Henderson daily dispatch., 1937-01-16
CHAPTER AZ

SELDEN walked into the bar of
the Bull Inn in search OF the land
lord, but only the potman was
gently ushering the late stayers
through the door.
where is Hucks 2" he asked of
the maid who had served him.
IT think he went out a few mo-
ments ago, sir" she said.
Selden sauntered slowly back to
the hall and seized the telephone
hastily. "Grinfold 92," he called,
Urgent police CALL"
Almost Immediately he heard
Inspector Hutchins' gruff voice.
"Hutchins-this is Selden speak
ing" He heard laugh at the
other end of the line.
IT thought you would be calling
me up. was expecting you over
this afternoon"
.Selden cut him short. ''Never
mind that now. Listen, Hutchins.
Get your car at once, and come to
Reid's cottage-you know where
that is. Bring a couple Of your
men-armed, you understand. It's
a matter Of the utmost Importance,
but I can't explain, someone may
be here any moment. 1 shall be
there to meet you."
He rang off without waiting for
more than Hutchins' astonished
exclamation.
He flung open the front door and
went out into the rain. The
groups had quickly dispersed, but
the road was Illuminated with a
blood-red stain where the lights
from the bar showed through the
red curtains.
Once clear Of the front, Selden
took to his heels, all deliberation
chAnged to action, and fled up the
lane to the cottage as though all
the fiends were after him. The
way was thick with mud, and the
going slippery. but he never
stopped to take breath till he saw
a faint light among the trees.
Then he stopped running and
mcpped his forehead, painting with
the exertion. This latest develop
ment had upset all his careful
plans. He walked towards the cot
tage, and suddenly came to a halt.
A light was showing through a
chink between, the blinds, a thin
line IN the darkness. He walked
firmly to the door and turned the
handle.
Selden looked round; the LIGHT
from the lamp was burning stead
lily, and shone on the face of Mrs,
Thornton, who was sitting on the
couch, in front of which was a
small table on which were a bot
3 tie of whiskey and glass.
She looked up expectantly at
the visitor, and then her express
sion changed to blank amazement
and something like fear. She
seemed to struggle for breath, and
lay back with groan.
I am so glad to see you, Mr.
Selden." she said haltingly, but her
eyes were fixed on the door behind
him. Il must explain my presence
here was returning from Pawn
ton Manor where had been to see
Colonel Graham at his request. ]
lost my way, and stumbled over q
root. am afraid have sprained
my ankle"
1T was lucky you were able r.
take shelter here" Selden said
suavely.
II thought that perhaps MIR.
Reid would have been here, and he
could have gone for a doctor"
II have had some experience
can be Of assistance
II am afraid not" she said with
a look Of pain. II have bound if
up myself with handkerchief
If you would be so kind as to fetch
the doctor. am afraid I can't
walk all the way to the village"
II suppose you were hoping to
find Miss Lawrence and the chill.
dren here, and then Mr.. REID
could have gone for the doctor. y
Selden said slowly.
"I did hear that they were ston.
ping here, but my only thought
was to get help. would not have
disturbed them otherwise"
IT think you were expecting
someone else here" Solder said