The Thomsons proved as reluctant to help as before, with Watters gaining no more information from them. Constable Dorward of the County police came to help, with the same result.
“Take them back to Cauldneb,” Watters decided at last. “There is nothing more stubborn than a Perthshire farmer.”
“Yes, Sergeant,” Dorward said. “I’ll keep an eye on Cauldneb.”
“I’m sure you will, Dorward,” Watters agreed. “Let me know if anything happens. I want to know if any strangers come.”
“Yes, Sergeant.”
Watters shook his head as the Thomsons left in a tight-lipped group. The Captain seemed a very elusive man and one who instilled fear even among hard men of the soil. He returned to his pile of paperwork that never seemed to decrease.
* * *
“Mr Mackay requests your presence, George,” Murdoch said. “T
