The Captive

Encounter in a Copse

That night Felicity and I talked continuously of our discovery. It was beyond our wildest hopes.

“I still can’t believe it!” I said.

“How could Sir Edward, with his strong moral stance, enter into a bigamous marriage, have two sons whom he accepted as his own, while his legitimate son, though brought up in the house, was treated as an outsider?”

“We have to remember that he wanted the boy to be given every chance.”

“Poor Simon!”

“Well, he had your Nanny Crockett.”

“It would have been sad for him if he hadn’t.”

“Oh, there are always compensations. But why did Sir Edward not only break the law but go against his strong religious principles?”

“I think I can guess. You see, there is a great tradition in the Perrivale family. The old house is at the root of it. The place was falling down and Sir Edward was in financial difficulties. He had never brought Alice to Perrivale. Much as he loved her, he did not think she would be a suitable chat elaine You see how strong the family tradition was. I daresay he had been brought up to believe that the great family of Perrivale was all-important. It had been kept going all through the centuries by its members doing their duty. It was his, therefore, to save Perrivale. Along comes the ironmaster or coal owner, whatever he was, from Yorkshire. He will supply the money required to save the house. Sir Edward’s financial problems can be solved … but at a cost, of course. The price is marriage to the rich man’s daughter.”

“But Sir Edward couldn’t accept those terms. He had already married little Alice.”

“But who knew? Only those people in the country. Alice was quiet and docile. She would accept everything he told her. She would not make trouble, even if she knew what was happening … but she didn’t. He thought he could pull it off, and he did. I dare say it troubled him a great deal. There was no other way of saving Perrivale. He had always been brought up to believe that his first duty was to tradition … to the family name. You can see how he was torn. He had to save his house; the family must go on living in the style to which it was accustomed. Alice could not rise to what would be demanded of her. He had loved Alice … he had been led into the temptation of marrying her. But she was not suitable to be a Perrivale wife. I can see how it happened.”

“You certainly make it sound plausible.”

“I think Sir Edward could not die with this secret on his conscience.

I think he may have confessed when he was near the end. And to whom would he confess but to the one whom it concerned most . the woman who thought she was his wife? Imagine it: “I cannot go like this. I must tell the truth now. My heir is Simon, the boy I brought into this house. I married his mother and that means I am not truly married to you.” That was how it must have happened. Maria said that she heard them quarrelling violently and that Lady Perrivale went very strange at the time of his death. It must have been because of this. “

“Are you suggesting that she was involved in the murder? You can’t think she killed her own son just to get Simon accused.”

“Of course not. What she did was tell her son. She would, wouldn’t she? Or perhaps Sir Edward told them. Yes, of

course, it would concern them most . next to Lady Perrivale, of course. “

“But it was Cosmo who was murdered.”

“I always had a notion that Tristan was the murderer. I used to think he killed Cosmo because he wanted the title and estates … and Mirabel. Just imagine what he would feel to be in second place and miss all the prizes.”

“Lucas is in a similar position.”

“Well, before his accident he didn’t want to stay at home.”

“And he had his army career for a while.”

“Yes, and he gave that up and travelled a great deal and was rather restless. I begin to see it more clearly. I always thought Tristan was involved somehow. He had everything to gain. And there was Mirabel.

She married him very soon after Cosmo was killed. “

“And what of the child she seems to have got rid of?”

“I don’t understand that. It’s too complicated, but at least if Tristan was aware that Simon was really his father’s heir … he would want to get him out of the way. So he kills Cosmo and arranges that Simon is blamed for it. So both encumbrances are removed. Sir Edward dies … there is nothing to say that Tristan is not the rightful heir.”

“It’s taking shape,” said Felicity.

“But how are you going to prove all this?”

“I don’t know … yet. But we’ve taken a great step forward … thanks to you. Felicity. I think I shall know what to do when the time is right.”

“And in the meantime … ?”

“I shall tell Lucas, when I see him, what we have discovered. He is very astute. He will suggest what action we take next. Something has occurred to me. Lady Perrivale the Dowager Lady Perrivale is searching for something in Sir Edward’s room. She lights candles at night or she did before Maria hid them for fear she burned the house down-and went prowling round looking. What was she looking for, do you think?”

“Simple logic would point to a will.”

“Exactly. The last will of Sir Edward Perrivale in which he states that Simon is his legitimate son and heir. He cannot go to his grave with that secret on his conscience.”

