Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen

Director Hu Xun looked at them one by one politely.When he spoke, his tone was apologetic but persuasive. I know it must be very painful for all of you, he said, to have to go through it all again.However, we really have no choice.You've seen the announcement, I think?It's in all the morning papers. Amnesty, Leo said. Those terms are always uncomfortable, Huxon said.Outdated stuff, like most legalese.But the meaning is very obvious. It means you made a mistake, Leo said. Yes, Hu Xun admitted bluntly.We made mistakes. After a minute he went on: Of course, without Dr. Caglieri's testimony, it really would have been inevitable.

Leo said coldly: When you arrested my son, he told you that he hitchhiked that night. Oh yes, he did tell us.And we did try to check, but we couldn't find any evidence.I know very well, Mr. Argyle, how much you must resent the whole affair.I'm not apologizing.What our police have to do is to collect evidence, and the evidence is sent to the prosecutor to decide whether the case is established or not.In this case, his decision was established.If possible, I beg you not to harbor any resentment, but to repeat the facts, the time and the place. What's the use of doing it now?Hester spoke suddenly.Whoever did it, he's gone long ago, and you'll never find it.

Director Hu Xun turned to look at her. Maybe that or maybe not, he said gently.You'd be amazed at the number of times we've managed to track people down, sometimes months later.This is due to patience and perseverance. Hester turned her head away, and Gwendy shivered quickly as if caught by a gust of cold wind.Her lively imagination sensed the hidden threat behind the quiet words. Now I'm counting on you, Hu Xun said.He looked at Leo expectantly.We start with you, Mr. Argyle. What exactly do you want to know?You must have my original confession, right?Now let me say, maybe not so precise.The exact time will be forgotten.

Oh, we understand that.But there are little things that may come up, things that were neglected at the time. Looking back after all these years, Philip said, isn't it more likely to see the seriousness of some things? It is possible, yes, Hu Xun said, turning his head and looking at Philip with interest. Smart guy, he thought, wonder if he has any idea of ​​his own on the matter Now, Mr. Argyle, I beg you to repeat the situation.You were having tea at the time? Yes.Refreshment was ready in the dining room at five as usual.We were all there except Mr. and Mrs. Durant.Mrs. Durrant carried her own and her husband's tea upstairs to their own drawing-room.

I was more of a lame then than I am now, Philip said.I had just been released from the hospital. indeed.Hu Xun turned back to face Li Ao.Are you all there? My wife and I, my daughter Hester, Miss Fonne, and Miss Lindstrom. and after?Just tell me in your own words. After drinking tea, I went back to the study with Miss Feng En.We are working, revising a chapter of one of my medieval economic books.My wife went to her living room-office, which was on the ground floor.As you know, she's a busy person.She is looking at some new plans for a playground for children, which she intends to present to council here.

Did you hear your son Jack enter the door? No.That said, I didn't know it was him.I did, we both heard the front door bell, but we didn't know who it was. Who did you think it was, Mr. Argyle? Li Ao looked amused slightly. I was in the fifteenth century, not the twentieth.I didn't even think about it.It could be anyone.My wife, Miss Lindstrom, Hester, and possibly a daytime helper, are all downstairs.No one, Leo said succinctly, would expect me to answer the door. Then what? there is none left.After a long time, my wife came over. how long? Leo frowned. Now I really can't tell.I must have told you the estimated time.Half an hour no, a little more, maybe forty-five minutes.

We have afternoon tea after half past five, said Gwendy.Mrs. Argyle came into the study about forty past six, I think. So what did she say? Leo sighed.He spoke unhappily. We've said these things too many times.She said that Jack had come to her, that he was in trouble, that he was rude, that he demanded money from her, and that unless he had some money right away, he would go to jail.She said she refused to give him a dime, but she didn't know if she was right or wrong in doing so. Mr. Argyle, please allow me to ask a question.Why didn't your wife come to you when that kid came to ask for money?Why only tell you after the fact?Don't you find this strange?

No, not surprising. It seems to me that it is only natural for her to come to you.Is there a disagreement between you? oh no.It's just that my wife is used to doing all the daily affairs by herself.She often consults with me up front, asks my opinion, and discusses her decision with me afterward.For that matter, she and I had had a very serious discussion about what was best to do with Jack.The discipline of this child is a headache for us.On several occasions she paid very handsome sums to protect him from the bitter consequences of her actions.We've decided that if there's a next time, it's best for Jack to learn the hard way.

