14 - Case With Nine Solutions by Alfred Walter Stewart

Penned by Alfred Walter Stewart under the pseudonym J.J. Connington, Case With Nine Solutions introduces us to the astute and highly regarded police professional, Sir Clinton Driffield. Thrust into a tangled web of murder, Driffield and his loyal sidekick, Inspector Flamborough, must sift through nine possible scenarios to uncover the truth. This complex case brings a beguiling temptress, her unsuspecting husband, a clandestine admirer, and a smitten young man into the mix. As the pair delve deeper into the mystery, they navigate a labyrinth of scientific evidence, cryptic messages, and rely on their sharp deductive reasoning skills to solve the murder.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter fourteen of the Case with Nine Solutions by J. J. Connington.
This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The jacket,
Sir Clinton and the Inspector found Markfield at work in
his laboratory. When they reached the Crowthornton Institute, Flamborough wasted
no time in preliminaries, but plunged at once into the

(00:22):
business which had brought him there. What do you make
of that, doctor, Markfield, he demanded, producing the shred of
cloth with the button attached and showing them to the chemist.
Markfield examined the object carefully, but his face showed only
a certain bewilderment when he looked up at the inspector again.
It seems to be a button and a bit of
cloth with a picric acid stain on it, he pointed out,

(00:44):
with a tinge of irony. Do you want me to
make an expert examination of it? If so, you'd better
tell me some more about it so that I'll know
what you want with it. Flamborough stared at him for
a moment or two, as though trying to read something
in his expression, but Markfield seemed in no way put out.
I'm not a mind reader. Inspector, He pointed out, you

(01:06):
need to explain clearly what you expect me to do,
and I'll have to be told whether I can cut
bits out of your specimen for chemical analysis. Flamborough saw
that his attempt to draw Markfield was not going to
be so easy as he had hoped. Have a good
look at the thing. First of all, he suggested, can
you remember anything like it? Markfield stolidly examined the object

(01:28):
once more. It's a button than a piece of cloth,
he said. At last, of course, I've seen buttons before,
and bits of cloth are not uncommon. I should think
that this stain is a picric acid one, but that's
a matter for further examination before I could say anything definite.
Is that what you wanted? Flamborough kept his temper with difficulty.

(01:50):
What I want to know, doctor Markfield, is whether you
have recently seen anything that you could associate with that thing,
any garment from which it might have been torn, or
anything of that sort. Markfield's eyes narrowed any glance with
obvious unfriendliness at the inspector. It's a coat button, by
the look of it. I'm no specialist in buttons. I

(02:10):
admit it might have come off any lounge suits. So
far as I can see, i'd advise you not to
fence with us too long, Doctor Markfield. Flamborough suggested, look
at the cloth. Does that remind you of anything that's
familiar to you? Markfield's face betrayed his obvious annoyance. I
suppose you've identified it already for yourselves. Why come to me?

(02:33):
Presumably you mean that it's a bit torn off Doctor
Silverdale's laboratory coat. Well, I can't swear to that. It
may be for all I know. Why not compare it
with the coat, and if the coat's torn, you've got
your evidence, whatever it may be. I don't see why
you dragged me into the thing at all. Flamborough's face
grew hard as he answered, There's one thing I want

(02:55):
you to bear in mind, Doctor Markfield. A man may
very easily become an excessory after the fact in a
murder case, and the penalty runs as high as penal
servitude for life. I'm not at all satisfied with the
way in which you seem to have determined to evade
some of the questions I've had to put to you,
and I'd like to remind you that you may be
running risks. It would be far better if you deal

(03:17):
frankly with us instead of shuffling. The covert threat seemed
to have its effect on Markfield. He looked sulky, but
he appeared to make up his mind to alter his tactics. Well,
ask your questions, then, he snapped, but put them on
matters of fact. I'm not going to say what I
think about this and what I suppose about that. I'll

(03:37):
tell you anything that I know, definitely, if you ask
about it. Flamborough wasted no time before taking up the challenge.
Very good, doctor Markfield. We'll stick to facts if you like. Now.
Once upon a time you saw doctor Silverdale acting in
some private theatricals. I believe I learned that from Doctor Ringwood.
That's correct, isn't it. Yes, we were members of a

(04:01):
small amateur show at one time. In any of his parts.
Did doctor Silverdale played the banjo? Markfield reflected, For a moment,
I think he did. He's an expert banjo player. He
plays the banjo. Markfield corrected, I'm not going to give
you my opinion about his playing. That's not a question

(04:22):
of fact. It's a mere matter of taste. Flambero let
this pass without comment. He plays the banjo anyhow, that's
what I want to get at. He stepped across the
laboratory to where a little glass apparatus was attached to
a tap at a sink, and examine the rubber tubing attached.
What's this thing here? He demanded? A water pump. Markfield

(04:44):
answered his own, not quite following the inspector's train of thought.
And this rubber tubing? What sort of stuff is it?
Pressure tubing? What about it? Does Doctor Silverdale use anything
of that sort? Everybody in the place uses it. Whenever
one wants quick filtering, one uses a water pump with
pressure tubing connections. Miss Deep Carr and Miss Hailsham use it.

