"I suppose Timmy can be
trusted to be careful of it? I went to great trouble to get a copy, and I
don't think I should be able to get another." She added slowly: "I got it
at the request of Colonel Crofton's sister, but I have not yet sent it to
her because I thought it would distress her too much."
* * * * *
A few minutes later Timmy was gazing round the hall of Rose Cottage with
eager, inquisitive eyes. Miss Pendarth did not care for children, and
though Timmy frequently came to her door with a note, he was very seldom
invited inside the house.
Even now his hostess said rather sharply: "Run out into the garden,
Timmy, while I go upstairs and find an envelope big enough in which to
put the paper for your mother. I daresay I shall be away five minutes,
for I want you to take her a note with it."
The boy went through the glass door into the garden. He walked briskly up
the path, kicking a pebble as he went, and then he sat down on the bench
where, not so very long ago, Olivia Pendarth and Godfrey Radmore had sat
discussing the curious and tragic occurrence which still filled Miss
Pendarth's mind.
Timmy asked himself what exactly was the meaning of the word inquest? Why
had a paper printed what Miss Pendarth called a full account of the
inquest on Colonel Crofton's death? Was it "inquest" or "henquest"?
His agile mind swung back to the mysterious words he had heard Mrs.
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