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question of bribing high enough – and finding the right man –
probably the Chief of Police! After all, we can try."
V
On the following morning various police officials arrived and
were shown up to Mrs. Rice's bedroom. Harold had wired for money
but he had taken no part in the police proceedings – indeed he was
unable to do so since none of these policemen spoke English.
At 12 o'clock Mrs. Rice came to his room. She said simply:
"It's worked!"
Harold said dryly: "How much?"
"The tariff’s rather high."
She read out a list of figures.
"The Chief of Police, the Commissaire, the Agent, the Doctor,
the Hotel Manager, the Night Porter."
Mrs. Rice explained:
"The official story will be that Phillip had a heart attack. It is
wonderful what the police can do when they try!"
"Well," said Harold. "Thank God our police aren't like that."
And in a British and superior mood he went down to lunch.
***
After lunch Harold usually joined Mrs. Rice and her daughter
for coffee. This was the first time he had seen Elsie since the night
before. She was very pale but tried to behave as usual.
They commented on a new guest who had just arrived, trying to
guess his nationality. Harold thought a moustache like that must be
French, Elsie said German, and Mrs. Rice thought he might be
Spanish.
From the far end of the terrace the two bird-like women rose.
With little bows they sat down by Mrs. Rice. One of them began to
speak. The other one kept her eyes on Elsie and Harold. There was a
little smile on her lips. It was not, Harold thought, a nice smile.
He looked over at Mrs. Rice. She was listening to the Polish
woman and though he couldn't understand a word, the expression on
Mrs. Rice's face was clear enough. All the old fear and despair came
back.
At last the two women rose, and with little bows went into the
hotel. Harold asked hoarsely: