittenhimletterstoAustraliaduringthattime.”
“Oh,well,inthatcaseIapologize,sir.ButnaturallyIthoughthewouldhavecommunicatedwithhisrelationsandIwasabitsorewithyouforholdingoutonme.”
“Well,asItellyouweknewnothing.Haveacigarette,Inspector?Bytheway,Iseeyou’verecapturedyourescapedconvict.”
“Yes,gothimlateTuesdaynight.Ratherbadluckforhimthemistcomingdown.Hewalkedrightroundinacircle.DidabouttwentymilestofindhimselfabouthalfamilefromPrincetownattheendofit.”
“Extraordinaryhoweveryonegoesroundincirclesinafog.Goodthinghedidn’tescapeontheFriday.Isupposehewouldhavehadthismurderputdowntohimasacertainty.”
“He’sadangerousman.FremantleFreddy,theyusedtocallhim.Robberywithviolence,assault—ledthemostextraordinarydoublelife.Halfthetimehepassedasaneducated,respectablewealthyman.IamnotatallsuremyselfthatBroadmoorwasn’ttheplaceforhim.Akindofcriminalmaniausedtocomeoverhimfromtimetotime.Hewoulddisappearandconsortwiththelowestcharacters.”
“Isupposemanypeopledon’tescapefromPrincetown?”
“It’swell-nighimpossible,sir.Butthisparticularescapewasextraordinarilywellplannedandcarriedout.Wehaven’tnearlygottothebottomofityet.”
“Well,”Deringroseandglancedathiswatch,“ifthere’snothingmore,Inspector—I’mafraidIamratherabusyman—”
“Oh,butthereissomethingmore,Mr.Dering.IwanttoknowwhyyoutoldmethatyouwereataliterarydinnerattheCecilHotelonFridaynight?”
“I—Idon’tunderstandyou,Inspector.”
“Ithinkyoudo,sir.Youweren’tatthatdinner,Mr.Dering.”
MartinDeringhesitated.HiseyesranuncertainlyfromtheInspector’sface,uptotheceiling,thentothedoor,andthentohisfeet.
TheInspectorwaitedcalmandstolid.
“Well,”saidMartinDeringatlast,“supposingIwasn’t.Whatthehellhasthatgottodowithyou?Whathavemymovements,fivehoursaftermyunclewasmurdered,gottodowithyouoranyoneelse?”
“Youmadeacertainstatementtous,Mr.Dering,andIwantthatstatementverified.Partofithasalreadyprovedtobeuntrue.I’vegottocheckupontheotherhalf.Yousayyoulunchedandspenttheafternoonwithafriend.”
“Yes—myAmericanpublisher.”
“Hisname?”
“Rosenkraun,EdgarRosenkraun.”
“Ah,andhisaddress?”
“He’sleftEngland.HeleftlastSaturday.”
“ForNewYork?”
“Yes.”
“Thenhe’llbeontheseaatthepresentmoment.Whatboatisheon?”
“I—Ireallycan’tremember.”
“Youknowtheline?WasitaCunardorWhiteStar?”
“I—Ireallydon’tremember.”
“Ahwell,”saidtheInspector,“we’llcablehisfirminNewYork.They’llknow.”
“ItwastheGargantua,”saidDeringsullenly.
“Thankyou,Mr.Dering,Ithoughtyoucouldrememberifyoutried.Now,yourstatementisthatyoulunchedwithMr.Rosenkraunandthatyouspenttheafternoonwithhim.Atwhattimedidyouleavehim?”
“Aboutfiveo’clockIshouldsay.”
“Andthen?”
“Ideclinetostate.It’snobusinessofyours.That’sallyouwantsurely.”
InspectorNarracottnoddedthoughtfully.IfRosenkraunconfirmedDering’sstatementthenanycaseagainstDeringmustfalltotheground.Whateverhismysteriousactivitieshadbeenthateveningcouldnotaffectthecase.
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”demandedDeringuneasily.
“WirelessMr.RosenkraunonboardtheGargantua.”
“Damnitall,”criedDering,“you’llinvolvemeinallsortsofpublicity.Lookhere—”
Hewentacrosstohisdesk,scribbledafewwordsonabitofpaper,thentookittotheInspector.
“Isupposeyou’vegottodowhatyou’redoing,”hesaidungraciously,“butatleastyoumightdoitinmyway.It’snotfairtorunachapinforalotoftrouble.”
Onthesheetofpaperwaswritten:
RosenkraunS.S.“Gargantua.”PleaseconfirmmystatementIwaswithyoulunchtimeuntilfiveo’clockFriday14th.MartinDering.
“Havethereplysentstraighttoyou—Idon’tmind.Butdon’thaveitsenttoScotlandYardoraPoliceStation.Youdon’tknowwhattheseAmericansarelike.AnyhintofmebeingmixedupinapolicecaseandthisnewcontractthatI’vebeendiscussingwillgotothewinds.Keepitaprivatematter,Inspector.”
“I’venoobjectiontothat,Mr.Dering.AllIwantisthetruth.I’llsendthisreplypaid,thereplytobesenttomyprivateaddressinExeter.”
“Thankyou,youareagoodchap.It’snotsucheasygoingearningyourlivingbyliterature,Inspector.You’llseetheanswerwillbeallright.Ididtellyoualieaboutthedinner,butasamatteroffactIhadtoldmywifethatthatwaswhereIhadbeen,andIthoughtImightaswellsticktothesamestorytoyou.OtherwiseIwouldhaveletmyselfinforalotoftrouble.”
“IfMr.Rosenkraunconfirmsyourstatement,Mr.Dering,youwillhavenothingelsetofear.”
“Anunpleasantcharacter,”theInspectorthought,asheleftthehouse.“ButheseemsprettycertainthatthisAmericanpublisherwillconfirmthetruthofhisstory.”
AsuddenremembrancecametotheInspector,ashehoppedintothetrainwhichwouldtakehimbacktoDevon.
“Rycroft,”hesaid,“ofcourse—that’sthenameoftheoldgentlemanwholivesinoneofthecottagesatSittaford.Acuriouscoincidence.”
Twenty-five
ATDELLER’SCAFé
EmilyTrefusisandCharlesEnderbywereseatedatasmalltableinDeller’sCaféinExeter.Itwashalfpastthree,andatthathourtherewascomparativepeaceandquiet.Afewpeoplewerehavingaquietcupoftea,buttherestaurantonthewholewasdeserted.
“Well,”saidCharles,“whatdoyouthinkofhim?”
Emilyfrowned.
“It’sdifficult,”shesaid.
Afterhisinterviewwiththepolice,BrianPearsonhadlunchedwiththem.HehadbeenextremelypolitetoEmily,rathertoopoliteinheropinion.
Tothatastutegirlitseemedashadeunnatural.Herewasayoungmanconductingaclandestineloveaffairandanofficiousstrangerbuttsin.BrianPearsonhadtakenitlikealamb;hadfalleninwithCharles’ssuggestionofhavingacaranddrivingovertoseethepolice.Whythisattitudeofmeekacquiescence?ItseemedtoEmilyentirelyuntypicalofthenaturalBrianPearsonasshereadhischaracter.
“I’llseeyouinhellfirst!”would,shefeltsure,havebeenfarmorehisattitude.
Thislamb-likedemeanourwassuspicious.ShetriedtoconveysomethingofherfeelingstoEnderby.
“Igetyou,”saidEnderby.“OurBrianhasgotsomethingtoconceal,thereforehecan’tbehisnaturalhigh-handedself.”
“That’sitexactly.”
“DoyouthinkhemightpossiblyhavekilledoldTrevelyan?”
“Brian,”saidEmilythoughtfully,“is—well,apersontobereckonedwith.Heisratherunscrupulous,Ishouldthink,andifhewantedanything,Idon’tthinkhewouldletordinaryconventionalstandardsstandinhisway.He’snotplaintameEnglish.”
“Puttingallpersonalconsiderationsononeside,he’samorelikelystarterthanJim?”saidEnderby.
Emilynodded.
“Muchmorelikely.Hewouldcarryathingthroughwell—becausehewouldneverlosehisnerve.”
“Honestly,Emily,doyouthinkhedidit?”
“I—Idon’tknow.Hefulfilstheconditions—theonlypersonwhodoes.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbyfulfilstheconditions?”
“Well,(1)Motive.”Shetickedofftheitemsonherfingers.“Thesamemotive.Twentythousandpounds.(2)Opportunity.NobodyknowswherehewasonFridayafternoon,andifhewasanywherethathecouldsay—well—surelyhewouldsayit?SoweassumethathewasactuallyintheneighbourhoodofHazelmooronFriday.”
“Theyhaven’tfoundanyonewhosawhiminExhampton,”Charlespointedout,“andhe’safairlynoticeableperson.”
Emilyshookherheadscornfully.
“Hewasn’tinExhampton.Don’tyousee,Charles,ifhecommittedthemurder,heplanneditbeforehand.It’sonlypoorinnocentJimwhocamedownlikeamugandstayedthere.There’sLydfordandChagfordorperhapsExeter.HemighthavewalkedoverfromLydford—that’samainroadandthesnowwouldn’thavebeenimpassable.Itwouldhavebeenprettygoodgoing.”
“Isupposeweoughttomakeinquiriesallround.”
“Thepolicearedoingthat,”saidEmily,“andthey’lldoitalotbetterthanweshall.Allpublicthingsaremuchbetterdonebythepolice.It’sprivateandpersonalthingslikelisteningtoMrs.CurtisandpickingupahintfromMissPercehouseandwatchingtheWilletts—that’swherewescore.”
“Ordon’t,asthecasemaybe,”saidCharles.
“TogobacktoBrianPearsonfulfillingtheconditions,”saidEmily.“We’vedonetwo,motiveandopportunity,andthere’sthethird—theonethatinawayIthinkisthemostimportantofall.”
“What’sthat?”
“Well,Ihavefeltfromthebeginningthatwecouldn’tignorethatqueerbusinessofthetable-turning.Ihavetriedtolookatitaslogicallyandclear-sightedlyaspossible.Therearejustthreesolutionsofit.(1)Thatitwassupernatural.Well,ofcourse,thatmaybeso,butpersonallyIamrulingitout.(2)Thatitwasdeliberate—someonediditonpurpose,butasonecan’tarriveatanyconceivablereason,wecanrulethatoutalso.(3)Accidental.Someonegavehimselfawaywithoutmeaningtodoso—indeedquiteagainsthiswill.Anunconsciouspieceofself-revelation.Ifso,someoneamongthosesixpeopleeitherknewdefinitelythatCaptainTrevelyanwasgoingtobekilledatacertaintimethatafternoon,orthatsomeonewashavinganinterviewwithhimfromwhichviolencemightresult.Noneofthosesixpeoplecouldhavebeentheactualmurderer,butoneofthemmusthavebeenincollusionwiththemurderer.There’snolinkbetweenMajorBurnabyandanybodyelse,orMr.Rycroftandanybodyelse,orRonaldGarfieldandanybodyelse,butwhenwecometotheWillettsit’sdifferent.There’salinkbetweenVioletWillettandBrianPearson.Thosetwoareonveryintimatetermsandthatgirlwasallonthejumpafterthemurder.”