However, she still feels uneasy? Yes.She is restless.If he hadn't been so rough and threatening, I think she might have relented and helped him one more time, but his attitude only made her tougher. Was Jack gone by then? oh yes. Did you know it yourself, or did Mrs. Argyle tell you? she told me.She said he had gone, vowed, threatened to come back, and he said she'd better have some cash ready for him then. Do you feel alarmed at the thought that the kid is coming back, does it matter? of course not.We were so used to it that it was only Jack's bluff. You never thought he would come back and attack her.

No.I told you so at the time.I was flabbergasted. It seems that you are right, Hu Xun said gently.It wasn't him who attacked her.When exactly was Mrs. Argyle leaving you? I do remember that, and we often think about it.Just before seven o'clock it was about six fifty-three. Hu Xun turned to Guan Dai.Feng En. Are you sure? Yes. And the content of the conversation is just like what Mr. Argyle said just now?Can you add more?What hasn't he forgotten? I didn't hear all the conversation.After Mrs. Argyle came in and told us about Jack's demand for the money, I thought I'd better go away, lest they be embarrassed in my presence and have trouble talking.I went in there and she pointed to a door at the back of the study, to the little room where I was typing.I came back when I heard Mrs. Argyle go.

And it was six fifty-three? Just before 6:55, yes. And then, Miss Fung En? I asked Mr. Argyle if he wanted to continue working, but he said he was interrupted.I asked if there was anything else I could do and he said no.So I packed my things and left. time? Five past seven. You go downstairs and out the front door? Yes. Mrs. Argyle's drawing room is on the left as soon as you enter the front door? Yes. The door is open? Not closed, almost a foot open. You didn't go in or say goodnight to her? No. usually do you? Won't.It would be foolish to interrupt what she was doing just to say goodnight to her. If you had gone in, you might have found her body lying there. Guan Dai shrugged. I think probably so.But I guess what I mean is that we all thought she was killed later.Jack can't She stopped. You're still stuck in the train of thought that Jack killed her.But not now, so she might have been lying there by then, dead. I think probably so. You go straight home after you go out? Yes, my landlady spoke to me when I came in. That's right.And you didn't meet anyone near the house on the road? I don't think so.Guan Dai frowned.Now I don't quite remember when it was cold and dark outside and the road was a dead end.I don't think I've met anyone until I walked up to the Red Lion.There are a few people around there. Did any cars pass you by? Guan Dai looked surprised. Oh yes, I do remember a car that splashed my skirt and I had to wash the sludge off when I got home. What kind of car? I don't remember, I didn't pay attention.Just at the entrance of our road, passing me.Possibly to any house on the road. Hu Xun turned back to face Leo. You said that some time after your wife left here, you heard the doorbell? Uh I think I hear you.I'm not entirely sure. what time is that I don't know, I didn't look at the clock. Don't you think that could be the return of your son Jack? I didn't think about it.I'm working again. One more question, Mr. Argyle, did you know at the time that your son was married? totally no idea. His mother didn't know either?Could it be that she knew and didn't tell you? I'm absolutely sure she didn't know about it.If she knew she would come and tell me right away.It was quite a shock for me when his wife showed up the next day.I can hardly believe it.When Miss Lindstrom came into the room, she said there was a young woman downstairs, a girl, and said she was Jack's wife.She was very upset when it couldn't be true, couldn't she, Cody? I can't believe it, Cody said.I made her say it twice before I came up and told Mr. Argyle.It was unbelievable at the time. As far as I know, you have been very kind to her, Hu Xun said to Leo. I do my best.She's married again, you know, I'm so happy.Her husband seems to be the kind of honest and good guy. Hu Xun nodded.Then he turned to Hester. Now, Miss Hester, tell me again what you did after tea that day. I don't remember now, said Hester sullenly.how do i rememberIt's been two years.I could do anything. I believe you were helping Miss Lindstrom clean the tea set. Exactly, Cody said.Then, she went on, you go upstairs to your bedroom.You're going out later, you know.You're going to see Waiting for Godot performed by the amateur troupe at the Cheymouth Theatre. Hester continued to look unhappy and uncooperative. Now that you have written it all down, she said to Hu Xun.Why ask again? Because you never know when they will help.Now, Miss Argyle, what time did you leave the house? At or around seven o'clock. Did you hear your mother and your brother arguing? No, I didn't hear anything.I was upstairs. But you met Mrs. Argyle before you left the house? Yes, I need some money.I was about to go out when I remembered that my car was almost out of petrol and I had to fill up on the way to Cheymouth.So when I was ready to go, I went in to my mother, and asked her for a little money, but a pound or two was enough. So she gave it to you? Cody gave it to me. Hu Xun looked a little surprised. I don't remember that line in the original transcript. Well, it