Chapter 28 Not from Captain Hastings’ Personal Narrative¹

Inspector² Crome was in his office at Scotland Yard.
The telephone on his desk gave a discreet³ buzz and he picked it up.
‘Jacobs speaking, sir. There’s a young fellow come in with a story that I think you ought to hear.’
Inspector Crome sighed. On an average twenty people a day turned up with so-called important information about the A B C case. Some of them were harmless lunatics, some of them were well-meaning persons who genuinely believed that their information was of value. It was the duty of Sergeant⁴ Jacobs to act as a human sieve—retaining the grosser matter and passing on the residue⁵ to his superior.
‘Very well, Jacobs,’ said Crome. ‘Send him along.’
A few minutes later there was a tap on the inspector’s door and Sergeant Jacobs appeared, ushering⁶ in a tall,moderately good-looking young man.
‘This is Mr Tom Hartigan, sir. He’s got something to tell us which may have a possible bearing on the A B C case.’
The inspector rose pleasantly and shook hands.
‘Good morning, Mr Hartigan. Sit down, won’t you? Smoke? Have a cigarette?’
Tom Hartigan sat down awkwardly and looked with some awe⁷ at what he called in his own mind ‘One of the big-wigs.’ The appearance of the inspector vaguely⁸ disappointed him. He looked quite an ordinary person!
‘Now then,’ said Crome. ‘You’ve got something to tell us that you think may have a bearing on the case. Fire ahead.’
Tom began nervously⁹.
‘Of course it may be nothing at all. It’s just an idea of mine. I may be wasting your time.’

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