Free A Journeyman to Grief by Maureen Jennings Page A

with everybody, ask my wife.
    Robson: We got along all right. He’s not a man I’d invite over for dinner, mind you.
    5. We know that Mr. Cooke died somewhere between eight o’clock and nine o’clock. Can you give me an account of your whereabouts at that time and the names of a person or persons who will verify that.
    Littlejohn: I don’t know where I was. I went for a walk on Queen Street, nowhere near the stables. I got home about ten o’clock.
    (Note from F.F.: This was a most unsatisfactory answer, and the man was obviously uncomfortable. I threatened to charge him with obstructing justice if he didn’t tell the truth, and after much beating about the bush, he admitted he had been visiting a house of ill repute on Queen Street. I did get the address from him and the name of the woman he was visiting. This can easily be verified if she is willing to testify, which may not be the case. Mr. Littlejohn lives at home with his elderly mother and was distraught at the thought of her knowing what he was up to.)
    Wallace: I can’t believe you’re asking me all these questions. Much more and I will hire a solicitor. I was at home all evening sitting in front of my own hearth, minding my own business. My wife can vouch for that and so can my brother and sister-in-law, who live with us.
    Carney: I was at the Mechanics Institute with my wife. We were listening to a visiting preacher from America. Very good he was too. Most uplifting.
    Robson: I know what you’re getting at. I was one of the last to leave the stables along with Musgrave, but I went straight home. My wife was waiting for me and so were my two sons and three daughters. They are all old enough to know and tell the truth, and we are all good Christians.
    (Note from F.F.: As Mr. Robson was indeed the last one to sign out except for Mr. Musgrave, I asked him if he had noticed any strangers in the area who might be considered suspicious.)
    Robson: No. Didn’t see anybody. It was raining when I turned in, and I just tucked my head in and went straight home. I’ve just got shut of a cold and I didn’t want to get pneumonia like Muckle.
    (Note from F.F.: Given the peculiar character of the assault on Mr. Cooke and what Constable Crabtree discovered in his box, I thought it might be prudent to ask the men specifically about the stable hand, Elijah Green.)
    6. How did Mr. Cooke get along with Elijah Green?
    Littlejohn: How should I know? Elijah did a good job, but you don’t really see him much.
    Wallace: Another ridiculous question. I never saw them together. All I know is that I’ve been here for going on ten years and Green was here when I came so he must be doing all right.
    Carney: I don’t know the answer to that. Why? Are you saying the darkie killed him?
    Robson: Elijah is a fine fellow, as far as I’m concerned. He takes good care of the horses. Cooke was lucky to have him.
    7. Do any of you have a key to the stables or the office?
    All answered no.
    (Note from F.F.: My assessment after interviewing these men is that Daniel Cooke was not particularly liked but neither was he hated. I think it is well worth our while to follow up on the reported quarrel between Mr. Cooke and his wife and also the tradesmen who wanted their money. Deprivation can make men desperate, as we know. In terms of alibis for the time of death, I can pursue that, but my feeling was that these men were telling the truth. I will also interview Paul Musgrave if you want me to.)
    End of report.
    Signed , Francis Fyfer.
    Murdoch put down the paper. The first line of suspects in a murder case was always the victim’s immediate circle, which inthis case meant his employees. The cabbies would have been familiar with Cooke’s schedule and with the stable itself, which he thought was an important factor in the case unless the killer was blessed with extraordinary good luck not to be interrupted. Fyfer had saved him time by questioning the men, but Murdoch would have liked to be present.