“Youthinksheknew?”saidCharles.
“Sheorhermother—oneorotherofthem.”
“There’sonepersonyouhaven’tmentioned,”saidCharles.“Mr.Duke.”
“Iknow,”saidEmily.“It’squeer.He’stheonepersonweknowabsolutelynothingabout.I’vetriedtoseehimtwiceandfailed.ThereseemsnoconnectionbetweenhimandCaptainTrevelyan,orbetweenhimandanyofCaptainTrevelyan’srelations,there’sabsolutelynothingtoconnecthimwiththecaseinanyway,andyet—”
“Well?”saidCharlesEnderbyasEmilypaused.
“AndyetwemetInspectorNarracottcomingoutofhiscottage.WhatdoesInspectorNarracottknowabouthimthatwedon’t?IwishIknew.”
“Youthink—”
“SupposingDukeisasuspiciouscharacterandthepoliceknowit.SupposingCaptainTrevelyanhadfoundoutsomethingaboutDuke.Hewasparticularabouthistenants,remember,andsupposinghewasgoingtotellthepolicewhatheknew.AndDukearrangeswithanaccomplicetohavehimkilled.Oh,Iknowitallsoundsdreadfullymelodramaticputlikethat,andyet,afterall,somethingofthekindmightbepossible.”
“It’sanideacertainly,”saidCharlesslowly.
Theywerebothsilent,eachonedeepinthought.
SuddenlyEmilysaid:
“Doyouknowthatqueerfeelingyougetwhensomebodyislookingatyou?Ifeelnowasthoughsomeone’seyeswereburningthebackofmyneck.Isitallfancyoristherereallysomeonestaringatmenow?”
Charlesmovedhischairaninchortwoandlookedroundthecaféinacasualmanner.
“There’sawomanatatableinthewindow,”hereported.“Tall,darkandhandsome.She’sstaringatyou.”
“Young?”
“No,notveryyoung.Hello!”
“Whatisit?”
“RonnieGarfield.Hehasjustcomeinandhe’sshakinghandswithherandhe’ssittingdownathertable.Ithinkshe’ssayingsomethingaboutus.”
Emilyopenedherhandbag.Ratherostentatiouslyshepowderedhernose,adjustingthesmallpocketmirrortoaconvenientangle.
“It’sAuntJennifer,”shesaidsoftly.“Theyaregettingup.”
“Theyaregoing,”saidCharles.“Doyouwanttospeaktoher?”
“No,”saidEmily.“Ithinkit’sbetterformetopretendthatIhaven’tseenher.”
“Afterall,”saidCharles,“whyshouldn’tAuntJenniferknowRonnieGarfieldandaskhimtotea?”
“Whyshouldshe?”saidEmily.
“Whyshouldn’tshe?”
“Oh,forgoodnesssake,Charles,don’tlet’sgoonandonlikethis,should—shouldn’t—should—shouldn’t.Ofcourseit’sallnonsense,anditdoesn’tmeananything!Butwewerejustsayingthatnobodyelseatthatséancehadanyrelationwiththefamily,andnotfiveminuteslaterweseeRonnieGarfieldhavingteawithCaptainTrevelyan’ssister.”
“Itshows,”saidCharles,“thatyouneverknow.”
“Itshows,”saidEmily,“thatyouarealwayshavingtobeginagain.”
“Inmorewaysthanone,”saidCharles
Emilylookedathim.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Nothingatpresent,”saidCharles.
Heputhishandoverhers.Shedidnotdrawitaway.
“We’vegottoputthisthrough,”saidCharles.“Afterwards—”
“Afterwards?”saidEmilysoftly.
“I’ddoanythingforyou,Emily,”saidCharles.“Simplyanything—”
“Wouldyou?”saidEmily.“That’sratherniceofyou,Charlesdear.”
Twenty-six
ROBERTGARDNER
ItwasjusttwentyminuteslaterwhenEmilyrangthefrontdoorbellofTheLaurels.Ithadbeenasuddenimpulse.
AuntJennifer,sheknew,wouldbestillatDeller’swithRonnieGarfield.ShesmiledbeaminglyonBeatricewhenthelatteropenedthedoortoher.
“It’smeagain,”saidEmily.“Mrs.Gardner’sout,Iknow,butcanIseeMr.Gardner?”
Sucharequestwasclearlyunusual.Beatriceseemeddoubtful.
“Well,Idon’tknow.I’llgoupandsee,shallI?”
“Yes,do,”saidEmily.
Beatricewentupstairs,leavingEmilyaloneinthehall.Shereturnedinafewminutestoasktheyoungladytopleasestepthisway.
RobertGardnerwaslyingonacouchbythewindowinabigroomonthefirstfloor.Hewasabigman,blue-eyedandfair-haired.Helooked,Emilythought,asTristanoughttolookinthethirdactofTristanandIsoldeandasnoWagneriantenorhaseverlookedyet.
“Hello,”hesaid.“Youarethecriminal’sspousetobe,aren’tyou?”
“That’sright,UncleRobert,”saidEmily.“IsupposeIdocallyouUncleRobert,don’tI?”sheasked.
“IfJenniferwillallowit.What’sitlikehavingayoungmanlanguishinginprison?”
Acruelman,Emilydecided.Amanwhowouldtakeamaliciousjoyingivingyousharpdigsinpainfulplaces.Butshewasamatchforhim.Shesaidsmilingly:
“Verythrilling.”
“NotsothrillingforMasterJim,eh?”
“Oh,well,”saidEmily,“it’sanexperience,isn’tit?”
“Teachhimlifecan’tbeallbeerandskittles,”saidRobertGardnermaliciously.“TooyoungtofightintheGreatWar,wasn’the?Abletolivesoftandtakeiteasily.Well,well…Hegotitintheneckfromanothersource.”
Helookedathercuriously.
“Whatdidyouwanttocomeandseemefor,eh?”
Therewasatingeofsomethinglikesuspicioninhisvoice.
“Ifyouaregoingtomarryintoafamilyit’sjustaswelltoseeallyourrelations-in-lawbeforehand.”
“Knowtheworstbeforeit’stoolate.SoyoureallythinkyouaregoingtomarryyoungJim,eh?”
“Whynot?”
“Inspiteofthismurdercharge?”
“Inspiteofthismurdercharge.”
“Well,”saidRobertGardner,“Ihaveneverseenanybodylesscastdown.Anyonewouldthinkyouwereenjoyingyourself.”
“Iam.Trackingdownamurdererisfrightfullythrilling,”saidEmily.
“Eh?”
“Isaidtrackingdownamurdererisfrightfullythrilling,”saidEmily.
RobertGardnerstaredather,thenhethrewhimselfbackonhispillows.
“Iamtired,”hesaidinafretfulvoice.“Ican’ttalkanymore.Nurse,where’sNurse?Nurse,I’mtired.”
NurseDavishadcomeswiftlyathiscallfromanadjoiningroom.“Mr.Gardnergetstiredveryeasily.Ithinkyouhadbettergonowifyoudon’tmind,MissTrefusis.”
Emilyrosetoherfeet.Shenoddedbrightlyandsaid:
“Good-bye,UncleRobert.PerhapsI’llcomebacksomeday.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Aurevoir,”saidEmily.
Shewasgoingoutofthefrontdoorwhenshestopped.
“Oh!”shesaidtoBeatrice.“Ihaveleftmygloves.”
“Iwillgetthem,Miss.”
“Oh,no,”saidEmily.“I’lldoit.”Sheranlightlyupthestairsandenteredwithoutknocking.
“Oh,”saidEmily.“Ibegyourpardon.Iamsosorry.Itwasmygloves.”Shetookthemupostentatiously,andsmilingsweetlyatthetwooccupantsoftheroomwhoweresittinghandinhandrandownthestairsandoutofthehouse.
“Thisgloveleavingisaterrificscheme,”saidEmilytoherself.“Thisisthesecondtimeit’scomeoff.PoorAuntJennifer,doessheknow,Iwonder?Probablynot.ImusthurryorI’llkeepCharleswaiting.”
EnderbywaswaitinginElmer’sFordattheagreedrendezvous.
“Anyluck?”heaskedashetuckedtherugroundher.
“Inaway,yes.I’mnotsure.”
Enderbylookedatherinquiringly.
“No,”saidEmilyinanswertohisglance,“I’mnotgoingtotellyouaboutit.Yousee,itmayhavenothingwhatevertodowithit—andifso,itwouldn’tbefair.”
Enderbysighed.
“Icallthathard,”heobserved.
“I’msorry,”saidEmilyfirmly.“Butthereitis.”
“Haveityourownway,”saidCharlescoldly.
Theydroveoninsilence—anoffendedsilenceonCharles’spart—anobliviousoneonEmily’s.
TheywerenearlyatExhamptonwhenshebrokethesilencebyatotallyunexpectedremark.
“Charles,”shesaid,“areyouabridgeplayer?”
“Yes,Iam.Why?”
“Iwasthinking.Youknowwhattheytellyoutodowhenyou’reassessingthevalueofyourhand?Ifyou’redefending—countthewinners—butifyou’reattackingcountthelosers.Now,we’reattackinginthisbusinessofours—butperhapswehavebeendoingitthewrongway.”
“Howdoyoumean?”
“Well,we’vebeencountingthewinners,haven’twe?ImeangoingoverthepeoplewhocouldhavekilledCaptainTrevelyan,howeverimprobableitseems.Andthat’sperhapswhywe’vegotsoterriblymuddled.”
“Ihaven’tgotmuddled,”saidCharles.
“Well,Ihavethen.I’msomuddledIcan’tthinkatall.Let’slookatittheotherwayround.Let’scountthelosers—thepeoplewhocan’tpossiblyhavekilledCaptainTrevelyan.”
“Well,let’ssee—”Enderbyreflected.“Tobeginwiththere’stheWillettsandBurnabyandRycroftandRonnie—Oh!andDuke.”
“Yes,”agreedEmily.“Weknownoneofthemcanhavekilledhim.BecauseatthetimehewaskilledtheywereallatSittafordHouseandtheyallsaweachotherandtheycan’tallbelying.Yes,they’realloutofit.”
“AsamatteroffacteveryoneinSittafordisoutofit,”saidEnderby.“EvenElmer,”heloweredhisvoiceindeferencetothepossibilityofthedriverhearinghim.“BecausetheroadtoSittafordwasimpassableforcarsonFriday.”
“Hecouldhavewalked,”saidEmilyinanequallylowvoice.“IfMajorBurnabycouldhavegottherethateveningElmercouldhavestartedatlunchtime—gottoExhamptonatfive,murderedhim,andwalkedbackagain.”
