Free Death on the Last Train by George Bellairs

woal ’orrible deed. The woal ’orrible murder.”
    â€œWhich house would that be?”
    â€œWeeeell …”
    The guard rubbed his meagre bit of chin. He sounded to be using sandpaper.
    â€œWell … That was jest as the train pulled up. I ’ad the winder on that side open so pops out me head when I ’ears the chap ’ollering. It was the house with the henpen behind. There’s only one in the row. I pass there every day and I should know it. Easy to find. Yew ask that chap wot he see. It was a dark night, I know. But there was a lamp or two on in the goods yard and the carriages was showin’ jest a bit o’ light. He might ’ave seen somethin’. Yew ask the chap …”
    Littlejohn made a note of it.
    â€œWas Claypott in your van all the time this was going on?”
    â€œYes. Asleep. Tight as a drum and snorin’ like a pig, ’e was.”
    â€œHe couldn’t have left the van whilst your back was turned?”
    â€œHe
could
, but in ’is state he’d never ’ave got back, let alone climbing up to Bellis’s carriage. No. I’d say you could cut ’im out altogether …”
    Thereupon the matter closed for the coroner’s officer began to gather his flock and shepherd them in to the inquest.
    The coroner was a smart young solicitor in army uniform. He had been granted a month’s leave, for the old gentleman who had emerged from retirement to deputise for him during his absence in the forces had had a stroke.
    The evidence of the parties at the finding of the body was taken and this was supplemented by a guarded story from the police. Dr. Cooper gave expert testimony and Mr. Mark Bellis, who resembled a jockey dressed in his Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes, identified the remains as those of his brother, Timothy. Thereupon, greatly tothe indignatoin of the guard and the relief of the enginemen, the inquest was adjourned without anyone else being called. Bessie Emmott, dressed-up to kill and determined to face all comers, was kept in the background. She protested strongly to Littlejohn afterwards.
    â€œIt’s not good enough, bringin’ me all this way and causing me all this upset and then not lettin’ me speak. Looks as if they was trying to hide somethin’ …”
    â€œNo, Miss Emmott. You’ve got it wrong. The adjournment is for police enquiries and should the murderer be found, then will be the time for your testimony.”
    â€œWell, if they intended doin’ that, why trouble me?”
    â€œIt all depended on the coroner, you see … Now there was a question I didn’t ask the other night. Perhaps you can help me. It’s about Alice, you’re niece who lives with you.”
    â€œWell, what about her? Can’t see how she’s affected by the affair.”
    Bessie looked ready to go off half-cock.
    â€œYou said she’d been invalided out of the W.A.A.F.”
    â€œYes. What of it?”
    â€œWhere was she stationed?”
    â€œBrewerton Camp was the last place before she was discharged. She was there six months. Why?”
    â€œHas she a young man?”
    â€œShe had, but they must ’ave had a row. It’s been off about three months. What’s all this about? How does she come in?”
    â€œI’m interested in all parties however remotely connected with the case. Who was he?”
    â€œHarry Luxmore … He’s still in the R.A.F. at Brewerton as far as I know. He’s on the ground staff.”
    â€œWere they much in love?”
    â€œHe’d got it bad … She didn’t seem too smitten, but he pestered her that much that she went out with ’im for peace’s sake, I should think. A nice boy. She might have gone farther and fared worse. But she ’as big ideas, has Alice. Not that she’s any the worse for that.”
    â€œWas Luxmore of the jealous sort?”
    â€œI’d say so. He came over to