The journey down was comparatively uneventful.
“It’s been an interesting little problem, Goodall,” said Anthony as they ran into the drab station at Assynton, “and not the least interesting part is yet to come. I hope you are thoroughly prepared for a rather dramatic dénouement?”
“I shall be there,” retorted Goodall with grim determination, “whatever the dénouement is! Whenever! And wherever!” He stepped into the car that was waiting for them.
Peter Daventry met them in the hall immediately upon their arrival. Anthony put his finger to his lips.
“All serene, Daventry?” he whispered.
Peter nodded briskly and elevated his two thumbs. “The entire household is as you left it—the people indoors and the outside staff as well—you need have no qualms.”
Anthony patted him on the shoulder. “Excellent, Daventry—I felt I could rely upon you.”
Charles Stewart came from the library with outstretched hand. “I’m glad you’re back, Bathurst. I suppose it’s too much to ask you if there have been any developments?” He rattled on without giving Anthony a chance to reply. “Good morning, Inspector! You look a trifle tired! Mr. Ferguson hasn’t arrived yet, but I’m expecting him any minute now. I’m pleased you’re both back with us—I feel that you should be here to hear what Ferguson has to say—come into the library!” The three men followed him in. “The inquest is this afternoon,” continued Stewart, “and we are burying my father early to-morrow morning—it will be very quiet—we have very few friends in this country—we haven’t been here long enough to make many. Colonel Leach-Fletcher will be present—it is very considerate of him.”
He went across to the French doors and looked out on to the garden. It was an easy matter to see that the tragic events of the last week had left their mark upon him. He was over-young to bear alone the burden of the blow that had befallen his house. It seemed unfair that it should rest entirely upon his own shoulders. Anthony walked over to him.
“Mr. Stewart,” he said very quietly, “immediately the inquest is over this afternoon I should like to have a talk with you. There are one or two little matters that I should like to settle as soon as possible. Will it be convenient?” Charles Stewart paled a little.