Enderbyshookhishead.
“Idon’tthinkhecouldhavewalkedbackagain.Rememberthesnowstartedtofallabouthalfpastsix.Anyway,you’renotaccusingElmer,areyou?”
“No,”saidEmily,“though,ofcourse,hemightbeahomicidalmaniac.”
“Hush,”saidCharles.“You’llhurthisfeelingsifhehearsyou.”
“Atanyrate,”saidEmily,“youcan’tsaydefinitelythathecouldn’thavemurderedCaptainTrevelyan.”
“Almost,”saidCharles.“Hecouldn’twalktoExhamptonandbackwithoutallSittafordknowingaboutitandsayingitwasqueer.”
“Itcertainlyisaplacewhereeveryoneknowseverything,”agreedEmily.
“Exactly,”saidCharles,“andthat’swhyIsaythateveryoneinSittafordisoutofit.Theonlyonesthatweren’tattheWilletts—MissPercehouseandCaptainWyattareinvalids.Theycouldn’tgoploughingthroughsnowstorms.AnddearoldCurtisandMrs.C.Ifanyofthemdidit,theymusthavegonecomfortablytoExhamptonfortheweekendandcomebackwhenitwasallover.”
Emilylaughed.
“Youcouldn’tbeabsentfromSittafordfortheweekendwithoutitsbeingnoticed,certainly,”shesaid.
“CurtiswouldnoticethesilenceifMrs.Cwas,”saidEnderby.
“Ofcourse,”saidEmily,“thepersonitoughttobeisAbdul.Itwouldbeinabook.He’dbeaLascarreally,andCaptainTrevelyanwouldhavethrownhisfavouritebrotheroverboardinamutiny—somethinglikethat.”
“Ideclinetobelieve,”saidCharles,“thatthatwretcheddepressed-lookingnativeevermurderedanybody.
“Iknow,”hesaidsuddenly.
“What?”saidEmilyeagerly.
“Theblacksmith’swife.Theonewho’sexpectinghereighth.TheintrepidwomandespiteherconditionwalkedallthewaytoExhamptonandbattedhimonewiththesandbag.”
“Andwhy,pray?”
“Because,ofcourse,althoughtheblacksmithwasthefatheroftheprecedingseven,CaptainTrevelyanwasthefatherofhercomingche-ild.”
“Charles,”saidEmily.“Don’tbeindelicate.
“Andanyway,”sheadded,“itwouldbetheblacksmithwhodidit,nother.Areallygoodcasethere.Thinkhowthatbrawnyarmcouldwieldasandbag!Andhiswifewouldnevernoticehisabsencewithsevenchildrentolookafter.Shewouldn’thavetimetonoticeamereman.”
“Thisisdegeneratingintomereidiocy,”saidCharles.
“Itisrather,”agreedEmily.“Countinglosershasn’tbeenagreatsuccess.”
“Whataboutyou?”saidCharles.
“Me?”
“Wherewereyouwhenthecrimewascommitted?”
“Howextraordinary!Ineverthoughtofthat.IwasinLondon,ofcourse.ButIdon’tknowthatIcouldproveit.Iwasaloneinmyflat.”
“Thereyouare,”saidCharles.“Motiveandeverything.Youryoungmancomingintotwentythousandpounds,whatmoredoyouwant?”
“Youareclever,Charles,”saidEmily.“IcanseethatreallyI’mamostsuspiciouscharacter.Ineverthoughtofitbefore.”
Twenty-seven
NARRACOTTACTS
TwomorningslaterEmilywasseatedinInspectorNarracott’soffice.ShehadcomeoverfromSittafordthatmorning.
InspectorNarracottlookedatherappraisingly.HeadmiredEmily’spluck,hercourageousdeterminationnottogiveinandherresolutecheerfulness.Shewasafighter,andInspectorNarracottadmiredfighters.ItwashisprivateopinionthatshewasagreatdealtoogoodforJimPearson,evenifthatyoungmanwasinnocentofthemurder.
“It’sgenerallyunderstoodinbooks,”hesaid,“thatthepoliceareintentonhavingavictimanddon’tintheleastcareifthatvictimisinnocentornotaslongastheyhaveenoughevidencetoconvicthim.That’snotthetruth,MissTrefusis,it’sonlytheguiltymanwewant.”
“DoyouhonestlybelieveJimtobeguilty,InspectorNarracott?”
“Ican’tgiveyouanofficialanswertothat,MissTrefusis.ButI’lltellyouthis—thatweareexaminingnotonlytheevidenceagainsthimbuttheevidenceagainstotherpeopleverycarefully.”
“Youmeanagainsthisbrother—Brian?”
“Averyunsatisfactorygentleman,Mr.BrianPearson.Refusedtoanswerquestionsortogiveanyinformationabouthimself,butIthink—”InspectorNarracott’sslowDevonshiresmilewidened,“IthinkIcanmakeaprettygoodguessatsomeofhisactivities.IfIamrightIshallknowinanotherhalfhour.Thenthere’sthelady’shusband,Mr.Dering.”
“You’veseenhim?”askedEmilycuriously.
InspectorNarracottlookedathervividface,andfelttemptedtorelaxofficialcaution.LeaningbackinhischairherecountedhisinterviewwithMr.Dering,thenfromafileathiselbowhetookoutacopyofthewirelessmessagehehaddispatchedtoMr.Rosenkraun.“That’swhatIsent,”hesaid.“Andhere’sthereply.”
Emilyreadit.
Narracott2DrysdaleRoadExeter.CertainlyconfirmMr.Dering’sstatement.HewasinmycompanyallFridayafternoon.Rosenkraun.
“Oh!—bother,”saidEmily,selectingamilderwordthanshehadmeanttouse,knowingthatthepoliceforcewasold-fashionedandeasilyshocked.
“Ye-es,”saidInspectorNarracottreflectively.“It’sannoying,isn’tit?”
AndhisslowDevonshiresmilebrokeoutagain.
“ButIamasuspiciousman,MissTrefusis.Mr.Dering’sreasonssoundedveryplausible—butIthoughtitapitytoplayintohishandstoocompletely.SoIsentanotherwirelessmessage.”
Againhehandedhertwopiecesofpaper
Thefirstran:
InformationwantedremurderofCaptainTrevelyan.DoyousupportMartinDering’sstatementofalibiforFridayafternoon.DivisionalInspectorNarracottExeter.
Thereturnmessageshowedagitationandarecklessdisregardforexpense.
HadnoideaitwascriminalcasedidnotseeMartinDeringFridayAgreedsupporthisstatementasonefriendtoanotherbelievedhiswifewashavinghimwatchedfordivorceproceedings.
“Oh,”saidEmily.“Oh!—youareclever,Inspector.”
TheInspectorevidentlythoughtthathehadbeenratherclever.Hissmilewasgentleandcontented.
“Howmendosticktogether,”wentonEmilylookingoverthetelegrams.“PoorSylvia.InsomewaysIreallythinkthatmenarebeasts.That’swhy,”sheadded,“it’ssonicewhenonefindsamanonwhomonecanreallyrely.”
AndshesmiledadmiringlyattheInspector.
“Now,allthisisveryconfidential,MissTrefusis,”theInspectorwarnedher.“IhavegonefurtherthanIshouldinlettingyouknowaboutthis.”
“Ithinkit’sadorableofyou,”saidEmily.“Ishallneverneverforgetit.”
“Well,mind,”theInspectorwarnedher.“Notawordtoanybody.”
“YoumeanthatIamnottotellCharles—Mr.Enderby.”
“Journalistswillbejournalists,”saidInspectorNarracott.“Howeverwellyouhavegothimtamed,MissTrefusis—well,newsisnews,isn’tit?”
“Iwon’ttellhimthen,”saidEmily.“IthinkI’vegothimmuzzledallright,butasyousaynewspapermenwillbenewspapermen.”
“Neverpartwithinformationunnecessarily.That’smyrule,”saidInspectorNarracott.
AfainttwinkleappearedinEmily’seyes,herunspokenthoughtbeingthatInspectorNarracotthadinfringedthisruleratherbadlyduringthelasthalfhour.
Asuddenrecollectioncameintohermind,notofcoursethatitprobablymatterednow.Everythingseemedtobepointinginatotallydifferentdirection.Butstillitwouldbenicetoknow.
“InspectorNarracott!”shesaidsuddenly.“WhoisMr.Duke?”
“Mr.Duke?”
ShethoughttheInspectorwasrathertakenabackbyherquestions.
“Youremember,”saidEmily,“wemetyoucomingoutofhiscottageinSittaford.”
“Ah,yes,yes,Iremember.Totellyouthetruth,MissTrefusis,IthoughtIwouldliketohaveanindependentaccountofthattable-turningbusiness.MajorBurnabyisnotafirst-ratehandatdescription.”
“Andyet,”saidEmilythoughtfully,“ifIhadbeenyou,IshouldhavegonetosomebodylikeMr.Rycroftforit.WhyMr.Duke?”
TherewasasilenceandthentheInspectorsaid:
“Justamatterofopinion.”
“Iwonder.IwonderifthepoliceknowsomethingaboutMr.Duke.”
InspectorNarracottdidn’tanswer.Hehadgothiseyesfixedverysteadilyontheblottingpaper.
“Themanwholeadsablamelesslife!”saidEmily,“thatseemstodescribeMr.Dukeawfullyaccurately,butperhapshehasn’talwaysledablamelesslife?Perhapsthepoliceknowthat?”
ShesawafaintquiveronInspectorNarracott’sfaceashetriedtoconcealasmile.
“Youlikeguessing,don’tyou,MissTrefusis?”hesaidamiably.
“Whenpeopledon’ttellyouthingsyouhavetoguess!”retaliatedEmily.
“Ifaman,asyousay,isleadingablamelesslife,”InspectorNarracottsaid,“andifitwouldbeanannoyanceandaninconvenienceforhimtohavehispastliferakedup,well,thepolicearecapableofkeepingtheirowncounsel.Wehavenowishtogiveamanaway.”
“Isee,”saidEmily,“butallthesame—youwenttoseehim,didn’tyou?Thatlooksasthoughyouthought,tobeginwithatanyrate,thathemighthavehadahandinit.Iwish—IwishIknewwhoMr.Dukereallywas?Andwhatparticularbranchofcriminologyheindulgedininthepast?”
ShelookedappealinglyatInspectorNarracottbutthelatterpreservedawoodenface,andrealizingthatonthispointshecouldnothopetomovehim,Emilysighedandtookherdeparture.
WhenshehadgonetheInspectorsatstaringattheblottingpad,atraceofasmilestilllingeringonhislips.Thenherangthebellandoneofhisunderlingsentered.
“Well?”demandedInspectorNarracott.
