CHAPTER XII
REVEALS A CURIOUS PROBLEM
The countenance of Enid Orlebar had changed; her cheeks were deathly white, and her face was sufficient index to a mind overwhelmed with grief and regret.
"I asked you to explain, because I fear that my information may be faulty. Captain Bellairs died—died suddenly, did he not?"
"Yes. It was a great blow to my stepfather," the girl said; "and—and by his unfortunate death I lost one of my best friends."
"Tell me exactly how it occurred. I believe the tragic event happened on September the second, did it not?"
"Yes," she replied. "Mother and I had been staying at the White Hart at Salisbury while Sir Hugh had been inspecting some troops. Captain Bellairs had been with us, as usual, but had been sent up to London by my stepfather. That same day I returned to London alone on my way to a visit up in Yorkshire, and arrived at Hill Street about seven o'clock. At a quarter to ten at night I received an urgent note from Captain Bellairs, brought by a messenger, and written in a shaky hand, asking me to call at once at his chambers in Half Moon Street. He explained that he had been taken suddenly ill, and that he wished to see me upon a most important and private matter. He asked me to go to him, as it was most urgent. Mother and I had been to his chambers to tea several times before; therefore, realising the urgency of his message, I found a taxi and went at once to him."
She broke off short, and with difficulty swallowed the lump which arose in her throat.
"Well?" asked Fetherston in a low, sympathetic voice.
"When I arrived," she said, "I—I found him lying dead! He had expired just as I ascended the stairs."