"Looks as if one of 'em had been having a meal, had had to leave it, and
had never come back to it," remarked Ayscough. "Him outside, no doubt.
Let's see the other rooms."
There was nothing to see beyond what they would have expected to see--
except that in one of the bedrooms, in a drawer pulled out from a
dressing-table and left open, lay a quantity of silver and copper, with
here and there a gold coin shining amongst it. Ayscough made a significant
motion of his head at the sight.
"Another proof of--hurry!" he said. "Somebody's cleared out of this place
about as quick as he could! Money left lying about--unfinished meal--door
open--all sure indications. Well, we've seen enough for the present. Our
people'll make a thorough search later. Come downstairs again."
Neither Ayscough nor Melky were greatly inclined for conversation or
speculation, and they waited in silence near the gate, both thinking of
the still figure lying behind the laurel bushes until the police came.
Then followed whispered consultations between Ayscough and the inspector,
and arrangements for the removal of the dead man to the mortuary and the
guardianship and thorough search of the house--and that done, Ayscough
beckoned Melky out into the road.
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