The Story of Charles Strange: A Novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)

The Story of Charles Strange Mrs. Henry Wood
A Novel
MRS. HENRY WOOD
AUTHOR OF EAST LYNNE, ETC.
IN THREE VOLUMES VOL. II.
LONDON RICHARD BENTLEY AND SON
SUSPICION.
THE church-clock of that small country place, Upper Marshdale, was chiming half-past nine on a dark night, as the local inspector turned out of the police-station and made his way with a fleet step across a piece of waste land and some solitary fields beyond it. His name was Poole, and he was hastening to Marshdale House, as Lord Level's place was called. A mysterious occurrence had taken place there the night before: Lord Level, previously an invalid, had been stabbed in his bed.
The officer rang a loud peal at the outer gate, and a policeman, who had been already sent on, came from the house to answer the summons. He waited when they were both within the gate, knowing that he should be questioned. His superior walked half-way up the avenue, and placed his back against a tree.
What have you learnt, Jekyl? Any clue to the assassin?
The policeman dropped his voice to a whisper, as though afraid the very trees might hear. Speak up, sharply interrupted the inspector. The air carries no tales.
The case seems as clear, sir, as any we ever came across; a clear case against Lady Level.