“So to purge his own soul he plunges those who for years have believed themselves to be his only family into turmoil.”

I nodded.

“He knows that if someone gets his or her hands on the will while he is too ill to know what is happening, it will be destroyed. So he hides it, meaning to produce it to the solicitor or someone whom he can trust when he gets the opportunity to do so. Now Lady Perrivale knows that this will exists. She must find it and destroy it for the sake of her sons, if for nothing else. She is not very clear in her mind … but she hangs on to the fact that it exists. That is why she wanders about at night looking for it.”

“H’m. Sounds likely.”

“I often visit Lady Perrivale. There might be an opportunity …”

“You’d better be careful.”

“That’s what Lucas says.”

“If this is true and Tristan killed once, he might not hesitate to do so again, and people who know too much might be in danger.”

“I’ll be watchful.”

“I’m really serious, Rosetta. I’m worried about you.”

“Don’t be. I’ll be careful. They don’t suspect anything. I’m just the governess.”

“But no ordinary governess.”

“Oh yes, I am really. It just happens that I have found a way of getting on with Kate better than most could.”

“Well, don’t be rash.”

“I promise.”

“Now we’d better get some sleep, I suppose.”

“Felicity, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your help.”

“Oh really … it was fun. I like a mystery as well as anyone.”

“One of the nicest things that ever happened to me was when you came to teach me.”

“Well, on that happy note, we’ll say good night.”

When I arrived in Cornwall, Kate greeted me sullenly.

“You’ve been away a long time,” she said.

“It wasn’t really so long. I met a friend who used to be my governess.”

I told her about Felicity’s coming to the house and how I had been imagining she would be an ogre, how they had all liked her in the kitchen and she used to join us for meals.

Her mood changed. She was really very pleased to see me back.

“Did Mr. Dolland do The Bells?”

“Yes.”

“I wish you’d take me up there.”

“I might… one day.”

“One day, one day,” she mocked.

“I don’t want one day. I want now. You ought to have taken me with you.”

I was glad when I was able to retire to my room. I wanted to brood on all that had happened. I was sure we were right in our theories. I could picture it all so clearly. Sir Edward, on the point of death, had made his startling revelations. If Tristan could kill Cosmo and have Simon hanged for murder, no one need ever know of the previous marriage. It would be between Tristan and his mother. He would certainly trust her to keep quiet. She would not want it to be known that, though she had lived with Sir Edward and borne him two sons, she had not been his wife.

How could the truth be brought out? How could Simon be exonerated?

There was the marriage certificate in the hands of Miss Ada Ferrers.

There would be the records in

St. Botolph’s Church. But even though Simon was proved to be the true heir to the Perrivale estate, that would not clear him of the charge.

Even if the will-if there was one-were found, that would not be enough.

I felt we had come to an impasse. We had uncovered dark secrets, reasons for murder . but we had not found the identity of the murderer.

Still, if I could find that document. Sir Edward could move only with difficulty, I imagined. It would be in his room. Where would he be likely to hide a document?

I was becoming more and more certain that it was a will for which Lady Perrivale was searching, and I was going to try to find it. That would be my next venture. There could be an opportunity of slipping into that room . perhaps if Lady Perrivale were asleep . and Maria did not happen to be there. If I could produce the will I could at least prove a motive.

The next afternoon I went up to see Lady Perrivale. She was asleep but Maria was there.

“It’s nice to see you back,” she said.

“Her ladyship’s been sleeping most of the day. That’s how it is nowadays. The Major came in to see her pretty often while you were away. She cheers up for his visits.”

She gave me a wink.

“Well, she always had a soft spot for him.”

“Even though he married her best friend.”

“Ah yes. She might have had him herself but old Joe Arkwright was a hard man when it came to the brass. She was heartbroken when her father put an end to it. Then of course she married Sir Edward. It was what Joe Arkwright wanted. Stands to reason … Sir Edward and the title and Jessie brought the brass. What people will do for brass!”

I went away with those words ringing in my ears.

It was indeed revealing . what people would do for money!

It was two days later when my opportunity came. I went up to see Lady Perrivale. Maria was not there and Lady Perrivale was in her chair snoring slightly.

My heart was beating fast as I slipped out of the room and into that which I knew to have been Sir Edward’s.

