CHAPTER XVI.
Mr. Bathurst Again Samples the Bookcase
Peter whistled. “You seem pretty sure of it. But all the same——”
Anthony interrupted him a trifle impatiently. “Those little mud pellets and small stones told me an unmistakable story. It seemed to me a most important factor in the case—remember no weapon was found near the body. It was obvious that Stewart had been struck from behind—I immediately deduced a sharp and heavy piece of stone. But if it hadn’t been for the proximity of the ink-bowl to the dead man’s head, the true significance would probably have escaped me. For the wound on the head was clean—I inquired of the doctor through Goodall. The murderer held the piece of stone by the ‘neck’ end—soil side uppermost—and struck Stewart with the comparatively clean part, and the force of the blows caused the small stones underneath (as they lay originally) to be dislodged.” He held out the weapon to Daventry. “Of course the water in the pool has cleaned it, but I daresay a thorough and scientific examination may yield us some little evidences to support my theory. Time will tell—we’ll take it back to the library and hand it over to Goodall upon his return from London, as a souvenir.” He turned to Peter. “But not a word till I say when.”
Back in the library, Anthony got to work again very quickly. “Stay here a moment, Daventry,” he said, “while I have a word with young Stewart—I won’t keep you waiting long—put this in a safe place”—he handed over the recent discovery. A matter of ten minutes saw him back, and then Peter was destined to receive yet another surprise. “Get that revolver of yours, will you, Daventry—I told you to bring one down here with you, didn’t I?”
“It’s upstairs in my bedroom—I shall have to go to get it.”
“Do—and load it—in all six chambers—I suppose you haven’t brought any ‘blanks’?”
Peter shook his head. “Sorry—I haven’t!”
“H’m,” muttered Anthony, “never mind. We shall have to take care—that’s all!”
It was the work of a few moments that brought Peter back to the library with his revolver.
“Now listen,” directed Anthony, “I want you to fire two separate shots—you’ll have to fire of course out into the garden—fire in the direction of the fountain, for instance—that will do—make sure there’s nobody about—stand in the center of the room when you fire.”