The House Of The Bears by John Creasey Read Free Book Online Page A

plenty of other work; not more than a couple of hundred men were employed altogether in the mines on his estate. He made sure there was no hardship. Between ourselves, I’ve always liked him. He’s been lonely since his wife died twenty years ago.’
    ‘Curious business altogether. I told you about the pale face in my headlights, and the men who ran past the car, didn’t I? Did you ever find out anything about it,’ Palfrey asked.
    ‘Not about the pale face,’ said Hardy. ‘Both Morne and Markham told me the same thing, and I’ve checked it with several of the servants. You did see lines of running men taking the hounds out for an airing. From where you were sitting, you couldn’t see the hounds. It happens every night – Why, what’s the matter?’ he demanded, as Palfrey sat up sharply.
    ‘That might explain the scared face,’ Palfrey said. ‘Imagine a marauder in the grounds, suddenly aware that a pack of hounds was let loose. He would be scared and he would certainly run!’ He settled back again. ‘The trouble is that none of this helps at all to find who killed Halsted. I’m satisfied that he was murdered.’
    ‘So am I, and I think the Coroner’s jury will return a verdict of murder against some person unknown,’ Hardy said. ‘The inquest is in the morning. Will you be there?’
    ‘Yes,’ said Palfrey.
    ‘You aren’t exactly a free talker, are you?’ said Hardy, with a reproachful stare. ‘I have a feeling that there are deep thoughts in your mind.’
    ‘You’re the policeman; I’m here by chance.’
    ‘You certainly aren’t here by chance,’ said Hardy. ‘Halsted wanted your help. And I want your help, Palfrey.’
    Palfrey signed. ‘I don’t like this affair. I am not a detective. But if you ask me what I think is the most significant thing so far, I can only say one thing. Those bloodhounds followed Morne’s trail to the pool where Halsted’s body was found, didn’t they? People are prone to error, but bloodhounds know their master’s scent. Morne went to that pool. I think, for what it’s worth, Morne saw us when we found the body. Trees and rocks could have hid him from us; he might even have been up a tree.’ He paused, and frowned at Hardy’s astonished face. ‘Are you glad that I opened up?’

 
4:   ‘I WANT DR. PALFREY’
    Hardy went off, shaken out of his calmness. Palfrey found Drusilla downstairs, sat down by her, and stretched out his long legs. ‘I have told my piece to the persistent Hardy,’ he said, ‘and he gives me the impression that Corshire is shaken to its foundations.’
    A page-boy came up. ‘Telephone for you, Dr. Palfrey.’
    ‘Thanks. No peace for the lazy!’ He got up, and went to the telephone booth off the hall, expecting to hear Hardy’s voice.
    ‘Good afternoon, Dr. Palfrey. This is Ross, of the Wenlock Sanatorium. Miss Morne is asking for you.’
    ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t quite catch that.’
    ‘She is asking for you,’ repeated Ross. ‘She came round for the first time this morning, stayed awake just long enough to say that she wanted to see you, and then went off again. She’s now been awake for an hour, and all she says is that she wants Dr. Palfrey.’
    ‘But she’s never seen me in her life.’
    ‘Well, she says the same thing over and over again: “I want Dr. Palfrey.” She hasn’t asked for her father or for anyone else; only for you.’
    Then I must try and come,’ Palfrey said. ‘How long will it take me to drive over?’
    ‘An hour and a quarter by the moor, nearly two hours by the cliff road.’
    ‘Cliff road for me,’ said Palfrey. ‘I don’t want any more of that moor, if you understand me. Thanks. Er – what is Wenlock like for hotels? I don’t know that I shall fancy driving back tonight.’ He glanced at his watch. ‘I shan’t be there much before seven, shall I?’
    ‘No, even if you start right away. I’ll find you and your wife somewhere to stay; don’t worry about that. Look for the