The Inspector paused, watching the other keenly. He was evidently on tenterhooks. Seemingly unable to remain quiet, he threw his cigarette away, and then with quick, jerky movements lit another. But he controlled himself and spoke calmly.
‘Yes? What do they think?’
‘They are not satisfied,’ went on Tanner, slowly watching all the time the effect of his words, ‘that the affair was an accident at all.’
Austin paled still further and tiny drops of sweat appeared on his forehead.
‘In the Lord’s name,’ he cried hoarsely, ‘what do you mean?’
‘They fear suicide, Mr Ponson.’
‘Suicide?’ There was horror in the man’s eyes, but to the Inspector there was relief also. ‘What infernal drivel! They did not know my father.’
‘That is so, of course, sir. I’m only telling you what the Chief said. That’s the reason they postponed the inquest, and that’s the reason I was sent down.’
‘I tell you, Inspector, the thing’s absurd. Ask anybody that knew him. They will all tell you the same thing.’
‘I dare say, sir, and probably correctly. But might I ask you when you go home to turn the matter over in your mind, and if you think of anything bearing on it to let me know?’