Free The Tewkesbury Tomb by Kerry Tombs Page A

meet us, but, of course, there was no sign of the fellow.’
    ‘And what happened to this Mr Ross? My constable said there were only five of you standing there round the tomb,’ said Ravenscroft.
    ‘That’s the funny thing, shortly after we entered the abbey we lost track of him. Deuce funny thing. Never saw him again,’ added Anstruther.
    ‘He’s the fellow you should be questioning, not us,’ interjected Ganniford. ‘He was acting in a decidedly suspicious manner if you ask me.’
    ‘I see. What can you tell me about this man Ross? How old was he? What did he look like? Did he say anything which might enable my constable and I to locate him?’
    ‘I suppose he was about thirty in years, what you say, of tall stature, black hair,’ offered Hollinger.
    ‘He did say he lived near Bredon, but that he originated from Kirkintilloch, in Scotland, I think that is what he told us,’ offered Miss Eames.
    ‘You have a remarkable memory,’ said Ganniford.
    ‘That’s who your murderer was! Obviously killed the man before we got to the abbey, and once he knew we were all inside he slipped away again, knowing suspicion would fall on us,’announced Anstruther.
    ‘I do not think we can assume that, Major, until I have had an opportunity to question this man Ross. My constable and I will certainly make enquiries regarding the said gentleman. However one other matter is puzzling me. Miss Eames, you stated a moment ago that the man who visited you was called Robarts, yet I thought that the man’s name was Stanhope according to you Mr Ganniford. Perhaps you would enlighten me?’
    ‘Well, yes, that’s the odd thing. The man seems to have called himself by a different name when he visited each of us in turn,’ said Ganniford, reluctantly, after a moment’s unease.
    ‘I can confirm, Inspector, that the man did indeed call himself Robarts,’ offered Miss Eames.
    ‘Called himself Grantly when he visited me,’ muttered Anstruther.
    ‘Make a note of these names, Crabb,’ instructed Ravenscroft.
    ‘Robarts, Grantly and Stanhope,’ said a studious Crabb writing in his pocket book.
    ‘Said his name was Thorne,’ said Hollinger.
    ‘Mr Jenkins?’ asked Ravenscroft.
    ‘Gave his name as Harding,’ answered the antiquary, shaking his head.
    ‘Thorne. Harding,’ muttered Crabb without looking up from his book.
    ‘Interesting. Thank you, Miss Eames, gentlemen. My constable and I will endeavour to track down and question Mr Ross. Until he has confirmed your account of last night’s events, I am afraid I must ask you all to remain here,’ said Ravenscroft, knowing that his words would prove unpopular with some members of the group.
    ‘Look here, Ravenscroft, this just won’t do,’ protested Anstruther.
    ‘When do you propose speaking with this Ross?’ asked Jenkins.
    ‘You say he resided near Bredon. My constable will consult the local directories and once we have confirmed his place of residence, we will endeavour to question the gentleman first thing in the morning. It is rather late in the day to travel over there now. If you would all meet me in here tomorrow at twelve, I would be most obliged.’
    ‘Confound it, sir, this won’t do at all!’ grumbled Anstruther.
    ‘I agree with the inspector,’ interjected Jenkins, seeking to bring calm to the situation. ‘I think we can all appreciate that Mr Ravenscroft has his duty to perform. A most terrible murder has been perpetrated. It is our duty assist the police with their inquiries.’
    ‘Thank you, Mr Jenkins,’ nodded Ravenscroft.
    ‘Suppose it is rather late in the day. We shall just have to spend another night in this dreary little town,’ said Ganniford, shrugging his shoulders, before sinking back into his armchair.
    ‘I for one am happy to comply with the inspector’s wishes,’ added Miss Eames smiling.
    ‘Insufferable!’ muttered Anstruther as he strode out of the room.
    ‘You must not mind the major. When he has calmed down I am sure he