Accordingly, when the body had been viewed and formally identified, and the proceedings had come to an end, he sought out his victim, and quietly introduced himself.
“I am exceedingly sorry, Mr. Ponson,” he said politely, “to intrude myself upon you at such a moment, but I have been sent here by Scotland Yard to make certain inquiries into this unhappy occurrence, and I have no option but to carry out my instructions. Could you spare me a few moments?”
Austin’s face paled as the other made his occupation known, and again the look of fear showed in his eyes. But he answered readily enough:
“Certainly, Inspector. I am at your service. Come in here; we shall not be disturbed.”
He led the way into a small study or office on the left of the hall, plainly furnished in mahogany, with dark red leather upholstering. Drawing forward two armchairs he motioned his visitor to a seat.
“I should feel greatly obliged, sir,” began Tanner, as he accepted a cigarette from the case the other held out, “if you would tell me all you can about this unhappy affair. I have practically only arrived, and I have not heard the details.”
“There’s not much I can tell you, I’m afraid,” Austin answered, and then he repeated almost word for word the statement he had made to the sergeant. He spoke calmly, but the Inspector could see that he was ill at ease.
“It seemed to my people,” went on Tanner, “that a good deal hinged on the motive Sir William had for taking out the boat. You cannot form any theory about that?”
“None whatever. It was the last thing I should have expected him to do.”
“There is no one whom he might have wished to visit?”
“The butler suggested that,” and Austin mentioned Dr. Graham. “But,” he ended up, “we could find nothing to bear out that theory.”
“Can you tell me if Sir William had anything on his mind recently?”
Austin hesitated and moved uneasily.
“No,” he said, “not to my knowledge.” But his voice changed, and the Inspector felt he was not speaking the truth.
“When did you see him last, Mr. Ponson?”
“On . I dined here and spent the evening.”
“And you noticed nothing unusual in his manner then?”
“Nothing.”
“You will be wondering what is the point of all these questions. I am sorry to tell you, Mr. Ponson, that my superiors have got an exceedingly unpleasant suspicion into their minds. I hardly like to mention it to you.”
The Inspector paused, watching the other keenly. He was evidently on tenterhooks. Seemingly unable to remain quiet, he threw his cigarette away, and then with quick, jerky movements lit another. But he controlled himself and spoke calmly.
“Yes? What do they think?”
“They are not satisfied,” went on Tanner, slowly watching all the time the effect of his words, “that the affair was an accident at all.”
Austin paled still further and tiny drops of sweat appeared on his forehead.
“In the Lord’s name,” he cried hoarsely, “what do you mean?”
“They fear suicide, Mr. Ponson.”
“Suicide?” There was horror in the man’s eyes, but to the Inspector there was relief also. “What infernal drivel! They did not know my father.”
“That is so, of course, sir. I’m only telling you what the Chief said. That’s the reason they postponed the inquest, and that’s the reason I was sent down.”
“I tell you, Inspector, the thing’s absurd. Ask anybody that knew him. They will all tell you the same thing.”
“I dare say, sir, and probably correctly. But might I ask you when you go home to turn the matter over in your mind, and if you think of anything bearing on it to let me know?”
“Of course,” assented Austin, and the relief in his manner was now unmistakable.
“There’s just one other point,” Tanner continued. “I have to ask a question I deeply regret, but I can only assure you it is one asked invariably, and as a matter of routine in such cases. I trust you will not mind. It is this. Will you please let me have a statement of your own movements on last night?”
Austin Ponson threw up his hands.
“I have been afraid of that question, Inspector, ever since I first heard the news, and now you’ve asked it, by Jove, I’m glad! I have been trying to make up my mind to tell the police since—since it happened, and it’ll be a huge relief to do so now. I tell you, Inspector, I’ve been actually afraid when I thought of it. Here goes for the whole thing.”
He spoke with excitement, but soon calmed down and went on in ordinary tones.
“On night I was the victim of what I then thought was a stupid and rather unkind hoax, but what since this affair I have looked on in a more sinister light. At the same time I confess I am entirely puzzled as to its meaning. In order that you may understand it I must tell you a few facts about myself.
“I have lived, as you perhaps know, alone in Halford for several years. I have some private means, and I pass my time in research work in connection with certain disease-carrying insects, besides writing on scientific and social subjects. Recently I became deeply attached to a young lady living close by—a Miss Lois Drew—and on last I put fate to the test, and asked her to marry me. She consented, but wished our engagement kept a secret for a few days. I only mention her name to you, Inspector, on her own authority, indeed at her express direction, but at the same time I trust you will respect my confidence in the matter.”
Tanner bowed without speaking.
“About , my butler handed me a note. He had found it, as I afterwards learnt, in the letter box of the hall door, and as it had not come through the post, it must have been delivered by private messenger.
