The youngish man pointed to the entrance.
‘In the office,’ he replied.
The Inspector turned and entered a small wooden building immediately inside the gate. A stout, elderly man with a gray beard, who was posting entries in a ledger, got up and came forward as he did so.
‘Morning,’ said Burnley, ‘have you a dray for hire?’
‘Why, yes,’ answered the stout man. ‘When do you want it and for how long?’
‘It’s this way,’ returned Burnley. ‘I’m a painter, and I have always stuff to get to and from jobs. My own dray has broken down and I want one while it’s being repaired. I’ve asked a friend for the loan of his, but he may not be able to supply. It will take about four days to put it right.’
‘Then you wouldn’t want a horse and man?’
‘No, I should use my own.’
‘In that case, sir, I couldn’t agree, I fear. I never let my vehicles out without a man in charge.’
‘You’re right in that, of course, but I don’t want the man. I’ll tell you. If you let me have it I’ll make you a deposit of its full value. That will guarantee its safe return.’