Soon they were deeply engrossed with plans and photos. Fletcher worked the conversation round by easy stages to the subject of the murder, and found little difficulty in getting Cook to talk.
“It’s not been a bad thing for us,” he said, “it’s given the place a splendid advert. Pictures were in the papers, and quite a lot of people have been down here.”
“I suppose you knew Lord Reckavile quite well?” said Fletcher knowing how the flattery would please.
“I can hardly say that, but I used to take his ground rents to him; when he came back he would send for me. He was a queer customer, and allowed me to collect all the rents till he came to England, and then pay him in cash. He said he went off so suddenly that it was useful.”
“Well, that’s plausible enough,” said the other.
“I had paid over quite a large sum to him on the very day he was murdered.”
Fletcher looked up quickly.
“Really! I did not see …” and then stopped.
Luckily Cook was not taking much notice.
“I read the account of the affair,” Fletcher continued, “but I did not see that mentioned.”