Dixon Hawke: Alf Cosset’s Last Lesson

Episode 3

“He gently eased out a small, wooden section from the back, then, inserting his fingers into the opening, he drew from it a leather bag

Ireckon you’ve got something there,” agreed Baxter, “but how the heck can we prove it? From what you tell me, I gather the chap’s highly respectable, with a reputation in the world of music. You’ll need a lot more proof than you’ve got to pin this sort of thing on him.” “True,” said Hawke. “But surely we’re justified in asking him some questions. After all, Cosset and Miller were seen to call on him. No harm in asking about his connections with two men known to have criminal records.”

“OK.” Baxter reached for his hat. “Let’s go talk to him.” Leaving Scotland Yard, the detectives made their way to the house in St John’s Wood, where they were received by Bruford himself.

He asked them in and led them to his studio. “Sorry if it seems rude, gentlemen,” he said, “but I leave by air for the Continent in two hours’ time. As you can see, I’m busy packing.”

He waved a hand towards several open suitcases on the floor, one of which held clothing while the others were specially made to contain his instruments.

“We won’t keep you long, sir,” replied Baxter. “We thought you might help us in some enquiries we’re making.”

“Really?” Bruford’s brows rose. “I don’t see how I can, Inspector. So far as I know, I’ve not been concerned in anything that can interest the police – in their professional capacity, I mean.

Last words

“But – Just one moment!” broke in Dixon Hawke, indicating one of the instrument cases. “I’d like to have a closer look at that, please.”

Bruford picked up the instrument and fondled it lovingly. “One of my most treasured possessions,” he said, “an excellent specimen of sixteenth century work. You won’t find another one like it anywhere in the world today.”

“I’m sure of that, sir.” There was a queer inflection in Dixon Hawke’s voice as he held out a hand. “May I examine it, please?”

“No.” Bruford’s voice was very sharp. “No, I’m afraid not. I never allow anyone else to touch my instruments. They are extremely delicate and sensitive, and the least thing can impair their quality. I much regret it, but –”

“All the same,” cut in Hawke firmly, “I must insist.” He lunged forward and seized the instrument from Bruford.

“Hold him!” cried the private investigator, and Inspector Baxter and Tommy Burke jumped to it. Bruford struggled and swore vividly, but Hawke was too intent on examining the instrument to notice.

Producing his penknife, he gently eased out a small, wooden section from the back, then, inserting his fingers into the opening, he drew from it a leather bag.

“Jewellery,” exclaimed Baxter, as the contents were tipped out. Dixon Hawke looked at Bruford.

“This instrument isn’t a genuine one at all, only a clever imitation. But it came in useful as a receptacle for the stolen jewels you were able to smuggle out of the country each time you went on tour.

“After all, who would suspect so eminent a person and it was only natural you would be taking your instruments with you. I’ve no doubt this will turn out to be part of the proceeds of recent robberies.”

Stolen property

Tommy Burke stared, “B-but Guv’nor, how the dickens did you come to think of looking there for the stuff?”

“When I caught sight of that instrument,” answered Hawke, “I suddenly remembered Alf Cosset’s dying words – ‘Bruford’ and ‘loot.’ We thought the second word referred to stolen property, but this instrument,” went on the detective, “is a lute – and the two words are pronounced almost identically!

“If, as we suspected, Cosset had been dealing with Bruford, then he might really have been drawing attention to the place where he knew Bruford usually concealed stolen articles.”

“Well, I’m blowed!” exclaimed Baxter. “When that possibility occurred to me a few minutes ago,” finished Dixon Hawke, “I thought it might be worth looking into. While Dan Miller undoubtedly killed Cosset, I think Bruford was the man who planned the murder.

“My theory is that Cosset wasn’t content with his cut and Bruford planned to put him out of the way. His big mistake was in hiring a known associate of Cosset to do his dirty work.

“And now, Baxter, you’ve all the evidence you need to tie up not only a few jewel robberies, but, unless I’m mistaken, a particularly nasty murder.”

Charged

Bruford was duly charged with receiving stolen goods, and Dan Miller was also pulled in.

Between them, the two crooks managed to incriminate one another, so that they provided ample proof of their guilt.

Bruford was found to be involved in the four robberies Cosset had committed, and was a fence for many other jewel thieves.

At the trial they were found guilty and were each given the maximum sentence.

More tomorrow.