human
But we may as well get under shelter to hear your story, suggested Inglis, and knocked loudly at the door of the hut. As Granny would not open, he simply turned to his men and gave a sharp order.
gpt
Break it down,
human
I'll have the law on you for this!
gpt
You'll get a stomach-full of law, I have no doubt, before I have done with you, retorted Inglis.
human
Who is this?
gpt
Vand's wife, who was trying to escape with him, said Cyril.
human
She is insensible from a blow this old demon gave her.
gpt
She'd have had you in the water else,
human
It wasn't unlikely, seeing how she fought. Have you any brandy?
gpt
A trifle for my spasms,
human
Then bring it out and revive Mrs. Vand, said Inglis impatiently.
gpt
It will be necessary for me to question her. Mr. Lister --he brought his mouth very close to the young man's ear and spoke in a whisper--
human
About Vand murdering Huxham? I believe it is, but I can't be sure. I got these, however, from Mrs. Vand. Don't let the old hag come near or she'll try and loot them.
gpt
Loot what? demanded Inglis, on seeing Cyril open the black bag, after he had motioned the constables to surround the table.
human
Oh, by Jupiter!
gpt
No you don't!
human
Whose are these?
gpt
Miss Huxham's, said Cyril, making a ready excuse until such time as the matter could be looked into, for he did not wish Inglis to take possession of Bella's fortune.
human
Her father left her these and the house to Mrs. Vand; but the woman withheld the jewels from her niece, and tried to-night to bolt with them. Then Luke Tunks attempted to steal them from her, while she lay unconscious here. Luckily I was enabled to rescue them, and now I can restore them to Miss Huxham.
gpt
Where is Luke Tunks?
human
Gone where you won't get him,
gpt
You must get him, Inglis, said Cyril insistently.
human
He knows all about the murder of Huxham, and has been blackmailing the Vands.
gpt
So that nigger said. By the way, we must see to the bodies. Inglis turned to the door, then looked back at Lister.
human
I wish I knew what this all meant, sir,
gpt
You shall know everything in due time, and a very queer story it is.
human
Cyril! Cyril! what has happened? she panted.
gpt
I have run all the way, and--who are these?
human
Inspector Inglis and constables, said that officer.
gpt
Where have you come from, miss?
human
From the Manor-house. I went to see my aunt, and saw her run away with her husband. Where is she? Where is he?
gpt
There is Mrs. Vand, said Cyril, pointing to the still insensible woman,
human
Is Durgo dead?
gpt
Yes, unfortunately. Vand clutched his throat and dragged him under.
human
But so weak a man----
gpt
He sacrificed his own life to kill Durgo, said Cyril.
human
What's to be done now, inspector?
gpt
One of my men can stay here to look after the old woman, he said officially,
human
I must stay and revive my aunt,
gpt
Good, said Inglis, motioning his men to file out.
human
I'll come back and question her when you get her right again. Mr. Lister!
gpt
With your permission, Mr. Inspector, I'll wait here with Miss Huxham, said Cyril significantly.
human
I don't trust these two women --he looked at Granny and the Romany girl--
gpt
Dutton will keep guard at the door, said Inglis, selecting the village constable, a fresh-faced, powerful young man,
human
--he turned to the man, who had already posted himself as directed--
gpt
What does this mean?
human
Mean! said Cyril, who looked over his shoulder,
gpt
Rum notion, said Inglis, who looked puzzled.
human
But what had he to do with all this murder business?
gpt
He was my father's friend, explained Lister,
human
he stopped on seeing the eager faces around him, adding in lower tones,
gpt
There seems to be much to explain, Mr. Lister, he said seriously.
human
However you can stay here. I shall take the bodies to the Manor-house and thoroughly search the place. When I return I hope to hear your story and to examine Mrs. Vand. It seems to me, added the officer, as he turned away,
gpt
I think so myself,