CHAPTER XIV. A CONSULTATION
NOTHING was more surprising and bewildering to Tuppence than the easeand simplicity with which everything was arranged, owing to Sir James’sskilful handling. The doctor accepted quite readily the theory that Mrs.Vandemeyer had accidentally taken an overdose of chloral. He doubtedwhether an inquest would be necessary. If so, he would let Sir Jamesknow. He understood that Mrs. Vandemeyer was on the eve of departure forabroad, and that the servants had already left? Sir James and his youngfriends had been paying a call upon her, when she was suddenly strickendown and they had spent the night in the flat, not liking to leaveher alone. Did they know of any relatives? They did not, but Sir Jamesreferred him to Mrs. Vandemeyer’s solicitor.
Shortly afterwards a nurse arrived to take charge, and the other leftthe ill-omened building.
“And what now?” asked Julius, with a gesture of despair. “I guess we’redown and out for good.”
Sir James stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“No,” he said quietly. “There is still the chance that Dr. Hall may beable to tell us something.”
“Gee! I’d forgotten him.”
“The chance is slight, but it must not be neglected. I think I told youthat he is staying at the _Métropole_. I should suggest that we callupon him there as soon as possible. Shall we say after a bath andbreakfast?”
It was arranged that Tuppence and Julius should return to the _Ritz_,and call for Sir James in the car. This programme was faithfully carriedout, and a little after eleven they drew up before the _Métropole_.They asked for Dr. Hall, and a page-boy went in search of him. In a fewminutes the little doctor came hurrying towards them.
“Can you spare us a few minutes, Dr. Hall?” said Sir James pleasantly.“Let me introduce you to Miss Cowley. Mr. Hersheimmer, I think, youalready know.”
A quizzical gleam came into the doctor’s eye as he shook hands withJulius.
“Ah, yes, my young friend of the tree episode! Ankle all right, eh?”
“I guess it’s cured owing to your skilful treatment, doc.”
“And the heart trouble? Ha ha!”
“Still searching,” said Julius briefly.
“To come to the point, can we have a word with you in private?” askedSir James.
“Certainly. I think there is a room here where we shall be quiteundisturbed.”
He led the way, and the others followed him. They sat down, and thedoctor looked inquiringly at Sir James.
“Dr. Hall, I am very anxious to find a certain young lady for thepurpose of obtaining a statement from her. I have reason to believethat she has been at one time or another in your establishment atBournemouth. I hope I am transgressing no professional etiquette inquestioning you on the subject?”
“I suppose it is a matter of testimony?”
Sir James hesitated a moment, then he replied:
“Yes.”
“I shall be pleased to give you any information in my power. What isthe young lady’s name? Mr. Hersheimmer asked me, I remember----” He halfturned to Julius.
“The name,” said Sir James bluntly, “is really immaterial. She would bealmost certainly sent to you under an assumed one. But I should like toknow if you are acquainted with a Mrs. Vandemeyer?”
“Mrs. Vandemeyer, of 20 South Audley Mansions? I know her slightly.”
“You are not aware of what has happened?”
“What do you mean?”
“You do not know that Mrs. Vandemeyer is dead?”
“Dear, dear, I had no idea of it! When did it happen?”
“She took an overdose of chloral last night.”
“Purposely?”
“Accidentally, it is believed. I should not like to say myself. Anyway,she was found dead this morning.”
“Very sad. A singularly handsome woman. I presume she was a friend ofyours, since you are acquainted with all these details.”
“I am acquainted with the details because--well, it was I who found herdead.”
“Indeed,” said the doctor, starting.
“Yes,” said Sir James, and stroked his chin reflectively.
“This is very sad news, but you will excuse me if I say that I do notsee how it bears on the subject of your inquiry?”
“It bears on it in this way, is it not a fact that Mrs. Vandemeyercommitted a young relative of hers to your charge?”
Julius leaned forward eagerly.
“That is the case,” said the doctor quietly.
“Under the name of----?”
“Janet Vandemeyer. I understood her to be a niece of Mrs. Vandemeyer’s.”
“And she came to you?”
“As far as I can remember in June or July of 1915.”
“Was she a mental case?”
“She is perfectly sane, if that is what you mean. I understood from Mrs.Vandemeyer that the girl had been with her on the _Lusitania_ whenthat ill-fated ship was sunk, and had suffered a severe shock inconsequence.”
“We’re on the right track, I think?” Sir James looked round.
“As I said before, I’m a mutt!” returned Julius.
The doctor looked at them all curiously.
“You spoke of wanting a statement from her,” he said. “Supposing she isnot able to give one?”
“What? You have just said that she is perfectly sane.”
“So she is. Nevertheless, if you want a statement from her concerningany events prior to May 7, 1915, she will not be able to give it toyou.”