human
There is no doubt in my mind that Brown was the short man seen by Gramp, Blair said to Alan.
gpt
And he was followed from Mrs. Marry's by Dr. Warrender, who was bound on the same errand.
human
You mean the theft of the body?
gpt
I think so. Brown had the key and Gramp saw them remove the corpse.
human
He saw Warrender, corrected Alan,
gpt
I judge the other was Brown, from the theft of the key and the fact that Warrender called to see him, and then followed. Again, both men have disappeared--at least, one has. The other is dead.
human
And who murdered him?
gpt
Brown, said the inspector, with conviction.
human
I am sure of it.
gpt
How can you be sure?
human
Because something unforeseen happened--the murder, probably. In the ordinary course of things, I take it, Brown would have come back to fetch his luggage, and would have gone away in a manner less likely to arouse suspicion. Probably he and Warrender had a quarrel when they put the corpse in the cart. Brown killed the doctor, and then drove away.
gpt
But, Blair, argued Alan,
human
I do, Mr. Thorold. It was Brown who had the key. Most likely he put the dead body in a place of safety, then came back the following night, to hide it away in the safest place he knew of--to wit, the vault. If you recollect, no alarm as to the loss of Marlow's body was given, or was likely to be given. Warrender's dead body would not have been searched for in the vault. It is, at least, highly improbable that the vault would have been opened.
gpt
That is true, assented Alan.
human
But that Cicero by chance saw the affair, I dare say we should have remained in ignorance of the business for many a long day. No one would have gone to the vault. A very clever man, this Brown.
gpt
Very clever. But for the accident of Cicero having slept in the churchyard, he would have got off scot-free. As it is, I don't see how we can hunt him down. His gout, his dumbness, his white hair and beard may have been assumed. The fact of the linen left at Mrs. Marry's being unmarked is proof enough that he was disguised.
human
Perhaps, said Alan doubtfully.
gpt
What I can't make out is, how he knew I had the key of the vault in my desk.
human
Did you mention it to any one?
gpt
Only to Mr. Phelps.
human
Where?
gpt
In the churchyard after the funeral. We were all round the vault and the service was just over. Phelps locked the door with his key and asked me where mine was. I said, 'In my desk in the library.'
human
Was Brown present at the funeral?
gpt
Yes, I think I caught a glimpse of him.
human
Was there a crowd round the vault door when it was closed?
gpt
There was; but I didn't notice Brown on that occasion.
human
Very probably. You were too much taken up with the business in hand. Yet, I'll swear Brown was in the crowd, and heard you say where the key was. The clever scoundrel made use of the information that same afternoon.
gpt
I believe you are right, said Alan, clenching his fist.
human
Oh, I do wish we could find the villain! But what object could he have had in stealing the body?
gpt
I can guess. Mr. Marlow was a millionaire.
human
Well, in a small way, yes.
gpt
In a way quite big enough to pay a handsome ransom, Mr. Thorold. The inspector smiled.
human
Depend upon it, we shall hear from this so-called Brown. He will ask a good few thousands for the return of the corpse. Oh, it is not the first time this game has been played.
gpt
Well, if Brown writes, we'll have him arrested for the murder.
human
Humph! said Blair, shaking his head,