The Broughty Ferry Murder by Malcolm Archibald

Author:Malcolm Archibald [Archibald, Malcolm]
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER TWO

“Well, doctor? Is Mr. Lindsay fit?”

Watters and Dr. Musgrave stood on the platform outside the stationmaster’s office, with seagulls screaming from the neighbouring Victoria Dock. Musgrave was elderly, with wise eyes that had seen every kind of human suffering. He waited until a train rattled past before replying.

“Mr. Lindsay’s as fit as a French fighting flea,” he said. “As long as he’s careful. However, I recommend that he takes things easy for a few days.”

“What do you think happened?” Watters asked.

The doctor pursed his lips. “You’re the detective, Watters. Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Try,” Watters said.

“I’d say the two gentlemen – if I can call them that – used some sort of drug to knock Mr. Lindsay out.”

“I only smelled ordinary tobacco smoke,” Watters said.

“I doubt tobacco smoke, however powerful, could have that effect,” the doctor said dryly. “I’ve never seen the like before, Watters, and that’s a fact. I can’t think what they used.”

“Chloroform, perhaps?” Watters speculated.

The doctor shook his head. “Chloroform leaves a distinctive aroma. Did you smell anything strange in the compartment?”

“Not a thing except strong tobacco,” Watters admitted. “Maybe opium?”

“If the gentlemen had smoked opium,” the doctor said. “They would have been more affected than Mr. Lindsay. No, Inspector Watters, I’m afraid there is no easy answer to this mystery. You’ll have to find the thieves, and then you’ll solve the mystery.”

“Maybe they struck Lindsay with a blackjack, and he’s lost the memory?” Watters suggested.

“I checked him for bruises, cuts, abrasions, broken bones, and every single blessed thing I could think of,” Dr. Musgrave said. “I found nothing at all. Mr. Lindsay is as fit as you or me; probably fitter than me.” He gave a wry smile. “As I said, I told him to take it easy for a couple of days.”

“Thank you, Doctor,” Watters said.

Duff stepped to Watters and saluted. “I’ve given the telegrams to the telegraphist to send, sir, and I’ve spoken to the station staff here at Dundee East. Constable Logan is looking after the men who worked on the train.”

“Anything to report?”

“Nothing, sir. Nobody I spoke to saw the two gentlemen.” Duff hesitated. “I’ve asked Peter Grey to wait after his shift’s finished, sir. I know you’ll want to speak to him yourself. He’s the porter who woke Mr. Lindsay.”

Watters nodded. “You can support me in here, Duff.”

“Yes, sir.” Duff nodded to Musgrave. “Good morning, Doctor.”

“Good morning, Duff. Sergeant Duff, now, I hear. Congratulations on your promotion.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Duff looked embarrassed at the attention.

“How’s your lady wife?”

“Rosemary’s fine, thank you, Doctor.” Duff smiled, flushed, and looked at Watters for assistance.

“We’ll have to get on, Doctor, ...

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