Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/220

Rh is, what was the cause of death. You'll excuse me, I won't tell you how he was found till you've formed your opinion."

"What the devil do you mean by that?"

"I don't want you to be prejudiced in any way, sir, if you take my meaning."

"Damn your impudence. When did you ever see me prejudiced?"

"Dear me, Mr. Fortune, I never heard you swear so much," said Bell sadly. "Don't be hasty, sir. I have my reasons. I have, really."

He led the way into the room where the dead man lay. He pulled back the sheet which covered the body. "Well, well!" said Reggie Fortune. For the dead man's face was not there.

"You'll excuse me. I shouldn't be any good to you," said the Superintendent thickly, and made for the door.

Reggie did not look round. "Send Sam in with my things," he said.

It was a long time afterwards when, rather pale for him, his round and comfortable face veiled in an uncommon gravity, he came out.

Superintendent Bell threw away his cigarette. "Ghastly, isn't it?" he said with sympathy.

"Mad," said Reggie. "Come on." A shower of warm rain was being driven before the west wind, but he opened everything in his car that would open, and told the chauffeur to drive round Regent's