Will you tell me whether anything in the
nature of blows passed between you and the Honourable Anthony Palliser,
previous to his leaving your house?"
"I will not even satisfy your curiosity to that extent," Tallente
answered.
"It will be my duty, sir," the inspector said ponderously, "to examine
some of your servants."
"Scotland Yard can do that for themselves," Tallente observed. "My wife
and the greater part of the domestic staff left here for London a week
ago."
The representative of the law saluted solemnly.
"I am sorry that you have not felt inclined to treat me with more
confidence in this matter, Mr. Tallente," he said.
He took his leave then. Tallente heard him conversing for some time
with Robert and saw him in the garden, interviewing the small boy.
Afterwards, he climbed into his car and drove away. Tallente opened his
safe and once more let the little array of folded papers slip through
his hands. Then he rang the bell for Robert, who presently appeared.
"The inspector has quite finished with you?" his master asked.
Robert was a portly man, a little unhealthy in colour and a little short
of breath.
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