Coroners and juries, observed the Professor oracularly, are good at finding the obvious. Whether they get at the mysteries and the secrets
Just sojust so! said Mr. Tertius. I quite apprehend you. All the same, I think we will see what is put before the coroner. Now, what point suggests itself to you, Cox-Raythwaite?
One in particular, answered the Professor. Whatever medical evidence is called ought to show without reasonable doubt what time Herapath actually met his death.
Quite so, said Mr. Tertius gravely. If thats once established
Then, of course, your own investigation, or suggestion, or theory about that sandwich will be vastly simplified, replied the Professor. Meanwhile, you will no doubt take some means of observingeh?
I shall use every means to observe, said Mr. Tertius with a significant smile, which was almost a wink. Of that you may bedead certain!
Then he left Professor Cox-Raythwaite to hermetically seal up the glass and the sandwich, and quitting the house, walked slowly back to Portman Square. As he turned out of Oxford Street into Orchard Street the newsboys suddenly came rushing along with the Argus special.
CHAPTER VI
THE TAXI-CAB DRIVER
Mr. Tertius bought a copy of the newspaper, and standing aside on the pavement, read with much interest and surprise the story which Triffitts keen appetite for news and ready craftsmanship in writing had so quickly put together. Happening to glance up from the paper in the course of his reading, he observed that several other people were similarly employed. The truth was that Triffitt had headed his column: Mysterious Death of Mr. Herapath, M.P. Is It Suicide or Murder?and as this also appeared in great staring letters on the contents bills which the newsboys were carrying about with them, and as Herapath had been well known in that district, there was a vast amount of interest aroused thereabouts by the news. Indeed, people were beginning to chatter on the sidewalks, and at the doors of the shops. And as Mr. Tertius turned away in the direction of Portman Square, he heard one excited bystander express a candid opinion.
Suicide? exclaimed this man, thrusting his paper into the hands of a companion. Not much! Catch old Jacob Herapath at that gamehe was a deuced deal too fond of life and money! Murder, sirmurder!thats the ticketmurder!
Mr. Tertius went slowly homeward, head bent and eyes moody. He let himself into the house; at the sound of his step in the hall Peggie Wynne looked out of the study. She retreated into it at sight of Mr. Tertius, and he followed her and closed the door. Looking narrowly at her, he saw that the girl had been shedding tears, and he laid his hand shyly yet sympathetically on her arm. Yes, he said quietly, Ive been feeling like that ever sincesince I heard about things. But I dont knowI suppose we shall feel it more whenwhen we realize it more, eh? Just now theres the other thing to think about, isnt there?
Peggie mopped her eyes and looked at him. He was such a quiet, unobtrusive, inoffensive old gentleman that she wondered more than ever why Barthorpe had refused to admit him to the informal conference.
What other thing? she asked.
Mr. Tertius looked round the roomstrangely empty now that Jacob Herapaths bustling and strenuous presence was no longer in itand shook his head.
Theres one thought you mustnt permit yourself to harbour for a moment, my dear, he answered. Dont even for a fraction of time allow yourself to think that my old friend took his own life! Thatsimpossible.
I dont, said Peggie. I never did think so. It is, as you say, impossible. I knew him too well to believe that. So, of course, its
Murder, assented Mr. Tertius. Murder! I heard a man in the street voice the same opinion just now. Of course! Its the only opinion. Yet in the newspaper theyre asking which it was. But I suppose the newspapers must besensational.
You dont mean to say its in the newspapers already? exclaimed Peggie.
Mr. Tertius handed to her the Argus special, which he had carried crumpled up in his hand.
Everybodys reading it out there in the streets, he said. Its extraordinary, now, how these affairs seem to fascinate people. Yesits all there. That is, of course, as far as its gone.
How did the paper people come to know all this? asked Peggie, glancing rapidly over Triffitts leaded lines.
I suppose they got it from the police, replied Mr. Tertius. I dont know much about such matters, but I believe the police and the Press are in constant touch. Of course, its well they should beit attracts public notice. And in cases like this, public notice is an excellent thing. We shall have to hearand find outa good deal before we get at the truth in this case, my dear.
Peggie suddenly flung down the newspaper and looked inquiringly at the old man.
Mr. Tertius, she said abruptly, why wouldnt Barthorpe let you come into that room down there at the office this morning?