I saw the big four-poster bed with a table beside it on which lay a very large Bible with leather covers and brass clasps.

I looked round the room. Where would he be likely to put something he wanted to hide? Why should it be necessary to hide it? Because he did not trust the woman who for years had thought she was his wife.

There was a cupboard near the window. I went to and opened it. There were some clothes in it and a tin box. I picked up the box. It was locked.

I wondered what was in it, but it was impossible for me to open it; and in any case whoever was searching for a will would immediately look in such a place. I could be sure someone had opened that box and inspected the contents since Sir Edward’s death.

For a moment I paused by the window and glanced across to my own room, and just at that moment the Major came into the courtyard. He looked up and immediately I dodged back. I was not sure whether he had seen me. I did not think he had. But it was a warning. I must get out of this room. He would clearly be coming to pay one of his frequent visits to Lady Perrivale.

When I emerged, Maria was still not there and Lady Perrivale remained asleep. I hurried downstairs and was in the hall when Major Durrell came in.

“Good afternoon. Miss Cranleigh,” he said.

“And what a pleasant afternoon it is.”

I agreed.

“I trust you had a good trip to London.”

“Oh yes, thank you. It seemed a long time since I had seen my family.”

“And I hear Mr. Lorimer is progressing favourably.”

“Yes, that’s so.”

“Then all’s well with the world.”

He smiled benignly on me as he started up the stairs.

It was the next day. Kate and I had been at lessons all morning, which had passed pleasantly enough. I was still brooding on my discoveries and felt frustrated because I did not know which way to go next. I had attached great importance to discovering the will but if I did, what would that tell usr which we did not know already?

I wanted to be alone to think. As soon as possible I must see Lucas.

He would be home very soon. I expected he would be rather exhausted immediately after his return, but I was very eager to tell him what Felicity and I had found out.

However, the need to get away was imperative. I wanted to be by myself to think. I took an opportunity of slipping out of the house, unseen by Kate, who would have wanted to come with me, and I walked briskly away from the house. I was near the Dower House when I saw the Major.

“Oh hello. Miss Cranleigh,” he called.

“How nice to see you. You’re looking well.”

“Thank you.”

“The trip to London was obviously a great success.”

“Yes, I think it was.”

“How’s Kate getting on now?”

“Very well.”

“I get rather worried about that girl. I’ve been wanting a little chat with you about her for a long time.”

“What is worrying you?”

“Look, why don’t you come in? It’s not easy to talk out here.”

He led me up the path to the front door, which was ajar. I said the garden was looking beautiful.

“I take a great pride in it. I have to have something to occupy me now I’m free of the Army.”

“It must be difficult to adjust to a civilian’s life. But it is some time since you retired now, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but one never really gets used to it.”

“I can well imagine that.”

The drawing-room was quite large with oak beams, latticed windows and a big fireplace.

“It’s a lovely house,” I said.

“Yes, the Tudors may not have been so elegant as their successors, but they did seem to create a certain atmosphere. Do sit down.”

I sat on the settle near the window.

“Are you comfortable there?” he asked solicitously.

I told him that I was very comfortable.

“What worried you about Kate?” I asked.

“I’m going to give you a glass of wine first. It’s always more cosy to talk over a drink.”

“Thank you … but I’d rather not…”

“Oh come, I insist. I want you to try this. It’s very good. I only serve it on special occasions.”

“Oh … is this one?”

“Yes, because for so long I’ve wanted to talk to you and to thank you for what you are doing for Kate.”

“You’re very fond of her, I know, as she is of you.”

He nodded.

“Now, just a small glass, eh?”

“Well, thanks … just a small one.”

He brought it to me and then went and poured one out for himself.

“To you. Miss Cranleigh. With my heartfelt thanks.”

“Oh really, you make too much of it. It’s only a matter of getting to know her … understanding her.”

“There have been so many … and you took the trouble. That’s what I’m grateful for. Mirabel, my daughter, Lady Perrivale … said to me the other day, ” The change in Kate since Miss Cranleigh came is really remarkable. “

“Then why are you worried?”

“That’s what I want to talk to you about. What do you think of the wine?”

I took another sip.

“It’s very pleasant.”

“Well, drink up. And have another. I told you it is very special.”

Just at that moment there was a sound of footsteps coming round the house. The Major looked startled.

