|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 120
"In other words," I said, bitterly, "although you encouraged me to
unfold my ideas regarding Mrs. Camber, you were merely laughing at me
all the time!"
"My dear Knox!" exclaimed Harley, jumping up impulsively, "please don't
be unjust. Is it like me? On the contrary, Knox"--he looked me squarely
in the eyes--"you have given me a platform on which already I have
begun to erect one corner of a theory of the crime. Without new facts I
can go no further. But this much at least you have done."
"Thanks, Harley," I murmured, and indeed I was gratified; "but where do
your other corners rest?"
"They rest," he said, slowly, "they rest, respectively, upon a bat
wing, a yew tree, and a Lee-Enfield charger-loader."
CHAPTER XXX
THE SEVENTH YEW TREE
Detective-Inspector Wessex arrived at about five o'clock; a quiet,
resourceful man, highly competent, and having the appearance of an ex-
soldier. His respect for the attainments of Paul Harley alone marked
him a student of character. I knew Wessex well, and was delighted when
Pedro showed him into the library.
"Thank God you are here, Wessex," said Harley, when we had exchanged
greetings. "At last I can move. Have you seen the local officer in
charge?"
"No," replied the Inspector, "but I gather that I have been
requisitioned over his head."
"You have," said Harley, grimly, "and over the head of the Chief
Constable, too. But I suppose it is unfair to condemn a man for the
shortcoming with which nature endowed him, therefore we must endeavour
to let Inspector Aylesbury down as lightly as possible. I have an idea
that I heard him return a while ago."
He walked out into the hall to make enquiries, and a few moments later
I heard Inspector Aylesbury's voice.
"Ah, there you are, Inspector Aylesbury," said Harley, cheerily. "Will
you please step into the library for a moment?"
The Inspector entered, frowning heavily, followed by my friend.
"There is no earthly reason why we should get at loggerheads over this
business," Harley continued; "but the fact of the matter is, Inspector
Aylesbury, that there are depths in this case to which neither you nor
I have yet succeeded in penetrating. You have a reputation to consider,
and so have I. Therefore I am sure you will welcome the cooperation of
Detective-Inspector Wessex of Scotland Yard, as I do."
"What's this, what's this?" said Aylesbury. "I have made no application
to London."
"Nevertheless, Inspector, it is quite in order," declared Wessex. "I
have my instructions here, and I have reported to Market Hilton
already. You see, the man you have detained is an American citizen."
"What of that?"
"Well, he seems to have communicated with his Embassy." Wessex glanced
significantly at Paul Harley. "And the Embassy communicated with the
Home Office. You mustn't regard my arrival as any reflection on your
ability, Inspector Aylesbury. I am sure we can work together quite
agreeably."
"Oh," muttered the other, in evident bewilderment, "I see. Well, if
that's the way of it, I suppose we must make the best of things."
"Good," cried Wessex, heartily. "Now perhaps you would like to state
your case against the detained man?"
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|