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yesterday. Then I want you to ask around the town and find out all you can about Sir Charles Chilton. See what folk make of him. I will meet you back at the house,’ instructed Ravenscroft beginning to make his way back up the path towards the churchyard.
     
    ‘Good morning to you, Inspector,’ said Brockway greeting Ravenscroft as he entered Hill Court.
    ‘Good morning Mr Brockway. I trust that there is still no news regarding young Miss Chilton?’ asked Ravenscroft closing the door behind him.
    ‘Nothing at all,’ replied the solicitor.
    ‘I have some men searching the river and canal. Hopefully they will not find anything, but we are bound to begin there.’
    ‘Of course. All of this has come as a great shock to SirCharles and his wife. We must hope that this matter reaches a speedy, satisfactory conclusion.’
    ‘Indeed.’
    ‘I have that list you asked for, Inspector. These are all the people Sir Charles has done business with in the past few years,’ said Brockway reaching into the top pocket of his coat.
    ‘Thank you,’ said Ravenscroft taking the sheet of paper and studying its contents. ‘This is rather a long list of names.’
    ‘Sir Charles has dealings with a great many people,’ remarked the solicitor drily.
    ‘And is there anyone on this list who has, shall we say, had a falling out with Sir Charles, and perhaps bares a grudge against him?’ inquired Ravenscroft.
    ‘There is no one that immediately springs to mind.’
    ‘Oh, come now Mr Brockway, there must be someone on this list whom Sir Charles has had difficulties with recently?’
    ‘Well I suppose there is someone. Mr Russell. Mr James Russell. You will see his name towards the bottom of the paper,’ said Brockway reluctantly.
    ‘And who is this Mr Russell?’
    ‘He owns some land on the edge of the town, which he farms in a small way, a family concern I believe, inherited from his parents. You will find his property towards the end of Vines Lane.’
    ‘Why did Sir Charles and this Mr Russell fall out?’
    ‘Sir Charles wishes to purchase some of Mr Russell’s land. Mr Russell refuses to sell. It is as simple as that.’
    ‘And why does Sir Charles wish to purchase Mr Russell’s land?’ asked Ravenscroft with interest.
    ‘We – Sir Charles believes there is an old salt pit on the land.’
    ‘I see. And Sir Charles would wish to mine the salt deposits?’
    ‘Sir Charles has made an offer, a very generous offer for the land, well above its agricultural value.’
    ‘But Mr Russell does not wish to sell?’
    ‘Quite.’
    ‘Have any threats been made by this Mr Russell?’
    ‘Oh dear no. It has not come to that. I will admit that some sharp words have been exchanged on both sides on the matter, but there has never been anything of that nature. In fact I am sure that Mr Russell cannot be behind all this. I only mentioned his name because I was pressed. Now if you will excuse me Inspector, I have to attend a business meeting at the Raven Hotel,’ said Brockway after quickly consulting his pocket watch.
    ‘Is Sir Charles available to speak to me this morning?’ asked Ravenscroft.
    ‘I am afraid Sir Charles has been called away on urgent business at nearby Stoke Prior.’
    ‘When do you expect his return?’
    ‘I am afraid I cannot say, Inspector.’
    ‘Then may I speak with Lady Chilton.’
    ‘Oh, I’m afraid that will not be possible.’
    ‘Why?’
    ‘Lady Chilton is not well today and is confined to her room: All this has proved a great strain for her, as I am sure you will appreciate.’
    ‘Nevertheless I would like to speak with her. She may be able to provide us with valuable information,’ said Ravenscroft determined not to be refused.
    ‘As I said, Lady Chilton is indisposed. Now you simply must excuse me. I am late already. Good day to you sir,’ said Brockway stepping quickly past Ravenscroft and out through the door.
    Ravenscroft stood silently in the hall, contemplating thesolicitor’s answers. Why