Sgt Beef - Case Without A Corpse Part 7

'Ow long ago did you take 'im on?

About seven years ago. You tell them, Alf.

She turned to the fire again, and her husband cleared his throat.

There's not really much to tell, he said. He came to my shop one day when we was in Bromley, and asked for work. Mother was out at the time, and I gave him something to eat, and he stayed talking. He was in a bad waydown and out. I took rather a fancy to the lad. We've never had any children of our own, you see. And when mother came home she liked him, too. So he stayed on for a day or two. And one thing led to another, and he's stayed with us ever since. But of course he was always anxious to get work. And after a bit he went back to his old linesteward on the s.h.i.+ps.

What was his real name, then?

We never knew. And as he didn't like talking about his past before he came to us, we never pressed him to find out. All he told us was that he'd been a steward before, and got into some trouble. He was a lad for trouble, you see, but nothing serious.

Beef's pencil scratched painfully on.

Now this time 'ome, he said at last, he' didn't be'ave unusual?

No. Not that we noticed.

Did he receive any letters?

One. From a girl, he said. Oh, and he did say when he saw the envelope that he thought he'd done with that.

It was waiting for 'un when 'e got 'ome?

Yes.

No others?

No. Not that we saw.

'E didn't say anything unusual?

No. He was on about his young lady. He was engaged to Molly Cutler, you know.

Yes, I know. 'E never said nothink about being followed?

Followed? said Mr. Rogers. No. Nothing at all.

And about this walking out with Miss Cutler. You approved, did you?

Mrs. Rogers answered at once. Of course we did. A really nice young lady. We were very pleased. Why, his uncle wanted him to get married at once, didn't you, Alf? Mr. Rogers said if he liked to get married and not go back to sea, he'd help him set up in business. But he wouldn't hear of it. He said he had had quite enough from us. He wanted to save enough money on his own. He got good money at sea.

You advised 'im to throw it up then, Mr. Rogers?

Well, I thought it was time he settled down.

I see. Well, what did 'e do 'is first day 'ome?

He was messing about with his motor-bike most of the day. He nearly always takes it half to pieces every time he comes.

Did 'e see anyone?

He went out in the eveningto meet his young lady.

No one else?

Not that we know of.

And yesterday?

He was gone from here at ten o'clock on his bike.

Say where 'e was going?

No. 'E never mentioned anything like that. He did not like it if we asked him too many questions about his movements. That was his way.

I see. When did you see him again?

Well, I've told you all that. Do you want me to go over it again in front of mother?

Sergeant Beef turned back several pages of his notebook. No. I don't think that's necessary. I see I've got your information about his return. It was about eight o'clock, you said?

Somewhere about then.

What time do you shut the shop?

Between six and half-past.

Same yesterday?

Yes.

And you stayed in after that?

Oh no. I always have my walk after I've shut up. I go up as far as the Memorial every night.

I see. What time do you get back, then?

It depends. Soon after seven, usually.

Had your nephew got a key?

Yes.

So that it would have been possible for 'im to've come in and gone out again while you was 'aving your walk?

I suppose it would. I never thought of that.

When 'e come in at eight o'clock, was 'e on 'is motor-bike?