Read Online Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - Free Book Online

“What did that note of interrogation in his eye mean? I wonder—I wonder if he knows anything. I must keep a sharp look-out.” Vereker paused, and then a smile spread over his features. “Of course he may suspect that I have had some hand in Henry’s disappearance and was trying to read me. The incident is most important and looks as if it is going to fit into a mysterious scheme of things.”
    After lunch Inspector Heather unburdened himself.
    â€œWell, Mr. Vereker,” he began, “I’ve thoroughly cross-examined Farnish. He’s a rum specimen, is Farnish. I don’t quite know what to make of him.”
    â€œHis best manner is rather devastating,” replied Vereker. “Do you know, Heather, in Farnish’s presence I always begin to shrink. My clothes seem too big for me and I have a strange sensation that I am being firmly assured that my ancestors did not come over with the Conqueror. What effect did he have on you?”
    â€œNothing of that sort, Mr. Vereker. But he’s so confoundedly discreet. He never answers in a hurry, and then weighs every word he utters. You feel that he is fencing all the time, that he is determined you shall know no more than he wishes to let you know. Anyone would think he was hiding something.”
    â€œOh, he’s a past-master at that sort of thing. You must remember that the life of a man like Farnish is apparently one long discretion. Have you any suspicion with regard to him?”
    â€œI’m going to keep a watchful eye on him. As to my cross-examination of him, it uncovered nothing of any importance with regard to Lord Bygrave. His information was exactly what I expected it to be and revealed not a jot more than we both already know. Lord Bygrave left him in charge of the place until his return from Hartwood. There was nothing unusual in his lordship’s behaviour prior to his departure. He said nothing out of the ordinary to Farnish before leaving, and Farnish entertains no ideas of any kind as to where his lordship has gone or when he may choose to return.”
    â€œFarnish is a blank slate, inspector, as far as you are concerned?”
    â€œAbsolutely.”
    â€œWhat is your next move?”
    â€œI’m going to search the place thoroughly and look through all Lord Bygrave’s papers.”
    â€œGood; but let me warn you to be careful when exploring the undercroft. There’s a well down there in which you may inadvertently find yourself unless you are careful. I should take Farnish with you and observe him closely but furtively while you are searching. You remember Carlton’s explanation of his method of discovering an object hidden in a town simply by watching the feet of the man who had hidden it, and who was accompanying him. No? Well, never mind. But it was a brainy idea. I should not hesitate to make use of it.”
    â€œYou suspect Farnish?” asked the inspector quickly.
    â€œI am not quite satisfied that he is innocent of everything connected with this affair. Merely an idea of mine, with very scanty foundations for it. Perhaps I’m entirely wrong—it’s a duel between reason and the vague promptings of that shadowy faculty called intuition.”
    â€œNot much use for intuition in these matters, Mr. Vereker,” sighed the inspector heavily and, rising from his seat, added, “Well, I think I’ll have a good look round and examine Lord Bygrave’s papers—at least those to which I can get access here. What are you going to do?”
    â€œOh, I’m going to read the most up-to-date novel of the day. I always carry it with me. It is so true to modern life—‘The Satyricon.’”
    â€œMay I ask who’s the author?” queried the inspector listlessly.
    â€œA Mr. Titus Petronius.”
    â€œPerhaps he’s a friend of yours, Mr. Vereker.”
    â€œOne of my best friends—but I’ve not met him. Perhaps I