Mr. Tertius did not answer this direct question at once. He walked away to the window and stood looking out into the square for a while. When at last he spoke his voice was singularly even and colourless. He might have been discussing a question on which it was impossible to feel any emotion.
I really cannot positively say, my dear, he replied. I have known, of course, for some time that Mr. Barthorpe Herapath is not well disposed towards me. I have observed a certain coldness, a contempt, on his part. I have been aware that he has resented my presence in this house. And I suppose he felt that as I am not a member of the family, I had no right to sit in council with him and with you.
Not a member of the family! exclaimed Peggie. Why, you came here soon after I cameall those years ago!
I have dwelt under Jacob Herapaths roof, in this house, fifteen years, said Mr. Tertius, reflectively. Fifteen years!yes. YesJacob and I weregood friends.
As he spoke the last word a tear trickled from beneath Mr. Tertiuss spectacles and ran down into his beard, and Peggie, catching sight of it, impulsively jumped from her seat and kissed him affectionately.
Never mind, Mr. Tertius! she said, patting his shoulders. You and I are friends, too, anyway. I dont like Barthorpe when hes like thatI hate that side of him. And anyhow, Barthorpe doesnt matterto me. I dont suppose he matters to anythingexcept himself.
Mr. Tertius gravely shook his head.
Mr. Barthorpe Herapath may matter a great deal, my dear, he remarked. He is a very forceful person. I do not know what provision my poor friend may have made, but Barthorpe, you will remember, is his nephew, and, I believe, his only male relative. And in that case
Mr. Tertius was just then interrupted by the entrance of a footman who came in and looked inquiringly at Peggie.
Theres a taxi-cab driver at the door, miss, he announced. He says he would like to speak to some one about the news in the paper aboutabout the master, miss.
Peggie looked at Mr. Tertius. And Mr. Tertius quickly made a sign to the footman.
Bring the man in at once, he commanded. And, as if to lose no time, he followed the footman into the hall, and at once returned, conducting a young man who carried a copy of the Argus in his hand. Yes? he said, closing the door behind them and motioning the man to a seat. You wish to tell us something! This lady is Miss WynneMr. Herapaths niece. You can tell us anything you think of importance. Do you know anything, then?
The taxi-cab driver lifted the Argus.
This here newspaper, sir, he answered. Ive just been reading of itabout Mr. Herapath, sir.
Yes, said Mr. Tertius gently. Yes?
Well, sirstrikes me as how I drove him, sir, this morning, answered the driver. Gentleman of his appearance, anyway, sirthats a fact!
Mr. Tertius glanced at Peggie, who was intently watching the caller.
Ah! he said, turning again to the driver, you think you drove either Mr. Herapath or a gentleman of his appearance this morning. You did not know Mr. Herapath by sight, then?
No, sir. Ive only just come into this partcame for the first time yesterday. But Im as certain
Just tell us all about it, said Mr. Tertius, interrupting him. Tell us in your own way. Everything, you know.
Aint so much to tell, sir, responded the driver. All the same, soons Id seen this piece in the paper just now I said to myself, Id best go round to Portman Square and tell what I do know, I says. And its like this, sirI come on this part yesterdaylast night it was. My taxi belongs to a man as keeps half a dozen, and he put me on to night work, this end of Oxford Street. Well, it ud be just about a quarter to two this morning when a tall, well-built gentleman comes out of Orchard Street and made for my cab. I jumps down and opens the door for him. You know St. Mary Abbots Church, Kensington? he says as he got in. Drive me down there and pull up at the gate. So, of course, I ran him down, and there he got out, give me five bob, and off he went. Thats it, sir.
And when he got out, which way did he go? asked Mr. Tertius.
West, siralong the High Street, past the Town Hall, promptly answered the driver. And there he crossed the road. I see him cross, because I stopped there a minute or two after hed got out, tinkering at my engine.
Can you tell us what this gentleman was like in appearance? asked Mr. Tertius.
Well, sir, not so much as regards his face, answered the driver. I didnt look at him, not particular, in that waybesides, he was wearing one of them overcoats with a big fur collar to it, and hed the collar turned high up about his neck and cheeks, and his hatone of them slouched, soft hats, like so many gentlemen wears nowadays sirwas well pulled down. But from what bit I see of him, sir, I should say he was a fresh-coloured gentleman.
Tall and well built, you say? observed Mr. Tertius.
