He came in answer to a cable from Sir Frederic,
Duff explained. I thought it would be best if the matter remained in its
formeroblivion.
The butlers eyes were on Inspector Duff, and his
face wassuddenly as white as his hair.
You must forgive me if I run along, he said. The
results will be most important from a scientific point of view,Beetham
continued.
Surely Captain Flannery has thought of it? You dont
believe he had anything to do with killing Sir Frederic? Speaking of that, I
havewanted a chat with you on the subject. I learned fromCaptain Flannery that no
records of any case were found among SirFrederics effects?
We thought we should never cometo the end of our
journey. On Tuesday afternoon Miss Morrow was the first to arrive at the bungalow.
Your grandmothers name would be highly honored. Durand continuedto pace back and
forth, silently, over the rug.
What an odd place for hydrocyanic acid, said
Kirk.
Deeply pleased at the invitation, Chan beamed. He
strolled away from the table, while Chan looked after himthoughtfully.
Somebodyshould go below and steer him into a
different car.
Idhate to lose Paradise, but Id hate to lose myself
even more.
In the past it has oftenhappened I was hoarsely
barking up incorrect tree. On chance that it means much,let us say nothing to the
Colonel just yet. And unless youprove more cruel than you look, Im not dining
alone.
Well, he, at least, can help us, Miss Morrow
suggested.
Until tonight I did not dream he wasmember of
picnic party. Paradise served Miss Morrow, and then turned to Inspector Duff. He was
surprisingly young, with rosy cheeks, and the look of a farmerabout him. There was a
gay social life at the garrison, and Eve took an importantpart in it, as was
natural.
Captain acts much like little child caught in
cross-wovennet.
Imagination does not seem to thrive on mainland
climate,he replied.
At any rate, Kirk continued, lifes going to be
rather a sportingproposition from now on. You seem to be filled with vimand vigor,
he said. Yet she was under watchful eye of clever mainland police.
By the way, there is one point on which I may be
able to offersome help.
You act with beautiful speed, Chan
approved.
Sergeant Chan, Duff said, you have not been
idle.
Personal affairs call me home with a loud
megaphone.
Unfortunately I am the only Scotland Yard man in
the States at themoment.
But I felt we were on the wrong trail
altogether.
It was a clumsy subterfuge, sir, and one I
deeplyregret. Well, Ive always thought theres no time like thepresent.