“It’s me, Gramps,” said a well-known voice.

“Rosetta’s here, I know. I saw her come in.”

I put my glass down on a small table near the settle as Kate entered.

“What are you doing here?” she cried.

“I watched you leave. I followed you. You didn’t see me, did you? I kept behind. I stalked you. Then I saw you speak to Gramps and come in here. You’re drinking wine.”

“Yes,” said the Major, and although he smiled at his granddaughter, I fancied I saw a flicker of annoyance cross his face. It was understandable. He had wanted to talk to me confidentially and about her. That would be impossible in her presence.

“Well, come and sit by Miss Cranleigh.”

He took her by the arm and brought her towards the settle. I was not sure what happened because I was looking at Kate who was so pleased with herself at having caught up with me. But as she sat down the glass toppled over and the wine went trickling all over the carpet.

“Damnation,” muttered the Major.

“Oh,” cried Kate.

“You swore!”

“Forgivable,” he said.

“That was my very special wine. I wanted Miss Cranleigh’s opinion.”

“It wouldn’t have been of much significance,” I told him.

“I’m no connoisseur.”

“And you shouldn’t swear, Gramps. Your guardian angel will be writing it all down in a little book and you’ll have to answer for it one day.”

“If that is all I have to answer for, I am not particularly worried, and in any case I am sure you would intercede for me.”

Kate laughed and I looked down at the shattered glass. I stooped, but he said quickly: “Don’t touch it. Broken glass can be dangerous. It’s those horrible little splinters. Leave it. I’ll get it cleared away.

I’ll give you a fresh glass. “

We moved away from the mess on the floor to the window seat Kate begged to have a glass of wine.

“Not suitable for little girls,” said the Major.

“Oh, Gramps, don’t be so mean.”

“All right. Just a taste, eh? You see how she wheedles me, Miss Cranleigh.”

“You can’t resist me, can you, Gramps?”

“We are putty in the hands of our enchantress,” he said.

I could see Kate was enjoying this.

About half an hour later we left and went back to Perrivale Court. I was yawning.

“What’s the matter with you?” said Kate.

“You look half asleep.”

“It’s due to the hard work I have to put in to keep you in order.”

“No, it’s not. It’s the wine. You always say it makes you sleepy in the day.”

“You’re right. It does and it is.”

“Then why do you drink it?”

“Your grandfather was rather insistent.”

“I know,” she said, laughing.

It was late morning. We had finished lessons and Kate and I were going into the gardens. As we came down into the hall the Major was just arriving.

“Good morning, my dears,” he said.

“How nice to see you. Just on the point of going out, I see.”

“Have you come to see old Lady Perrivale, Gramps?” asked Kate.

“That’s so, and it is a great pleasure to see you as well. I did enjoy your visit. But it was too short. You must come again.”

“We will,” Kate assured him.

“And Miss Cranleigh will, too?” he said, looking at me.

“Thanks. Of course,” I said.

Just at that moment one of the grooms from Trecorn came to the door.

“Oh, Miss Cranleigh,” he said.

“I’ve got a message for you. Mr. Lucas is back. He wants to know if you could meet him this afternoon.

Two-thirty at The Sailor King. “

“Yes, yes. I’ll be there. Is he all right… ?”

“Getting on a treat, Miss.”

“Oh, I’m glad.”

He left us and Kate said: “You’re going off again this afternoon.

You’re always going to The Sailor King. “

“Only in my own time, Kate.”

“What a little slave-driver she is,” said the Major.

“You mustn’t make a prisoner of Miss Cranleigh, Kate. You wouldn’t like anyone to do that to you, would you? And if you do, she might fly away and leave us. Well, I shall see you soon, I hope. am revoir.”

He went up the stairs.

“But you are always going to that inn,” said Kate.

“I have to meet my friends now and then.”

“Why can’t I come?”

“Because you’re not invited.”

“That’s no reason.”

“It’s the very best reason possible.” She was a little sulky during our walk. But I could only think of meeting Lucas.

I left just before two o’clock. It did not take more than fifteen or twenty minutes to reach the inn. I could have

walked, but I did like to exercise Goldie and I enjoyed the ride.

Moreover, it meant that I could stay a little later if I rode and Lucas could ride back with me.

