"I'm afraid I come on rather an unpleasant business, Mr. Dryden," he
began. "I believe you have a man in your employment name of John
Bascombe?"
A sudden feeling of impending tragedy tightened round my heart.
"That's right," I said. "He has been with me ever since I came here."
"Do you happen to know where he is now?"
I shook my head. "He went ashore last night without my permission,
and so far he hasn't returned."
There was another pause.
"He won't return," said the Sergeant, "and if you want to know the
reason why I can tell you, Mr. Dryden. At the present moment he's
lying dead in the stable at the Gunner's Arms."