As she said the last words she sniffed audibly and began to cry.
The coroner said a few soothing words and dismissed her.
Then he address the jury. Their task was to state how this man came by his death. Fortunately, the matter appeared to be quite simple. There was no suggestion that Mr Pritchard had been worried or depressed or in a state of mind where he would be likely to take his own life. On the contrary, he had been in good health and spirits and had been looking forward to his holiday. It was unfortunately the case that when a sea mist was rising the path along the cliff was a dangerous one and possibly they might agree with him that it was time something was done about it.
The jury’s verdict was prompt.
‘We find that the deceased came to his death by misadventure and we wish to add a rider that in our opinion the Town Council should immediately take steps to put a fence or rail on the sea side of the path where it skirts the chasm.’ The coroner nodded approval.
The inquest was over.
CHAPTER 5 Mr and Mrs Cayman
On arriving back at the Vicarage about half an hour later, Bobby found that his connection with the death of Alex Pritchard was not yet quite over. He was informed that Mr and Mrs Cayman had called to see him and were in the study with his father. Bobby made his way there and found his father bravely making suitable conversation without, apparently, much enjoying his task.
‘Ah!’ he said with some slight relief. ‘Here is Bobby.’ Mr Cayman rose and advanced towards the young man with outstretched hand. Mr Cayman was a big florid man with a would-be hearty manner and a cold and somewhat shifty eye that rather belied the manner. As for Mrs Cayman, though she might be considered attractive in a bold, coarse fashion, she had little now in common with that early photograph of herself, and no trace of that wistful expression remained. In fact, Bobby reflected, if she had not recognized her own photograph, it seemed doubtful if anyone else would have done so.
‘I came down with the wife,’ said Mr Cayman, enclosing Bobby’s hand in a firm and painful grip. ‘Had to stand by, you know; Amelia’s naturally upset.’ Mrs Cayman sniffed.
‘We came round to see you,’ continued Mr Cayman. ‘You see, my poor wife’s brother died, practically speaking, in your arms. Naturally, she wanted to know all you could tell her of his last moments.’ ‘Absolutely,’ said Bobby unhappily. ‘Oh, absolutely.’ He grinned nervously and was immediately aware of his father’s sigh – a sigh of Christian resignation.
‘Poor Alex,’ said Mrs Cayman, dabbing her eyes. ‘Poor, poor Alex.’ ‘I know,’ said Bobby. ‘Absolutely grim.’ He wriggled uncomfortably.
‘You see,’ said Mrs Cayman, looking hopefully at Bobby, ‘if he left any last words or messages, naturally I want to know.’ ‘Oh, rather,’ said Bobby. ‘But as a matter of fact he didn’t.’ ‘Nothing at all?’ Mrs Cayman looked disappointed and incredulous. Bobby felt apologetic.
‘No – well – as a matter of fact, nothing at all.’ ‘It was best so,’ said Mr Cayman solemnly. ‘To pass away unconscious – without pain – why, you must think of it as a mercy, Amelia.’ ‘I suppose I must,’ said Mrs Cayman. ‘You don’t think he felt any pain?’ ‘I’m sure he didn’t,’ said Bobby.
Mrs Cayman sighed deeply.
‘Well, that’s something to be thankful for. Perhaps I did hope he’d left a last message, but I can see that it’s best as it is.
Poor Alex. Such a fine out-of-door man.’ ‘Yes, wasn’t he?’ said Bobby. He recalled the bronze face, the deep blue eyes. An attractive personality, that of Alex Pritchard, attractive even so near death. Strange that he should be the brother of Mrs Cayman and the brother-in-law of Mr Cayman. He had been worthy, Bobby felt, of better things.
‘Well, we’re very much indebted to you, I’m sure,’ said Mrs Cayman.
‘Oh, that’s all right,’ said Bobby. ‘I mean – well, couldn’t do anything else – I mean ‘ He floundered hopelessly.