is true, in fact, said Hester defiantly.I came in and said, can I ask for some cash, and Cody heard me in the hall, and called out, she has some over there, and she will give it to me.She was going out herself.And the mother said: Well, get it from Cody. I was taking some books on flower arrangements to the Women's Club, Cody said.I knew Mrs Argyle was busy and didn't want to be disturbed. Hester said in a discontented voice: What does it matter who pays me?Don't you just want to know when was the last time I saw my mother alive?That's when.She sat at the table looking at a pile of proposals.I said I needed cash, and Cody called and said she would give it to me.I got the money from her, and then went into my mother's room to say goodnight, and she said she hoped I'd like the play, and drive more carefully.She always said that.Then I went to the garage to get the car out. And Miss Lindstrom. Oh, she left as soon as she gave me the money. Cody.Lin Sichu quickly said: Hester drove past me just as I reached the end of the road.She must have started immediately after me.Her car was climbing up the hill to the road when I turned left toward the village. Hester opened her mouth as if to speak, then quickly closed it again. Hu Xun was suspicious.Cody.Was Lindstrom trying to prove that Hester would not have time to act?Could it be that Hester had not gone to say good night to Lady Argyle, but had quarreled with her, had had a quarrel, and Hester had beaten her to death? He turned steadily to Cody and said: Now, Miss Lindstrom, let's hear what you remember. Her expression was tense, her hands twisted uncomfortably. We had tea and cleaned up, and Hester helped me.Then she went upstairs.Then Jack came. Did you hear him coming? Yes, I opened the door and let him in.He said he lost his key.He went straight in to find his mother.As soon as he got in, he said: I'm in trouble, you have to get me out.I didn't listen to the rest.I'm going back to the kitchen, I have something to prepare for dinner. did you hear him leave? Yes, he was yelling.I came out of the kitchen, and he was standing in the hall, very angry, shouting that he would come back again, and that mother had better get the money ready.Otherwise, that's what he said, otherwise it was a threat. Then what? He slammed the door and walked away.Mrs. Argyle came into the hall.She was very pale and very angry.She said to me: Did you hear that? I said: is he in trouble? She nodded.Then she went upstairs to the study to find Mr. Argyle.I laid out my supper and went upstairs to put on my evening clothes.The women's association held a flower arrangement competition the next day, and we promised to give them some flower arrangement books. You take those books to the Women's Association, and when will you come home? It should be around half past seven.I opened the door myself with my key.I immediately went into Mrs. Argyle's room to convey the thanks of the Women's Society, and a note as she sat at her desk with her head forward on her hands.The poker was thrown on the floor, and the desk drawers were pulled out.Thief, I thought at the time, she was attacked.And I was right.Now you know I was right!It's a thief, someone from outside! Someone Mrs. Argyle herself let him in? Why not?Cody said defiantly.She was so nice and always so kind.And she's not afraid of anyone or anything.Besides, she is not alone at home, there are other people, her husband, Guan Dai, and Mary, and she just needs to call if something happens. But she didn't bark, Hu Xun pointed out. No, because whoever it was, that person must have told her a very plausible story.She always listens to others.So, she sat down at her desk again, maybe looking for her checkbook, because she wasn't suspicious so he had a chance to hit her with the poker.Or even, maybe he didn't mean to kill her, he just wanted to knock her out and run off after finding the money and jewels. He didn't look for it, he just pulled out a few drawers. Maybe he heard voices in the house, or got scared, or found out that he had killed her.So, in a panic, he quickly fled.She leaned forward, a look of fear and pleading in her eyes.It must be so, it must be! Her persistence intrigued him.Was she terrified for herself?She probably killed her employer, pulling out some drawers to make it look like a thief.The autopsy proved that the closest time of death was limited to between seven and seven-thirty. It seemed so, he agreed kindly. She breathed a sigh of relief and sat back in her chair.He turned to the Durants. You didn't hear anything, did you two? No. I'll bring the tea up to our room, said Mary.That room was fairly isolated from the rest of the home.We stayed there until we heard someone screaming.It was Cody, who had just found out her mother was dead. Before that, you never left that room? No.Her clear eyes met his.We are playing cards. Philip felt slightly uncomfortable.Polly was doing as he told her.Maybe it's because her attitude is flawless, calm, unhurried, and utterly convincing. Polly, dear, you are a great liar!he said in his heart. As for me, Director, he said, I was, and still am, completely incapable of walking. But you're much better now, aren't you, Mr Durant, said the Director cheerfully.Soon you will be able to walk again. This is much later. Hu Xun turned to the other two family members who had sat silent so far.Michel sat with his arms folded, a slightly mocking expression on his