As I had always suspected, he was a first-class person to rely on in trouble.
He was perfectly calm and self-possessed.
Those blue eyes of his opened very wide, but otherwise he gave no sign at all.
He considered for a moment and then said: I suppose we must notify the police as soon as possible.
Bill ought to be back any minute.
What shall we do with Leidner?
Help me to get him into his room.
He nodded.
Better lock this door first, I suppose, he said.
He turned the key in the lock of Mrs Leidners door, then drew it out and handed it to me.
I guess youd better keep this, nurse.
Now then.
Together we lifted Dr Leidner and carried him into his own room and laid him on his bed.
Mr Emmott went off in search of brandy.
He returned, accompanied by Miss Johnson.
Her face was drawn and anxious, but she was calm and capable, and I felt satisfied to leave Dr Leidner in her charge. I hurried out into the courtyard.
The station wagon was just coming in through the archway.
I think it gave us all a shock to see Bills pink, cheerful face as he jumped out with his familiar Hallo, allo, allo!
Heres the oof!
He went on gaily, No highway robberies He came to a halt suddenly.
I say, is anything up?
Whats the matter with you all?
You look as though the cat had killed your canary.
Mr Emmott said shortly: Mrs Leidners dead killed.
What? Bills jolly face changed ludicrously.
He stared, his eyes goggling.
Mother Leidner dead!
Youre pulling my leg.
Dead? It was a sharp cry.
I turned to see Mrs Mercado behind me.
Did you say Mrs Leidner had been killed?
Yes, I said.
Murdered.
No! she gasped.
Oh, no! I wont believe it.
Perhaps shes committed suicide.
Suicides dont hit themselves on the head, I said dryly.
Its murder all right, Mrs Mercado.
She sat down suddenly on an upturned packing-case.
She said, Oh, but this is horrible horrible
Naturally it was horrible.
We didnt need her to tell us so!
I wondered if perhaps she was feeling a bit remorseful for the harsh feelings she had harboured against the dead woman, and all the spiteful things she had said.
After a minute or two she asked rather breathlessly: What are you going to do?
Mr Emmott took charge in his quiet way.
Bill, youd better get in again to Hassanieh as quick as you can.
I dont know much about the proper procedure.
Better get hold of Captain Maitland, hes in charge of the police here, I think.
Get Dr Reilly first.
Hell know what to do.