Truth Will Out Read Online Free Page A

gave strict instructions that if anything went wrong in his absence they were to be telephoned at the hotel immediately.
    ‘Not that I expect anything to go wrong,’ Maude told Lionel earnestly, as they undressed for bed. ‘But if it does . . . Aunt Biddy is becoming rather vague and—’
    ‘You don’t have to tell me that, Maude. I can see it for myself.’ He reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. ‘So stop worrying, my love. If anything does happen we’ll summon a taxi and be home in no time.’
    The following afternoon, Thursday, Maude was relaxing on one of the garden seats with Primmy beside her when the dog sprang to her feet, stared down the garden and started barking furiously.
    ‘Primmy! You made me jump!’ Maude scolded and turned to see what had excited the dog. To her surprise she saw a figure half hidden in the bushes and she watched in some trepidation as the dog raced forward.
    ‘Who’s there?’ she cried, jumping to her feet. ‘I can see you!’ Glancing back at the house she hoped someone would notice what was happening and come to investigate.
    Primmy had found her quarry and was yelping with excitement as she pranced round whoever it was. Eventually a male voice cried, ‘Call him off!’
    ‘Not until you come out of those bushes!’
    The voice grew shriller. ‘Get down, damn you!’
    It occurred to Maude that the dog might be in danger from the stranger. It was unlikely to be the other way round because Primmy was noisy but not aggressive. Maude took a few steps forward and then called, ‘Primmy! Come here. Good girl!’
    ‘Get away from me, you stupid animal!’
    The intruder had not hurt the dog so far and Maude felt a little braver. She also assumed that the intruder hadn’t been bitten by the dog. When the dog returned she caught hold of her collar and called out, ‘Come out at once or I shall call the police.’
    Almost at once a wiry figure appeared from the bushes and stepped gingerly into full view, and Maude saw with relief that he was no more than a very young man who was obviously more frightened than she was.
    ‘I’m not a burglar,’ he cried. ‘Don’t call the police. I’ve brought a package for a Mr Lionel Brent, that’s all. I’ve done nothing wrong.’ He edged a little closer. He was thin with unkempt hair and what Maude thought of as a foxy face. The sleeves of his jacket were too short for his arms and one of his bootlaces was undone. Maude could see no sign of a weapon and no hint of hostility in his face. So who on earth was he and why was he bringing her husband a package?
    At that moment Alice appeared and called Primmy to her. ‘What is it, Maude? Can I help? Shall I fetch Mr Brent?’
    Maud realized at once that this was a clever bluff on Alice’s part because they all knew that there was no man in the house. Lionel was miles away in London. Maude was full of admiration for her friend’s quick thinking. She replied, ‘It’s all right, Alice. The young man has brought something for Lionel.’
    The young man held out a bulky envelope. ‘I was told to deliver this – for a shilling – but I was only to give it to Mr Brent.’ His voice quivered and Maude began to feel sorry for him. She guessed him to be about eighteen and obviously he had been tempted by the promise of a shilling.
    She held out her hand. ‘I’ll give it to Mr Brent later on. He’s my husband.’ From the corner of her eye she saw that her aunt was now also watching from the front steps.
    The young man shook his head. ‘I have to give it to him and only him. He was very determined about that.’
    ‘Who was very determined? You’re speaking in riddles.’
    ‘I can’t say. More’n my life’s worth.’ His voice had grown sullen. You tell him I’m here. Say Jem’s here. He’ll know.’
    Maude realized suddenly that he was no longer frightened. It was unfortunate that Lionel was absent but she must follow Alice’s lead. She said, ‘He’s ill in bed. My