He stopped and drummed thoughtfully with his fingers on the table.
Damned odd, this business, he said.
Can you tell me about it you were resting, you say?
Did you hear anything?
At half-past one?
No, doctor. I didnt hear anything at half-past one or at any other time.
I lay on my bed from a quarter to one until twenty to three and I didnt hear anything except that droning noise the Arab boy makes, and occasionally Mr Emmott shouting up to Dr Leidner on the roof.
The Arab boy yes.
He frowned.
At that moment the door opened and Dr Leidner and Captain Maitland came in.
Captain Maitland was a fussy little man with a pair of shrewd grey eyes.
Dr Reilly rose and pushed Dr Leidner into his chair.
Sit down, man.
Im glad youve come.
We shall want you.
Theres something very queer about this business.
Dr Leidner bowed his head.
I know.
He looked at me.
My wife confided the truth to Nurse Leatheran.
We mustnt keep anything back at this juncture, nurse, so please tell Captain Maitland and Dr Reilly just what passed between you and my wife yesterday.
As nearly as possible I gave our conversation verbatim.
Captain Maitland uttered an occasional ejaculation.
When I had finished he turned to Dr Leidner.
And this is all true, Leidner eh?
Every word Nurse Leatheran has told you is correct.
What an extraordinary story! said Dr Reilly.
You can produce these letters?
I have no doubt they will be found amongst my wifes belongings.
She took them out of the attache-case on her table, I said.
Then they are probably still there.
He turned to Captain Maitland and his usually gentle face grew hard and stern.
There must be no question of hushing this story up, Captain Maitland.
The one thing necessary is for this man to be caught and punished.
You believe it actually is Mrs Leidners former husband? I asked.
Dont you think so, nurse? asked Captain Maitland.
Well, I think it is open to doubt, I said hesitatingly.
In any case, said Dr Leidner, the man is a murderer and I should say a dangerous lunatic also.
He must be found, Captain Maitland.
He must.
It should not be difficult.
Dr Reilly said slowly: It may be more difficult than you thinkeh, Maitland?
Captain Maitland tugged at his moustache without replying.
Suddenly I gave a start. Excuse me, I said, but theres something perhaps I ought to mention.
I told my story of the Iraqi we had seen trying to peer through the window, and of how I had seen him hanging about the place two days ago trying to pump Father Lavigny.
Good, said Captain Maitland, well make a note of that.
It will be something for the police to go on.
The man may have some connection with the case.
Probably paid to act as a spy, I suggested. To find out when the coast was clear.
Dr Reilly rubbed his nose with a harassed gesture.