(05:07):
Then I should think there are a dozen or two
of these pumps in this department alone. They're ordinary fittings
in every chemical laboratory. If I may ask, inspector, what
are you getting at? Flamborough switched off to a fresh
line without making any direct reply. Is Miss Deep Caarr
here to day? I don't think so. I believe she's

(05:29):
out of town, been away for a couple of days.
I'll send a message to find out. Definitely, if you
want to know, Flamborough shook his head. Don't trouble, I
can find out for myself. I heard that she would
be back the day after tomorrow. Markfield volunteered. But you'd
better find out for yourself. Of course, Again, the inspector

(05:50):
turned to a fresh line. Do you know anything about
a man Wally, Peter Wally, he demanded Wally Markfield repeated,
as though trying to recall the name Wally. Oh. Yes,
he came to me with some story about having been
hit by my car on a foggy night. I didn't
believe him. I knew I'd hurt no one with the car, though,

(06:10):
once I came near it that night, mister Waller got
no change out of me. He didn't go any further
in the matter. Then I heard no more about it.
The thing was so obviously a try on that I
didn't even advise my insurance company about it. Flamborough reflected
for a few moments, obviously trying to think of fresh
questions which he could put, but apparently he had come

(06:32):
to the end of his stock. We'll go along to
doctor Silverdale's room, he said, leading the way to the door.
You had better come with us, Doctor Markfield, you'll do
as a witness. Perhaps I'm not very keen, Markfield retorted grumblingly. However,
he followed Sir Clinton and the inspector along the corridors
to Silverdale's laboratory. The room was empty, but the door

(06:54):
was unlocked, and the inspector opened it and stepped inside.
A glance round the place revealed Silverdale's loveaboratory jacket hanging
on a peg, and Flamborough went over and took it down.
Now we'll see, he said, laying it on the table
and spreading it out for examination. Ah, I thought there
was no mistake. He pointed to the right hand side,

(07:15):
where it was obvious that one of the buttons had
been wrenched away, taking a piece of the cloth with it.
Now we'll see if it fits, Flamborough continued, producing the
fragment of fabric found in Wally's hand and adjusting it
to the tear in the coat. That's clear enough, you
see now the stains on the two bits correspond exactly.

(07:35):
Markfield leaned over and satisfied himself that the Inspector's statement
was accurate. What is this bit of cloth, he asked. Flamborough, however,
had found something further, and Markfield got no answer to
his question. Look there, the inspector ejaculated, indicating a small
brownish stain on the breast of the jacket. That's blood

(07:56):
clear enough. Markfield seemed about to repeat his demand for
information when steps sounded in the corridor outside. Flamboro picked
up the coat, moved swiftly across the room, and hung
the garment on its original peg as he turned away
unconcernedly from the spot. The door opened and Silverdale entered
the laboratory. He seemed taken aback by the presence of

(08:18):
the police and looked from one to another in the
group without speaking. Then he came forward. Do you want me,
he asked in a colorless voice. Markfield seemed rather ashamed
of being caught there in the company of the two officials.
He was about to say something when Flamborough robbed him
of the opportunity. I've come to put one or two questions,

(08:38):
doctor Silverdale, the inspector began. First of all, have you
had any dealings lately with a man named Peter Wally?
Silverdale was obviously taken aback Wally, He repeated, I know
nothing about any one of that name. Who is he?
Flamboro seemed to discount this statement, but he did not
persist along that direct line. Can you tell us what

(09:01):
you were doing last night, he demanded. Silverdale reflected for
a time before answering. I left here about six o'clock,
between six and six thirty. Then I walked down to
the Central Hotel and had dinner. I suppose I left
the hotel again about a quarter to eight. I walked
home as it was a clear night, and I did
some work until about half past eleven. After that I

(09:24):
went to bed and read for a while before going
to sleep. Flamborough jotted something in his note book before
going further. I suppose you could produce some witnesses in
support of that, he asked. Silverdale appeared to consult his memory.
I met miss Hailsham as I was leaving here, He explained,
that would give you the approximate time if she remembers it.

