The heartiness of his greeting seemed incredibly shocking.

‘Hallo, everybody, what’s going on tonight? A lot of fog on the road. I had to go dead slow.’

For a startled moment, Miss Marple thought that she was seeing double. Surely the same man could not be standing by Gina and coming in by the door. Then she realized that it was only a likeness and not, when you looked closely, such a very strong likeness. The two men were clearly brothers with a strong family resemblance, but no more.

Where Stephen Restarick was thin to the point of emaciation the newcomer was sleek. The big coat with the astrakhan collar fitted the sleekness of body snugly. A handsome young man, and one who bore upon him the authority and good humour of success.

But Miss Marple noted one thing about him. His eyes, as he entered the hall, looked immediately at Gina.

He said, a little doubtfully:

‘You did expect me? You got my wire?’

He was speaking now to Carrie Louise. He came towards her.

Almost mechanically, she put her hand out to him. He took it and kissed it gently. It was an affectionate act of homage, not a mere theatrical courtesy.

She murmured:

‘Of course, Alex dear — of course. Only, you see — things have been happening — ’

‘Happening?’

Mildred gave the information, gave it with a kind of grim relish that Miss Marple found distasteful.

‘Christian Gulbrandsen,’ she said. ‘My brother Christian Gulbrandsen has been found shot dead.’

‘Good God,’ Alex registered a more than life-size dismay. ‘Suicide, do you mean?’

Carrie Louise moved swiftly.

‘Oh no,’ she said. ‘It couldn’t be suicide. Not Christian! Oh no.’

‘Uncle Christian would never shoot himself, I’m sure,’ said Gina.

Alex Restarick looked from one person to the other. From his brother Stephen he received a short confirmative nod. Walter Hudd stared back at him with faint resentment. Alex’s eyes rested on Miss Marple with a sudden frown. It was as though he had found some unwanted prop on a stage set.

He looked as though he would like her explained. But nobody explained her, and Miss Marple continued to look an old, fluffy and sweetly bewildered old lady.

‘When?’ asked Alex. ‘When did this happen, I mean?’

‘Just before you arrived,’ said Gina. ‘About — oh three or four minutes ago, I suppose. Why, of course, we actually heard the shot. Only we didn’t notice it — not really.’

‘Didn’t notice it? Why not?’

‘Well, you see, there were other things going on…’ Gina spoke rather hesitantly.

‘Sure were,’ said Walter with emphasis.

Juliet Bellever came into the Hall by the door from the library.

‘Mr Serrocold suggests that we should all wait in the library. It would be convenient for the police. Except for Mrs Serrocold. You’ve had a shock, Cara. I’ve ordered some hot bottles to be put in your bed. I’ll take you up and — ’

Rising to her feet, Carrie Louise shook her head.