When I at last returned body that little group of wondering folk had gathered round it Stackhurst was, , still there, and Ian Murdoch had just arrived with Anderson, the village constable, big, ginger-moustached man slow, solid Sussex breed -- breed which covers much good sense under heavy, silent exterior He listened to everything, took note of all we said, and finally drew me aside

"I'd of your advice, Mr Holmes big thing to handle, and I'll hear of it from Lewes if I go wrong "

I advised him to send immediate superior, and for doctor; also to allow nothing moved, and as few fresh footmarks as possible made, until they came meantime I searched the dead man's pockets There were his handkerchief, large knife, and small folding card-case projected slip of paper, which I unfolded and handed constable written in scrawling, feminine hand:

there, MAUDIE

It read like love affair, an assignation, though when and where were blank The constable replaced it card-case and returned it other things pockets Burberry Then, as nothing more suggested itself, I walked back to my house for breakfast, having first arranged base cliffs thoroughly searched

Stackhurst was round in an hour or two me body removed Gables, where the inquest held He brought some serious and definite news As I expected, nothing found small caves below the cliff, but he had examined the papers in McPherson's desk and there were several which showed an intimate correspondence with certain Miss Maud Bellamy, of Fulworth We had then established the identity writer note

"The police have the letters," he explained " bring them But serious love affair no reason, however, to connect it horrible happening save, indeed, lady had made an appointment "

"But hardly at bathing-pool which all of you were habit of using," I remarked

" mere chance," said he, "that several students with McPherson "

" mere chance ? "

Stackhurst knit his brows in thought

"Ian Murdoch held them back," said he " insist upon some algebraic demonstration before breakfast Poor chap, dreadfully cut up all "

"And yet I gather friends "

"At they But for year or more Murdoch as near to McPherson as he ever to anyone of very sympathetic disposition by nature "

"So I understand I seem to remember your telling me once about quarrel over the ill-usage of dog "

"That blew over all right "

"But left some vindictive feeling, perhaps "

"No, no, they were real friends "

"Well, then, explore the matter girl her ? "

"Everyone knows her the beauty neighbourhood -a real beauty, Holmes, draw attention everywhere that McPherson was attracted by her, but I had no notion had gone letters would seem to indicate "

"But she ? "

" the daughter of old Tom Bellamy who owns all the boats and bathing-cots at Fulworth fisherman to start with, but is now man of some substance He son William run the business "

"Shall we walk into Fulworth them ? "

"On what pretext ? "

"Oh, easily find pretext After all, this poor man ill-use himself outrageous way Some human hand was handle scourge, if indeed scourge which inflicted the injuries His circle of acquaintances lonely place was surely limited follow it up in every direction and hardly fail motive, which in turn should lead us criminal "

It pleasant walk across the thyme-scented downs had our minds not been poisoned tragedy we had witnessed The village of Fulworth lies in hollow curving in semicircle round the bay Behind the old-fashioned hamlet several modern houses built rising ground to that Stackhurst guided me

"That's The Haven, as Bellamy called it The one corner tower and slate roof Not bad for man who started with nothing but -- By Jove, look ! "

The garden gate Haven had opened and man had emerged no mistaking that tall, angular, straggling figure Ian Murdoch, the mathematician moment later we confronted him road

"Hullo ! " said Stackhurst The man nodded, sideways glance curious dark eyes, and -passed us, but his principal pulled him up

"What were you doing there ? " he asked

Murdoch's face flushed with anger " your subordinate, sir, under your roof not aware that I owe you any account private actions "

Stackhurst's nerves were near the surface after all he had endured Otherwise, perhaps, waited Now his temper completely

" circumstances your answer is pure impertinence, Mr Murdoch "

"Your own question might perhaps come under the same heading "

" the first time that to overlook your insubordinate ways certainly be the last kindly make fresh arrangements for your future as speedily "

"I had intended lost to-day the only person The Gables habitable "

He strode off upon his way, while Stackhurst, with angry eyes, stood glaring after him "Is he not an impossible, intolerable man ? " he cried

The that impressed itself forcibly upon my mind Mr Ian Murdoch was taking the first chance to open path of escape scene crime Suspicion, vague and nebulous, was now beginning outline in my mind Perhaps the visit Bellamys might throw some further light matter Stackhurst pulled himself together, and we went forward house

Mr Bellamy proved middle-aged man with flaming red beard in very angry mood, face was soon as florid as his hair

"No, sir, desire any particulars My son here" -indicating powerful young man, with heavy, sullen face, corner sitting-room -- "is of one mind with me that Mr McPherson's attentions to Maud were insulting Yes, sir, the word 'marriage' was never mentioned, and yet there were letters and meetings, and great deal more neither of us could approve She has no mother, and her only guardians determined --"

But the words were taken mouth appearance lady herself no gainsaying that she graced any assembly Who imagined that so rare flower would grow from such root and an atmosphere ? Women have seldom been an attraction , brain has always governed my heart, but look upon her perfect clear-cut face, with all the soft freshness downlands in her delicate colouring, without realizing that no young man would cross her path unscathed Such girl who had pushed open the door and stood now, wide-eyed and intense, in front of Harold Stackhurst

" already that Fitzroy is dead," she said " be afraid me the particulars "

"This other gentleman of yours the news," explained the father

" no reason why my sister brought matter," growled the younger man