Murder of a Lady Read Online Free PDF Page B

motor-boat.”
    â€œWhat?”
    Duchlan’s eyes flashed again.
    â€œHe came by motor-boat.”
    â€œIs that the quickest way?”
    â€œYou must ask him that yourself.”
    Dr. Hailey accompanied Dundas to Miss Gregor’s room. Before they entered the room the policeman told him that he proposed to conduct the investigation single-handed.
    â€œI know very well, Doctor,” he said, “how big your reputation is as an amateur detective. And I’m, of course, indebted to you for the preliminary work you’ve done here. I shall be honoured if you agree to stand by me during the examination of witnesses. But I mean to ride the horse myself. There must be no independent lines of inquiry.”
    He paused, having observed the flush which had risen to his companion’s cheeks.
    â€œVery well.”
    â€œPlease don’t be angry. Put yourself in my place. This is the chance of my life. I’ll never get another if I fail. And I’m a solitary worker. Can’t go in double harness. Can’t concentrate if ideas are brought to me. My mind runs on its own scents, so to speak. So I say, ‘Come with me, but don’t confuse me.’ And don’t run on ahead of me. That’s not being rude. It’s being honest.” The man’s face was so earnest that the tactlessness of his address was discounted. The doctor smiled.
    â€œI’m to have a seat on the bench, so to speak?” he asked in genial tones.
    â€œExactly. As a distinguished stranger.”
    â€œAnd if I decline that honour?”
    â€œI’ll be sorry. But not so sorry as if you had begun to work on the case independently of me.”
    Dr. Hailey nodded assent.
    â€œI’m staying for another week at Darroch Mor,” he said. “You may command my services at any time during that period.”
    â€œYou won’t come here at all?”
    â€œNo.”
    Dr. Hailey’s habitual good-humour had reasserted itself. His large face expressed neither hostility nor contempt. It was not, perhaps, at any time an expressive face, but there was a gentleness in its aspect which conveyed its own message. The man compelled confidence and liking without moving a muscle.
    â€œI do hope you’ll make a great success,” he said in quiet tones. “Nobody knows better than I do how much success in cases of this kind is conditioned by chance. It’s like playing Bridge; a bad hand may discount the greatest ability.”
    â€œOh, yes, one realizes that.”
    Dundas spoke in tones which suggested that his luck had not, so far, deserted him. But his manner had changed nevertheless. He opened a gun-metal cigarette-case and offered it with a smile that conveyed the suggestion of a wish to be friendly.
    â€œI feel,” he apologized, “that you may think I’ve been rude and ungrateful. It isn’t that. Crime is your hobby; it’s my business. If you fail, nobody’s going to blame you; if I fail somebody else will be sent the next time.” He paused. “And there’s another point. If you work with me and we find our man, the credit will go to you, no matter how modest you may be. The public loves amateurs. Credit is the goodwill of my business. It’s my only possession.”
    â€œI understand perfectly. Believe me, I didn’t thrust myself in here.”
    Dundas nodded.
    â€œWhat do you think of the case?” he asked suddenly.
    The doctor met this advance with a smile which conveyed a gentle rebuke.
    â€œMy dear sir, if I told you shouldn’t I be prejudicing your judgement?” he asked.
    He smiled again when the detective’s face reddened.
    â€œAll the same,” Dundas exclaimed, “I’d like to know your opinion, that is, if you’ve formed any opinion at all.”
    Dr. Hailey shook his head.
    â€œI haven’t formed any opinion. When you arrived I was listening to Duchlan talking about his sister. The only