The Floating Admiral - Agatha Christie [71]
Dakers became if possible even more frigid.
“Thank you, Inspector, but I shall endeavour to look after my client’s interests without the help of the police.”
Rudge shrugged. “As you will, sir. But you must realise that the police will have to examine that document, and I was merely suggesting that if you could see your way to work with us in the matter it would save time and trouble. But of course it’s as you like. Till ten o’clock then, sir.”
Superintendent Hawkesworth was waiting for Rudge at the station, and within a few minutes Chief Constable Twyfitt arrived. Rudge at once gave a detailed account of what had happened and what he had done, with the steps he next proposed to take. The two men heard him without interruption, Hawkesworth scribbling copious notes.
“That seems all right, Rudge, as far as you have gone,” the Superintendent said, glancing at his superior.
“Yes,” Major Twyfitt agreed. “I think Rudge has done quite well. And his proposals for carrying on seem sound.”
“Yes, but there’s too much in them for one man,” Hawkesworth decided. “We’ll have to divide them up. Just let’s settle what everyone’s to do and then you, Rudge, can get along with that identification. Now let’s see.” For some moments he scribbled rapidly. “This’ll do, I think,” he went on. “I’ll take on the China affair. I’ll get in touch with the Admiralty and the Foreign Office and that newspaper man and any other place or person I can think of. Then I’ll follow up Denny: I dare say there’s some connection between the two. Sergeant Appleton we’ll put on to Holland: Holland’s doings in this country, that is: Holland in China will come under me. If necessary, Appleton can go up to the Yard and get some help there. At the same time he can find out if those two were really married in town. Constable Hempstead seems to have done well?”
“He certainly has, sir. He’s no fool, is Hempstead.”
“Very well, we’ll give him his chance. We’ll let him search the river, both banks, over the length along which the boat could have floated. He’s to look out for traces of any kind, particularly for footprints on the bank, signs of a struggle, places where the body might have been lifted into the boat, and that missing bit of the painter. That’ll keep him busy. You yourself, Rudge, take Rundel Croft and the people in it, excluding the dead man, who I think will come into my department. That covers things in the meantime?”
“Yes, sir, I think that’s all right.”
“Well, you get along now. Then you’re going to see the coroner? Formal identification and an adjournment of course?”
“Of course, sir.”
Fifteen minutes later Rudge and Dakers reached the public house at Lingham where the body of the deceased was lying. Dakers had recovered his good temper and had chatted pleasantly enough during the drive.
“Well, sir?” Rudge asked, when the solicitor had stared for some moments at the dead features.
Dakers seemed to awake as from a reverie. “Oh yes,” he said without hesitation, “it’s Admiral Penistone right enough. No doubt whatever.” He appeared somewhat touched. “Poor old fellow,” he went on, “I’m sorry to see him like that. We didn’t see eye to eye in everything, but still—judging people as you find them, I could say nothing but good about him.” He turned away with a sigh. “I suppose you want me to give evidence of identity at the inquest?”
“It would save Mrs. Holland,” Rudge pointed out.
“Very well. When does it take place?”
“To-morrow at ten, sir.”
“I shall be there.”
“Thank you, sir. I suppose, sir.” Rudge smiled as if to discount the saying of a stupid thing: “I suppose Mrs. Holland really was the late Admiral’s niece? You see, no one here knows the family. As you are aware, they moved here about a month ago.”
“Of course she was,” Dakers answered testily. “I’m afraid you won’t get far on those lines, Inspector.”
“We have to question everything, sir, as you know. Well, sir, I’m obliged to you for