He then, in the most precise terms, repeated the story he had told Sergeant Carsethorn already. At only one point did Hemingway intervene. He said: “You didn't hear the gong when it was sounded the first time, sir?”
“No, Chief Inspector, I did not, but that is not quite such a wonderful matter as it may appear. With your permission, we will put it to the test. There is the gong in question. If Sergeant Carsethorn will remain here, and in a few minutes' time sound it, moderately—for that, she tells me, is how Emma sounded it on that first occasion, believing me to be within the house—we three will repair to the part of the garden which I was watering at the time, and the Chief Inspector may judge for himself whether or not it can be heard.”
“I don't think that'll be necessary, sir,” said Hemingway.
Mr. Drybeck raised his hand. “Pardon me, I should prefer you to put my word to the proof!” he said sternly.
He then led the two Inspectors out into the back garden, through a small garden-hall. “My domain is not extensive,” he said, “but you will observe that it is intersected by several hedges. That one for instance, shuts off the vegetable garden, and this one, which we are approaching, encloses my little rose-garden. Here, gentlemen, I was engaged in watering when I was summoned to supper. Let us enter it!”
He stood back, and waved to them to precede him through an arch in the tall yew hedge into a pretty, square plot, laid out in rose-beds, with narrow grass walks between, and a tiny artificial pond in the centre. Once inside, he surveyed the garden with simple pride, and said: “You may be said to be seeing it at its best. A wonderful year for roses! You are looking at those red ones, Chief Inspector. Gloire de Hollander, quite one of my favourites.”
“And I'm sure I'm not surprised, sir,” said Hemingway. “You've certainly got a rare show here. And there's the gong, by the way.”
“I heard nothing!” declared Mr. Drybeck suspiciously.
“I didn't either,” confessed Harbottle. “Not to be sure.”
“You must have imagined it!” said Mr. Drybeck, inclined to be affronted. “I do not consider myself hard of hearing, not at all!”