Читать книгу Special Detective (Ashton-Kirk) онлайн

30 страница из 68

Their feet sounded drearily upon the loose planks of the bridge; and when they emerged at the far end they found themselves upon a narrow road which ran off into the darkness.

“On, over the hills, in and out, and up and down, until it lands you at Schwartzberg gate,” said Scanlon.

They climbed to the top of a hill; the sky was thick with stars, and the light from them touched the high places with pale hands. But the hollows were black and deep looking; mystery followed the course of the slowly running river.

“What is there round about Campe’s place?” asked the crime specialist. “Is this the only road that leads there? What are his neighbours like?”

“To the first of those questions,” said Mr. Scanlon, “I reply, fields—also hills—also woods. There are roads passing Schwartzberg upon either side. As to neighbours, there’s a few farmers, and their help. And then there’s the man who flags the bad crossing down by the river, and the inn.”

“Ah, yes, you mentioned the inn before,” said Ashton-Kirk.