The Dusky Hour by E.R. Punshon

wished to say something the two policemen were not to hear. In gloomy and resigned tones he said:
    â€œIt’s in my mind – I’m not sure, but I have an idea that a year or two back Mr. Moffatt took out a licence for a .32 Colt automatic – bad burglar scare at the time.”
    Bobby looked a little startled. He had hardly anticipated that. But it seemed to fit in. The colonel glanced at his watch.
    â€œIt’s not very late. There’ll be time to run round and have a look at the Firearms Register and make sure. Then we’ll go on to Way Side and see if Hayes has anything to tell us, and if he knows why Bennett should have been visiting him.”
    â€œVery good, sir,” said Bobby, realising that the colonel was actually quite sure about the Colt automatic and yet would be restless and uneasy till he had confirmed the fact. “Of course, if they have found two bullets they ought to be able to identify them with the pistol, if we can get hold of it.”
    â€œYes, you had better go back to the house and do that. Say you want it for – for ”
    â€œFor purposes of comparison,” suggested Bobby.
    â€œQuite so,” said the colonel. “Be – er – we know nothing yet, and we don’t want to worry people for nothing. Er – be –”
    â€œTactful,” suggested Bobby.
    â€œQuite so,” said the colonel, relieved. “Take Norris with you. Let’s see now. It won’t take a minute to look up the Firearms Register, and if we speed a bit – clear night, luckily – yes, I can be at Way Side by ten easy – ample margin. That won’t be too late. Hayes isn’t an early bird by all accounts. If you borrow Norris’s cycle you’ll have plenty of time to meet me there by then. Norris can tell you the way; it’s quite simple.”
    â€œI looked it up on the map,” Bobby explained. “I think I can find my way all right. Straight on as far as Battling Copse. Is anyone on duty there?”
    â€œNo. Withdrawn. Not necessary after the thorough combing we’ve given the place; and, Lord knows, I’m short enough of men as it is – can’t afford to put one where it’s not absolutely necessary. The Watch Committee,” complained the colonel, even at this moment unable to refrain from uttering his perennial and bitter grievance, “seem to think I can take on unlimited extra duties but never need any extra men.”
    He was still grumbling as he drove away, and Bobby and Norris went on up the drive to the house again.
    â€œThe old man don’t like it, not half he don’t,” Norris confided to Bobby as they walked along, “him and Mr. Moffatt being friendly like. That’s why he’s shoved it on to us, him knowing well enough about the pistol; everyone does. Why, I’ve seen the young gentleman myself using it to pot at rats and vermin and such-like.”
    â€œHave you, though?” Bobby asked. “You mean Mr. Moffatt’s son? Oliver, didn’t they call him?”
    â€œThat’s right. And well the colonel knows it. That’s why he’s gone off; didn’t like the job. Don’t know that I blame him, either,” added Norris generously. “Duty’s duty, and same must be done, but I take it hard myself when I’m playing darts with a man one day and have to run him in the next.”
    â€œIt’s a thing we all have to face,” Bobby said absently, his mind busy with the coincidence of the pistol and the missing young man. “Only thing is to remember it’s not us, but the law.”
    â€œAh,” said Norris, musing upon this. Presently he added: “You can’t be tactful like, asking to look at a pistol when a bloke’s just been done in with one round the corner, so to say.”
    â€œAh,” said Bobby in his turn.
    They went on to the house, and not all the tact Bobby could muster sufficed to