I could safely leave that to you. But from my point of view it wasn't necessary. I'm rather sure I can tell you what the Larkin woman knows, Come over here to the study for a moment, and have a look at Driscoll's character.'
"You infernal old stuffed-shirt bluffer…!' said Hadley, like one who commences an oration.
'Oh, come,' protested the doctor, with a mildly injured air. `Tut, tut! No. I may be a childish old fool. I admit that. But I'm not a bluffer, old man. Really, I'm not. Let's see, what was I talking about? Oh yes; Driscoll's character. There are some rather interesting photographs of him in the study,'
Sharply and stridently through the silent passage the telephone in the study rang.
12. Concerning X—19
`That;' said Hadley, whirling about, `may be a lead. Wait a moment. I'll answer it.'
They followed him into the study.
He said: `Hello!… Yes, this is…. Chief Inspector Hadley speaking… Who?… Oh yes.. It's Sheila Bitton,' he said to, the others over his shoulder, and there was a tinge of disappointment in his voice. `Yes…. Yes, certainly, Miss Bitton.' A long pause. `Why, I suppose you may, but I shall have to have a look at everything first, you know. No trouble at all! When will you come over?'
`Wait!' said Dr Fell, eagerly. He stumped across. `She's coming over here to-night?'
`Yes. She says there are some belongings of Philip's that her uncle wants her to bring to the house.'