You understand, sir, Sergeant Sparrow said, we could have easily got a search-warrant and made a forcible entry, but besides ruining a good lock its a Chubb[220], very prudent of Miss Bertram it looks bad in evidence, you understand what I mean, for the good lady. If it comes to evidence. Which we hope will not be the case.
But what on earth are you looking for? Not pot again surely?
Inspector Woodrow said in a grave hangmans tone, We are pursuing an inquiry at the request of Interpol.
The vicar came hurrying back to us, waving copies of the parish magazine. He said, If you would both just turn to the last page you will find a tear-out subscription form for the coming year. Mr. Pulling already subscribes.
Thank you, thank you, I am sure, Detective-Sergeant Sparrow said. I havent a pen with me at the moment, but just leave it with me. A very tasteful and original design all that holly and the birds and gravestones.
Inspector Woodrow took his copy with evident reluctance. He held it in front of him as a witness holds a Bible in court, not quite certain what to do with it.
Its a very swinging number, the vicar said. Oh, forgive me. Poor lady. Ill be back in one sec. He pursued an elderly lady down the path to Latimer Road, calling, Mrs. Brewster, Mrs. Brewster.
I think before he returns, Inspector Woodrow said, we had better go somewhere and discuss things.
Sergeant Sparrow had already opened the parish magazine and was reading it with absorption.
You can come home with me, I said.
I would prefer to go to Miss Bertrams with no further delay. We can explain matters in the car.
Why do you want to go to my aunts flat?
Ive told you. There has been an inquiry from Interpol. We dont want to disturb a magistrate on Christmas night. You are next of kin.[221] Your aunt by giving you her keys has left the flat in your care
Has something happened to my aunt?
Has something happened to my aunt?
It is not impossible. He was never satisfied unless he made four words serve for one. He said sharply, The vicar is coming back For Gods sake, Sparrow, pay attention.
Now I hope you wont either of you forget your subscription, the vicar said. It will go to a good cause. We are furnishing a Childrens Corner in time for Easter. I would have preferred to call it a chapel, but we have some old Protestant battle-axes in Southwood. Ill let you into a very deep secret. I havent even told my committee. The other day I obtained in Portobello Road an original drawing of Mabel Lucy Atwells. We shall unveil it at Easter, and I am wondering if we couldnt persuade Prince Andrew[222]
Im afraid, Vicar, we shall have to go, Inspector Woodrow said, but I hope your Corner will be a great success. It was beginning to rain. He looked at his umbrella, but he didnt open it. Perhaps he was not confident that the neat folds could ever be properly reproduced.
I will be calling on you both one day very soon, the vicar said, when I have your addresses on the subscription form.
Sparrow! Inspector Woodrow spoke quite sharply.
Sparrow closed the parish magazine with reluctance and followed us at the run because of the rain. As he sat down beside Woodrow in the drivers seat, he explained apologetically, Theres a story called Whos Guilty? I thought it might be a murder story I like a good murder story but it was only about an old lady who was unkind to a pop singer. You cant tell anything from titles nowadays.
Now, Mr. Pulling, Inspector Woodrow said, when did you last see your aunt? The phrase sounded vaguely familiar.
Some weeks months ago. In Boulogne. Why?
You travel about a great deal with her, dont you?
Well
When did you last hear from her?
Ive told you Boulogne. Do I have to answer these questions?
You have your constitutional rights, Detective-Sergeant Sparrow began, like any citizen. Duties too, of course. A voluntary statement always has a better sound in court. The court takes into account
For Gods sake, hold your tongue, Sparrow, Inspector Woodrow said. Arent you surprised, Mr. Pulling, that youve heard nothing from your aunt since Boulogne?
There is nothing about my aunt which surprises me.
You arent anxious in case something might have happened to her?
Should I be?
She has kept some very queer company.[223] Have you ever heard of a Mr. Visconti?
The name, I said, is somehow familiar.
A war criminal, Detective-Sergeant Sparrow added unwisely.
Please keep your eye on the road, Sparrow, the inspector said. General Abdul youve heard of General Abdul, I presume?
Perhaps, yes, I seem to know the name.
You were with your aunt in Istanbul some time ago. You arrived by train and you were expelled after a few hours. You saw a Colonel Hakim.
I saw some police officer or other certainly. An absurd mistake.
General Abdul made a statement before he died.
Died? Poor fellow. I didnt know. I cant see how his statement can concern me.
Or your aunt?
Im not my aunts keeper.[224]
The statement concerned Mr. Visconti. Interpol has circulated the details. Until now we had always assumed that Mr. Visconti was dead. We had written him off.