“Quiteright,sir.Butitwasn’ttheDuchyatPrincetown,itwasthehotelatTwoBridges.”
“Ah!”TheInspectortookthepaperstheotherhandedtohim.
“Well,”hesaid.“Thatsettlesitallright.Haveyoufolloweduptheotheryoungchap’smovementsonFriday?”
“HecertainlyarrivedatExhamptonbythelasttrain,butIhaven’tfoundoutyetwhattimeheleftLondon.Inquiriesarebeingmade.”
Narracottnodded.
“HereistheentryfromSomersetHouse,sir.”
Narracottunfoldedit.Itwastherecordofamarriagein1894betweenWilliamMartinDeringandMarthaElizabethRycroft.
“Ah!”saidtheInspector,“anythingelse?”
“Yes,sir.Mr.BrianPearsonsailedfromAustraliaonaBlueFunnelBoat,thePhidias.ShetouchedatCapeTownbutnopassengersofthenameofWillettwereaboard.NomotheranddaughteratallfromSouthAfrica.TherewasaMrs.andMissEvansandaMrs.andMissJohnsonfromMelbourne—thelatteranswerthedescriptionoftheWilletts.”
“H’m,”saidtheInspector—“Johnson.ProbablyneitherJohnsonnorWillettistherightname.IthinkI’vegotthemtapedoutallright.Anythingmore?”
Therewasnothingelseitseemed.
“Well,”saidNarracott,“Ithinkwehavegotenoughtogoonwith.”
Twenty-eight
BOOTS
“But,mydearyounglady,”saidMr.Kirkwood,“whatcanyoupossiblyexpecttofindatHazelmoor?AllCaptainTrevelyan’seffectshavebeenremoved.Thepolicehavemadeathoroughsearchofthehouse.IquiteunderstandyourpositionandyouranxietythatMr.Pearsonshallbe—er—clearedifpossible.Butwhatcanyoudo?”
“Idon’texpecttofindanything,”Emilyreplied,“ortonoticeanythingthatthepolicehaveoverlooked.Ican’texplaintoyou,Mr.Kirkwood.Iwant—Iwanttogettheatmosphereoftheplace.Pleaseletmehavethekey.There’snoharminit.”
“Certainlythere’snoharminit,”saidMr.Kirkwoodwithdignity.
“Thenpleasebekind,”saidEmily.
SoMr.Kirkwoodwaskindandhandedoverthekeywithanindulgentsmile.Hedidhisbesttocomewithher,whichcatastrophewasonlyavertedbygreattactandfirmnessonEmily’spart.
ThatmorningEmilyhadreceivedaletter.Itwascouchedinthefollowingterms:
“DearMissTrefusis,”—wroteMrs.Belling.“Yousaidashowyouwouldliketohearifanythingatallshouldhappenthatwasinanywayoutofthecommonevenifnotimportant,and,asthisispeculiar,thoughnotinanywayimportant,IthoughtitmydutyMisstoletyouknowatonce,hopingthiswillcatchyoubythelastposttonightorthefirstposttomorrow.Mynieceshecameroundandsaiditwasn’tofanyimportancebutpeculiarwhichIagreedwithher.Thepolicesaid,anditwasgenerallyagreedthatnothingwastakenfromCaptainTrevelyan’shouseandnothingwasinamannerofspeakingnothingthatisofanyvalue,butsomethingthereismissingthoughnotnoticedatthetimebeingunimportant.ButitseemsMissthatapairoftheCaptain’sbootsismissingwhichEvansnoticedwhenhewentoverthethingswithMajorBurnaby.ThoughIdon’tsupposeitisofanyimportanceMissIthoughtyouwouldliketoknow.ItwasapairofbootsMissthethickkindyourubsoilintoandwhichtheCaptainwouldhavewornifhehadgoneoutinthesnowbutashedidn’tgooutinthesnowitdoesn’tseemtomakesense.ButmissingtheyareandwhotookthemnobodyknowsandthoughIwellknowit’sofnoimportanceIfeltitmydutytowriteandhopingthisfindsyouasitleavesmeatpresentandhopingyouarenotworryingtoomuchabouttheyounggentlemanIremainMissYourstruly—Mrs.J.Belling.”
Emilyhadreadandre-readthisletter.ShehaddiscusseditwithCharles.
“Boots,”saidCharlesthoughtfully.“Itdoesn’tseemtomakesense.”
“Itmustmeansomething,”Emilypointedout.“Imean—whyshouldapairofbootsbemissing?”
“Youdon’tthinkEvansisinventing?”
“Whyshouldhe?Andafterallifpeopledoinvent,theyinventsomethingsensible.Notasillypointlessthinglikethis.”
“Bootssuggestssomethingtodowithfootprints,”saidCharlesthoughtfully.
“Iknow.Butfootprintsdon’tseemtoenterintothiscaseatall.Perhapsifithadn’tcomeontosnowagain—”
“Yes,perhaps,buteventhen.”
“Couldhehavegiventhemtosometramp,”suggestedCharles,“andthenthetrampdidhimin.”
“Isupposethat’spossible,”saidEmily,“butitdoesn’tsoundverylikeCaptainTrevelyan.Hemightperhapshavefoundamansomeworktodoorgivenhimashilling,buthewouldn’thavepressedhisbestwinterbootsonhim.”
“Well,Igiveitup,”saidCharles.
“I’mnotgoingtogiveitup,”saidEmily.“ByhookorbycrookI’mgoingtogettothebottomofit.”
AccordinglyshecametoExhamptonandwentfirsttotheThreeCrowns,whereMrs.Bellingreceivedherwithgreatenthusiasm.
“Andyouryounggentlemanstillinprison,Miss!Well,it’sacruelshameandnoneofusdon’tbelieveitwashimatleastIwouldliketohearthemsaysowhenIamabout.Soyougotmyletter?You’dliketoseeEvans?Well,helivesrightroundthecorner,85ForeStreetitis.IwishIcouldcomewithyou,butIcan’tleavetheplace,butyoucan’tmistakeit.”
Emilydidnotmistakeit.Evanshimselfwasout,butMrs.Evansreceivedherandinvitedherin.EmilysatdownandinducedMrs.Evanstodosoalsoandplungestraightintothematteronhand.
“I’vecometotalkaboutwhatyourhusbandtoldMrs.Belling.ImeanaboutapairofCaptainTrevelyan’sbootsbeingmissing.”
“It’sanoddthing,tobesure,”saidthegirl.
“Yourhusbandisquitecertainaboutit?”
“Oh,yes.Worethesebootsmostofthetimeinwinter,theCaptaindid.Bigonestheywere,andheworeacoupleofpairsofsocksinsidethem.”
Emilynodded.
“Theycan’thavegonetobemendedoranythinglikethat?”shesuggested.
“NotwithoutEvansknowing,theycouldn’t,”saidhiswifeboastfully.
“No,Isupposenot.”
“It’squeerlike,”saidMrs.Evans,“butIdon’tsupposeithadanythingtodowiththemurder,doyou,Miss?”
“Itdoesn’tseemlikely,”agreedEmily.
“Havetheyfoundoutanythingnew,Miss?”Thegirl’svoicewaseager.
“Yes,oneortwothings—nothingveryimportant.”
“SeeingasthattheInspectorfromExeterwashereagaintoday,Ithoughtasthoughtheymight.”
“InspectorNarracott?”
“Yes,that’stheone,Miss.”
“Didhecomebymytrain?”
“No,hecamebycar.HewenttotheThreeCrownsfirstandaskedabouttheyounggentleman’sluggage.”
“Whatyounggentleman’sluggage?”
“Thegentlemanyougoaboutwith,Miss.”
Emilystared.
“TheyaskedTom,”wentonthegirl,“Iwaspassingbyjustafterandhetoldmeaboutit.He’saonefornoticingisTom.Herememberedthereweretwolabelsontheyounggentleman’sluggage,onetoExeterandonetoExhampton.”
AsuddensmileilluminatedEmily’sfaceasshepicturedthecrimebeingcommittedbyCharlesinordertoprovideascoopforhimself.Onecould,shedecided,writeagruesomelittlestoryonthattheme.ButsheadmiredInspectorNarracott’sthoroughnessincheckingeverydetailtodowithanyone,howeverremotetheirconnectionwiththecrime.HemusthaveleftExeteralmostimmediatelyafterhisinterviewwithher.Afastcarwouldeasilybeatthetrain,andinanycaseshehadlunchedinExeter.
“WheredidtheInspectorgoafterwards?”sheasked.
“ToSittaford,Miss.Tomheardhimtellthedriver.”
“ToSittafordHouse?”
BrianPearsonwas,sheknew,stillstayingatSittafordHousewiththeWilletts.
“No,Miss,toMr.Duke’s.”
Dukeagain.Emilyfeltirritatedandbaffled.AlwaysDuke—theunknownfactor.Sheought,shefelt,tobeabletodeducehimfromtheevidence,butheseemedtohaveproducedthesameeffectoneveryone—anormal,ordinary,pleasantman.
“I’vegottoseehim,”saidEmilytoherself.“I’llgostraightthereassoonasIgetbacktoSittaford.”
ThenshehadthankedMrs.Evans,goneontoMr.Kirkwood’sandobtainedthekey,andwasnowstandinginthehallofHazelmoorandwonderinghowandwhatshehadexpectedtofeelthere.
Shemountedthestairsslowlyandwentintothefirstroomatthetopofthestairs.ThiswasquiteclearlyCaptainTrevelyan’sbedroom.Ithad,asMr.Kirkwoodhadsaid,beenemptiedofpersonaleffects.Blanketswerefoldedinaneatpile,thedrawerswereempty,therewasnotsomuchasahangerleftinthecupboard.Thebootcupboardshowedarowofbareshelves.
Emilysighedandthenturnedandwentdownstairs.Herewasthesittingroomwherethedeadmanhadlain,thesnowblowinginfromtheopenwindow.
Shetriedtovisualizethescene.WhosehandhadstruckCaptainTrevelyandown,andwhy?Hadhebeenkilledatfiveandtwentypastfiveaseveryonebelieved—orhadJimreallylosthisnerveandlied?Hadhefailedtomakeanyonehearatthefrontdoorandgoneroundtothewindow,lookedinandseenhisdeaduncle’sbodyanddashedawayinanagonyoffear?Ifonlysheknew.AccordingtoMr.Dacres,Jimstucktohisstory.Yes—butJimmighthavelosthisnerve.Shecouldn’tbesure.
Hadtherebeen,asMr.Rycrofthadsuggested,someoneelseinthehouse—someonewhohadoverheardthequarrelandseizedhischance?
Ifso—didthatthrowanylightonthebootproblem?Hadsomeonebeenupstairs—perhapsinCaptainTrevelyan’sbedroom?Emilypassedthroughthehallagain.Shetookaquicklookintothediningroom;therewereacoupleoftrunksthereneatlystrappedandlabelled.Thesideboardwasbare.ThesilvercupswereatMajorBurnaby’sbungalow.
