Reluctant sinners / by Sidney Fairway.

  • Fairway, Sidney, 1879-1947.
Date:
1934
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Reluctant sinners / by Sidney Fairway. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    his clenched fist found its mark. The ruler clattered to the ground, as Birnstrom sagged helplessly sideways in his chair. It revolved and he lurched heavily to the ground striking his head against the metal foot of the stand which held his hat and stick. There was something about that sprawling figure which warned Humphrey that his adversary was dead. He pushed the chair aside and, stooping, rolled the heavy body over. There was a trickle of blood from a small wound over the left eye. The small eyes stared up vacantly at the pendent hat, the mouth was open and the gold in a front tooth reflected the light. Humphrey fumbled at the wrist : he lifted an arm and its weight impressed him. When he released it he knew the man was dead. He could hear frightened voices in the next room : someone tried the door. He walked slowly across the thick carpet and turned the key. “You had better telephone for the police,” he said. “I think Mr. Birnstrom’s dead.” Flo moved towards the door. “I shouldn’t go in,” said Humphrey. “It’s not very nice.” The girl turned on him. “You killed him,” she said. “I knew you would. And, my God, I hope they’ll hang you.” She opened the door and went into Birnstrom’s room. Humphrey could hear her crying. The other girl was on the telephone, calmly efficient. “There’s been an accident here . . . yes . . . Birn¬ strom’s . . . Medbury Buildings ... a doctor . . . yes I think he’s dead . . . yes . . . yes . . . oh, all right.” She hung up the receiver. “He says we are not to touch anything until he comes.” Flo came out, mopping her eyes with a handkerchief which reeked of some oriental scent. o