Boy's Cinema (1935-39)

Every Tuesday '"Come right, in, doctor," he said. "This is Sergeant Law ton and this is Dr. Dryden, the divisional surgeon." "Charmed, I'm sure," murmured Brookes. Horace stammered out that if- was mutual, and looked rather like a man for whom the executioner has just railed. . . Nick proceeded in a business-like manner. "Now, doctor," he said, "be good enough to tell us what your relations were with Mr Duval. As I told you, and as Dr. Dryden will also tell you, he can't possibly live for more than a tew hours at the most." "Sorry about, that," replied the other. "He's an old patient of mine and I've treated him for some, time past for chronic alcoholism." He turned to Horace, whose mouth had opened limply at this unexpected new development. "What's he dying of, doctor?" lie asked blandly. "Oh—or—quite a lot of things. But he can't possibly recover, I can assure you. "Being his doctor, of course you have no objection to my having a look at him, have you?" Nick, however, answered thf question. He wanted no telling from the panic- m iii ken look on his friend's face that be had every objection to it. "I really can't allow that, doctor, lie -aid firmly. "Besides, there's no need for it, I have every faith in Doctor Drvden's opinion, and there is not the slightest need for another." Brookes shrugged his shoulders indif- ferently. But he addressed Horace. "You haven't yet told me what's the matter with him," he said persua- Hor'aco gulped and choked like a fish newly grassed. "As a matter of fact ho began: but at that moment there came another ring at tho bell, and Milburn hastily laid his hand on Brookes' shoulder. "One moment, please, doctor," ho said " I must astk you to be good enough to step into the adjoining room. This is someone I'm expecting, and 'I'll go on with you in a minute." As tho door closed behind Brookes, and Millburn made for the front door, Horace wiped hi- face \n ith his handkerchief. "If this is another doctor. Nick," ho bleated. "I'm going out through tho window. '■ The next man who oame in and who gave the name of Under- bill was quite n different type from Brookes. For he was short and inclined to stoutness. He was clean-shav en, w o r o horn-rimmed glasses, and had a definitely truculent manner. "Now (hen, v. hat's all this about ':" be demanded, as he came into the room. "It has come to our knowledge.'' said Nick, in his very lust, professional manner, " that you not only BOY'S CINEMA know this man Duval, who is dying in the next, room, but have had extensive and rather peculiar dealings with him," ho said. Underbill's truculent frown deepened. " What's the big idea, inspector ?" he queried. "Who's this guy Duval,- any- way ':" But Nick shook his head. "Better come clean." he .-aid. "It'll save trouble in the end." "I tell you," rasped Underbill angrily, "I haven't the least idea what you're talking about." But sudden interruption cams to Nick's assistance as lie put his next ques- tion to Underhill and asked whether he had been in the building before, to which he received a flat denial. For at that moment a stout, round faced coloured woman entered the room, but ped short as she did so. "Oh, I beg pardon, Mr. Milburn," she said. "I didn't know there was anyone here, and I thought it was a good chance to clean Why, Mr. Underhill, how's you ?" There was a rather --trained silence. Underhill was looking as it he could cheerfully murder the old woman, and Nick didn't miss it. He swung round on her. "D'you know this gentleman, Am- brosia'.''' he asked gently. A broad -mile illuminated her face. "Know him. sir? Why, sir, he's the owner of this blo< k of apartments. Do I know my own niol 1 "Thank von, Ambrosia, that will be all." "Thank you, sir." As the door closed behind her. Nick --poke with In's eves fixed intently on Underhill. "And now perhaps you're coniin' (lean, Underhill?" he suggested. "What were the relations between you and Duval ?" Tho other scowled. 23 "I refuse to say a word without my solicitor," he snapped angrily. Another ring at tho bell stopped Nick's answer. It was occurring to him that he hadn't got very far with his first two ventures, and he was wondering what to do. Hustling Underhill unc moniously into an adjoining room be went to the door. Before him stood an exceedingly pretty and well-dressed girl. Nick stood blinking a little, was a development for which lie was prepared. "May I ask what yon want?" lie queried politely. " My name's Mallory—Kay Mallory. You rang my father up. and as not well i came along tor him." "Please come in and -it down. I've got a few questions I'd like to ,i~|< V ou, Mi-- Mallory-" But almost before .-he was seated began, considerably to his surprise: " You want to know doubtless what iiiv father's relations were with Duval, and 1 can tell yon just this. Duval has blackmailed him for fifti en t housand pounds, w hich mj fat her was fi enough to pay. Though what ir was all about I just don't know." Nick .-tared at her blankly. It dawning on him that things . • i • tu ing out far differenth from his expi tions. Her straightforwardness prettiness, and her verj obvious disi u oi ried him not a lit! fe. "M> dear Miss Mallory " began, but that was as far as he ever got, for at that moment Undi rushed in from the balcony, his i bulging b ith fear. " Quick :" he panted. " Duval- I murdered 1" They all -pun round and -tared at him. Nick was the first to -peak. "Come on. we'll buj it."' "Oh, for the love of Mike! I saw him lying on the couch behind the screen there " " Maybe you'll find a finger-print or two on that handed the ice-pick to the which will help," he said as he detective. October 2nd, 1937.