"Well, I didn't have a particularly restful night," admitted the other with a sigh. "And what has happened this morning doesn't help to make me feel any happier, Carrington."
"Eh, what?" the barrister stopped. "Then Leigh has found the will and----"
"Leigh is dead," Hendle informed him abruptly.
"Dead!" Carrington stared. "Dead! What are you talking about?"
"About what has happened," replied the other heavily. "Leigh was found dead in his study this morning."
Carrington looked at Hendle doubtfully. "You're pulling my leg," he said, in a disbelieving tone.
"I don't pull people's legs over such a serious matter. I tell you positively that the vicar is dead. All the village is in commotion."
"Dead!" repeated Carrington once more as they moved on toward Barship. "The unexpected has happened with a vengeance. Well, well, he wasn't young, and looked like a delicate man, who would pop off at any moment."
"This death has nothing to do with delicacy, Carrington. Leigh has been murdered."
"Oh, Lord!" Man of the world as he was, Carrington received a shock. "Poor old chap. Murdered! What a beastly thing to happen! Who murdered him?"