Chapter 17 17 Miss Marble's open investigation and unannounced visit

The walk back from the autopsy to the Fort Gordon Hotel was silent.Professor Wang Sitai and Miss Marple walked side by side, but because she was not walking fast, they fell behind them a little. What's next?Miss Marple asked at last. Do you mean the judicial decision, or us? I suppose it's both, said Miss Marple.Because one of them will necessarily affect the other. Judging from the evidence provided by the two young men, it stands to reason that the police will conduct further investigations into this case. That's right. Further investigations are necessary and the coroner's court will be postponed.I think it is unlikely that the coroner will issue a verdict of accidental death on this one.

I don't think so.she says.What do you think of the evidence they present? Professor Wang Sidai cast a sharp glance under his bushy eyebrows. What do you think of the matter, Miss Marple?His voice was suggestive.Of course, said Professor Wang Sidai.We knew in advance what they were going to say. That's right. I think you mean to ask, what do I think of these two and how they feel about it? Interesting, said Miss Marple.Very intriguing.Red and black plaid pullover.I think it's important, what do you think?Isn't that eye-catching? Yes, indeed.He looked at her again from under his bushy eyebrows.So what are your thoughts on it?

I think so, said Miss Marple.I thought the description of that jumper might be a valuable clue. It was only half-past twelve when they got back to the Fort Gordon Hotel, and Mrs. Sanborn suggested that they all have a drink before lunch.While they drank sherry, tomato juice, and other beverages, Mrs. Sanborn made an announcement. "I followed the advice of the coroner and Douglas prosecutors," she said.Now that the medical evidence is fairly clear, a memorial service will be held at the church at eleven o'clock tomorrow morning.I will make arrangements with the local pastor, Mr. Courtney.As for the day after tomorrow, I think we'd better go on traveling.Since we lost three days, the arrangement of the itinerary has changed slightly, but I think it is still possible to redo the arrangement and choose a few simpler routes.I heard that one or two members of the regiment wanted to go back to London, probably by train.I understand your feelings very well, so I don't intend to discourage you in any way.It is indeed very unfortunate that this happened, but I cannot help thinking that Miss Temple's death was purely accidental.Similar accidents had happened on that trail in the past, though this time there was no apparent reason for any geography or climate.I think the authorities will do further investigation.Of course, some hikers may inadvertently push large boulders while walking, completely unaware of the danger this poses to those walking down the mountain.If this is the case, as long as that person turns himself in, the truth will soon come to light.However, I also know that at the moment we cannot be sure that this is necessarily the case.As it seems so improbable that Miss Temple has an enemy, or that any harm is contemplated against her, I advise you not to discuss the accident any further.The local authorities will investigate and that is their job.I believe that everyone will be willing to participate in the memorial service to be held in the church tomorrow. After the service is over, I hope that everyone can continue to travel to recover from this blow.There are many special famous houses and very beautiful scenery to see in front.

Not long after, someone announced that lunch was open, and everyone stopped discussing this topic, in other words, no longer discussing it publicly.After lunch, everyone walked into the hall with coffee, and gathered in twos and threes to discuss the next step. Are you going to go on a trip?Professor Wang Sidai asked Miss Marple. No, said Miss Marple thoughtfully.I'm not going to continue.I think this accident made me want to stay here a little longer. You mean, stay at the Fort Gordon Hotel, or the old manor? That depends on whether I will be invited again to live in the old manor.I didn't want to take the initiative to ask, because they only invited me to stay for two nights, that is, the two nights that the tour group was expected to stay in the local area.I figured I'd better stay at the Fort Gordon Hotel.

You don't want to go back to St. Mary Mead? Not yet, said Miss Marple.I think I still have a couple of things to do here.There is one thing I have already done, she met his questioning eyes.If you plan to continue traveling with tour groups, she said.I will tell you the information I have, and at the same time provide you with a clue that can be investigated from the side, and that clue may be useful.As for another reason why I am here, I will tell you later.I'm going to do some local research.Probably nothing will come of it, so I think it's better not to mention it for now.What about your decision?

I want to go back to London, where there is still work to do.Unless uh, how can I help you here? No, said Miss Marple, it doesn't occur to me at the moment that you can be of any help.I presume you have your own investigations to conduct as well. I am on this tour to meet you, Miss Marple. But you've seen me, you've heard all I know, and you have other investigations to do; I can understand that.But before you leave here, I think there are a few things that might be of use, and maybe look into them. I see.Have you figured it out already? I just recalled what you said. Maybe you already smell sin?

You need to know what the strange atmosphere around you means, Miss Marple replied.It's not easy. But you already sense that something is wrong with the vibe? Oh yes, very obvious. Especially after Miss Temple's death.Her death was certainly no accident, whatever Mrs. Sanborn might say. 'Yes,' said Miss Marple.Her death was certainly no accident.I don't think I told you, but Miss Temple told me once that she was on a pilgrimage. Interesting, said the professor.It's really interesting.Didn't she tell you what pilgrimage she was on?Where are you going?Or to meet someone?

