Sgt Beef - Case Without A Corpse Part 33

Cheek, it was. He said he wanted to slip me up to the train at the last moment. He was carrying on, as I very well knew, with that dreary little Cutler piece, and I suppose he was afraid that she or her mother would hear of it.

Anyone come by while you were waiting?

No. I don't think so. Oh yes there was, though. A porter on a bicycle. Haven't you asked enough questions yet?

Not nearly. What happened next?

Nothing. He took me up to the station, and I caught the train.

And you come right up to London?

Of course I did. And glad I was to get back. I never could stand the country. All slush and muck everywhere. Can't keep your shoes decent two minutes.

Did Rogers say what he was going to do that evening?

He was meeting his girl, I believe.

He didn't say anything else?

Not that I can remember. Why? D you think he told me who he was going to do in?

Did he say anything about his having been followed?

Followed. No. Not to me he didn't.

How much did he give you for the letters?

That's my business.

How much? Stute's tone never changed.

Really. I should like to know what business you've got coming here and questioning me like this.

How much?

Not much, really.

I'm waiting.

About 20.

About 20?

Well, 20.

Where d'you suppose he got that from?

How should I know? Though he did say something about having sold some lottery tickets or something.

Did he say to whom he had sold them?

No.

Did he mention a man called Fairfax?

No. Not that I can remember.

Had you any idea that he was running drugs into the country.

No. Indeed I hadn't. I shouldn't have approved of that. Not drugs, I shouldn't.

Why did he stop and buy rope in Chopley?

To tie my attache case on the carrier. It was slipping about all over the place. I told him it was dangerous.

When you read in the papers that Rogers had murdered someone, who did you think it would be?

Hadn't the remotest. I know who I wish it had been, she added with a glance at Mrs. Walker.

You say you came up to town on the six o'clock train. What proof have you?

Proof? What do you mean? I did come up on that train.

What did you do when you got up here?

Went to see some friends of mine.

Name?

I don't see why I should drag them into this.

When I remind you that a murder was committed in Braxham that evening I think you'll understand that you had better explain your alibiif you've got one.

That seemed to startle the girl a little. They were Miss Renee Adair, and Mrs. Wainwright.

Address?

Sixty-six Ararat Street, Covent Garden. Top flat. I was with Renee for the rest of the evening.

Have you been in this room long?

A few weeks.

Since that day, in fact. You found it advisable to change your address, instead of coming forward with what information you could.

I didn't want to be mixed up in it.

No, I don't suppose you did. And if everyone acted as you have our work would be twice as hard as it is now.