Evening journal., 1922-08-03
CHAPTER w

allowed to do what they liked with.
in reason-the reasonableness OF
otherwise of 1t being decided By
Mark. But when once they Co
Mark had made up their minds as
TO what they wanted TO do. the plar
had 10 be kept. Mrs. Calladine, who
knew this little weakness OF their
hosts, resisted. therefore. the sug-
gestion of Bill that they should have
a second round OF golf in the after
noon. and drive home comfortably
after tea.
Antony was standing in front OF
the house, waiting for them. Bill
waved, and he waved back. Then
as the car drew up. Bill. who was
In front with the chauffeur. jump
ed down and greeted him eagerly.
Halo. you mailman. have you
come TO stay, or what?" He had a
sudden idea. Don't say you're
Mark Ablett's long-lost brother from
Australia, though I could quite be-
lieve It Of you" He laughed boy
ishly.
"Hallo. Bill" said Antony quietly.
VIII you introduce me? I'm afraid
I've got some bad news"
Bill. rather sobered by this. intro
duced him. The Major and Mrs.
Calladine were on the near side Of
the car. and Antony spoke to them
in a low voice.
I'm afraid I'm going to give you
rather a shock" he said. Robert
Albeit. Mr.. Mark Ablett's brother,
has been killed" He jerked a
thumb over his shoulder. 'In the
house"
DO you mean that he has just
killed himself?" asked Mrs. Gala
dine.
1T was about two hours ago.
happened TO come here,-he half
turned TO Beverley and explained
II was coming to see you. Bill. and
arrived just after the-the death.
Mr.. Cayley and I found the bodys
Mr.. Cayley being busy just now
there are police and doctors and so
on in the house-he asked me TO tell
you. He says that no doubt you
would prefer. the house-party hav-
way, TO leave as soon as possible"
He gave a pleasant apologize little
smile.
Bill gazed with open mouth az An
tony. Mrs. Calladine was quietly
mistress OF herself.
I'VE shall be in the way. yes.
quite understand" she said: but
we can't just shake the dust OF the
place of our shoes. because some
thing terrible has happened there.
must see Mark. He must know how
very deeply we feel for him. Perhaps
we" she hesitated.
The Major and might be useful
anyway" said Bill.
where Is Nfark?" said the Major
suddenly. looking hard at Antony.
Antony looked back unwaveringly
and said nothing.
81 think" said the Major gently
leaning over to Mrs. Calladine, that
Il would be better II you took Betty
back to London tonight"
VERY we'll" she agreed quietly.
As Antony re-entered the hall, the
Inspector from Middleton was just
crossing into the library with Cay
ley. The latter stopped and nodded
to Antony.
wait moment. Inspector.
Here's Mr.. Gillingham." And then TO
Antony. This Is Inspector Birch"
Birch looked inquiringly from one
to the other.
Mr.. Gnlingham and I found the
body together" explained Cayley.
"Oh! Well. come along. and let's
get the facts sorted out a bit"
They went into the library. The /
inspector seated himself at a writ
ing table. and Cayley sat in a chair
by the side Of it. Antony made him
self comfortable in an armchair and
prepared to be interested.
Wen start with the dead man."
said the inspector. Robert Albeit.
didn't you say?" He took out his
notebook.
yes. Brother of Mark Albeit
who lives here" v
Antony listened attentively while
Cayley explained all that he knew
about Robert. This was news to
him.
II zee Sent out of the country in
disgrace. What had he done?"
81 hardly know"
Mark Albeit never talked about
him?"
Hardly ever. He was very much
ashamed OF him. and-well, very
glad he was in Australia"
Now your own private opinion,
Mr.. Cayley., DO you think that Mark
was unfair TO his brother2"
They'd never liked each other as
boys. / don't know whose fault II
was in the first place-if Gnybody's."
The inspector nodded
This letter that Mark got-did
you see it?'
Not at the time He showed 81
to me afterward."
ANY address,"
mo. A half-sheet OF rather dirty
paper"
where Is It now?"
Il don't know. In Marks pocket
[ expect
"Ahl" He pulled at his beard.
Can you remember what II said?"
"As far as 1 remember. something
ike this: Mark, your loving brother
9 coming 10 see you tomorrow, all
he way from Australia. give you
warming so that you will be able to
conceal your surprise. but not l
rope. your pleasure. Expect him at 4
hree, or Whereabouts
"Ahl" The Inspector copied It