No, said Miss Marple.If she had lived longer and not been so frail, she would have probably told me.It's just unfortunate that death came too soon. So, you don't have any more clues about this? No.I'm just sure her pilgrimage was interrupted by some sinister plot.Someone wanted to keep her from going where she was going, or else to meet the people she was planning to visit.We can only hope that fate or heaven will enlighten us a little in this regard. That's why you're here? Not just that, said Miss Marple.I also want to know more about a man named Nora.Brod's girl thing.

Nora.Broad.He looked a little puzzled. It's the one with Microlotty.The girl who disappeared at about the same time as Hunter.You remember, you mentioned her to me.As far as I know, this girl has a lot of boyfriends and is very flirtatious, a very stupid girl, but obviously very attractive to the opposite sex.I think so, said Miss Marple.Knowing a little more about her might help in my investigation. Then you can take care of yourself, Inspector Marple, said Professor Wangsdale. The next morning, the memorial service was held in the church, and all members of the tour group arrived.Miss Marple looked around in the church, and several local people also came.Mrs. Green and her sister Crotty came, but the youngest, Anthea, did not attend.There were also a few folks from the country, who probably didn't know Miss Temple, and who were only here out of morbid curiosity about the atrocity they called murder.There was also an old priest, wearing leggings, who seemed to be in his seventies.

Miss Marple thought to herself, what a broad-shouldered old man with a mane of noble white hair.He has a slight limp and has difficulty kneeling or standing.This person has a handsome appearance, she thought to herself, she doesn't know who it is.She thought it was probably Elizabeth.Old friends of Temple, come from afar to attend this farewell ceremony. Miss Marple exchanged a few words with her companions as they filed out of the church.She now knows exactly who is going to do what.The Butlers intended to return to London. I told Henry it was impossible for me to travel any further, said Mrs Butler.You know, I always felt like anytime we turned a corner, somebody might shoot us or throw a rock at us.Maybe some people have an aversion to this kind of tour of famous British houses?