Shenoticed,however,thattheprizeofthreenewnovels,anaccountofwhichCharleshadhadfromEvansandhadreportedwithamusingembellishmentstoher,hadbeenforgottenandlaydejectedlyonachair.
Shelookedroundtheroomandshookherhead.Therewasnothinghere.
Shewentupthestairsagainandoncemoreenteredthebedroom.
Shemustknowwhythesebootsweremissing!Untilshecouldconcoctsometheoryreasonablysatisfactorytoherselfwhichwouldaccountfortheirdisappearance,shefeltpowerlesstoputthemoutofhermind.Theyweresoaringtoridiculousproportions,dwarfingeverythingelsetodowiththecase.Wastherenothingtohelpher?
Shetookeachdraweroutandfeltbehindit.Indetectivestoriestherewasalwaysanobligingscrapofpaper.Butevidentlyinreallifeonecouldnotexpectsuchfortunateaccidents,orelseInspectorNarracottandhismenhadbeenwonderfullythorough.Shefeltforlooseboards,shefeltroundtheedgeofthecarpetwithherfingers.Sheinvestigatedthespringmattress.Whatsheexpectedtofindinalltheseplacesshehardlyknew,butshewentonlookingwithdoggedperseverance.
Andthen,asshestraightenedherbackandstoodupright,hereyewascaughtbytheoneincongruoustouchinthisroomofapple-pieorder,alittlepileofsootinthegrate.
Emilylookedatitwiththefascinatedgazeofabirdforasnake.Shedrewnearer,eyeingit.Itwasnologicaldeduction,noreasoningofcauseandeffect,itwassimplythatthesightofsootassuchsuggestedacertainpossibility.Emilyrolleduphersleevesandthrustbotharmsupthechimney.
Amomentlatershewasstaringwithincredulousdelightataparcelwrappedneatlyinnewspaper.Oneshakedetachedthenewspaperandthere,beforeher,werethemissingpairofboots.
“Butwhy?”saidEmily.“Heretheyare.Butwhy?Why?Why?Why?”
Shestaredatthem.Sheturnedthemover.Sheexaminedthemoutsideandinsideandthesamequestionbeatmonotonouslyinherbrain.Why?
GrantedthatsomeonehadremovedCaptainTrevelyan’sbootsandhiddenthemupthechimney.Whyhadtheydoneso?
“Oh!”criedEmilydesperately,“Ishallgomad!”
Sheputthebootscarefullyinthemiddleofthefloor,anddrawingupachairoppositethemshesatdown.Andthendeliberatelyshesetherselftothinkoutthingsfromthebeginning,goingovereverydetailthatsheknewherselforhadlearnedbyhearsayfromotherpeople.Sheconsideredeveryactorinthedramaandoutsidethedrama.
Andsuddenly,aqueernebulousideabegantotakeshape—anideasuggestedbythatpairofinnocentbootsthatstoodtheredumblyonthefloor.
“Butifso,”saidEmily,—“ifso—”
Shepickedupthebootsinherhandandhurrieddownstairs.Shepushedopenthediningroomdoorandwenttothecupboardinthecorner.HerewasCaptainTrevelyan’smotleyarrayofsportingtrophiesandsportingoutfits,allthethingshehadnottrustedwithinreachofthefemaletenants.Theskis,thesculls,theelephant’sfoot,thetusks,the
Emilybentdownbootsinhand.
Inaminuteortwoshestoodupright,flushed,incredulous.
“Sothatwasit,”saidEmily.“Sothatwasit.”
Shesankintoachair.Therewasstillmuchthatshedidnotunderstand.
Aftersomeminutessherosetoherfeet.Shespokealoud.
“IknowwhokilledCaptainTrevelyan,”shesaid.“ButIdon’tknowwhy.Istillcan’tthinkwhy.ButImustn’tlosetime.”
ShehurriedoutofHazelmoor.TofindacartodrivehertoSittafordwastheworkofafewminutes.SheorderedittotakehertoMr.Duke’sbungalow.Hereshepaidthemanandthenwalkedupthepathasthecardroveaway.
Sheliftedtheknockerandgavealoudrat-tat.
Afteramomentortwo’sintervalthedoorwasopenedbyabigburlymanwitharatherimpassiveface.
Forthefirsttime,EmilymetMr.Dukefacetoface.
“Mr.Duke?”sheasked.
“Yes.”
“IamMissTrefusis.MayIcomein,please?”
Therewasamomentaryhesitation.Thenhestoodasidetoletherpass.Emilywalkedintothelivingroom.Heclosedthefrontdoorandfollowedher.
“IwanttoseeInspectorNarracott,”saidEmily.“Ishehere?”
Againtherewasapause.Mr.Dukeseemeduncertainhowtoanswer.Atlastheappearedtomakeuphismind.Hesmiled—arathercurioussmile.
“InspectorNarracottishere,”hesaid.“Whatdoyouwanttoseehimabout?”
Emilytooktheparcelshewascarryingandunwrappedit.Shetookoutapairofbootsandplacedthemonthetableinfrontofhim.
“Iwant,”shesaid,“toseehimaboutthoseboots.”
Twenty-nine
THESECONDSéANCE
“Hullo,hullo,hullo,”saidRonnieGarfield.
Mr.Rycroft,slowlyascendingthesteepslopeofthelanefromthepostoffice,paused,tillRonnieovertookhim.
“BeentothelocalHarrods,eh?”saidRonnie.“OldMotherHibbert.”
“No,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Ihavebeenforashortwalkalongpasttheforge.Verydelightfulweathertoday.”
Ronnielookedupatthebluesky.
“Yes,abitofadifferencefromlastweek.Bytheway,you’regoingtotheWilletts’,Isuppose?”
“Iam.Youalso?”
“Yes.OurbrightspotinSittaford—theWilletts.Mustn’tletyourselfgetdownhearted,that’stheirmotto.Carryonasusual.Myauntsaysitisunfeelingofthemtoaskpeopletoteasosoonafterthefuneralandallthat,butthat’sallbunkum.Shejustsaysthatbecauseshe’sfeelingrattledabouttheEmperorofPeru.”
“TheEmperorofPeru?”saidMr.Rycroftsurprised.
“Oneoftheblinkingcats.It’sturnedouttobeanEmpressinsteadandAuntCaroline’snaturallyannoyedaboutit.Shedoesn’tlikethesesexproblems—so,asIsay,shegotherfeelingsoffherchestbymakingcattyremarksabouttheWilletts.Whyshouldn’ttheyaskpeopletotea?Trevelyanwasn’tarelation,oranythinglikethat.”
“Verytrue,”saidMr.Rycroftturninghisheadandexaminingabirdwhichflewpastandinwhichhethoughtherecognizedararespecies.
“Howannoying,”hemurmured.“Ihaven’tgotmyglasseswithme.”
“Eh!Isay,talkingofTrevelyan,doyouthinkMrs.Willettcanhaveknowntheoldboybetterthanshesays?”
“Whydoyouaskthat?”
“Becauseofthechangeinher.Haveyoueverseenanythinglikeit?She’sagedabouttwentyyearsinthelastweek.Youmusthavenoticedit.”
“Yes,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Ihavenoticedit.”
“Well,thereyouare.Trevelyan’sdeathmusthavebeenthemostfrightfulshocktoherinsomewayorother.Queerifsheturnedouttobetheoldman’slonglostwifewhomhedesertedinhisyouthanddidn’trecognize.”
“Ihardlythinkthatlikely,Mr.Garfield.”
“Bittoomuchofamoviestunt,eh?Allthesameveryoddthingshappen.I’vereadsomereallyamazingthingsintheDailyWire—thingsyouwouldn’tcreditifanewspaperdidn’tprintthem.”
“Aretheyanymoretobecreditedonthataccount?”inquiredMr.Rycroftacidly.
“YouhavegotadownonyoungEnderby,haven’tyou?”saidRonnie.
“Idislikeill-brednosingintoaffairsthatdonotconcernyou,”saidMr.Rycroft.
“Yes,butthentheydoconcernhim,”Ronniepersisted.“Imeannosingaboutisthepoorchap’sjob.HeseemstohavetamedoldBurnabyallright.Funny,theoldboycanhardlybearthesightofme.I’mlikearedragtoabulltohim.”
Mr.Rycroftdidnotreply.
“ByJove,”saidRonnieagainglancingupatthesky.“Doyourealizeit’sFriday?JustaweekagotodayataboutthistimeweweretrudginguptotheWilletts’justaswearenow.Butabitofachangeintheweather.”
“Aweekago,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Itseemsinfinitelylonger.”
“Morelikeaballyyear,doesn’tit?Hullo,Abdul.”
TheywerepassingCaptainWyatt’sgateoverwhichthemelancholyIndianwasleaning.
“Goodafternoon,Abdul,”saidMr.Rycroft.“How’syourmaster?”
TheIndianshookhishead.
“Masterbadtoday,Sahib.Notseeanyone.Notseeanyoneforlongtime.”
“Youknow,”saidRonnieastheypassedon,“thatchapcouldmurderWyattquiteeasilyandnoonewouldknow.Hecouldgoonforweeksshakinghisheadandsayingthemasterwouldn’tseeanyoneandnoonewouldthinkittheleastodd.”
Mr.Rycroftadmittedthetruthofthestatement.
“Buttherewouldstillbetheproblemofthedisposalofthebody,”hepointedout.
“Yes,that’salwaysthesnag,isn’tit?Inconvenientthing,ahumanbody.”
TheypassedMajorBurnaby’scottage.TheMajorwasinhisgardenlookingsternlyataweedwhichwasgrowingwherenoweedshouldbe.
“Goodafternoon,Major,”saidMr.Rycroft.“AreyoualsocomingtoSittafordHouse?”
Burnabyrubbedhisnose.
“Don’tthinkso.Theysentanoteaskingme.But—well—Idon’tfeellikeit.Expectyou’llunderstand.”
Mr.Rycroftbowedhisheadintokenofunderstanding.
“Allthesame,”hesaid.“Iwishyou’dcome.I’vegotareason.”
“Areason.Whatsortofreason?”
Mr.Rycrofthesitated.ItwasclearthatthepresenceofRonnieGarfieldconstrainedhim.ButRonnie,completelyobliviousofthefact,stoodhisgroundlisteningwithingenuousinterest.
“I’dliketotryanexperiment,”hesaidatlastslowly.
“Whatsortofexperiment?”demandedBurnaby.Mr.Rycrofthesitated.
“I’drathernottellyoubeforehand.ButifyoucomeI’llaskyoutobackmeupinanythingIsuggest.”
Burnaby’scuriositywasaroused.
“Allright,”hesaid.“I’llcome.Youcancountonme.Where’smyhat?”
Herejoinedtheminaminute,hatonhead,andallthreeturnedinatthegatesofSittafordHouse.
