Part 15 (2/2)

Not while I was there.

I see. Thank you, Meadows. Much obliged to you.

That's all right, said Meadows, almost as disappointed as Mr. Sawyer had been at the laconic reception given to his tale. Sorry I can't tell you any more.

When he had left us Stute drew paper and pen to him, and said, Now then, in a peremptory way.

We waited. He seemed to be thinking deeply for a moment, then he began speaking, and, almost at the same time, writing.

We can draw up some sort of a programme of what young Rogers did that day. There are some gaps in it, and it is dependent on the words of witnesses who may be mistaken or who may be lying. But it's some sort of plan to go on. And it's not bad for one day's work.

I noticed that he ignored altogether the day that Beef had put in before he arrived. This was, as far as I can remember, what he wrote:

10.30. Left old Rogers's shop in Braxham.

11.0. Arrived at Rose Cottage, Chopley, and asked for Smythe.

11.5. Left Chopley.

1.0. Arrived at Riverside Private Hotel for lunch with Fairfax.

2.0. Left Riverside Private Hotel with Fairfax.

2.10. Reached the Mitre with Fairfax.

2.20. On entrance of foreigner, left Mitre with Fairfax.

2.45. Was starting up his motor-bike in the drive of Riverside Hotel.

4.0. Arrived again at Rose Cottage.

4.0-5.0. With Smythe at Rose Cottage.

5.10. Bought rope in general store at Chopley.

5.50. On readjust outside Braxham speaking to Meadows.

6.10. Entered Dragon public house near the station.

6.30. Left the Dragon.

8.0. Returned to Old Rogers's shop.

8.20. Reached Mitre where he confessed to murder, and took poison.

Do you see any flaws in that, Sergeant? asked Stute.

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