(09:47):
The waiter at the Central could probably satisfy you that
I was there. It's the tall one with the ward
on his cheek who looks after the tables at the
north window. After that, you'll have to take my word
for it. What about your maids that had I haven't
anyone on the premises, no maid would take the place
owing to the murder. I merely sleep there and take

(10:07):
my meals at an hotel. A charwoman comes in during
the day and cleans the place. Ah, said the inspector thoughtfully.
Then you can't prove that you were actually at home
after say, half past eight. By the way, you hadn't
a visitor by any chance. Silverdale shook his head. No,
I was quite alone. Flamborough made another note and then

(10:30):
continued his interrogation. I want you to cast your mind
back to the night when missus Silverdale came by her death.
I asked you once before what you were doing that night,
but you put me off. I think you'd find it
more advisable to be frank now that I'm putting the
question again. Silverdale's face showed some conflict of emotions, and

(10:50):
he evidently considered the matter for almost a minute before answering,
I've nothing further to add, he said. At last, I'll
put it plainly so that there can be no mistake.
Flamborough emphasized, can you give us any account of your
movements on the night that your maid was murdered at Heatherfield?
Silverdale tightened his lips and shook his head. I've no

(11:12):
information to give you, he said, at length. I may
as well tell you, doctor Silverdale, said Flamborough warningly. Now
we have a certain amount of information drawn from other sources.
We may no more than you think. Wouldn't it be
best to be frank with us? Silverdale shook his head definitely,
without making any vocal reply. Flamborough concealed his disappointment, though

(11:34):
his face grew darker. He put his hand into his
waistcoat pocket and drew out something. Do you recognize that,
doctor Silverdale? Silverdale examined it. Yes, that's a cigarette holder
of mine. I recognize it by the fly in it.
When did you discover that you had lost it? Silverdale

(11:54):
was obviously at a loss. I can't tell you. Ten
days ago or so, I should think. Was it before
or after the murder of your maid that you missed it?
Think carefully, I can't remember, Silverdale explained. I didn't note
it down in a diary or anything of that sort.
Of course, I use two or three holders. I leave

(12:14):
them in the pockets of different suits. Naturally, if one
of them goes a missing, I simply use one of
the others, and perhaps the missing one may turn up later.
I can't give you any exact date when this one
went astray. Flamborough returned the holder to his pocket. You
play the banjo, don't you, doctor Silverdale. Silverdale seemed completely

(12:35):
astounded by this question. I used to do so, he admitted,
but I haven't played for quite a long time. The
banjo isn't much in request nowadays. Have you bought strings
for your instrument recently? No, I haven't. Last time I
used it, two of the strings snapped, and in never
troubled to replace them. Just so, Flamborough said, as though

(12:57):
attaching no great importance to the point. Now there's another
thing I'd like to ask about. I think that's your
laboratory coat hanging on the peg over there. Silverdale glanced
across the room and nodded. When did you wear that
coat last? Flamboro demanded, last night? Silverdale answered, after a
slight hesitation. You mean you took it off when you

(13:19):
left the institute to go out to dinner. Yes, this morning.
I've been up at the research station, so I've had
no occasion to change my jacket. Flamborough crossed the room,
took down the coat, and spread it out on the
table once more. Can you explain this, he questioned, putting
his hand on the terror. Silverdale stared at the rent

(13:39):
in the cloth with dismay gathering on his face. He
looked like a man who finds himself surrounded by enemies
and unknown strength. I can't account for it, he said, curtly,
with whitened lips. Or for this blood stain on it,
I suppose, Flamboro demanded, putting his finger on the spot.
Silverdale's discomposure became even more obvious. It was clear that

(14:01):
he felt himself in a most dangerous position, and his
denials betrayed his nervousness. I've no idea how it came there.
I noticed nothing of the sort when I took the
coat off last night, neither the tear nor that stain.
I can't account for it at all. You're sure you can't,
the inspector persisted. I can't, Silverdale repeated, much to the

(14:24):
inspector's annoyance. Markfield broke into the interrogation. Why are you
so sure that doctor Silverdale has anything to do with
the matter, He interjected, in a sardonic tone. It's not
impossible that someone borrowed his jacket last night after he'd gone.
Several of us were on the premises after he left.
I know, Flamborough, glancing up, surprised an expression on Sir

(14:46):
Clinton's face which indicated that his opinion of Markfield had
risen on account of this interposition, and the inspector felt
his irritation against Markfield increasing once more. I'm not asking
for your assistance now, doctor mark Field, he pointed out chillingly.
I want to know what doctor Silverdale knows about the matter.
You can hardly speak as an authority on that point,

(15:07):
can you. Markfield made no reply, but his smile was
a comment in itself and did nothing to soothe the
inspector's ruffled feelings. I'll have to take this coat, doctor Silverdale,
Flamborough explained, in an official tone. It's a piece of
evidence which we must have in our charge. Then, as
an afterthought, he added, a man, Wally has been murdered.

(15:28):
The case didn't get into the morning newspapers, you'll see
it in the evening news. His voice took on a
subtinge of warning. If you think the better of your attitude,
you'd be well advised to come to us at once.
And tell us what you can. It's hardly necessary to
tell you that your silence on these points is bound
to raise suspicions, and if you can clear things up,

(15:48):
you may save yourself a good deal of trouble. Markfield
seemed to take a cynical pleasure in destroying the inspector's effects.
Instead of leaving him the last word, he closed the
interview himself. They used to say a man was innocent
until he was proving guilty, inspector, he remarked ironically. But
I say you've interchanged the adjectives nowadays, and must save

(16:10):
a lot of trouble to the police. End of Chapter fourteen.