The Spirit Murder Mystery by Robin Forsythe

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    Thanking him for his proffered hospitality, Vereker mounted his machine and left the strange little group of people that had gathered and stood curious and expectant at Cobbler’s Corner.
    On his way back to the inn, his thoughts were actively engaged on the subject of Miss Eileen Thurlow, John Thurlow’s niece. She was the first person he would like to see and question, but he was conscious of the difficulties attendant on such a delicate task. She would certainly be interrogated later by the police, an unpleasant enough experience for a young woman, possibly prostrate with grief, without the preliminary intervention of one whom she might consider a meddlesome stranger, or a hustling newspaper correspondent. Chance, however, was to smooth his oath in an unexpected manner, for as he ran into the outskirts of the village, whom should he encounter but the Rev. William Sturgeon.
    James Sturgeon, son of the rector, had been a college friend of Vereker’s, and his father on hearing of Vereker’s arrival in Yarham had soon made himself known. On now recognizing Vereker, he at once hailed him and asked him where he had been sketching during the morning.
    â€œI haven’t been sketching, Padre,” replied Vereker. “I’ve just been to Cobbler’s Corner on a much more exciting business.”
    â€œSo you’ve heard all about it. When I received the news this morning, my thoughts immediately turned to you. If there’s anything mysterious about this affair, I said to myself, young Vereker will soon be up to his neck in the game of detection, instead of getting on with his work. Tell me, what do you think of it?”
    â€œI can tell you nothing yet beyond the fact that I think it’s a murder, perhaps a double murder. I’ve merely glanced at the bodies and the scene of the crime.”
    â€œTerrible, very terrible! I’m now on my way to Old Hall Farm to see Miss Thurlow about the whole affair and offer what consolation I can. Why not accompany me? She’s a very charming young lady. I’m sure you’ll like her, and perhaps you’ll learn something to help you in your work of investigation, if such is going to be necessary in the case.”
    â€œI should like to see and speak to Miss Thurlow very much, Rector, and was just wondering how I could get round to her diplomatically.”
    â€œThen I’m the very man you want. Can you come along now?”
    â€œCertainly. I hope Miss Thurlow will be able to see us. She may be too upset.”
    â€œShe’s a young woman of great force of character, Vereker. She’ll not take this blow lying down. If my judgment of her is correct, she’ll be very much on the spot and eager to help clear up the terrible affair. Let’s waste no more time.”
    With these words, the Rev. William Sturgeon looked at the bicycle on which Vereker was leaning as he stood talking.
    â€œD’you think you could give me a lift, if I stand on the mounting step?” he asked. “I was only a light weight when I was at college, and no one could put on weight in a living like Yarham.”
    â€œIt’s a borrowed bicycle,” remarked Vereker dubiously.
    â€œThen you needn’t hesitate!” exclaimed the rector with the prodigious laugh that he always reserved for his own jokes.
    A few minutes later, Benjamin Easy’s disreputable bicycle was coasting down the hill towards Old Hall Farm, Vereker grimly steadying it, and the Rev. William Sturgeon standing on the step of the back axle, with an almost seraphic smile on his face and his coat tails fluttering gaily in the morning breeze.

Chapter Four
    On arriving at Old Hall Farm, the Rev. William Sturgeon and Vereker found Eileen Thurlow about to set out for Cobbler’s Corner in her uncle’s car. Though ostensibly suffering from the shock which the recent news had inflicted on her, she was completely in command of herself, and there was