Yes, sirfine-made gentlemanpretty near six feet, I should have called him, replied the driver. Little bit inclined to stoutness, like.
Mr. Tertius turned to Peggie.
I believe you have some recent photographs of Mr. Herapath, he said. You might fetch them and let me see if our friend here can recognize them. You didnt notice anything else about your fare? he went on, after Peggie had left the room. Anything that excited your attention, eh?
The driver, after examining the pattern of the carpet for one minute and studying the ceiling for another, slowly shook his head. But he then suddenly started into something like activity.
Yes, there was, sir, now I come to think of it! he exclaimed. I hadnt thought of it until now, but now you mention it, there was. I noticed hed a particularly handsome diamond ring on his left handan extra fine one, too, it was.
Ah! said Mr. Tertius. A very fine diamond ring on his left hand? Now, how did you come to see that?
He rested that hand on the side of the door as he was getting in, sir, and I noticed how it flashed, answered the driver. There was a lamp right against us, you see, sir.
I see, said Mr. Tertius. He wasnt wearing gloves, then?
He hadnt a glove on that hand, sir. He was carrying some papers in ita sort of little roll of papers.
Ah! murmured Mr. Tertius. A diamond ringand a little roll of papers. He got up from his chair and put a hand in his pocket. Now, my friend, he went on, chinking some coins as he withdrew it, you havent told this to any one else, I suppose?
No, sir, answered the driver. Came straight here, sir.
Theres a couple of sovereigns for your trouble, said Mr. Tertius, and therell be more for you if you do what I tell you to do. At presentthat is, until I give you leavedont say a word of this to a soul. Not even to the policeyet. In fact, not a word to them until I say you may. Keep your mouth shut until I tell you to open itI shall know where to find you. If you want me, keep an eye open for me in the square outside, or in the street. When the young lady comes back with the photographs, dont mention the ring to her. This is a very queer business, and I dont want too much said just yet. Do as I tell you, and Ill see youre all right. Understand?
The driver pocketed his sovereigns, and touched his forehead with a knowing look.
All right, sir, he said. I understand. Depend on me, sirI shant say a word without your leave.
Peggie came in just then with a half a dozen cabinet photographs in her hand. One by one she exhibited them to the driver.
Do you recognize any of these? she asked.
The driver shook his head doubtingly until Peggie showed him a half-length of her uncle in outdoor costume. Then his eyes lighted up.
Couldnt swear as to the features, miss, he exclaimed. But Id take my davy about the coat and the hat! Thats what the gentleman was wearing as I drove this morningtake my Gospel oath on it.
He recognizes the furred overcoat and the soft hat, murmured Mr. Tertius. Very goodvery good! All right, my manwe are much obliged to you.
He went out into the hall with the driver, and had another word in secret with him before the footman opened the door. As the door closed Mr. Tertius turned slowly back to the study. And as he turned he muttered a word or two and smiled cynically.
A diamond ring! he said. Jacob Herapath never wore a diamond ring in his life!
CHAPTER VII
IS THERE A WILL?
When Triffitt hurried off with his precious budget of news Selwood lingered on the step of the office watching his retreating figure, and wondering about the new idea which the reporter had put into his mind. It was one of those ideas which instantly arouse all sorts of vague, sinister possibilities, but Selwood found himself unable to formulate anything definite out of any of them. Certainly, if Mr. Herapath died at, or before, twelve oclock midnight, he could not have been in Portman Square at one oclock in the morning! Yet, according to all the evidence, he had been there, in his own house, in his own study. His coachman had seen him in the act of entering the house; there was proof that he had eaten food and drunk liquor in the house. The doctor must have made a mistakeand yet, Selwood remembered, he had spoken very positively. But if he had not made a mistake?what then? How could Jacob Herapath be lying dead in his office at Kensington and nibbling at a sandwich in Portman Square at one and the same hour? Clearly there was something wrong, something deeply mysterious, something
At that point of his surmisings and questionings Selwood heard himself called by Barthorpe Herapath, and he turned to see that gentleman standing in the hall dangling a bunch of keys, which Selwood instantly recognized.
We have just found these keys, said Barthorpe. You remember the inspector said he found no keys in my uncles pockets? We found these pushed away under some loose papers on the desk. It looks as if hed put them on the desk when he sat down, and had displaced them when he fell out of his chair. Of course, theyre hisperhaps you recognize them?