“Haven’t been told yet,” answered Anthony, “but in all probability it will only be formal at the first inquiry. The Police will probably take evidence of identification and then ask the Coroner for an adjournment. I’ll make arrangements for you to know as soon as we get the news at Assynton Lodge—still you’ll be wanted yourself—I was forgetting that.”
“I suppose you’re right—it’s a bad business and a nuisance—still it can’t be helped now—what’s done can’t be undone. Good-bye, gentlemen.” The Colonel waved his hand in dismissal. For a few minutes Anthony remained silent, and Peter Daventry was beginning to know him sufficiently well to realize that it was a thoroughly sound investment to let him alone during those moments. After a time his mood passed and Daventry saw his face break into a smile.
“Cigarette, Daventry?” he exclaimed, “and I’ll join you in smoking the health of a very pretty little problem indeed. I am deeply in your debt, Daventry, for my introduction to it. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
Peter took the cigarette and they lit up. “Glad to hear you say that, Bathurst,” he rejoined, “but the question is will you be able to let daylight into it?”
Anthony rubbed his chin with his fingers. “As to that, Daventry,” he said, “I am extremely confident—although I always try to school myself to remember that ‘Pride goeth before a fall.’ ” He grinned.
“Look here, Bathurst,” remarked Daventry, “I know in cases of this kind the Doctor Watson of the business is always a thick-headed sort of arrangement, and I don’t suppose I’m any more brilliant than the majority.” He stopped for a second—shamefaced and apologetic.
But he found Anthony the reverse of inaccessible. “Unload, Daventry,” he said sympathetically, “what precisely is troubling you?”
“Well, it’s like this,” responded Peter, “everything points as far as I can see to this Assynton Lodge murder being an inside job—and yet everybody there seems unaffected—I’m afraid I’m not making myself too clear—everybody seems normal—nobody’s bolted with the screen, for instance!”
Anthony shook his head. “I know what you mean, but what you put forward is very easily explained, isn’t it? The screen may have been handed to a confederate, or again, it may be more profitable for the criminal to hold up his activities for a while.”
“H’m,” said Peter, as he thought over what his companion said. “I see your point—but I’m not altogether satisfied.”