Faintley Speaking
A 3S digital back-up edition 1.0
click for scan notes and proofing history
Contents
CHAPTER ONE: MANDSELL
CHAPTER TWO: MARK
CHAPTER THREE: LAURA
CHAPTER FOUR: DETECTIVE-INSPECTOR VARDON
CHAPTER FIVE: DETECTIVE-INSPECTOR DARLING
CHAPTER SIX: MYSTERY MEN
CHAPTER SEVEN: MISS GOLIGHTLY
CHAPTER EIGHT: KINDLEFORD SCHOOL
CHAPTER NINE: MR BANNISTER
CHAPTER TEN: MRS CROCODILE
CHAPTER ELEVEN: MR TRENCH
CHAPTER TWELVE: CROMLECH DOWN BAY
CHAPTER THIRTEEN: OPERATION DREDGER
CHAPTER FOURTEEN: DAMP HOUSE
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: UNCLE TOM COBLEIGH AND ALL
FAINTLEY SPEAKING
If an impecunious author had not accidentally intercepted a telephone call, the mysterious Miss Faintley might have defied even Mrs Bradley’s efforts at solution, The telephone message began, ‘Faintley speaking…’ and proceeded with instructions to collect a parcel from the local railway station and deliver it to a somewhat shady shopkeeper. The author not only delivered the parcel but also unwisely demanded payment for doing so…
Not long after, Miss Faintley was murdered. It seemed at first unlikely that she, a prim, quiet schoolmistress, could have anthing to do with crime. Yet Mrs Bradley’s investigations led to some exciting developments…
First published 1954 by Michael Joseph
This edition 2001 by Chivers Press published by arrangement with the author’s estate
ISBN 0 7540 8596 1
Copyright © The executors of the estate of Gladys Mitchell 1954
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data available
Printed and bound in Great Britain by Bookcraft, Midsomer Norton, Somerset
Ella Vinall & Barbara Blattler,
their cat, their caravan
and all
FAINTLY SPEAKING
Chapter One
MANDSELL
‘I prythee, gentle mortal, speak again.’
shakespeare -
^ »
‘I’m sure I’m very sorry, Mr Mandsell,’ said his landlady, ‘ but I’ve come to the finish. I been kept waiting six weeks for my money, and I’d have you to realize, sir, as I can’t be kept waiting for ever. I’ve got to live, sir, and so has Deaks, same like as what you have, sir.’
‘Why should any of us worry about living, Mrs Deaks? Life’s not so hot. On the other hand, think how it enriches your character, if not exactly your pocket, to provide the indigent like me with two meals a day and a bed! Just think, too, of the good you’re doing yourself with the Recording Angel.’
‘It’s no use, sir. Sorry as I am to lose you… for I’m sure you’ve been no trouble and have always spoke gentlemanly and took your hat off to me in the street as there’s them that wouldn’t… this is my last word. Twice have I let you stop on as you have talked me into it, but never no more. Supper and bed and breakfast you’ve had these six weeks gone, and what have I got to show for it? No, sir, sorry as I am, as I can’t say more, and much as I’ve liked your company, it has got to be O.U.T. unless you can pay me by Saturday.’
