Part 8 (1/2)

I really can't remember. I didn't notice. To tell you the truth I was having forty winks when he came in.

You said last night he was wearing his motor-biking things, though?

Yes. That's right.

Oh. You never 'eard the bike?

Not as far as I can remember.

'Ow did you first know it was back in the shed in your yard, then?

The constable went to look, when he came round last night.

Thank you, Mr. Rogers. And now I should like to 'ave a look at 'is things.

Mrs. Rogers rose wearily to her feet. I'll take you up, she said.

No, mother, you stay by the fire, said her husband. I'll go upstairs with the Sergeant.

But she shook her head. I shouldn't like anyone to be touching Alan's things unless I were there, she said, and began to lead the way.

The dead man's bedroom was at the back of the little house, over the room in which we had been sitting. It was cold and rather cheerless this February afternoon, and had the slightly stuffy air of most cottage bedrooms. There was an iron bedstead, a dressing-table with another photo of Molly Cutler on it, and a trunk. Beef eyed the latter.

'Fraid I shall 'ave to 'ave a look, he said, and opened the lid.

Young Rogers's belongings were so ordinary that they were soon examined. Suits, s.h.i.+rts, oddments of clothing, an electric torch, a camera, shoes, writing materials (but no letters), hairbrushes, and his steward's uniform.

'E didn't seem to bring 'ome much from abroad, Beef reflected.

Well, there was the Customs, said Mrs. Rogers.

He never seemed to think it worth while, said her husband. He said things were dearer out there than what they are here.

I daresay, said Beef. It's often the way.

He paused for a final look round the room and noticed, hanging near the door, a suit of overalls. They were dark blue in colour, and seemed to be almost new. There was not a sign of dirt or grease on them anywhere.

Nice clean overalls, Sergeant Beef reflected.

Yes, said Mrs. Rogers. He never used them, you' see. His uncle bought them for him over at Claydon a week or so back, didn't you, Dad? But he was silly about them, and bought them too small. We we're laughing about them when Alan first got home. He was going to wear them to do his bike, but he couldn't get them on.

Beef fingered them for a minute. Oh, he said.

Slowly we all went downstairs.

I think that's all I need ask you for the moment, he said, I'm sorry to 'ave 'ad to do it when you was both upset. But these things 'ave to be done. I'm sure if you think of anything else that might be useful you'll let me know.

We'd like it all to be sifted out, Sergeant, said Mrs. Rogers. But it was plain that she was anxious for us to leave her alone, and I was relieved when I saw Beef making for the street. This had been the most trying half-hour I had faced with him.