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"Did he do or say anything while you were with him that would throw any light on the subsequent tragic events of the night, for which he is now under suspicion?" Colwyn related what had happened at breakfast and afterwards. Mr. Cromering listened attentively, and turning to Sir Henry Durwood asked him if he had seen Ronald before the previous day.
Cromering, who had been examining the pocket-book and money. "While I was examining the mouth of the pit the previous afternoon I found this piece of paper at the brink, trodden into the clay. Later on I recognised the peculiar watermark of waving lines as the Government watermark in the first issue of Treasury war notes. From that I deduced that the money was hidden in the pit.
"I've seen him at meal times, and nodded to him, but never spoken to him till yesterday, when he had a fainting fit at breakfast. Sir Henry Durwood and I helped him to his bedroom, and exchanged a few remarks with him on his recovery." "Yes, I've been told of that illness," said Mr. Cromering, meditating.
Cromering after despatching the innkeeper for refreshments for the party glanced once more at his watch, and remarked to Colwyn that he was afraid he would have to ask him to drive him in his car back to Durrington without delay. "Galloway will stay here for the inquest to-morrow," he added. "But I must get back to Norwich to-night."
The magistrate was greatly startled at what he had seen, and related the experience to his host when he got home. The latter did not tell him of the tragic significance which was attached to the apparition, but the magistrate cut his throat three days after his return to London. "Surely, that was more than a mere coincidence?" concluded Mr. Cromering.
He was in every way a remarkable contrast to his employer, and a painter in search of a subject might have been tempted to take the pair as models for a picture of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. "Take that chair and answer my questions," said Mr. Cromering, addressing the waiter in a very loud voice. "Oh, I forgot," he added, to the innkeeper.
Cromering was seated at the table, but Superintendent Galloway was standing up with his back to the fireplace. There was a moment's tense silence before the latter spoke. "We have sent for you to ask you a few questions, Benson." "I was under the impression that is, I was led to believe that it was Mr. Colwyn who wanted to see me." "Never mind what you thought," retorted Galloway impatiently.
Cromering still spoke in such an unnecessarily loud voice that he grew red in the face with the exertion "the gentleman who was murdered, and the young man Ronald, who came to the inn last night. Do you understand me?" "Yes, sir. I waited on the gentlemen, sir." "Very well. I want you to tell us all that took place between these gentlemen while you were in the room.
Cromering gently, with something of a tremor in his voice, as he gazed down at the dead man's face. "To think that such a man should have been struck down by an assassin's blow. What a loss!" "Let us see how he was murdered," said the more practical Galloway, who was standing beside his superior officer. He drew off the covering sheet as he spoke, and dropped it lightly on the floor.
Colwyn returned to the bar parlour and, after explaining to Mr. Cromering and Galloway what had happened, went into the bar. "Men," said Colwyn, "Charles has fallen into the pit on the rise, and I need the help of some of you to get him out. Queensmead has gone for ropes. Who will come with me?" There was no response. The villagers looked at each other in silence, and moved uneasily.
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