Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/137

126 and Dr. Newton waiting for him. He returned thanks. "Is there anything to which you'd like to draw my attention, gentlemen?"

"It's a plain case, to my mind," said the divisional surgeon.

"I am always glad to have a specialist's opinion," said Dr. Newton. "Of course, this sort of thing is rather out of my line. I confess I can hardly approach it calmly."

"Quite. Quite. Most distressing I suppose you knew him well, doctor?"

"An old patient, Mr. Fortune. I may say an old friend."

"Ah, yes. You know the family, of course."

"They were once such an affectionate family," said Dr. Newton. "It's really terrible." He sighed. He was a florid, bearded man with a sentimental expression and manner. "Poor Charlecote! He never seemed to bear up after Geoffrey broke with him. But who would have thought that strange escapade would have ended like this?"

"So you think Geoffrey did the trick?"

"I beg your pardon!" Dr. Newton was horrified. "You put words into my mouth, Mr. Fortune. No, no. A most invidious suggestion."

"Murder's rather an invidious business," said Reggie placidly. "Come, doctor, what do you think of Geoffrey?"

"I have never been able to conceal from myself,