The Complete Miss Marple Collection by Agatha Christie Read Free Book Online

small calibre—say a Mauser .25.”
    I started, remembering our conversation of the night before, and Lawrence Redding’s admission. The police constable brought his cold, fish-like eye round on me.
    â€œDid you speak, sir?”
    I shook my head. Whatever suspicions I might have, they were no more than suspicions, and as such to be kept to myself.
    â€œWhen, in your opinion, did the tragedy occur?”
    The doctor hesitated for a minute before he answered. Then he said:
    â€œThe man has been dead just over half an hour, I should say. Certainly not longer.”
    Hurst turned to me. “Did the girl hear anything?”
    â€œAs far as I know she heard nothing,” I said. “But you had better ask her.”
    But at this moment Inspector Slack arrived, having come by car from Much Benham, two miles away.
    All that I can say of Inspector Slack is that never did a man more determinedly strive to contradict his name. He was a dark man, restless and energetic in manner, with black eyes that snapped ceaselessly. His manner was rude and overbearing in the extreme.
    He acknowledged our greetings with a curt nod, seized his subordinate’s notebook, perused it, exchanged a few curt words with him in an undertone, then strode over to the body.
    â€œEverything’s been messed up and pulled about, I suppose,” he said.
    â€œI’ve touched nothing,” said Haydock.
    â€œNo more have I,” I said.
    The Inspector busied himself for some time peering at the things on the table and examining the pool of blood.
    â€œAh!” he said in a tone of triumph. “Here’s what we want. Clock overturned when he fell forward. That’ll give us the time of the crime. Twenty-two minutes past six. What time did you say death occurred, doctor?”
    â€œI said about half an hour, but—”
    The Inspector consulted his watch.
    â€œFive minutes past seven. I got word about ten minutes ago, at five minutes to seven. Discovery of the body was at about a quarter to seven. I understand you were fetched immediately. Say you examined it at ten minutes to—Why, that brings it to the identical second almost!”

    â€œI don’t guarantee the time absolutely,” said Haydock. “That is an approximate estimate.”
    â€œGood enough, sir, good enough.”
    I had been trying to get a word in.
    â€œAbout the clock—”
    â€œIf you’ll excuse me, sir, I’ll ask you any questions I want to know. Time’s short. What I want is absolute silence.”
    â€œYes, but I’d like to tell you—”
    â€œAbsolute silence,” said the Inspector, glaring at me ferociously. I gave him what he asked for.
    He was still peering about the writing table.
    â€œWhat was he sitting here for?” he grunted. “Did he want to write a note—Hallo—what’s this?”
    He held up a piece of notepaper triumphantly. So pleased was he with his find that he permitted us to come to his side and examine it with him.
    It was a piece of Vicarage notepaper, and it was headed at the top 6:20.
    â€œDear Clement”—it began—“Sorry I cannot wait any longer, but I must….”
    Here the writing tailed off in a scrawl.
    â€œPlain as a pikestaff,” said Inspector Slack triumphantly. “He sits down here to write this, an enemy comes softly in through the window and shoots him as he writes. What more do you want?”
    â€œI’d just like to say—” I began.
    â€œOut of the way, if you please, sir. I want to see if there are footprints.”
    He went down on his hands and knees, moving towards the open window.
    â€œI think you ought to know—” I said obstinately.
    The Inspector rose. He spoke without heat, but firmly.
    â€œWe’ll go into all that later. I’d be obliged if you gentlemen will clear out of here. Right out, if you please.”
    We permitted ourselves to be shooed out like