p1e7jd0p9k1lsk1osi1trg1pa619hc4 by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER XIII

[83]

PURSUED

Leyland had determined to devote the next day to making inquiries about the man in the punt. Bredon, who had decided to take things easily, contented himself with looking through Leyland's notes of his preliminary information about the case; some of which may as well be here transcribed for the reader's benefit.

'Relations living.—(1) Mrs. Charles Burtell, now Haverford; has m. Julius Haverford, 513, 24th Street West, Idaho, an American lawyer. Has lived in U.S. ever since her marriage; Nigel B. used to go over there during summer holidays and vacations. Is now travelling on the Continent of Europe, address not known.

'(2) Mrs. Coolman, sister of John Burtell (grandfather), widow of James Coolman, Lancashire business man who left her v. well off. Address, Brimley House, Wallingford. No will known to exist; she was childless, so that D. and N. Burtell are nearest relatives. Has not seen them since infancy, but takes an interest in them. Unfortunately is now v. ill, and Dr.

will not hear of her being interviewed.

'No other surviving relatives of any importance.

'Motives of disappearance.—(1) By death of D., N. stands to gain £50,000

free of encumbrance, + expectations from "Aunt Alma", i.e. Mrs.

Coolman.

'(2) D. might evade creditors by successful disappearance; but this only possible by secret arrangement with N., who would be treated as heir.

This v. improbable, since D. notoriously on bad terms with N.

'(3) Origin of this bad feeling not exactly traceable, but certainly increased by discreditable love affair eighteen months ago. The two cousins rivals; N. apparently successful, but woman committed suicide (drugs). Consult records of inquest.

'(4) Possibly D. merely wished to slip out of society (heavy drug taker).

But circs. seem unnecessarily elaborate.

'Personal characteristics—D. is reputed slow, lazy, and unimaginative; fond of low friends. Talks French well. Bets and gambles considerably. N.

[84]

gives himself out Bolshevist, etc.; some brains, talent for acting; Bohemian pose (?); friends say not to be taken seriously.

'Next destinations.—D. apparently expected to return to London flat, where letters were to await arrival. N.'s letters were to be forwarded to same address. Did N. mean to stay in London with D.? No other address given to Oxford lodgings; luggage only marked (railway label)

"Paddington".

'Possibility of murder by persons unknown.—It does not appear D. had any violent or bitter enemies. No one had any motive for killing him except N. Add, however, the possibility of someone interested in Mrs.

Coolman's money. Mrs. C. has a protégé, E(dward?) Farris, orphaned son of friends, who has been brought up by and lived with her. Some chance that she may have left property to him by will; perhaps contingently; if so, he might have motive for disposing of (one or both) Burtell cousins.

(N.B. Letter from Mrs. C. to D., found among his papers in London, expresses strong desire for D. and N. to be reconciled, since they were reported to her as having quarrelled. Perhaps significant.)'

Leyland had, of course, jotted down other notes, but these, for the most part, would be no news to the reader. Bredon, as he read, admired

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