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Fletcher, J. S. (Joseph Smith), 1863-1935

"The Middle of Things"


"Let's get hold of the tenant," he said. "Better show him your card, and
then he'll know we're on professional business."
The greengrocer, a dull-looking fellow who was measuring potatoes, showed
no great interest on hearing what his callers wanted. Summoning his wife
to mind the shop, he led Viner and Felpham round to the yard and opened
the door of the shed. This was as untidy as the yard, and filled with a
similar collection of boxes, baskets and crates. In one corner lay a
bundle of empty potato sacks--the greengrocer at once pointed to it.
"I reckon that's where the fellow got a bit of a sleep that night," he
said. "There was nothing to prevent him getting in here--no locks or
bolts on either gate of the yard or that door. He may have been in here
many a night, for all I know."
"Where did you find those valuables this morning?" asked Viner.
The greengrocer pointed to a shelf in a corner above the bundle
of sacking.
"There!" he answered. "I wanted some small boxes to take down to Covent
Garden, and in turning some of these over I came across a little parcel,
wrapped in paper--slipped under a box that was turned top downwards on
the shelf, you understand? So of course I opened it, and there was the
watch and chain and ring.


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