AGATHA CHRISTIE. By the Pricking of My Thumbs

‘I think you’d better see Mr Slicker.’ Tuppence was all for seeing Mr Slicker and was presently seated in a small office opposite a tweed-suited young man in horsy checks, who began turning over a large number of particulars of desirable residences – murmuring comments to himself… ‘8 Mandeville Road – architect built, three bed, American kitchen – Oh, no, that’s gone – Amabel Lodge picturesque residence, four acres – reduced price for quick sale ‘ Tuppence interrupted him forcefully: ‘I have seen a house I like the look of- In Sutton Chancellor – or rather, near Sutton Chancellor – by a canal -‘ ‘Sutton Chancellor,’ Mr Slicker looked doubtful – ‘I don’t think we have any property there on our books at present.

What name?’ ‘It doesn’t seem to have any written up – Possibly Waterside.

Rivermead – once called Bridge House. I gather,’ said

Tuppence, ‘the house is in two parts. One half is let but the tenant there could not tell me anything about the other half, which fronts on the canal and which is the one in which I am interested. It appears to be unoccupied.’

Mr Slicker said distantly that he was afraid he couldn’t help her, but condescended to supply the information that perhaps Messrs. Blodget & Burgess might do so. By the tone in his voice the clerk seemed to imply this Messrs. Blodget & Burgess were a very inferior firm.

Tuppence transferred herself to Messrs. Blodget & Burgess who were on the opposite side of the square – and whose premises closely resembled those of Messrs. Lovebody & Slicker – the same kind of sale bills and forthcoming auctions in their rather grimy windows. Their front door had recently been repainted a rather bilious shade of green, if that was accounted to be a merit.

The reception arrangements were equally discouraging, and Tuppence was given over to a Mr Sprig, an elderly man of apparently despondent disposition. Once more Tuppence retailed her wants and requirements.

Mr Sprig admitted to being aware of the existence of the residence in question, but was not helpful, or as far as it seemed, much interested.

‘It’s not in the market, I’m afraid. The owner doesn’t want tO sell.’

‘Who is the owner?’

‘Really I doubt if I know. It has changed hands rather frequently – there was a rumour at one moment of a compulsory purchase order.’

‘What did any local government want it for?’

‘Really, Mrs – er – (he glanced down at Tuppence’s name jotted down on his blotter) – Mrs Beresford, if you could tell me the answer to that question you would be wiser than most victims are these days. The ways of local councils and planning societies are always shrouded in mystery. The rear portion of the house had a few necessary repairs done to it and was let at an exceedingly low rent to a – er – ah yes, a Mr and Mrs Perry.

As to the actual owners of the property, the gentleman in question lives abroad and seems m have lost interest in the place. I imagine there was some question of a minor inheriting, and it was administered by executors. Some small legal difficulties arose – the law tends m be expensive, Mrs Beresford – I fancy the owner is quite content for the house m fall down – no repairs are done except m the portion the Perrys inhabit.

The actual land, of course, might always prove valuable in the future – the repair of derelict houses is seldom profitable. If you are interested in a property of that kind, I am sure we could offer you something far more worth your while. What, if I may ask, is there which especially appealed m you in this property?’ ‘I liked the look of it,’ said Tuppence. ‘It’s a very pretty house – I saw it fn-st from the train ‘ ‘Oh, I see -‘ Mr Sprig masked as best he could an expression of ‘the foolishness of women is incredible’ – and said soothingly, ‘I should really forget all about it if I were you.’ ‘I suppose you could write and ask the owners ffthey would be prepared to sell – or if you would give me their – or his address ‘ ‘We will get into communication with the owners’ solicitors if you insist – but I can’t hold out much hope.’ ‘I suppose one always has to go through solicitors for everything nowadays.’ Tuppence sounded both foolish and fretful… ‘And lawyers are always so slow over everything.’ ‘Ah yes – the law is prolific of delays ‘ ‘And so are banks – just as bad!’ ‘Banks -‘ Mr Sprig sounded a little startled.

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