Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L Sawyers

Author:Dorothy L Sawyers [Sawyers, Dorothy L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: kindle, fiction, mystery
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Published: 2009-10-14T23:00:00+00:00

10

NOTHING ABIDES AT THE NOON

‘Alas!’ said Hiya, ‘the sentiments which this person expressed with irreproachable honourableness, when the sun was high in the heavens and the probability of secretly leaving an undoubtedly well-appointed home was engagingly remote, seem to have an entirely different significance when recalled by night in a damp orchard, and on the eve of their fulfilment.’

THE WALLET OF KAI-LUNG

‘And his short minute, after noon, is night.’

DONNE

MR GOYLES was interviewed the next day at the police-station. Mr Murbles was present, and Mary insisted on coming. The young man began by blustering a little, but the solicitor’s dry manner made its impression.

‘Lord Peter Wimsey identifies you,’ said Mr Murbles, ‘as the man who made a murderous attack upon him last night. With remarkable generosity, he has forborne to press the charge. Now we know further that you were present at Riddlesdale Lodge on the night when Captain Cathcart was shot. You will no doubt be called as a witness in the case. But you would greatly assist justice by making a statement to us now. This is a purely friendly and private interview, Mr Goyles. As you see, no representative of the police is present. We simply ask for your help. I ought, however, to warn you that, whereas it is, of course, fully competent for you to refuse to answer any of our questions, a refusal might lay you open to the gravest imputations.’

‘In fact,’ said Goyles, ‘it’s a threat. If I don’t tell you, you’ll have me arrested on suspicion of murder.’

‘Dear me, no, Mr Goyles,’ returned the solicitor. ‘We should merely place what information we hold in the hands of the police, who would then act as they thought fit. God bless my soul, no – anything like a threat would be highly irregular. In the matter of the assault upon Lord Peter, his lordship will, of course, use his own discretion.’

‘Well,’ said Goyles sullenly, ‘it’s a threat, call it what you like. However, I don’t mind speaking – especially as you’ll be jolly well disappointed. I suppose you gave me away, Mary.’

Mary flushed indignantly.

‘My sister has been extraordinarily loyal to you, Mr Goyles,’ said Lord Peter. ‘I may tell you, indeed, that she put herself into a position of grave personal inconvenience – not to say danger – on your behalf. You were traced to London in consequence of your having left unequivocal traces in your exceedingly hasty retreat. When my sister accidentally opened a telegram addressed to me at Riddlesdale by my family name she hurried immediately to town, to shield you if she could, at any cost to herself. Fortunately I had already received a duplicate wire at my flat. Even then I was not certain of your identity when I accidentally ran across you at the Soviet Club. Your own energetic efforts, however, to avoid an interview gave me complete certainty, together with an excellent excuse for detaining you. In fact, I’m uncommonly obliged to you for your assistance.’

Mr Goyles looked resentful.

‘I don’t know how you could think, George –’ said Mary.

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