‘To me the young men of your generation are rather bewildering. You seem to be a great deal more knowing then we were and yet I swear I would never have been taken in by a flashy gentleman with persuasive manners and no occupation, unless running an illicit hole-and-corner casino may be called an occupation.’

‘I never mentioned roulette,’ said Donald in a hurry.

‘It is indeed a shame to take your money,’ rejoined Alleyn.

Fox gave a curious little cough and turned a page of his notebook.

Alleyn said: ‘Has Captain Withers, by any chance, suggested that you should earn an honest penny by assisting him?’

‘I can’t answer any more questions about him,’ said Donald in a high voice. He looked as if he would either fly into a violent rage or burst into tears.

‘Very well,’ said Alleyn. ‘When did you hear of this tragedy?’

‘This morning when the sporting edition came in.’

‘About an hour and a half ago?’

‘Yes.’

‘How long does it take to get here from Captain Withers’s flat? It’s in Sling Street, Chelsea, isn’t it? About five minutes’ walk. Why were you so long coming here?’

‘I wasn’t dressed, and though you may not believe it, I got a shock when I heard of my uncle’s death.’

‘No doubt. So did your mother. I wonder she didn’t ring you up.’

‘The telephone’s disconnected,’ said Donald.

‘Indeed? Why is that?’

‘I forgot to pay the bloody bill. Wits left it to me. I rang her from a call-box.’

‘I see. Fox, one of our men is out there. Ask him to go to one hundred and ten Grandison Mansions, Sling Street, and tell Captain Withers I shall call on him in a few minutes and will be obliged if he remains indoors.’

‘Very good, Mr Alleyn,’ said Fox, and went out.

‘Now then,’ Alleyn continued. ‘I understand you were among the last to leave Marsdon House this morning. Correct?’

‘Yes.’

‘I want you to tell me exactly what happened just before you left. Come now, will you try to give me a clear account?’

Donald looked slightly more at his ease. Fox came back and resumed his seat.

‘I’ll try, certainly,’ said Donald. ‘Where do you want me to begin?’

‘From the moment when you came into the hall to go out.’

‘I was with Bridget O’Brien. I had the last dance with her and then we went into the buffet downstairs for soup.’

‘Anybody else there?’

‘Her stepfather. I said good night to him and then Bridgie and I went into the hall.’

‘Who was in the hall?’

‘I don’t remember except—’

‘Yes?’

‘Uncle Bunch was there.’

‘Did you speak to him?’

‘No, I wish to God I had.’

‘What was he doing?’

‘He had his cloak on. You know that extraordinary garment he wears? I think I heard him asking people if they’d seen Mrs Halcut-Hackett.’