Page:Bailey - Call Mr Fortune (Dutton, 1921).djvu/254

Rh when he asked them if they would please get in It is in the evidence of Lomas that they only slowed once, when an old lady dropped her handkerchief in the middle of Croydon. He is in conflict with the statement of Bell as to the most awful moment. For he selects the episode of the traction-engine with trucks at the Alwynstow cross-roads, and Bell chooses the affair of the motor-bus and the caravan at Merstham. They agree that they arrived at Alwynstow Park in a cold sweat.

A detective came out on the steps to meet them, and watched reverently Bell and Lomas helping each other out. Reggie ran up to him. "Which are you?"

"Beg pardon, sir? Oh, I'm Hall. I had Mr. Kimball. It was Parker had Mr. Sandford." He turned to Lomas. "Good morning, sir. I tried to get you on the telephone, but they said you were on your way down."

"Oh, you've been on the telephone too?"

"When I heard what Parker's information was I rung up quick, sir. It's a very queer business, sir."

"Where is Parker? And where's Sandford? I suppose you've arrested him?"

"Well, no, sir. Not strictly speaking. We detained him pending instructions."

"Damme, you're very careful. Parker saw the murder committed, didn't he?"

"Well, sir, if I may say so, that's drawing