The grandfather clock struck 5pm and what happened next was... unexpected.
Nothing happened. The door to the drawing room didn't open. The famous German detective did not walk in, take centre stage, sum up the case and name the murderer of the Duchess of Northwich.
The Duke and his guests continued to wait patiently but after a couple of minutes the nervous coughs and fidgeting started. The first person to speak was the sleuth's friend and confidante Henry Bromyard who said: "Well this is most out of character. I've known him 15 years and he hasn't been late for anything."
At five past five the exasperated Duke shouted: "Where is the awful man?" His next outburst was directed at the butler. "Channon, find him and bring him here at once. I will not be kept waiting in my own house." The butler bowed and left the room.
Ten minutes later the butler returned, alone. "Where is he then?" spluttered the master of the house.
"I have been unable to find Herr Bonhof your Lordship", replied the butler. "What do you mean, 'unable to find' him?" the increasingly-irritated Duke fired back.
"Sir, the gentleman appears to be missing."
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(Write Club homework based on the phrase 'The grandfather clock struck 5pm and what happened next was')
