“Thank you,” said Anthony, “I shan’t worry you unduly. This ’phone call-box” ... he motioned towards it ... “is this the nearest one to Considine Manor?”
“Oh yes, sir. By far. The next one is almost to Allingham ... a matter of close on six miles.”
“Now quite in confidence, Mrs. Hogarth, in the very strictest confidence, Sir Charles Considine has asked me to conduct a little inquiry on his behalf. And he suggests that first of all I should come and see you.”
Mrs. Hogarth’s excitement increased. “You may rely on me, sir....”
“I’m sure I can,” exclaimed Anthony. “Now my real question is this ... do you know one of the maids at present employed at Considine Manor, of the name of Marshall?”
“Why, yes, sir, and it’s a funny thing her name should have left your lips so soon after you asking me about that there telephone it is.”
“Oh? Why is that, Mrs. Hogarth?” smiled Anthony. “Has she been using it lately?”
“As sure as I stand here, sir, she was the very last person to do so.”
“This is very interesting, Mrs. Hogarth ... very interesting, and I must congratulate you on your excellent memory. You are quite certain of your statement?”
“Positive, sir! You see, it’s like this. We’re a small village here, as you might say, comparatively speaking that is, and most of the telephone custom we get is from the betting people—there are the Lewes and Brighton bookies you see—so I get to know the regular customers and just about when to expect them—which is from about half-past twelve till about four o’clock—and not so very many after dinner at that—see? Well, yesterday morning, about a quarter past eleven, the bell rings and I bustles out ... only to find it’s a ’phone call. I could see a female in the box which was a bit unusual at that time o’ day, as I’ve said ... so I waited for her to come out ... as you might say ... when she did, who should I set my eyes on but Marshall, the maid from the Manor?”