The colonel bit back something he wanted very much to say. "Perhaps you will consider this little point: If, as you assert, the murder was deliberately planned, I take it we may assume that the assassin knew Dawson and was aware, in point of fact, of his station in life and of his probable resources? Very well. Will you have the goodness to inform me what the unknown assassin can have supposed Dawson to be carrying that was of sufficient value to induce him to commit a murder?"
Amberley regarded him in some amusement. "What a lot you think I know!" he remarked. "When you have discovered the answer to that riddle you will in all probability have discovered your murderer. I advise you to consider carefully two points. One, the fact that the dead man's pockets had been rifled, that there was neither notecase nor pocketbook found on him, but that in one trouser pocket was loose silver amounting to fifteen shillings, and a gold watch and chain in his waistcoat. Two, that during the past couple of years Dawson had been receiving money over and above the salary Fountain paid him. Which reminds me that I should like to know a little more about those various accounts of his."
"The inspector is making inquiries. It goes without saying that we fastened on to that at once. I'm to understand that in your opinion it was not money that the murderer wanted?"
"No, it was not money, Colonel."
The colonel rose reluctantly. "Well, it's all very interesting, but there isn't much to go on," he complained. "I seem to be just where I was. Haven't you any practical suggestion to make?"
"Not at present," said Mr. Amberley. "There is one thing I want investigated - but I think I'll do it myself. I'll let you know the result."
"Well, I shall rely on hearing from you as soon as possible," said the colonel. "In the meantime you must understand that we shall pursue investigations as we think best."
"Do," said Mr. Amberley cordially. "Carry on as you're doing now; you won't do any harm."
The colonel shook hands with Sir Humphrey and said over his shoulder with some hauteur: "We hope to do considerable good."
"Well, that's possible too," said Mr. Amberley. He held out his hand. "Goodbye. And I shouldn't worry, Colonel. Quite simple really, you know."