It was a lovely afternoon. There was only the slightest breeze to ruffle the trees. There was no one about. There rarely was at this hour. I took the coast road and turned inland. I had to go through a small copse. It could hardly be called a wood, but the trees grew closely together and I always enjoyed wending my way along the narrow path among them.

I was in good time. I should be there ten minutes before two-thirty.

I don’t know whether it was a premonition of danger, but as soon as I entered the copse I was aware of a certain uneasiness. I had the feeling that there was something strange about it on this day, that I was being watched. It was uncanny. Usually I went through without giving the solitude a thought.

I was aware of a sudden cracking of a branch . a movement in the undergrowth. Some small animal, I supposed-the sort of thing I must have heard a hundred times before and scarcely noticed. I was in a strange mood today.

I knew what it was. Felicity had said: What you are doing is dangerous. Lucas had said it, too. What if Tristan knew what I was doing? What if he had been watching me . as I had been watching him?

Guilty people must be ever on the alert.

“Come on, Goldie,” I said.

“Let’s get on.”

Then I realized that someone was in the wood . very close to me. I heard the sound of horse’s hoofs behind me and my impulse was to urge Goldie into a gallop, but that would have been impossible in the copse where she had to pick her steps carefully.

“Hello,” said a voice.

“If it isn’t Miss Cranleigh.”

It was the Major. He was right behind me.

“What a bit of luck. Just the one } wanted to see.”

“Oh, hello. Major,” I said with relief.

“I was wondering who was in the copse today. One doesn’t usually meet anyone at this time.”

“All taking their afternoon nap … or siesta perhaps they call it.”

“I expect so.”

“You’re just the one I wanted to see. I did want to have a word with you.”

“About Kate.”

“Yes. She interrupted us when I thought I was going to have the opportunity I wanted.”

“Something is worrying you, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“What? I think she’s getting on very well.”

“It’s difficult to shout. Could we dismount and sit down on that tree-trunk over there?”

“I haven’t much time …”

“I know. I heard you make your appointment this morning But this won’t take more than five minutes.”

I dismounted and he did the same.

He came close to me, and taking my arm led me to the fallen tree-trunk.

“What is worrying you?” I said.

His face was close to mine.

“You,” he said.

“What do you mean?”

“Why did you go and see Mrs. Campden?”

“Mrs. Campden?”

“Of Malton House, Bayswater.”

I felt suddenly cold with fear. I did not answer.

“You don’t deny you went. You have very beautiful hair, Miss Cranleigh. Unusual colour. It’s very noticeable. I knew who it was right away. And what are you doing at Perrivale? You’re not a governess. You are an inquisitive young woman.”

He turned my face to a tree. He held me there with one hand while with the other he produced a tie from his pocket.

For a moment I wondered why and then the awful truth dawned on me.

I had looked for my murderer and here he was. I had found him, but in doing so I was going to become another of his victims.

I thought of the sailor . of Cosmo . of Simon . and now I was the one.

“You’ve none but yourself to blame,” he said.

“I don’t want to do this. I hate doing it to you. Kate will grieve .. Why couldn’t you let sleeping dogs lie?”

A wild hope came to me. If he were going to kill me why didn’t he do it? Why did he talk like this? It was almost as though he were putting it off. He was speaking the truth when he said he didn’t want to do it. He was doing it because he thought he must . it was necessary because he was already caught up in a maze of murder.

I said: “You are planning to do to me what you did to the sailor … you’ll kill me and throw me over the cliff. Kate told me … about the sailor … I understand now.”

“You understand … you understand too much. I know what’s happened.

It was Harry Tench, wasn’t it? He’s talked. Oh, Miss Cranleigh, why did you have to meddle? “

I was suddenly aware that Goldie was walking away. I felt desperately frightened. He seemed to realize that he was wasting time. He might be thinking of Lucas who could come to the inn and wait in vain.

With a deft movement he released his hand. He needed them both to strangle me with the tie. I attempted to dodge away . but he was watchful of me.

Any minute now . It must not be. I had found the murderer. I had succeeded. I would not die and let the secret die with me. I must make a super-human effort to break away . to get to Lucas.

I was praying silently to Lucas . to Simon . to God.

I had to tell them. I had to save Simon . and Lucas was waiting for me.

He had the tie round my throat. Somehow I managed to get my two thumbs under it which relieved the pressure. I lifted my leg and kicked backwards.