“Hearyouareexpectingcompany,Rycroft,”saidBurnabyconversationally.
Ashadeofvexationpassedovertheolderman’sface.
“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Thatchatteringmagpieofawoman,Mrs.Curtis.She’scleanandshe’shonest,buthertongueneverstops,andshepaysnoattentiontowhetheryoulistenorwhetheryoudon’t.”
“It’squitetrue,”admittedMr.Rycroft.“Iamexpectingmyniece,Mrs.Dering,andherhusband,tomorrow.”
Theyhadarrivedatthefrontdoorbynow,andonpressingthebellitwasopenedtothembyBrianPearson.
Astheyremovedtheirovercoatsinthehall,Mr.Rycroftobservedthetallbroad-shoulderedyoungmanwithaninterestedeye.
“Finespecimen,”hethought.“Veryfinespecimen.Strongtemper.Curiousangleofthejaw.Mightbeanastycustomertotackleincertaincircumstances.Whatyoumightcalladangerousyoungman.”
AqueerfeelingofunrealitystoleoverMajorBurnabyasheenteredthedrawingroom,andMrs.Willettrosetogreethim.
“Splendidofyoutoturnout.”
Thesamewordsaslastweek.Thesameblazingfireonthehearth.Hefancied,butwasnotsure,thesamegownsonthetwowomen.
Itdidgiveoneaqueerfeeling.Asthoughitwerelastweekagain—asthoughJoeTrevelyanhadn’tdied—asthoughnothinghadhappenedorwerechanged.Stop,thatwaswrong.TheWillettwomanhadchanged.Awreck,thatwastheonlywayofdescribingher.Nolongertheprosperousdeterminedwomanoftheworld,butabrokennervycreaturemakinganobviousandpatheticefforttoappearasusual.
“ButI’mhangedifIcanseewhatJoe’sdeathmeanttoher,”thoughttheMajor.
ForthehundredthtimeheregisteredtheimpressionthattherewassomethingdeucedoddabouttheWilletts.
Asusual,heawoketotherealizationthathewasbeingsilentandthatsomeonewasspeakingtohim.
“Ourlastlittlegathering,Iamafraid,”Mrs.Willettwassaying.
“What’sthat?”RonnieGarfieldlookedupsuddenly.
“Yes.”Mrs.Willettshookherheadwithawould-besmile.“WehavegottoforegotherestofthewinterinSittaford.Personally,ofcourse,Iloveit—thesnowandthetorsandthewildnessofitall.Butthedomesticproblem!Thedomesticproblemistoodifficult—itdefeatsme!”
“Ithoughtyouweregoingtogetachauffeur-butlerandahandyman,”saidMajorBurnaby.
AsuddenshivershookMrs.Willett’sframe.
“No,”shesaid,“I—Ihavetogiveupthatidea.”
“Dear,dear,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Thisisagreatblowtousall.Verysadindeed.Wewillsinkbackintoourlittlerutafteryouhavegone.Whendoyougo,bytheway?”
“OnMonday,Iexpect,”saidMrs.Willett.“UnlessIcangetawaytomorrow.It’ssoveryawkwardwithnoservants.Ofcourse,ImustarrangethingswithMr.Kirkwood.Itookthehouseforfourmonths.”
“YouaregoingtoLondon?”inquiredMr.Rycroft.
“Yes,probably,tostartwithanyway.ThenIexpectweshallgoabroadtotheRiviera.”
“Agreatloss,”saidMr.Rycroftbowinggallantly.
Mrs.Willettgaveaqueeraimlesslittletitter.
“Tookindofyou,Mr.Rycroft.Well,shallwehavetea?”
Teawaslaidready.Mrs.Willettpouredout.RonnieandBrianhandedthings.Aqueerkindofembarrassmentlayovertheparty.
“Whataboutyou?”saidBurnabyabruptlytoBrianPearson.“Youofftoo?”
“ToLondon,yes.NaturallyIshan’tgoabroadtillthisbusinessisover.”
“Thisbusiness?”
“Imeanuntilmybrotherisclearedofthisridiculouscharge.”
Heflungthewordsatthemdefiantlyinsuchachallengingmannerthatnobodyknewquitewhattosay.MajorBurnabyrelievedthesituation.
“Neverhavebelievedhedidit.Notforamoment,”hesaid.
“Noneofusthinkso,”saidViolet,flinginghimagratefulglance.
Thetinkleofabellbroketheensuingpause.
“That’sMr.Duke,”saidMrs.Willett.“Lethimin,Brian.”
YoungPearsonhadgonetothewindow.
“It’snotDuke,”hesaid.“It’sthatdamnedjournalist.”
“Oh!dear,”saidMrs.Willett.“Well,Isupposewemustlethiminallthesame.”
BriannoddedandreappearedinafewminuteswithCharlesEnderby.
Enderbyenteredwithhisusualingenuousairofbeamingsatisfaction.Theideathathemightnotbewelcomedidnotseemtooccurtohim.
“Hullo,Mrs.Willett,howareyou?ThoughtI’djustdropinandseehowthingswere.IwonderedwhereeveryoneinSittafordhadgotto.Now,Isee.”
“Havesometea,Mr.Enderby?”
“Awfullykindofyou.Iwill.IseeEmilyisn’there.Isupposeshe’swithyouraunt,Mr.Garfield.”
“NotthatIknowof,”saidRonniestaring.“Ithoughtshe’dgonetoExhampton.”
“Ah!butshe’sbackfromthere.HowdoIknow?Alittlebirdtoldme.TheCurtisbird,tobeaccurate.Sawthecarpassthepostofficeandgoupthelaneandcomebackempty.SheisnotinNo.5andshe’snotinSittafordHouse.Puzzle—whereisshe?FailingMissPercehouse,shemustbesippingteawiththatdeterminedladykiller,CaptainWyatt.”
“ShemayhavegoneupSittafordBeacontoseethesunset,”suggestedMr.Rycroft.
“Don’tthinkso,”saidBurnaby.“Shouldhaveseenherpass.I’vebeeninthegardenforthelasthour.”
“Well,Idon’tthinkit’saveryvitalproblem,”saidCharlescheerfully.“ImeanIdon’tthinkshe’sbeenkidnappedormurderedoranything.”
“That’sapityfromthepointofviewofyourpaper,isn’tit?”sneeredBrian.
“Evenforcopy,Iwouldn’tsacrificeEmily,”saidCharles.“Emily,”headdedthoughtfully,“isunique.”
“Verycharming,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Verycharming.Weare—er—collaborators,sheandI?”
“Haseveryonefinished?”saidMrs.Willett.“Whataboutsomebridge?”
“Er—onemoment,”saidMr.Rycroft.
Heclearedhisthroatimportantly.Everyonelookedathim.
“Mrs.Willett,Iam,asyouknow,deeplyinterestedinpsychicphenomena.Aweekagotoday,inthisveryroom,wehadanamazing,indeedanawe-inspiringexperience.”
TherewasafaintsoundfromVioletWillett.Heturnedtoher.
“Iknow,mydearMissWillett,Iknow.Theexperienceupsetyou,itwasupsetting.Idonotdenyit.Now,eversincethecrimethepoliceforcehavebeenseekingthemurdererofCaptainTrevelyan.Theyhavemadeanarrest.Butsomeofus,atleast,inthisroom,donotbelievethatMr.JamesPearsonistheguiltyparty.WhatIproposeisthis,thatwerepeattheexperimentoflastFriday,thoughapproachingitthistimeinaratherdifferentspirit.”
“No,”criedViolet.
“Oh!Isay,”saidRonnie.“That’sabittoothick.I’mnotgoingtojoininanyway.”
Mr.Rycrofttooknonoticeofhim.
“Mrs.Willett,whatdoyousay?”
Shehesitated.
“Frankly,Mr.Rycroft,Idonotliketheidea.Idon’tlikeitatall.Thatmiserablebusinesslastweekmadeamostdisagreeableimpressiononme.Itwilltakemealongtimetoforgetit.”
“Whatareyougettingatexactly?”askedEnderbyinterestedly.“DoyouproposethatthespiritsshouldtellusthenameofCaptainTrevelyan’smurderer?Thatseemsaprettytallorder.”
“Itwasaprettytallorder,asyoucallit,whenlastweekamessagecamethroughsayingthatCaptainTrevelyanwasdead.”
“That’strue,”agreedEnderby.“But—well—youknowthisideaofyoursmighthaveconsequencesyouhaven’tconsidered.”
“Suchas?”
“Supposinganamewasmentioned?Couldyoubesurethatsomeonepresentdidnotdeliberately—”
HepausedandRonnieGarfieldtenderedtheword.
“Shove.That’swhathemeans.Supposingsomebodygoesandshoves.”
“Thisisaseriousexperiment,sir,”saidMr.Rycroftwarmly.“Nobodywoulddosuchathing.”
“Idon’tknow,”saidRonniedubiously.“Iwouldn’tputitpastthem.Idon’tmeanmyself.IswearIwouldn’t,butsupposeeveryoneturnsonmeandsaysIhave.Jollyawkward,youknow.”
“Mrs.Willett,Iaminearnest,”thelittleoldgentlemandisregardedRonnie.“Ibegofyou,letusmaketheexperiment.”
Shewavered.
“Idon’tlikeit.Ireallydon’t.I—”Shelookedroundheruneasily,asthoughforawayofescape.“MajorBurnaby,youwereCaptainTrevelyan’sfriend.Whatdoyousay?”
TheMajor’seyesmetthoseofMr.Rycroft.This,heunderstood,wasthecontingencywhichthelatterhadforeshadowed.
“Whynot?”hesaidgruffly.
Ithadallthedecisionofacastingvote.
Ronniewentintotheadjoiningroomandbroughtthesmalltablewhichhadbeenusedbefore.Hesetitinthemiddleofthefloorandchairsweredrawnuproundit.Noonespoke.Theexperimentwasclearlynotpopular.
“Thatiscorrect,Ithink,”saidMr.Rycroft.“WeareabouttorepeattheexperimentoflastFridayunderpreciselysimilarconditions.”
“Notpreciselysimilar,”objectedMrs.Willett.“Mr.Dukeismissing.”
“True,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Apityheisnothere.Agreatpity.Well—er—wemustconsiderhimasreplacedbyMr.Pearson.”
“Don’ttakepartinit,Brian.Ibegofyou.Pleasedon’t,”criedViolet.
“Whatdoesitmatter?It’sallnonsenseanyway.”
“Thatisquitethewrongspirit,”saidMr.Rycroftseverely.
BrianPearsondidnotreply,buttookhisplacebesideViolet.
“Mr.Enderby,”beganMr.Rycroft,butCharlesinterruptedhim.
“Iwasnotinonthis.I’majournalistandyoumistrustme.I’lltakenotesinshorthandofanyphenomena—that’stheword,isn’tit?—thatoccur.”
