Strong Poison · Chapter 5 (2/2)

“A bottle is more likely than a paper,” went on Wimsey, ignoring him, “because I think the arsenic must have been taken in liquid form to work so quickly.”

Parker made no further protest, but noted down “Boyes⁠—Doughty Street⁠—query bottle,” and paused expectantly.

“Yes?”

“That’s all for the moment. By the way, I should try the garden in Mecklenburgh Square. A thing might lie quite a long time under those bushes.”

“Very well. I’ll do my best. And if you find out anything which really proves that we’ve been on the wrong tack, you’ll let us know, won’t you? We don’t want to make large and ignominious public mistakes.”

“Well⁠—I’ve just earnestly promised the defence that I’ll do no such thing. But if I spot the criminal, I’ll let you arrest him.”

“Thanks for small mercies. Well, good luck! Funny for you and me to be on opposite sides, isn’t it?”

“Very,” said Wimsey. “I’m sorry about it, but it’s your own fault.”

“You shouldn’t have been out of England. By the way⁠—”

“Yes?”

“You realise that probably all our young friend did during those missing ten minutes was to stand about in Theobalds Road or somewhere, looking for a stray taxi.”

“Oh, shut up!” said Wimsey, crossly, and went out.