Found Floating by Freeman Wills Crofts

Author:Freeman Wills Crofts [Crofts, Freeman Wills]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2022-06-20T17:00:00+00:00

12

The Inquisition of Goode

The ship was very still as Katherine followed Eva along the alleyway and up the main staircase. They went to the drawing room, which was lighted up. On entering she found a little circle seated at one end. Facing it was Captain Goode. He stood up as the two women entered.

‘Please sit down, Miss Shirley,’ he said. ‘I’m sorry to disturb you, but, as no doubt Mrs Dugdale has told you, Mr Mant Carrington went ashore this evening and has not come back. Before sailing we want to find out if he said anything as to his intentions.’

As she moved to the chair he indicated, Katherine glanced round the little gathering. All the party were there; William looking old and ill in a deep-blue dressing gown with Chinese dragons embroidered on it in white silk, Luke and Runciman also in dressing gowns, though of more sombre colours, Jim still in evening dress and with a rather wild look in his eyes, and herself and Eva obviously having been called up out of bed. But, however differently dressed, all were alike in their expression of anxiety and concern. Beside the captain, and looking as if he also had been roused from sleep, was Major Artt, one of the two cruise managers. He was obviously worried, though his expression showed more annoyance than fear. Only Captain Goode, who was fully dressed, appeared entirely normal.

‘Mr Carrington said nothing to me, if that’s what you mean,’ Katherine answered. ‘The last time I spoke to him was when we met on the way down to dinner, and he didn’t mention his plans. I didn’t see him at all after dinner.’

‘Thank you, that is really what I wanted to know,’ the captain returned. ‘Now I’m afraid I shall have to ask that question of each of you in turn. Did he mention his plans to anyone?’ He looked round the little assembly.

‘Yes.’ Luke and Eva spoke together, while William nodded. Then Luke, who had not seen William’s nod, told his wife: ‘You go on.’

‘Yes, Mrs Dugdale?’ the captain turned to her.

‘Before we went to dress, the question arose as to what we should do after dinner. Someone said it was a pity when we were lying in an African port not to see some more of it. Several members of the party then said they would like a stroll ashore and some wine or beer or coffee if they could find a decent café. Mant, that is Mr Carrington, was one of the party and he said he would go ashore for a short time, but wouldn’t stay late.’

‘He said he wouldn’t stay late?’

‘Yes, he said so quite distinctly.’

‘Who was in that party you speak of?’

Eva thought. ‘You were there, Luke, and you, Uncle William. That’s all who are here, I think. But there were some other people, the Robinsons and Mr Miles and the Jepsons. I think that was all. Any others, Luke?’

‘No, I think you’ve mentioned them all,’ Luke agreed.

The captain looked at him.

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