“You say this took place recently?”
“That was the rumour.”
French shrugged.
“Safety in numbers, Sergeant. I agree it doesn’t sound hopeful. Did Mr. Berlyn seem upset about it?”
“Not that I ever heard of.”
“No good for us, Sergeant. Now about these others. Mr. Pyke was not married, was he?”
“No, Mr. Pyke was not married, nor were Mr. Cowls nor Mr. Samuel nor Mr. Leacock, other young men about the works with whom Mrs. Berlyn had seemed on good terms. Mr. Pyke had been with the firm for several years and was said to be highly thought of. He was pleasant-mannered and jolly and a general favourite. He lodged in the town; in fact, his rooms were nearly opposite the hotel.”
“Is Mrs. Berlyn still here?”
“She left three or four days ago. There was an auction and she waited till it was over. I heard she had gone to London.”
“Will she be well off?”