Yes, Woodman did know about it; but he had not mentioned it before, as it was confidential, and there was no reason to believe it had anything to do with the murders. Prinsep had commissioned him to settle with the girl for a lump sum payment, in consideration of which she was to leave the district. Woodman understood there would be a child. Undoubtedly, Prinsep had behaved badly to the girl; but it was not the first time. Was there any reason to connect the incident with the murders?
“There may be, or there may not, Mr. Woodman. Are you aware that the girl was engaged to be married to the butler at Liskeard House? Winter, his name is.”
“Oh, I know Winter. A most trusted old family servant. I had no idea that he was engaged to the girl. But I feel quite sure you are wrong if you connect him in any way with the murders. He is the last man to be mixed up in such a thing. Besides, between ourselves, I haven’t a doubt that it was Walter Brooklyn who killed Prinsep. He may have killed George Brooklyn, too, or Prinsep may. But surely there is not much doubt he killed Prinsep.”
“I see you have not heard the news, Mr. Woodman. Walter Brooklyn was released this afternoon.”
Woodman thought that he would get fuller information if he simulated ignorance and astonishment.
“Released? Whatever for?” he said.
“Because our evidence seems to show that he had nothing to do with it.”
“But, good heavens! there was his stick, and the telephone message, and his quarrel with Prinsep. What more do you want?”
“I can’t go into the details, Mr. Woodman. But we have been convinced that he didn’t do it.”
“Of course, if you have made up your mind, it is no good my telling you what I was going to tell you. But, when I last saw you, you were sure enough he was guilty. What on earth has made you change your opinion?”
“If you have further information, you should certainly tell me, Mr. Woodman. We ought to know everything that has a possible bearing on the case.”
“I will tell you; but it must be between ourselves. You know Thomas, who is Walter Brooklyn’s present solicitor. The man knows his client is guilty, and he had the effrontery to come here and ask me to help him in arranging a collusive defence.”
“Indeed, what was it he proposed?”
“That I should help him in an attempt to shift the suspicion to the menservants. Of course, I refused to have anything to do with such dishonourable tactics. Thomas admitted to me that his client was guilty. I am only surprised that he seems to have succeeded so well in deceiving the police.”
“You say that Thomas admitted Brooklyn’s guilt to you?” asked the inspector, half-incredulously, but with a note of excitement in his voice.
“Undoubtedly, he did. Of course, I should not have told you if he had not made me that dishonourable proposal. I am telling you now in order to save an innocent man from suspicion.”
“This is very strange, Mr. Woodman. The proofs of Mr. Brooklyn’s innocence were considered to be conclusive. Superintendent Wilson very strongly holds that they are conclusive. He appears to have a perfect alibi.”
“Alibis can be faked, and usually are.”
“This one has been pretty thoroughly tested. But, in view of what you say, I must certainly take up the matter again at once. Of course, my first step will be to have a talk with Mr. Thomas.”
“Pardon me, inspector, but I hope you will not do that. I have told you this in strict confidence, and it would endanger my professional position if it were known that I had done so.”
“Surely not. The fact that the man made you a dishonourable proposal absolves you.”
“He would deny it, and it would be only my word against his. He would merely deny, too, that he ever considered his client to be guilty. What else could he do? And we could not prove it.”
The inspector stood silent for a moment, biting his lip, while he thought the position over. Then he said—
“Very well, Mr. Woodman. Perhaps you are right. But I think I can get at the truth in another way. I will let you know the result. Rest assured that what you say will be given full weight.”
“All I want is to prevent you from going on a wild goose chase after poor old Winter. I’ve known him since I was a baby, and he is quite incapable of doing what you suggest.”
“That is as may be, Mr. Woodman. We are not inclined to suspect him seriously without further evidence. But I will certainly look into what you tell me about Mr. Walter Brooklyn. And now, there is another matter about which I want to ask you one or two questions.”
“Ask away.”
“You were good enough to give me very full particulars about the contents of Sir Vernon Brooklyn’s will; but there were one or two points about which I omitted to ask you. Perhaps you will not mind clearing them up now. In the first place, as matters stand now, who did you say were the principal beneficiaries? I have the facts here in my notebook, but I want to check them.”
“Let me see. Mrs. George Brooklyn gets one half of the sum which would have gone to George Brooklyn, and Miss Cowper half of what would have gone to John Prinsep. Mr. Walter Brooklyn is the residuary legatee, and stands, I suppose, to inherit about half a million, unless the will is altered.”
“Thank you. The further point I want to know is what the position would be if Mr. Walter Brooklyn were to die before Sir Vernon. Who would be the residuary legatee in that case?”
Woodman paused for a moment before replying. Then he said, “The residue would go, of course, to the next of kin.”
“Who is that? I think you have not mentioned any other relatives.”
“To the best of my belief, inspector, I