Mattersweresettledlikethat.Theothersixtooktheirplacesroundthetable.Charlesturnedoffthelightsandsatdownonthefender.
“Oneminute,”hesaid.“What’sthetime?”Hepeeredathiswristwatchinthefirelight.
“That’sodd,”hesaid.
“What’sodd?”
“It’sjusttwenty-fiveminutespastfive.”
Violetutteredalittlecry.
Mr.Rycroftsaidseverely:
“Silence.”
Theminutespassed.Averydifferentatmospherethistotheoneaweekago.Therewasnomuffledlaughter,nowhisperedcomments—onlysilence,brokenatlastbyaslightcrackfromthetable.
Mr.Rycroft’svoicerose.
“Isthereanyonethere?”
Anotherfaintcrack—somehowaneeriesoundinthatdarkenedroom.
“Isthereanyonethere?”
Notacrackthistimebutadeafeningtremendousrap.
VioletscreamedandMrs.Willettgaveacry.
BrianPearson’svoicerosereassuringly.
“It’sallright.That’saknockatthefrontdoor.I’llgoandopenit.”
Hestrodefromtheroom.
Stillnobodyspoke.
Suddenlythedoorflewopen,thelightswereswitchedon.
InthedoorwaystoodInspectorNarracott.BehindhimwereEmilyTrefusisandMr.Duke.
Narracotttookastepintotheroomandspoke.
“JohnBurnabyIchargeyouwiththemurderofJosephTrevelyanonFridaythe14thinstant,andIherebywarnyouthatanythingyoumaysaywillbetakendownandmaybeusedinevidence.”
Thirty
EMILYEXPLAINS
ItwasacrowdofpeoplealmosttoosurprisedforwordsthatcrowdedroundEmilyTrefusis.
InspectorNarracotthadledhisprisonerfromtheroom.
CharlesEnderbyfoundhisvoicefirst.
“Forheaven’ssake,coughitup,Emily,”hesaid.“Iwanttogettothetelegraphoffice.Everymoment’svital.”
“ItwasMajorBurnabywhokilledCaptainTrevelyan.”
“Well,IsawNarracottarresthim.AndIsupposeNarracott’ssane—hasn’tgoneoffhisnutsuddenly.ButhowcanBurnabyhavekilledTrevelyan?Imeanhowisithumanlypossible?IfTrevelyanwaskilledatfiveandtwentypastfive—”
“Hewasn’t.Hewaskilledataboutaquartertosix.”
“Well,buteventhen—”
“Iknow.You’dneverguessunlessyoujusthappenedtothinkofit.Skis—that’stheexplanation—skis.”
“Skis?”repeatedeveryone.
Emilynodded.
“Yes.Hedeliberatelyengineeredthattable-turning.Itwasn’tanaccidentanddoneunconsciouslyaswethought,Charles.Itwasthesecondalternativethatwerejected—doneonpurpose.Hesawitwasgoingtosnowbeforeverylong.Thatwouldmakeitperfectlysafeandwipeoutalltracks.HecreatedtheimpressionthatCaptainTrevelyanwasdead—goteveryoneallworkedup.ThenhepretendedtobeveryupsetandinsistedonstartingoffforExhampton.
“Hewenthome,buckledonhisskis(theywerekeptinashedinthegardenwithalotofothertackle)andstarted.Hewasanexpertonskis.It’salldownhilltoExhampton—awonderfulrun.Itwouldonlytakeabouttenminutes.
“Hearrivedatthewindowandrapped.CaptainTrevelyanlethimin,allunsuspecting.Then,whenCaptainTrevelyan’sbackwasturnedheseizedhisopportunity,pickedupthatsandbagthingand—andkilledhim.Ugh!Itmakesmesicktothinkofit.”
Sheshuddered.
“Itwasallquiteeasy.Hehadplentyoftime.Hemusthavewipedandcleanedtheskisandthenputthemintothecupboardinthediningroom,pushedinamongalltheotherthings.Then,Isupposeheforcedthewindowandpulledoutallthedrawersandthings—tomakeitlookasthoughsomeonehadbrokenin.
“Thenjustbeforeeighto’clock,allhehadtodowastogoout,makeadetourontotheroadhigherupandcomepuffingandpantingintoExhamptonasthoughhe’dwalkedallthewayfromSittaford.Solongasnoonesuspectedabouttheskis,he’dbeperfectlysafe.Thedoctorcouldn’tfailtosaythatCaptainTrevelyanhadbeendeadatleasttwohours.And,asIsay,solongasnoonethoughtofskis,MajorBurnabywouldhaveaperfectalibi.”
“Buttheywerefriends—BurnabyandTrevelyan,”saidMr.Rycroft.“Oldfriends—they’vealwaysbeenfriends.It’sincredible.”
“Iknow,”saidEmily.“That’swhatIthought.Icouldn’tseewhy.IpuzzledandIpuzzledandatlastIhadtocometoInspectorNarracottandMr.Duke.”
ShepausedandlookedattheimpassiveMr.Duke.
“MayItellthem?”shesaid.
Mr.Dukesmiled.
“Ifyoulike,MissTrefusis.”
“Anyway—no,perhapsyou’dratherIdidn’t.Iwenttothem,andwegotthethingclear.Doyouremembertellingme,Charles,thatEvansmentionedthatCaptainTrevelyanusedtosendinsolutionsofcompetitionsinhisname?HethoughtSittafordHousewastoograndanaddress.Well—that’swhathedidintheFootballCompetitionthatyougaveMajorBurnabyfivethousandpoundsfor.ItwasCaptainTrevelyan’ssolutionreally,andhesentitininBurnaby’sname.No.1,TheCottages,Sittaford,soundedmuchbetter,hethought.Well,youseewhathappened?OnFridaymorningMajorBurnabygotthelettersayinghe’dwonfivethousandpounds(andbytheway,thatoughttohavemadeussuspicious.Hetoldyouhenevergottheletter—thatnothinghadcomethroughonFridayowingtotheweather.Thatwasalie.Fridaymorningwasthelastdaythingsdidcomethrough).WherewasI?Oh!—MajorBurnabygettingtheletter.Hewantedthatfivethousand—wanteditbadly.He’dbeeninvestinginsomerottensharesorotherandhadlostaterriblelotofmoney.
“Theideamusthavecomeintohisheadquitesuddenly,Ishouldthink.Perhapswhenherealizeditwasgoingtosnowthatevening.IfTrevelyanweredead—hecouldkeepthatmoneyandnoonewouldeverknow.”
“Amazing,”murmuredMr.Rycroft.“Quiteamazing.Ineverdreamed—Butmydearyounglady,howdidyoulearnallthis?Whatputyouontherighttrack?”
Foranswer,EmilyexplainedMrs.Belling’sletter,andtoldhowshehaddiscoveredthebootsinthechimney.
“Itwaslookingatthemthatputitintomymind.Theywereskiboots,yousee,andtheymademethinkofskis.AndsuddenlyIwonderedifperhaps—Irusheddownstairstothecupboard,andsureenoughthereweretwopairsofskisthere.Onepairwaslongerthantheother.Andthebootsfittedthelongpair—buttheydidn’tfittheother.Thetoeclipthingswereadjustedforamuchsmallerpairofboots.Theshorterpairofskisbelongedtoadifferentperson.”
“Heoughttohavehiddentheskissomewhereelse,”saidMr.Rycroftwithartisticdisapproval.
“No—no,”saidEmily.“Whereelsecouldhehidethem?Itwasaverygoodplacereally.Inadayortwothewholecollectionwouldhavebeenstored,andinthemeantimeitwasn’tlikelythatthepolicewouldbotherwhetherCaptainTrevelyanhadhadoneortwopairsofskis.”
“Butwhydidhehidetheboots?”
“Isuppose,”saidEmily,“thathewasafraidthepolicemightdoexactlywhatIdid—Thesightofskibootsmighthavesuggestedskistothem.Sohestuffedthemupthechimney.Andthat’sreally,ofcourse,wherehemadehismistake,becauseEvansnoticedthatthey’dgoneandIgottoknowofit.”
“DidhedeliberatelymeantofastenthecrimeonJim?”demandedBrianPearsonangrily.
“Oh!no.ThatwasjustJim’susualidioticluck.Hewasanidiot,poorlamb.”
“He’sallrightnow,”saidCharles.“Youneedn’tworryabouthim.Haveyoutoldmeeverything,Emily,becauseifso,Iwanttorushtothetelegraphoffice.You’llexcuseme,everybody.”
Hedashedoutoftheroom.
“Thelivewire,”saidEmily.
Mr.Dukespokeinhisdeepvoice.
“You’vebeenratheralivewireyourself,MissTrefusis.”
“Youhave,”saidRonnieadmiringly.
“Oh!dear,”saidEmilysuddenlyanddroppedlimplyonachair.
“Whatyouneedisapick-me-up,”saidRonnie.“Acocktail,eh?”
Emilyshookherhead.
“Alittlebrandy,”suggestedMr.Rycroftsolicitously.
“Acupoftea,”suggestedViolet.
“I’dlikeaspotoffacepowder,”saidEmilywistfully.“I’veleftmypowderpuffinthecar.AndIknowI’msimplyshiningwithexcitement.”
Violetledherupstairsinsearchofthissedativetothenerves.
“That’sbetter,”saidEmilydabbinghernosefirmly.“Whatanicekind.Ifeelmuchbetternow.Haveyougotanylipstick?Ifeelalmosthuman.”
“You’vebeenwonderful,”saidViolet.“Sobrave.”
“Notreally,”saidEmily.“UnderneaththiscamouflageI’vebeenaswobblyasajelly,withasortofsickfeelinginmymiddle.”
“Iknow,”saidViolet.“I’vefeltmuchthesamemyself.Ihavebeensoterrifiedthislastfewdays—aboutBrian,youknow.Theycouldn’thanghimformurderingCaptainTrevelyan,ofcourse,butifoncehehadsaidwherehewasduringthattime,theywouldsoonhaveferretedoutthatitwashewhoengineeredFather’sescape.”
“What’sthat?”saidEmilypausinginherfacialrepairs.
“Fatherwastheconvictwhoescaped.That’swhywecamehere.MotherandI.PoorFather,he’salways—beenqueerattimes.Thenhedoesthesedreadfulthings.WemetBrianonthewayoverfromAustralia,andheandI—well—heandI—”
“Isee,”saidEmilyhelpfully.“Ofcourseyoudid.”
“Itoldhimeverythingandbetweenusweconcoctedaplan.Brianwaswonderful.Wehadgotplentyofmoneyfortunately,andBrianmadealltheplans.It’sawfullyhardtogetawayfromPrincetown,youknow,butBrianengineeredit.Reallyitwasakindofmiracle.ThearrangementwasthatafterFathergotawayhewastogostraightacrosscountryhereandhideinthePixie’sCaveandthenlaterheandBrianweretobeourtwomenservants.Youseewithourarrivingsolongbeforehandweimaginedwewouldbequitefreefromsuspicion.ItwasBrianwhotoldusaboutthisplace,andsuggestedusofferingabigrenttoCaptainTrevelyan.”
