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IV. The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge
Hehadbeenshotthroughthebackofthehead,andtherevolverhadbeendischargedatclosequarters.
“Turnedawayforamoment,”remarkedJapp,“andtheotherfellowsnatcheduparevolverandshothim.TheoneMrs.HaveringhandedovertouswasfullyloadedandIsupposetheotheronewasalso.Curiouswhatdarnfoolthingspeopledo.Fancykeepingtwoloadedrevolvershanginguponyourwall.”
“Whatdoyouthinkofthecase?”Iasked,asweleftthegruesomechamberbehindus.
“Well,I’dgotmyeyeonHaveringtobeginwith.Oh,yes!”notingmyexclamationofastonishment.“Haveringhasoneortwoshadyincidentsinhispast.WhenhewasaboyatOxfordtherewassomefunnybusinessaboutthesignatureononeofhisfather’scheques.Allhushedupofcourse.Then,he’sprettyheavilyindebtnow,andthey’rethekindofdebtshewouldn’tliketogotohisuncleabout,whereasyoumaybesuretheuncle’swillwouldbeinhisfavour.Yes,I’dgotmyeyeonhim,andthat’swhyIwantedtospeaktohimbeforehesawhiswife,buttheirstatementsdovetailallright,andI’vebeentothestationandthere’snodoubtwhateverthatheleftbythe6.15.ThatgetsuptoLondonabout10.30.Hewentstraighttohisclub,hesays,andifthat’sconfirmedallright—why,hecouldn’thavebeenshootinghisunclehereatnineo’clockinablackbeard!”
“Ah,yes,Iwasgoingtoaskyouwhatyouthoughtaboutthatbeard?”
Jappwinked.
“Ithinkitgrewprettyfast—grewinthefivemilesfromElmer’sDaletoHunter’sLodge.AmericansthatI’vemetaremostlyclean-shaven.
