Sefton cut him short.
“The interests of justice are concerned with criminals, and as the man in question had nothing to do with the crime, there is no reason to reveal his name. You will excuse me, but I am rather busy.”
“Yes, and I know why you refuse,” said Fletcher “because it was that fellow Halley. I believe you are all conspiring together to shield him but I’ll …”
Fletcher was left to face a closed door, and turned away with death in his heart. Were the whole village in league to cheat the ends of justice?
In a furious mood he made his way to the telephone to call up Sergeant Andrews.
Chapter XIII.
Detained on Suspicion
“Mr. Halley, will you accompany us to Ashstead, I have a car outside; you will probably know why we have come.”
It was Sergeant Andrews who spoke these ominous words. By his side was Fletcher with a smile of triumph on his face. He had run his enemy to earth at last, and even though he might be treated with scorn by Ena, what would be her opinion of his rival? There was a tense silence; Halley stood motionless, not a muscle moved. Fletcher with deliberate cruelty had staged this scene at the Sefton’s Bungalow.
“As you are police officers, I suppose I may take it that you suspect me of some crime,” said Halley calmly.
“We wish to ask you some questions with regard to the murder of Lord Reckavile, and these are better dealt with by the proper authorities,” said Andrews, who disliked his task.