“Too easily,” agreed the Inspector.
“Tell me,” said Anthony to the porter, “did you see this wagon first thing on Thursday morning?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Was there any luggage on it?”
“It was empty.”
The Inspector dismissed the porter curtly and thanked the manager for his assistance.
“Anybody intending the changing of those cases or alternatively the stealing of Miss Carruthers’ suit-case—had ample opportunity both here and at the station. All the same—as I said before to the Crown Prince—we may eventually discover that it’s the result of a pure accident.”
He turned smartly on his heel.
“It’s not an accident, Inspector,” declared Anthony. “Look at the accumulative force of evidence that we have already managed to collect. Not only is Miss Delaney’s suit-case or trunk missing—and it’s reasonable to suppose that she had something of the kind with her, but also her purse and the motor-car itself, which brought her. The idea is obvious. She was to remain unrecognised—and from the murderer’s point of view—the longer that situation remained in force the better. There’s no possible doubt about it.”
“You’re very confident, Mr. Bathurst,” smiled Bannister; “but I shouldn’t be overwhelmingly surprised if you’re right.” He looked at his watch.