“I have been accused of several offences in my time,” he said, “but this notion that got into your heads licks creation.”
“What is the matter now?” said David Hume, entering through the window.
[Chapter XVII]
“Cherchez La Femme”
The three men drove to Stowmarket in the same vehicle, the grooms returning in the second dog-cart.
On the way Robert Frazer—who may be designated by his second surname to distinguish him from his cousin—was anxious to learn what had caused the present recrudescence of inquiry into Alan’s death. This was easily explained by David, and Brett took care to confine the conversation to general details.
Frazer was naturally keen to discover how the barrister came to be so well posted in his movements, and David listened eagerly whilst Brett related enough of the stationmaster’s story to clear up that point.
Hume broke in with a laugh:
“That shows why he was so unusually attentive when I arrived this evening. He spotted me getting out of the train, and would not leave me until I was clear of the station. He was evidently determined to ascertain my exact identity without any mistake, for he began by asking if I were not Mr. David Hume-Frazer, laying stress on my Christian name. It surprised me a little, because I thought the old chap knew me well.”