Part 9 (2/2)

Mr. Fairfax accompanied him at about 2 o'clock.

Did 'e take 'is bike then?

No. Not then. He came for it, I believe, about three-quarters of an hour later.

You 'eard 'im start it up?

One couldn't help it.

And Fairfax?

Mr. Fairfax has not returned.

Well, I'm blowed. Wot about 'is luggage?

It remains in his room. Quite untouched, of course.

That's funny.

I beg your pardon?

I mean it's funny 'is not showing up again.

I thought it somewhat curious myself. And, of course, his account is unpaid.

Come 'ere often did 'e?

About every two months or so.

Whatever for?

Mrs. Murdoch squared her shoulders. Most of my clients repeat their visits. And there was the fis.h.i.+ng.

I know. But it's only a bit of coa.r.s.e fis.h.i.+ng. Perch, and roach and that.

Still, Mr. Fairfax was very fond of it.

And 'e gave no 'hit that 'e might be leaving yesterday?

On the contrary, I had understood that he required his room for three or four days at least.

Wot about 'is wife? Did she know?

I think not. She has gone back to town expecting him after the week-end.

She was fed up wiv it down 'ere, I suppose?

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