The Body in the Library

Since Danemouth lies in Glenshire County, Superintendent Harper of the Glenshire Police offers to assist Melchett and Slack in their questioning. Mr. Prestcott, the hotel manager, claims to have hardly known Ruby Keene, who only began working there a month ago. Her cousin Josie, however, won his esteem as an excellent handler of people, especially as a bridge hostess, where she excelled at “smoothing over” the guests’ quarrels and other unpleasantness. Ruby, he says, was fairly popular with the guests, and could even pass as “pretty” with the aid of makeup. He adds quickly that Ruby didn’t appear to have any regular boyfriends or strong admirers. Conway, however, was very fond of her and used to take her for drives. Prestcott says that Conway, being old and disabled, naturally enjoys the company of young, lively people, and was particularly “amused” by Ruby. With lingering annoyance, he recounts how Conway got all “worked up” when Ruby disappeared, insisting on calling the police, with no thought of how it might embarrass the hotel. The three policemen concur that their next step should be to question Conway.

As they ascend to Conway’s spacious suite, Prestcott tells the policemen that the old man is extremely wealthy and always orders the best of everything.