'When will the inspector get here?' asked the manager.

'I'm sure that he will have caught the first available train,' said Stockdale, 'and I'm equally sure that he'll be bringing Sergeant Leeming with him. You should be grateful to have two men of their ability coming here, Mr Pugh.'

'The only time I'll feel the slightest impulse of gratitude is when they carry that dead body out of here and remove the stain of murder.'

'Don't you want this crime solved?'

'Of course, I do, but my concern is for the other guests.'

'Suspicion comes before concern,' said the policeman, darkly. 'Did it never occur to you that the killer is likely to be someone who is staying under this roof?' Pugh gulped and took an involuntary step backwards. 'He might be going about his business as if nothing had ever happened. In other words, Mr Pugh, somewhere among those guests about whom you are so concerned may be the self-same villain who committed this foul crime.'

Pugh was aghast. 'The killer is still here?'

'It's something I am bound to consider.'

Leaving the manager to digest this devastating possibility, Stockdale broke away from him and marched over to welcome the two men who were coming in through the door. Colbeck and Leeming had walked the short distance from the railway station. They were pleased to see their old friend. There was an exchange of greetings and warm handshakes. The mutual respect between the three men was evident. Stockdale introduced them to the manager but Pugh was less than impressed. Expecting policemen in uniform, he was instead looking at what he perceived as a dandy and a pugilist.

'When will you move the body, Inspector?' demanded Pugh.