was four miles from a railway station, possessed two public houses, two small shops, a post and telegraph office combined with a sweet and picture postcard business, and about seven small cottages. Tuppence took on the shops whilst Tommy betook himself to the Cock and Sparrow. They met half an hour later.
“Well?” said Tuppence.
“Quite good beer,” said Tommy, “but no information.”
“You’d better try the King’s Head,” said Tuppence. “I’m going back to the post office. There’s a sour old woman there, but I heard them yell to her that dinner was ready.”
She returned to the place, and began examining postcards. A fresh-faced girl, still munching, came out of the back room.
“I’d like these, please,” said Tuppence. “And do you mind waiting whilst I just look over these comic ones?”
She sorted through a packet, talking as she did so.
“I’m ever so disappointed you couldn’t tell me my sister’s address. She’s staying near here and I’ve lost her letter. Leigh Wood, her name is.”
The girl shook her head.
“I don’t remember it. And we don’t get many letters through here either—so I probably should if I’d seen it on a letter. Apart from the Grange, there isn’t many big houses round about.”
“What is the Grange?” asked Tuppence. “Who does it belong to?”
“Doctor Horriston has it. It’s turned into a Nursing Home now. Nerve cases mostly,