Information Received by E.R. Punshon Page B

It was supposed to be kept in a locked drawer in his room and he talked about it sometimes. But both the cook and Lewis seem to have an idea that it was bluff on his part.’
    â€˜I wish we knew,’ Mitchell said. ‘They told us that, too, but the two young ladies seem always to have taken it for granted he really had one. But we found the drawer in which it was supposed to be kept still locked, there’s no sign of its having been opened, there’s no sign of a revolver having been kept there or anywhere eke, no ammunition or anything. And he certainly had no licence, though that doesn’t go for much. Half the people with pistols haven’t got a licence, and don’t know they’re liable to heavy penalties if they are found out. If Sir Christopher had it in his pocket, why was that? And how did his murderer get hold of it? If we can clear up that part of it, we should be a long way to clearing up the whole. Any more information?’
    â€˜Sir Christopher went to the billiard-room about six. One of the maids saw him go. He was still there at a quarter past six because he rang for something he wanted and she brought it him. He was alone. He had a cue in his hand and was apparently practising strokes. Lewis says he often did that and that he used to say he cleared his mind and solved his business worries and problems like that, just as some people say a game of patience helps them to think things out. The maid says that going back from the billiard-room she heard someone moving in the study and wondered who it could be, but did not go in. She says she never thought of burglars in broad daylight. She thought it wasn’t her business and went on. If what she really heard was the thief at work, then that’s when the robbery took place, about six fifteen. I think it’s believed the murder took place at six thirty?’
    â€˜That’s when you saw – or didn’t see, when the caretaker next door saw – a man in a grey tweed suit running away. Also Sir Christopher’s watch stopped at two minutes past the half hour. He is said to have been particular to keep it right.’
    â€˜Seems to suggest, sir,’ said Bobby, ‘that the theft in the study and the murder in the billiard-room are not connected – can’t imagine a man robbing a safe and then waiting a quarter of an hour to commit a murder at the other end of the house.’
    â€˜And it was about a quarter past six apparently,’ commented Mitchell, ‘when Miss Laing saw some man she’s quite sure now was not Mr Lester go past the drawing-room window. At least she thinks that was the time, but by now she’s not too sure of that either.’
    â€˜The safe was opened with a key,’ Bobby went on, ‘and apparently by someone who had some knowledge of the house and of Sir Christopher’s habits. There is a large sum missing apparently. Mr Carsley says his partner has embezzled money and has run for it. Mr Marsden, as Sir Christopher’s lawyer, would know his habits, and might have provided himself with a key of the safe some time or another.’
    â€˜We’ve thought of that,’ said Mitchell. ‘Marsden was seen in Piccadilly Circus soon after half past six. That gives him a good alibi for the murder but not for the robbery – you can get to Piccadilly from here in a quarter of an hour easily by tube. He didn’t go home last night. We are looking for him. Better get those shorthand notes of yours written out as quickly as you can and then bring them to me.’
    â€˜Yes, sir,’ said Bobby, saluting and went off to carry out the instructions given to him.

CHAPTER 11
MARSDEN RETURNS
    It was still fairly early when Bobby presented himself at the Lincoln’s Inn office of Marsden, Carsley, and Marsden, where this morning not much work was being done.
    Neither partner had yet arrived and even the managing clerk, who was so much the managing