The Framing of Inspector Denvers

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LX, Issue 18, 7 March 1939, Page 5

The Framing of Inspector Denvers

By AIDAN DE BRUNE Author of "The Grays Manor Mystery," "The Flirting Fool," "Saul and the Spinster," etc.

(Copyright)

CHAPTER XV.

John Nott, detective-inspector, stood in the centre of Martha Tayne's little sitting-room and watched Jimmie Frost leave the room, a puzzled frown on his face. Something about the man brought back memories half-forgotten. He knew the man, yet he could, not place him — give him a name. Yet he believed that name should have risen instinctively to his lips. He turned to face the others in the room—to find the police chief watching him. "All right, Nott." Sir Edmund smiled. "That man's not mixed up in this matter. Not quite straight— y'know, but still, a friend of mine. You can count him out." Inspector Nott felt relieved. He turned to watch the police surgeon bending over Luther Banke. It was evident from the deep frown on the medical man's face that his patient puzzled him. At length he looked up, speaking irritably. "Where's the ambulance, inspector. We must get this man to hospital as quickly as possible." "What's the matter with him, doctor?" asked the inspector. "A paralytic stroke, and a severe one." Dr Cream answered impatiently. "I know that." Sir Edmund said quietly. "He is Luther Banke, the jeweller. No doubt you heard he was taken ill in the city a few days ago." "That sounds absurd!" Dr Cream was on his feet now. "What exactly do you mean?"

"Mr Luther Banke was picked up in va city street three days ago, suffering from a paralytic stroke. Since then I have visited him at his home. I was at his house yesterday evening, and up to then he had been* unconscious." "Where does he live ?" asked the doctor. "At Moorfield." The doctor laughed incredulously. "Do you mean to tell me that he has been unconscious for three days then got up, dressed himself and came here? Impossible!" "I am stating facts." Sir Edward spoke carefully. "Provable facts. Miss Tayne will support by statements." Inspector Nott turned to the girl. The note of slight antagonism Jimmie Frost had allowed to croop into his voice had aroused her from the apathy the shock of the evening's happenings had occasioned. Her intelligence again awake* she had a strong antipathy against the police and those who wished to question her. Yet, towards Sir Edmund, who had sat patiently beside her while her brain slowly recovered from the shocks of the past hour, she only felt gratitude. He had not attempted to question her; he had restrained others from questioning her too sharply. She knew the high position he held; but for his quiet insistence she^ might have been closely questioned—and spoken of things/ that made her shudder even to think of. All she knew! Sudden shudders racked her body. All she knew —