Chapter 16 Section 4

Superintendent Sugden had rang the bell three times.Finally, in desperation he thumped the knocker. A terrified Walter finally came to answer the door. "Oh," he said, looking relieved, "I was just going to call the police." "Why?" said Superintendent Sugden sternly. "What's going on here?" Walter whispered, "It's Mr. Li, he was murdered." The superintendent pushed him away and ran up the stairs without anyone noticing his arrival. As he entered the room, he saw Pilar stoop forward and pick up something from the floor.David stood there with his hands over his eyes.

He saw others huddled together.Alfred Lee stood alone next to his father's body, he stood very close, looked down, his face was expressionless, George Lee was saying solemnly: "Don't move anything— —Remember—everything—before the police come. That's the most important thing!" "I'm sorry," said Sugden. He pushed forward, gently pushing the ladies aside. Alfred recognized him. "Ah," he said, "it's you, Superintendent Sugden, how fast you came." "Yes, Mr. Lee." Superintendent Sugden wasted no time in explaining. "How is this going?"

"My father," said Alfred Lee, "he was killed—murdered." He broke off. Magdalen suddenly began to sob hysterically. Superintendent Sugden held up a large hand with great authority, and said with great authority: "Except for Mr. Lee and—er—Mr. George Lee, everyone else please leave the room, please?" They walked slowly toward the door, embarrassed, like a herd of sheep.Superintendent Sugden stopped Pilar suddenly. "I'm sorry, ma'am," he said kindly, "everything is immovable and untouchable." She glared at him.Stephen Farr said impatiently, "Of course, she knows."

Superintendent Sugden's attitude was still very friendly, and he said: "What did you just pick up from the floor?" Pilar's eyes widened. She stared at him and said incredulously, "Did I pick it up?" Superintendent Sugden was still friendly, though his voice was a little firmer. "Yes, I saw you..." "Oh!" "So please give it to me, it's in your hands now." Pilar slowly opened her hand, and in her hand was a small piece of rubber and a small piece of wood.Superintendent Sugden fetched them, put them in an envelope, and put them in his breast pocket.He said, "Thank you."

He turned away, and at that moment there was a look of respect in Stephen Farr's eyes, as if to say that he had underestimated the tall and handsome inspector earlier. They walked slowly out of the room, and behind them they heard the superintendent say businessily, "Now, then, if you will..."