Coroners and juries, observed the Professor oracularly, are good at finding the obvious. Whether they get at the mysteries and the secrets
Just sojust so! said Mr. Tertius. I quite apprehend you. All the same, I think we will see what is put before the coroner. Now, what point suggests itself to you, Cox-Raythwaite?
One in particular, answered the Professor. Whatever medical evidence is called ought to show without reasonable doubt what time Herapath actually met his death.
Quite so, said Mr. Tertius gravely. If thats once established
Then, of course, your own investigation, or suggestion, or theory about that sandwich will be vastly simplified, replied the Professor. Meanwhile, you will no doubt take some means of observingeh?
I shall use every means to observe, said Mr. Tertius with a significant smile, which was almost a wink. Of that you may bedead certain!
Then he left Professor Cox-Raythwaite to hermetically seal up the glass and the sandwich, and quitting the house, walked slowly back to Portman Square. As he turned out of Oxford Street into Orchard Street the newsboys suddenly came rushing along with the Argus special.
CHAPTER VI
THE TAXI-CAB DRIVER
Mr. Tertius bought a copy of the newspaper, and standing aside on the pavement, read with much interest and surprise the story which Triffitts keen appetite for news and ready craftsmanship in writing had so quickly put together. Happening to glance up from the paper in the course of his reading, he observed that several other people were similarly employed. The truth was that Triffitt had headed his column: Mysterious Death of Mr. Herapath, M.P. Is It Suicide or Murder?and as this also appeared in great staring letters on the contents bills which the newsboys were carrying about with them, and as Herapath had been well known in that district, there was a vast amount of interest aroused thereabouts by the news. Indeed, people were beginning to chatter on the sidewalks, and at the doors of the shops. And as Mr. Tertius turned away in the direction of Portman Square, he heard one excited bystander express a candid opinion.
Suicide? exclaimed this man, thrusting his paper into the hands of a companion. Not much! Catch old Jacob Herapath at that gamehe was a deuced deal too fond of life and money! Murder, sirmurder!thats the ticketmurder!
Mr. Tertius went slowly homeward, head bent and eyes moody. He let himself into the house; at the sound of his step in the hall Peggie Wynne looked out of the study. She retreated into it at sight of Mr. Tertius, and he followed her and closed the door. Looking narrowly at her, he saw that the girl had been shedding tears, and he laid his hand shyly yet sympathetically on her arm. Yes, he said quietly, Ive been feeling like that ever sincesince I heard about things. But I dont knowI suppose we shall feel it more whenwhen we realize it more, eh? Just now theres the other thing to think about, isnt there?
Peggie mopped her eyes and looked at him. He was such a quiet, unobtrusive, inoffensive old gentleman that she wondered more than ever why Barthorpe had refused to admit him to the informal conference.
What other thing? she asked.
Mr. Tertius looked round the roomstrangely empty now that Jacob Herapaths bustling and strenuous presence was no longer in itand shook his head.
Theres one thought you mustnt permit yourself to harbour for a moment, my dear, he answered. Dont even for a fraction of time allow yourself to think that my old friend took his own life! Thatsimpossible.
I dont, said Peggie. I never did think so. It is, as you say, impossible. I knew him too well to believe that. So, of course, its
Murder, assented Mr. Tertius. Murder! I heard a man in the street voice the same opinion just now. Of course! Its the only opinion. Yet in the newspaper theyre asking which it was. But I suppose the newspapers must besensational.
You dont mean to say its in the newspapers already? exclaimed Peggie.
Mr. Tertius handed to her the Argus special, which he had carried crumpled up in his hand.
Everybodys reading it out there in the streets, he said. Its extraordinary, now, how these affairs seem to fascinate people. Yesits all there. That is, of course, as far as its gone.
How did the paper people come to know all this? asked Peggie, glancing rapidly over Triffitts leaded lines.
I suppose they got it from the police, replied Mr. Tertius. I dont know much about such matters, but I believe the police and the Press are in constant touch. Of course, its well they should beit attracts public notice. And in cases like this, public notice is an excellent thing. We shall have to hearand find outa good deal before we get at the truth in this case, my dear.
Peggie suddenly flung down the newspaper and looked inquiringly at the old man.
Mr. Tertius, she said abruptly, why wouldnt Barthorpe let you come into that room down there at the office this morning?
Mr. Tertius did not answer this direct question at once. He walked away to the window and stood looking out into the square for a while. When at last he spoke his voice was singularly even and colourless. He might have been discussing a question on which it was impossible to feel any emotion.
I really cannot positively say, my dear, he replied. I have known, of course, for some time that Mr. Barthorpe Herapath is not well disposed towards me. I have observed a certain coldness, a contempt, on his part. I have been aware that he has resented my presence in this house. And I suppose he felt that as I am not a member of the family, I had no right to sit in council with him and with you.
Not a member of the family! exclaimed Peggie. Why, you came here soon after I cameall those years ago!
I have dwelt under Jacob Herapaths roof, in this house, fifteen years, said Mr. Tertius, reflectively. Fifteen years!yes. YesJacob and I weregood friends.
As he spoke the last word a tear trickled from beneath Mr. Tertiuss spectacles and ran down into his beard, and Peggie, catching sight of it, impulsively jumped from her seat and kissed him affectionately.
Never mind, Mr. Tertius! she said, patting his shoulders. You and I are friends, too, anyway. I dont like Barthorpe when hes like thatI hate that side of him. And anyhow, Barthorpe doesnt matterto me. I dont suppose he matters to anythingexcept himself.
Mr. Tertius gravely shook his head.
Mr. Barthorpe Herapath may matter a great deal, my dear, he remarked. He is a very forceful person. I do not know what provision my poor friend may have made, but Barthorpe, you will remember, is his nephew, and, I believe, his only male relative. And in that case
Mr. Tertius was just then interrupted by the entrance of a footman who came in and looked inquiringly at Peggie.
Theres a taxi-cab driver at the door, miss, he announced. He says he would like to speak to some one about the news in the paper aboutabout the master, miss.
Peggie looked at Mr. Tertius. And Mr. Tertius quickly made a sign to the footman.
Bring the man in at once, he commanded. And, as if to lose no time, he followed the footman into the hall, and at once returned, conducting a young man who carried a copy of the Argus in his hand. Yes? he said, closing the door behind them and motioning the man to a seat. You wish to tell us something! This lady is Miss WynneMr. Herapaths niece. You can tell us anything you think of importance. Do you know anything, then?