There, Mamie, there, said Mr Butler.Stop thinking about it. Alas, nothing is sure these days.Robbery, kidnapping, extortion, everything, I don't feel safe anywhere. Old Miss Lambley and Miss Bunther were going on their journey, and their apprehensions were gone. We paid good money for this trip and it wouldn't be a shame to miss something just because of this unfortunate accident.Last night we called a nice neighbor of ours who said he would take care of the cats so we don't have to worry. Miss Lambley and Miss Banther thought it was just an accident.They think it is more reassuring to think so. Mrs. Larry Porter also intends to continue traveling.Colonel Walker and his wife made up their minds not to miss the garden planted with a large number of rare evening cherry plants that they will visit the day after tomorrow.Architect Jason also followed his own wishes and planned to continue to look at the buildings he was very interested in.Mr Casper said he was going to say goodbye by train.Miss Cook and Miss Barrow seemed undecided. The walks here are good, Miss Cook said.I think we will stay a few more days at the Fort Gordon Inn.You intend to do the same, don't you, Miss Marple? Indeed, said Miss Marple.If I continue to travel, I may not be able to bear it.After something like this happened, I figured it would be better for me to take a day or two off. After the little group parted ways, Miss Marple walked down an inconspicuous path.She took out of her bag a torn page from a notebook, on which she wrote two addresses, the first being Mrs Blackie, who lived in a house with a garden at the end of the lane that slanted down the valley. Sophisticated cottage.A small, neat woman opened the door. May I ask Mrs. Blackie? Yes madam, I am. I wonder if I can go in and talk to you for a few minutes?I just came out of the memorial service and I feel a little dizzy, can I just sit here and rest for a while? Hey, I feel so sorry for you?Come in, madam, come in.Come on, you just sit here, shall I pour you a glass of water or make you a pot of tea? No, thank you, Miss Marple said.Boiling water will do? Mrs. Blakey returned to the drawing-room with a glass of water, expectantly about to talk about disorders, dizziness, and other ailments. You know, I have a nephew like that, not for his age, in his early fifties, but he faints every now and then unless he's sitting down right away.Alas, you don't know, sometimes he just faints on the ground like this.Terrible, really terrible.And the doctors seemed helpless.Come, here is your water. Ah, said Miss Marple, over her drink.I feel better. Did you attend the memorial service?It's the poor woman who was killed, uh, some people said that or died unexpectedly, right?If you ask me, this kind of thing is nothing but an accident.But forensics and coroners always make it look like a crime.That's what they are. Oh, indeed, said Miss Marple.I have heard many such things before, and every time I hear it, I feel sad for a long time.I also heard a lot about a girl named Nora.I think her name is Nora.Broad. Oh, you mean Nora.Yes, she is the daughter of my younger siblings.Yes, it's been a long time, indeed a long time.Once she went out and never came back.These girls, you really can't control them.I often talk to Nancy.Brod, my brother and sister said: You work out all day, do you know what Nora is doing?You know she's always messing with boys, well, I said.Something will happen, you just wait and see.Sure enough, I was right. you mean Alas, common trouble.Yes, she is pregnant.You know, I don't think my Nancy siblings know it yet.But, of course, I'm sixty-five, and I know what's going on; I can tell there's something wrong in the girl's look.I think I know who the baby's father is, just not sure.Maybe I'm mistaken, because he's been living there, and he's been really upset when Nora disappeared. She ran away from home, didn't she? Well, she hitched a ride with some man, some stranger, and that was the last time she was seen.I had forgotten what the car looked like, and it had a funny name, Odite or something.Anyway, she was seen getting into that car once or twice.It was the car she left home that day, and I heard that the girl who was later murdered often took it too.But I don't think Nora was murdered; if she was, the body should be found by now, don't you think? That's right, said Miss Marple.How is she doing in school? Ah, no.She is lazy and can't read well.No, she has been in love with boys since she was twelve years old, and I think she must have run away with someone in the end.But she never let people know her thoughts, not even sent a postcard.You know, I thought someone must have promised to give her something, so she ran off with him.I knew a girl when I was younger and she ran off with an African guy.He told her—his father was a scare(chief).It's a funny word, but it's a big guy anyway, somewhere in Africa or Algeria.By the way, it's Algeria, that's the area.The man said he would give her all kinds of nice things.She said the boy's father had six camels and a lot of horses, and she would live in a beautiful house with felt rugs and rugs all around the walls, which sounded ridiculous.She just ran away.Three years later, she came back.Oh, what a dreadful, dreadful life she lived.They lived in a dirty mud hut and had nothing to eat but something called koskos.I used to think that Coscos was a kind of lettuce, but it doesn't seem to be, it's more like wheat flour pudding or something.Oh, how horrible.Later he said she was useless to him and wanted to divorce her.She said that he only needs to tell her three times: I want to divorce you and it will be done.He did, and walked out of the house, never to return.Later, a social agency found her and paid for her travel expenses back to the UK, so she came back.Ah, this was thirty or forty years ago, and it was only seven or eight years since Nora left.But I think she'll come home someday when she learns her lesson that those pretty empty words can't be taken seriously. Apart from her mother, who is your sibling, who else can she rely on locally? Oh, and quite a few people have been kind to her.You know, the people who live in the old manor are.Mrs. Green hadn't moved in then, but Miss Crotty was always kind to schoolgirls.Yes, she had sent Nora quite a few nice presents.Once, she gave her a very high-end scarf and a beautiful dress.That dress is really beautiful, for summer, made of thin soft silk?Ah, she's really nice, I mean Miss Crotty.She took pains to get Nora interested in books.She does this a lot.She persuaded Nora not to go on like that, you know, well, I don't want to mention this kind of thing, not because she is my brother and sister's child, and my so-called siblings are actually just her married to my cousin.I mean, Nora hangs out with boys all the time, anyone can get her, it's really bad.I gotta say she's bound to end up on the streets, and other than that, I don't think she's going to have a future.I hate to say it, but it is true.But anyway, this is better than the murdered Miss Hunter in the old manor.It was cruel.When the police heard that she had eloped with someone, they started looking for her.They called all the young people who had been in contact with her and asked them about this and that.Jeffrey.Grant, Billy.Thompson, and Harry of the Langfords, were idlers.In fact, as long as they are willing, there are plenty of jobs to do.It wasn't like that when I was young.Girls were very well behaved back then, and boys knew that if they wanted to get ahead, they had to work hard. Miss Marple chatted a little more.She said she had recovered and left after thanking Mrs. Blackie. The next person she visited was a girl who grew lettuce. Nora.Broad?Oh, she no longer lives in the village.She ran off with someone.She took the initiative to throw herself into the arms of those boys. At that time, I often thought, I don't know how miserable her end will be.Is there anything special you want to do with her? I had a letter from a friend abroad that Miss Marple had lied.It's a nice family and they want to hire a guy named Nora.Miss Broad.I thought she was in some kind of trouble.They heard she married a bad bastard who abandoned her and ran away with another woman.She applied for a job and wanted to take care of my friend's child.My friend didn't know anything about her, but I figured since she grew up here, maybe someone could tell me something about her.I heard you are her classmate? Oh yes, I was in the same class as her, indeed.Let me tell you, I don't agree with many of her actions.She's just a nympho, you know.I also had a very good boyfriend at that time, and I planned to have a regular relationship with him, so I told her that it would not do her any good to hook up with men casually like this, no matter Zhang San or Li Si, if someone said When asked to take her for a ride or to a pub, she went.Of course, if she went to a tavern, she would probably lie about her age.She is a very mature girl who looks older than she is. Is her hair black or blonde? Oh, it's black hair, pretty, yeah, always let down, you know, like the way girls do it. Were the police worried after she disappeared? have.You know, she left without saying a word.After she went out one night, she never came back.She was seen getting into a car, but no one ever saw that car, nor her.You know, that was when a lot of murders happened.Although not all of them are nearby, they are all within the hometown.The police arrested many young men.Back then we thought we'd find Nora's body, but we didn't.She should be fine.I bet she's probably earning hard money in London or some big city right now, stripping or something.She is that kind of person. If she is what you say she is, said Miss Marple.I don't think she is suitable to work for my friend. If she really wanted to fit, she would have to change, the girl said.