Detective and mystery stories; Forensic scientists -- Fiction
Four times that afternoon the Archduke Leopold sent to ask for news
of his brother, and each time Reggie answered that the patient was
much the same. “Leopold will be doin’ some thinking,” Reggie
chuckled. “Happy days for Leopold.”
Towards tea-time the Hon. Stanley Lomas arrived jauntier than ever.
“Well, doctor, been enjoying yourself, what?” He shook hands
heartily. “Best congratulations and all that. Sound scheme. Ve--ry
sound scheme. Well, I expect you’ll be glad to be rid of Leopold,
what? I conceive I can put the fear of God into him now. Free hand,
don’t you know. Let’s take him on.”
It was announced to the Archduke Leopold that the Hon. Stanley Lomas
of the Criminal Investigation Department desired to confer with him.
The Archduke, who was drinking tea, was pleased to receive Mr. Lomas.
He also received Reggie. “Dr. Fortune? You have something to tell me?”
“There is no change, sir.”
“No change yet! And you gave me such hopes this morning. These are
anxious hours, Mr. Lomas.”
“I can imagine it, sir. But I hope to relieve some of your anxieties.
I believe we shall discover who was responsible for last night’s
outrage.”
“So! And so soon! But you are wonderful, you English police. You will
sit down, Mr. Lomas.” He looked at Reggie, whose lingering naturally
surprised him. “Is there anything more, Dr. Fortune?”
“Dr. Fortune is part of my evidence, sir,” said Lomas.
“Is it possible? But you interest me--you interest me exceedingly.
Permit me one moment.” He slid out of the room.
Lomas turned in his chair and lifted an eyebrow at Reggie, who was
settling his tie before an old Italian mirror. “Probably gone to
change his clothes,” Reggie said. “He’s only worn one suit to-day.”
A footman brought in more tea-things, and a moment after the Archduke
came back.
“I am all impatience, Mr. Lomas. But pray take a more comfortable
chair. Dr. Fortune--I recommend the chair by the screen. Let me give
you some tea.” He was all smiles.
“Have you made arrangements to leave England, sir?” Lomas said
sharply.
“Mr. Lomas!”
“You have time to catch the mail to-night.”
“I hope that I do not understand you, sir. You appear insolent.”
“Oh, sir, there will be no delicacy in handling the affair. You went
to Dr. Fortune’s room this morning.” The Archduke gave a glance at
Reggie, who sat intent on stirring his tea. “He was preparing an
injection of strychnine for his patient.”
“Hallo, what’s that?” Reggie cried, and nodded at the window. “Oh, I
suppose it’s the car, Lomas. Your fellows will have found her and
brought her round.”
“The car, sir?” the Archduke said, and Lomas put up his eyeglass.
“The car that did the deed.”
The Archduke slid across to the window. Lomas, too, stood up and
looked out. They turned and stared at Reggie, who was sipping his
tea. Lomas frowned. “There’s nothing there, Fortune.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account