"You will forgive my cigarette," Tallente observed, lighting one. "Now
you can go ahead as fast as you like."
"Question number one is this, sir. I wish to know whether Mr.
Palliser's abrupt departure from the Manor was due to any disagreement
with you?"
"In a sense I suppose it was," the other acknowledged. "I turned him
out of the house."
The inspector did not attempt to conceal his gratification. He made a
voluminous note in his pocketbook.
"Am I to conclude, then, that there was a quarrel?" he enquired.
"I do not quarrel with people to whom I pay a salary," Tallente replied.
"When you say that you turned him out of the house, that rather implies
a quarrel, doesn't it? It might even imply--blows."
"You can put your own construction upon it," was the cool reply.
"Had you any idea where the honourable Anthony Palliser was going to?"
"I suggested the devil," Tallente confided blandly. "I expect he will
get there some time. I put up with him because I knew his father, but
he is not a young man to make a fuss about."
The inspector was a little staggered.
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