Luck was with me. He was not expecting that. He let out a cry of pain; the tie fell from his hands. I had a second or two in which to act; and I did. I broke away. I was agile and I was fighting for my life.

I had to get out of the copse before he caught me. Instinctively I knew he would not dare attack me in the open country. Someone could easily come into view.

Through the trees I dashed. He was after me, fully aware of the necessity to catch me before I emerged into the open.

I could hear him close on my heels. The branches caught at me, but somehow I managed to keep a step or two ahead of him, just out of his reach. If only Goldie were here . if only I could mount her.

The trees were thinning. There was not far to go. I was going to make it.

I could hear him close behind me, breathing heavily. He was not a young man, I thought exultantly. I had the advantage of youth.

I was thinking: Lucas! How right you were. I should have been more careful. I had had a warning with the wine. Of course, he was going to drug me . and then throw me over the cliff . just as he must have done in the case of the sailor, Mirabel’s husband. I had had a warning and I had been too blind to see. But . I had found my murderer. Success had been thrust upon me and it had nearly cost me my life.

I was out in the open. I dare not stop. I went on running as fast as I could. Cautiously I glanced over my shoulder.

He was no longer there. I had escaped. And suddenly I saw Lucas galloping towards me.

“Lucas!” I panted.

“Lucas!”

He leaped from his horse. He took me in his arms and held me tightly.

“Rosetta … my love … what happened?”

“I’ve found him, Lucas … I’ve found him. He was going to kill me.”

“Rosetta … what… ?”

“He followed me into the copse. He was going to strangle me … and then he would have thrown me over the cliff … as he did the sailor.”

“You’d better tell me all about it. I thought you’d had an accident when Goldie arrived at the inn without you.”

“Goldie … yes, she wandered off.”

“I was looking out for you when I saw her trotting along. She came straight to the stables.”

“Oh … good old Goldie …”

“I’d better take you home with me.”

“No … no, I must tell you. There isn’t much time … or there may not be …”

“You’re distraught … I want to know everything that happened. Who . ?”

“Let’s go into the inn. Tell them I took a toss. I can’t let them know what really happened yet.”

“Who was it, Rosetta?”

“It was Major Durrell.”

“What?”

I put my hand to my throat.

“He had a tie … he was going to strangle me. It was round my throat. I thought I couldn’t stop him. But I … managed … somehow … and I got away. He couldn’t catch me. I ran faster than he did.”

He stared at my throat.

“There are bruises,” he said.

“Rosetta … what in God’s name is this all about?”

“I want to talk to you, Lucas. I’ve got the answer … I think. It hasn’t been in vain.”

I got up behind him and we rode back to the inn. My thoughts were in such a jumble that I did not know where to begin. I was deeply shocked, trembling violently, but I

knew that something had to be done . quickly. And I had to get Lucas’s help.

“Don’t talk till we get to the inn,” he said.

“A good strong brandy would be the thing for you. You are shaking, Rosetta.”

“I don’t get nearly murdered every day,” I said with an attempt at humour.

The innkeeper’s wife came running out, followed by her husband.

“My patience me!” she cried.

“When I saw that horse coming without you . well, I was in a shocking state really!”

“Thank you,” I said.

“I wasn’t badly hurt.”

“Let’s get Miss Cranleigh inside,” said Lucas.

“And I think some brandy, please. That’s the best for her.”

“Right away, sir,” said the host.

“I’m glad to see you in one piece. Miss,” said his wife.

“I shouldn’t have thought that Goldie would have played tricks like that … and then to come walking back, meek as you like.”

“I’m glad she came here,” said Lucas.

“A real bit of luck.”

I was in the inn parlour, the brandy was brought, and at last I was alone with Lucas.

“I’ll begin at the beginning. I’ve been careless. I ought to have guessed something …”

I told him about the wine.

“You see, he intended to drug me and throw me over the cliff, as he did in the case of the sailor who was without doubt Mirabel’s husband and had come back to spoil her chances at Perrivale. But Kate came and foiled his plan and at Perrivale this morning when your groom came over he heard me make arrangements to come here this afternoon. So he waylaid me.”

“That was a daring thing to do.”

“Yes, it would have been so much easier with the wine,

but I think he thought he had to act quickly. He was annoyed, I realize now, when Kate spoiled that plan which would have been so much easier to carry out. “

I told him about our visit to Ada Ferrers and what we had discovered through her.