“I’mawfullysorry,”saidEmily—“Imeanthatitallwentwrong.”
“It’sbrokenMotherupcompletely,”saidViolet.“IthinkBrian’swonderful.Itisn’teverybodywhowouldwanttomarryaconvict’sdaughter.ButIdon’tthinkit’sreallyFather’sfault,hehadanawfulkickontheheadfromahorseaboutfifteenyearsago,andsincethenhehasbeenabitqueer.Briansaysifhehadagoodcounselhewouldhavegotoff.Butdon’tlet’stalkaboutmeanymore.”
“Can’tanythingbedone?”
Violetshookherhead.
“He’sveryill—theexposure,youknow.Thatawfulcold.It’spneumonia.Ican’thelpfeelingthatifhedies—well—itmaybebestforhimreally.Itsoundsdreadfultosayso,butyouknowwhatImean.”
“PoorViolet,”saidEmily.“Itisarottenshame.”
Thegirlshookherhead.
“I’vegotBrian,”shesaid.“Andyou’vegot—”
Shestoppedembarrassed.
“Ye-es,”saidEmilythoughtfully,“That’sjustit.”
Thirty-one
THELUCKYMAN
TenminuteslaterEmilywashurryingdownthelane.CaptainWyatt,leaningoverhisgate,triedtoarrestherprogress
“Hi,”hesaid,“MissTrefusis.What’sallthisIhear?”
“It’salltrue,”saidEmilyhurryingon.
“Yes,butlookhere.Comein—haveaglassofwineoracupoftea.There’splentyoftime.Noneedtohurry.That’stheworstofyoucivilizedpeople.”
“We’reawful,Iknow,”saidEmilyandspedon.
SheburstinonMissPercehousewiththeexplosiveforceofabomb.
“I’vecometotellyouallaboutit,”saidEmily.
Andstraightawayshepouredforththecompletestory.Itwaspunctuatedbyvariousejaculationsof“Blessus,”“Youdon’tsayso?”“Well,Ideclare,”fromMissPercehouse.
WhenEmilyhadfinishedhernarrative,MissPercehouseraisedherselfonherelbowandwaggedafingerportentously.
“WhatdidIsay?”shedemanded.“ItoldyouBurnabywasajealousman.Friendsindeed!FormorethantwentyyearsTrevelyanhasdoneeverythingabitbetterthanBurnaby.Heskiedbetter,andheclimbedbetter,andheshotbetter,andhedidcrosswordpuzzlesbetter.Burnabywasn’tabigenoughmantostandit.Trevelyanwasrichandhewaspoor
“It’sbeengoingonalongtime.Icantellyouit’sadifficultthingtogoonreallylikingamanwhocandoeverythingjustalittlebitbetterthanyoucan.Burnabywasanarrow-minded,small-naturedman.Heletitgetonhisnerves.”
“Iexpectyou’reright,”saidEmily.“Well,Ihadtocomeandtellyou.Itseemedsounfairyoushouldbeoutofeverything.Bytheway,didyouknowthatyournephewknewmyAuntJennifer?TheywerehavingteatogetheratDeller’sonWednesday.”
“She’shisgodmother,”saidMissPercehouse.“Sothat’sthe‘fellow’hewantedtoseeinExeter.Borrowingmoney,ifIknowRonnie.I’llspeaktohim.”
“Iforbidyoutobiteanyoneonajoyfuldaylikethis,”saidEmily.“Good-bye.Imustfly.I’vegotalottodo.”
“Whathaveyougottodo,youngwoman?Ishouldsayyou’ddoneyourbit.”
“Notquite.ImustgouptoLondonandseeJim’sInsuranceCompanypeopleandpersuadethemnottoprosecutehimoverthatlittlematteroftheborrowedmoney.”
“H’m,”saidMissPercehouse.
“It’sallright,”saidEmily.“Jimwillkeepstraightenoughinfuture.He’shadhislesson.”
“Perhaps.Andyouthinkyou’llbeabletopersuadethem?”
“Yes,”saidEmilyfirmly.
“Well,”saidMissPercehouse.“Perhapsyouwill.Andafterthat?”
“Afterthat,”saidEmily.“I’vefinished.I’llhavedoneallIcanforJim.”
“Thensupposewesay—whatnext?”saidMissPercehouse.
“Youmean?”
“Whatnext?Orifyouwantitputclearer:Whichofthem?”
“Oh!”saidEmily.
“Exactly.That’swhatIwanttoknow.Whichofthemistobetheunfortunateman?”
Emilylaughed.Bendingovershekissedtheoldlady.
“Don’tpretendtobeanidiot,”shesaid.“Youknowperfectlywellwhichitis.”
MissPercehousechuckled.
EmilyranlightlyoutofthehouseanddowntothegatejustasCharlescameracingupthelane.
Hecaughtherbybothhands.
“Emilydarling!”
“Charles!Isn’teverythingmarvellous?”
“Ishallkissyou,”saidMr.Enderby,anddid.
“I’mamademan,Emily,”hesaid.“Now,lookhere,darling,whataboutit?”
“Whataboutwhat?”
“Well—Imean—well,ofcourse,itwouldn’thavebeenplayingthegamewithpooroldPearsoninprisonandalltherestofit.Buthe’sclearednowand—well,hehasgottotakehismedicinejustlikeanybodyelse.”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”saidEmily.
“YouknowwellenoughIamcrazyaboutyou,”saidMr.Enderby,“andyoulikeme.Pearsonwasjustamistake.WhatImeanis—well—youandI,wearemadeforeachother.Allthistime,wehaveknownit,bothofus,haven’twe?DoyoulikeaRegistryOfficeoraChurch,orwhat?”
“Ifyouarereferringtomarriage,”saidEmily,“there’snothingdoing.”
“What—butIsay—”
“No,”saidEmily.
“But—Emily—”
“Ifyouwillhaveit,”saidEmily.“IloveJim.Passionately!”
Charlesstaredatherinspeechlessbewilderment.
“Youcan’t!”
“Ican!AndIdo!AndIalwayshave!AndIalwaysshall!”
“You—youmademethink—”
“Isaid,”saidEmilydemurely,“thatitwaswonderfultohavesomeoneonecouldrelyon.”
“Yes,butIthought—”
“Ican’thelpwhatyouthought.”
“Youareanunscrupulousdevil,Emily.”
“Iknow,Charlesdarling.Iknow.I’meverythingyouliketocallme.Butnevermind.Thinkhowgreatyouaregoingtobe.You’vegotyourscoop!ExclusivenewsfortheDailyWire.You’reamademan.What’sawomananyway?Lessthanthedust.Noreallystrongmanwantsawoman.Sheonlyhampershimbyclingingtohimliketheivy.Everygreatmanisonewhoisindependentofwomen.Acareer—there’snothingsofine,soabsolutelysatisfyingtoaman,asagreatcareer.Youareastrongman,Charles,onewhocanstandalone—”
“Willyoustoptalking,Emily?It’slikeatalktoYoungMenontheWireless!You’vebrokenmyheart.Youdon’tknowhowlovelyyoulookedasyoucameintothatroomwithNarracott.Justlikesomethingtriumphantandavengingoffanarch.”
Afootstepcrunchedonthelane,andMr.Dukeappeared.
“Oh!Thereyouare,Mr.Duke,”saidEmily.“Charles,Iwanttotellyou.ThisisEx-Chief-InspectorDukeofScotlandYard.”
“What?”criedCharlesrecognizingthefamousname.“NottheInspectorDuke?”
“Yes,”saidEmily.“Whenheretired,hecameheretolive,andbeingniceandmodesthedidn’twanthisrenowntogetabout.IseenowwhyInspectorNarracotttwinkledsowhenIwantedhimtotellmewhatkindofcrimesMr.Dukehadcommitted.”
Mr.Dukelaughed.
Charleswavered.Therewasashorttusslebetweentheloverandthejournalist.Thejournalistwon.
“I’mdelightedtomeetyou,Inspector,”hesaid.“Now,Iwonderifwecouldpersuadeyoutodousashortarticle,sayeighthundredwords,ontheTrevelyancase.”
EmilysteppedquicklyupthelaneandintoMrs.Curtis’scottage.Sheranuptoherbedroomandpulledouthersuitcase.Mrs.Curtishadfollowedherup.
“You’renotgoing,Miss?”
“Iam.I’vegotalottodo—London,andmyyoungman.”
Mrs.Curtisdrewnearer.
“Justtellme,Miss,whichof’emisit?”
Emilywasthrowingclotheshaphazardintothesuitcase.
“Theoneinprison,ofcourse.There’sneverbeenanyother.”
“Ah!Youdon’tthink,Miss,thatmaybeyou’remakingamistake.You’resuretheotheryounggentlemanisworthasmuchasthisone?”
“Oh!no,”saidEmily.“Heisn’t.Thisonewillgeton.”SheglancedoutofthewindowwhereCharleswasstillholdingEx-Chief-InspectorDukeinearnestparley.“He’sthekindofyoungmanwho’ssimplyborntogeton—butIdon’tknowwhatwouldhappentotheotheroneifIweren’ttheretolookafterhim.Lookwherehewouldbenowifitweren’tforme!”
“Andyoucan’tsaymorethanthat,Miss,”saidMrs.Curtis.
Sheretreateddownstairstowhereherlawfulspousewassittingandstaringintovacancy.
“ThelivingimageofmyGreatAuntSarah’sBelindasheis,”saidMrs.Curtis.“ThrewherselfawayshedidonthatmiserableGeorgePlunketdownattheThreeCows.Mortgagedandallitwas.Andintwoyearsshehadthemortgagepaidoffandtheplaceagoingconcern.”
“Ah!”saidMr.Curtis,andshiftedhispipeslightly.
“Hewasahandsomefellow,GeorgePlunket,”saidMrs.Curtisreminiscently.
“Ah!”saidMr.Curtis.
“ButafterhemarriedBelindaheneversomuchaslookedatanotherwoman.”
“Ah!”saidMr.Curtis.
“Shenevergavehimthechance,”saidMrs.Curtis.
“Ah!”saidMr.Curtis.
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
www.AgathaChristie.com
THEAGATHACHRISTIECOLLECTION
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSetandOtherStories
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderDogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
ThistitlewaspreviouslypublishedasTheMurderatHazelmoor.
AGATHACHRISTIE?THESITTAFORDMYSTERY?.Copyright?1931AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.
THESITTAFORDMYSTERY?1931.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.
Formoreinformationabouteducationaluse,teachersshouldvisitwww.HarperAcademic.com.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWPAPERBACKEDITIONPUBLISHED2012
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207414-0
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-175220-9
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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