face.Tina, petite and elegant, leaned back in her chair, occasionally looking at other people. You two weren't in the house at the time, I know, he said.But maybe you can strengthen my memory by telling me what you did that night again. Does your memory really need strengthening?Michael asked more deeply with a mocking expression.I can still say what I said.I went out for a test drive and the clutch was wrong.I tried a long way, from Chaymouth all the way to Mingqingpo, and went back through Ipsley on the Moore Road.Unfortunately the car doesn't speak and can't be verified. Tina finally turned her head away.She stared straight at Michael.Her face remained expressionless. What about you, Miss Argyle?Do you work at the Redmine Library? Yes.The library closes at 5:30, I go to the street to do some shopping, and then go home.I have a house which is actually a tiny house in Mokan Apartments.I cook my own dinner and spend a quiet evening listening to records. You didn't go out at all? She paused slightly and then said: No, I didn't go out. Pretty sure, Miss Argyle? yes, I'm sure. You have a car, don't you? Yes. She has a bubble car, Michel said.Bubbles, bubbles, hard work, flying around. I have a bubble car, yes, Tina said with serious poise. where do you park Off the street, I don't have a garage.There is a small street near the apartment, and some cars are parked along the street. So there's nothing you can tell us? Hu Xun didn't know why he insisted on asking. I don't think I have anything to tell you. Michel shot her a quick glance. Hu Xun sighed. I'm afraid it won't be of much help to you, Director, said Leo. Hard to say, Mr. Argyle.You probably know one of the strangest things about this whole case, I suppose? I don't quite understand what you mean. that money.Hu Xun said.Mrs. Argyle's withdrawal from the bank included the money in the five-pound note with Mrs. Porterberry's No. 17 Banger Road on the back.The case is against Jack.Argyle's worst evidence was that the five-pound note was found with other notes on his person when he was arrested.He swears that Mrs. Argyle gave him the money, but Mrs. Argyle has definitely told you and Miss Fonne that she didn't give Jack any money so how did he get the fifty pounds?It is impossible for him to come back here. Dr. Calgary's testimony makes this perfectly clear.So he must have had that money when he left here.Who gave it to him?is it you? He turned sharply to face Cody.Lin Sichu, she blushed angrily. I?No, of course not.How can I? Where did Mrs. Argyle put the money withdrawn from the bank? She usually keeps it in a drawer of her desk, Cody said. locked? Cody thought about it. She might lock the drawers before going to bed. Hu Xun looked at Hester. Did you take that money out of the drawer and give it to your brother? I didn't even know he was here.And how could I possibly take the money without my mother knowing? You can take the money very easily when your mother goes upstairs to the study to discuss with your father, Hu Xun reminded. He doubted that she would be able to see the trap and avoid it safely. She plunged in. But Jack was gone by then.I she stopped, looking frustrated. It can be seen that you do know when your brother left, Hu Xun said. Hester said quickly and violently: Me, I know now, I didn't know then.I'm upstairs in my room.Let me tell you, I didn't hear anything at all.And I'm never going to give Jack any money. And I tell you, said Cody, flushed and angry.If I give Jack money, I'll take my own too!I'm not going to steal that money! I don't believe you will, Husson said.But you know what it reminds us of.Mrs. Argyle, whatever she told you he looked at Leo, she must have brought him the money herself. I can't believe it.If she did, why didn't she tell me? She's not the first mother who's soft-hearted to her son and doesn't want to admit it. You are wrong, Hu Xun, my wife never escapes reality. I think she escaped this time, Guan Dai.Feng En said.In fact she must have been like the director said.This is the only answer. After all, Huxon said mildly, we now have to look at the whole thing from a different angle.arresting Jack.When Argyle, we thought he was lying.But now, we find out that it was true that he said he hitchhiked Cagli, so he must have been telling the truth about the money.He said his mother gave it to him, so she must be right. There was a silence, an uncomfortable silence. Hu Xun stood up. Well, thank you all.There are probably quite few clues, but it's hard to tell. Leo accompanied him to the door.When he came back, he sighed and said: Well, that's over, for now. It's gone forever, Cody said.They will never know. What good does that do us?cried Hester. My dear, her father walked up to her.Calm down, boy, don't be so nervous, time will heal everything. Some cannot be treated.what should we do?oh!what should we do? Hester, come with me.Cody put a hand on her shoulder. I don't need anyone. Hester rushed out the door.After a while, they heard the front door slam. Cody said: Check it all out!That's not good for her. I don't think so either, Philip.Durant said thoughtfully. What?Guan Dai asked. Saying that we'll never know the truth seems a little tricky to me. There was an eerie smile on his sly, almost mischievous face. Be careful, Philip, said Tina. He looked at her in surprise. What do you know about all this, little Tina? I hope, Tina said very clearly and clearly.I do not know anything.