“But,” I said, ‘it was the visit to the nursing home which betrayed me. You see, I mentioned Mrs. Parry . “

Lucas caught his breath, “I knew it was foolish, as soon as I said it. But I was caught up … and so embarrassed. I had only meant to look at the place. I made such a mess of it. But he must have known her fairly well and that was why he sent Mirabel there … and she described me and then he knew that I was on the track and he planned to get rid of me … just as he had the sailor.”

“So you think he killed Cosmo?”

“Yes.”

“I thought you’d selected Tristan for that.”

“I don’t know whether he was concerned in it, too. Oh … by the way, he said something about Harry Tench. He said I’d been talking to him or something like that. He was the one who came under suspicion in the beginning and was quickly dismissed by the police. He’s the farm hand who lost his cottage because of Cosmo and hated him for it. He could of course have witnessed the murder.”

“How … ?”

“Because it took place in Bindon Boys and that is where Harry Tench sleeps. He made the derelict farm his home … since he had no other. Lucas … that’s what we have to do quickly … we have to talk to Harry Tench. We have to do it now.”

“I’m going to take you back to Trecorn. You can’t go back to Perrivale after this. That’s the first thing.”

“No, Lucas. I couldn’t rest. I’ve got to see Harry Tench, and I want you to come with me.”

“When?”

“Now … without a moment’s delay. Who knows? We may have delayed too long already.”

“My dear Rosetta. You have just been nearly murdered. You’re deeply shocked.”

“I can think about that afterwards. I know this is important. I’ve got to see him. I’ve got to talk to him without delay.”

“Do you think you’ll be all right… ?”

“I wouldn’t be all right if I didn’t go. I should be tortured by what might be happening. Already the Major may have gone to him.”

“Look … I’ll go alone.”

“No, Lucas. This is my affair. I started it and I want to be in at the end. I hope this is the end.”

He could see that I was determined and at length he agreed that we should go to Bindon Boys together.

I mounted Goldie. I was feeling shaken but somehow buoyed up by the thought of further revelations.

The farmhouse looked more desolate than ever. We dismounted. The front door was open. It was a long time since the lock had disappeared. The place sent a shiver down my spine. I kept thinking of Cosmo’s coming here and facing death. I had very recently been made aware of how that could feel. I had faced it before, but it was not the same when one was being threatened by the elements. To be fighting for one’s life against a murderer is a different experience.

A streak of sunshine shone through the dirty window. It accentuated the cobwebs and the accumulation of dirt and dust on the floor.

“Are you there?” called Lucas. His voice echoed through the house and there was no answer.

I pointed to the stairs and Lucas nodded.

We were on the landing and the three doors faced us.

We opened one. The room was empty; but when we tried the next we found him there, lying on a pile of old clothes. He put his hand up to his face as though to shield himself.

“Hello, Harry,” said Lucas.

“Don’t be afraid. We’ve just come to talk.”

He lifted his head and leaned on his elbow. He was dirty, unkempt and very thin. I felt a surge of pity for him.

“What you want?” he muttered.

“Just a word or two,” said Lucas.

He looked bewildered.

Lucas went on: “It’s about the day Mr. Cosmo Perrivale was killed.”

Harry was really frightened now.

“I don’t know nothing. I weren’t here. I didn’t do it. I told ‘em I didn’t.”

“We know you didn’t do it. Harry,” I said.

“We know it was the Major.”

He stared at me.

“Yes,” said Lucas.

“So it doesn’t matter about keeping quiet any more.”

“What do you know about it. Harry?” I asked gently.

“He robbed me of my ‘ome, didn’t he? What ‘arm was I doing? The place stood empty for three months after … my little ‘ome …”

“It was cruel,” I said soothingly.

“And then you came here.”

“There was nowhere else. It was a roof. And then they was going to do it up … I stayed here … I wasn’t going till I ‘ad to.”

“Of course not. And you were here on that day.”

He didn’t answer.

I said: “It’s all right now. You can talk. The Major has told me now so it doesn’t matter.”

“He were good to me, he were. I wouldn’t have been able to get by but for ‘im.”

“Payment for your silence?” asked Lucas.

“He said not to tell. He said I’d be all right then. He said

he’d kill me if I told . in a jokey sort of way . like he always had. ” He shook his head, smiling. I could see that the Major had charmed him, too.

