Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/150

Rh Cousin Herbert was feeling nervous, no doubt. But why this dramatic exit? What gave Cousin Herbert cold feet yesterday?"

Superintendent Bell coughed. "I was wondering, sir, if Mr. Fortune had taken any steps on his own with regard to Herbert. To alarm him, so to speak."

"Nary step. Why the blazes didn't you watch him?"

"After all, sir, we've not a thing against him."

"Not now?"

"Well, sir, it's not criminal to disappear. But I don't mind saying it's odd, quite odd."

"Oh, I expect Geoffrey and the angel wife murdered him too. Just to round it off, Lomas, old thing."

"You're very merry and bright," Lomas grumbled. "I wish you'd tell me how this helps us. Why should he bolt now?"

"There is another unknown quantity somewhere," Reggie admitted.

The telephone claimed Lomas. He took it up, and his face was eloquent as he listened. He put it down again very gently. "Afraid you're right out of it, Fortune. Herbert Charlecote didn't bolt. Herbert Charlecote has been found drowned in the Basingstoke Canal."

"Good Lord, sir!" the Superintendent exclaimed.

"Pretty conclusive, what?" Lomas shrugged.