David Lee said:
‘The mills of God grind slowly…’
Lydia’s voice came like a fluttering whisper:
‘Who would have thought the old man to have had so much blood in him?…’
IV
Superintendent Sugden had rung the bell three times. Finally, in desperation, he pounded on the knocker.
A scared Walter at length opened the door.
‘Oo-er,’ he said. A look of relief came over his face. ‘I was just ringing up the police.’
‘What for?’ said Superintendent Sugden sharply. ‘What’s going on here?’
Walter whispered:
‘It’s old Mr Lee. He’s been done in…’
The superintendent pushed past him and ran up the stairs. He came into the room without anyone being aware of his entrance. As he entered he saw Pilar bend forward and pick up something from the floor. He saw David Lee standing with his hands over his eyes.
He saw the others huddled into a little group. Alfred Lee alone had stepped near his father’s body. He stood now quite close, looking down. His face was blank.
George Lee was saying importantly:
‘Nothing must be touched—remember that—nothing—till the police arrive. That is most important!’
‘Excuse me,’ said Sugden.
He pushed his way forward, gently thrusting the ladies aside.
Alfred Lee recognized him.
‘Ah,’ he said. ‘It’s you, Superintendent Sugden. You’ve got here very quickly.’
‘Yes, Mr Lee.’ Superintendent Sugden did not waste time on explanations. ‘What’s all this?’
‘My father,’ said Alfred Lee, ‘has been killed—murdered…’
His voice broke.
Magdalene began suddenly to sob hysterically.
Superintendent Sugden held up a large official hand. He said authoritatively:
‘Will everybody kindly leave the room except Mr Lee and—er—Mr George Lee?…’
They moved slowly towards the door, reluctantly, like sheep. Superintendent Sugden intercepted Pilar suddenly.
‘Excuse me, miss,’ he said pleasantly. ‘Nothing must be
touched or disturbed.’
She stared at him. Stephen Farr said impatiently:
‘Of course not. She understands that.’