“Tell us what happened on that day. Harry,” I said.

“You sure … ?”

“Yes,” I replied.

“The Major knows I know. So it’s all right for you to talk.”

“You sure … ?” he said again.

“Oh yes … quite sure.”

“I want to be left alone.”

“You will be … when you’ve told us.”

“I didn’t do it.”

“I know you didn’t and nobody said you did.”

“They asked questions.”

“And they released you. They knew you didn’t do it.”

“I didn’t tell them what I see.”

“No. But you’re going to tell us.”

Harry scratched his head.

“I mind that day … never forget it. Dream about it sometimes. It was being ‘ere when it happened. Can’t get it out of me ‘cad.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I was ‘ere. I didn’t know when they was coming in to measure an’ all that. But there was always time when I heard ‘em come in to slip down the back staircase to the back door and out.”

“And you heard Mr. Cosmo come in.”

“No, it weren’t Mr. Cosmo who come first. It was the Major. That’s why I didn’t get right away. I thought it was one of them coming to measure up. I didn’t expect to see the Major.”

“What did he do?”

“Well … he came in and went over to the door what leads down to the basement. He opened it and went in. I wondered what ‘e were doing in the basement. But he didn’t go down … couldn’t have. He was just waiting behind the door. Then Mr. Cosmo came in. There wasn’t a word spoke.

I saw the basement door open. The Major stood there. He lifted the gun and shot Mr. Cosmo. “

“Then what happened?”

“Mr. Cosmo fell to the floor and the Major came out and he put the gun right down by Mr. Cosmo. I was on the landing, wondering what to do when Mr. Simon come in. The Major had gone then … and Mr. Simon picks up the gun just as Mr. Tristan comes in and finds ‘im standing there with the gun in his hand. Mr. Tristan was very upset so was Mr. Simon. Mr. Tristan starts shouting and says Mr. Simon’s killed his brother … and Simon says Mr. Cosmo was dead when he come in … and I thought it was time I got out. So I went out… down the back staircase.”

“So you were a witness of the murder,” said Lucas.

“And the Major … how did he know that you’d seen it all?” I asked. “Cos he’d caught a look at me up there on the landing. He didn’t give a sign he’d seen me … not then … only after. I wasn’t at Bindon then. I was over at Chivers. Old Chivers said he didn’t mind me sleeping in one of his barns. The Major gave me money and said he’d kill me if I told the police I’d seen him. Old Chivers were good to me. I knew I’d have to find some place when they started on Bindon but they never did after all that.”

“Harry,” said Lucas, ‘will you tell this to the police? “

He shrank from us.

“I don’t want none of that.”

“But you will. You’ll have to.”

He shook his head.

“You should,” I said.

“It’s your duty.”

His face crumpled.

“It’ll do you no harm,” said Lucas.

“Look, Harry, you come along and talk to the police, and I tell you what I’ll do. I’ll ask my brother if he can find a little place for you on Trecorn estate. Perhaps you could give a hand now and then on some of the farms. I’m sure there’d be work for you to do somewhere and you’d have your own little cottage. “

He stared at Lucas unbelievingly.

“I don’t want you to think it has anything to do with this. I’m sorry that you had the bad luck to be turned out of your home. I’ll speak to my brother in any case, but please … please come along and tell the police this.”

“And if I don’t, you won’t get this place for me?”

Lucas said: “I didn’t say anything of the sort. I’m going to try and get this place for you whatever you do. I’ll ask my brother and I am sure when he hears how helpful you’ve been he’ll want to do all he can. I’ll do it in any case. I promise you. But you should talk to the police.”

“We shall have to tell them what you’ve told us. Harry,” I explained.

“It’s our duty to. You see, an innocent man has been blamed for what he didn’t do. So we have to. The police will question you. You have to tell them the truth this time. It’s a criminal offence not to.”

“I ain’t no criminal. I didn’t do nothing. It were the Major. He were the one who fired the shot.”

“Yes, I know. And you are going to tell the truth when they ask you.”

“When?” asked Harry.

“I think,” said Lucas, ‘now. “

“I can’t.”

“Yes, you can,” said Lucas.

“You’re going to ride on the back of my horse, and we are going to take you there … now.”

How right he was. We must get there before the Major had time to get to Harry. I wondered what he would do now that his attempt to murder me had failed.

“All right,” said Harry.