The Sittaford Mystery

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Book: Read The Sittaford Mystery for Free Online
Authors: Agatha Christie
for walking.”
    “Went out at half past four and returned about twenty past six,” said the Inspector thoughtfully. “That's rather odd. He didn't mention Captain Trevelyan?”
    Mrs Belling shook her head decisively.
    “No, Mr Narracott, he didn't mention anybody at all. Kept himself to himself he did. A nice looking young fellow - but worried, I should say.”
    The Inspector nodded and stepped across to inspect the register.
    “James Pearson, London,” said the Inspector. “Well - that doesn't tell us much. We'll have to make a few inquiries about Mr James Pearson.”
    Then he strode off to the coffee-room in search of Major Burnaby.
    The Major was the only occupant of the room. He was drinking some rather muddy looking coffee and the Times was propped up in front of him.
    “Major Burnaby?”
    “That's my name.”
    “I am Inspector Narracott from Exeter.”
    “Good morning, Inspector. Any further?”
    “Yes, sir. I think we are a little further. I think I can safely say that.”
    “Glad to hear it,” said the Major drily. His attitude was one of resigned disbelief.
    “Now there are just one or two points I would like some information on, Major Burnaby,” said the Inspector, “and I think you can probably tell me what I want to know.”
    “Do what I can,” said Burnaby.
    “Had Captain Trevelyan any enemies to your knowledge?”
    “Not an enemy in the world.” Burnaby was decisive.
    “This man, Evans - do you yourself consider him trustworthy?”
    “Should think so. Trevelyan trusted him I know.”
    “There was no ill feeling about this marriage of his?”
    “Not ill feeling, no. Trevelyan was annoyed - didn't like his habits upset. Old bachelor, you know.”
    “Talking of bachelors, that's another point. Captain Trevelyan was unmarried - do you know if he made a will? And in the event of there being no will, have you any idea who would inherit his estate?”
    “Trevelyan made a will,” said Burnaby promptly.
    “Ah - you know that.”
    “Yes. Made me executor. Told me so.”
    “Do you know how he left his money?”
    “That I can't say.”
    “I understand he was very comfortably off?.”
    “Trevelyan was a rich man,” replied Burnaby. “I should say he was much better off than anyone round here suspected.”
    “What relations had he - do you know?”
    “He'd a sister and some nephews and nieces I believe. Never saw much of any of them, but there was no quarrel.”
    “About this will, do you know where he kept it?”
    “It's at Walters & Kirkwood - the solicitors here in Exhampton. They drew it up for him.”
    “Then, perhaps, Major Burnaby, as you are executor, I wonder if you would come round to Walters & Kirkwood with me now. I should like to have an idea of the contents of that will as soon as possible.”
    Burnaby looked up alertly.
    “What's in the wind?” he said. “What's the will got to do with it?”
    Inspector Narracott was not disposed to show his hand too soon.
    “The case isn't such plain sailing as we thought,” he said. “By the way, there's another question I want to ask you. I understand, Major Burnaby, that you asked Dr Warren whether death had occurred at five and twenty minutes past five?”
    “Well,” said the Major gruffly.
    “What made you select that exact time, Major?”
    “Why shouldn't I?” said Burnaby.
    “Well - something must have put it into your head.”
    There was quite a pause before Major Burnaby replied. Inspector Narracott's interest was aroused. The Major had something which he quite patently wished to conceal. To watch him doing so was almost ludicrous.
    “Why shouldn't I say twenty-five past five?” he demanded truculently, “or twenty-five to six - or twenty past four, for that matter?”
    “Quite so, sir,” said Inspector Narracott soothingly. He did not wish to antagonize the Major just at this moment. He promised himself that he would get to the bottom of the matter before the day was out.
    “There's one thing that strikes me

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