A fortnight passing, with Hardacre continuing to be distant and unapproachable, Larose determined on a bold move. Somehow, by hook or by crook, he must get into the Manor and have a look round. In particular he wanted to find out if Hardacre had a small .22 rifle, a rifle such as that which had fired the bullet with which Dr. Monk had been killed. He quite expected, however, it would be hidden away somewhere and not to be laid hands upon at first sight. Also, he wanted to learn if Hardacre were still taking those tablets. If there were a chemist’s label upon the bottles, then in that way he might be able to trace back the doctor who had given the prescription. He was still inclined to think it would prove to be Dr. Monk.
He considered everything most carefully and thought his chances of g
