‘Yes,’ said Alleyn. ‘Very pathetic. I am right, then, in saying that before Lord Robert went to telephone, you fetched drinks for these two men and immediately after that he began to telephone. You were sent away by Sir Herbert Carrados, leaving him, Miss Harris and possibly others, whom you have forgotten, on the landing, and the two gentlemen in the other sitting-out room. Sir Daniel Davidson had gone downstairs some minutes previously. Lady Carrados before Sir Daniel, who was looking for her. You’re sure of that?’

‘Yes, sir. It is in my memory because after her ladyship had gone I entered the telephone-room and saw she had left her bag there. Monsieur—Mr Dimitri—came up at that time, saw it, and said he would return it to her ladyship. I told him she had gone downstairs and he returned, I think, by the back stairs.’

‘He fits in between Lady Carrados and Sir Daniel. Did he return?’

‘No, sir. I believe, sir, that I have mentioned everyone who was on the landing. At that time nearly all the guests were at supper. Later, of course, many ladies used the cloakroom toilet.’

‘I see. Now for the rest of the evening. Did you see Lord Robert again?’

‘No, sir. I remained on the top landing until the guests had gone, I then took a tray to Monsieur in the butler’s pantry.’

‘Was this long after the last guest had left?’

‘No, sir. To be correct, sir, I fancy there may still have been one or two left in the hall. Monsieur was in the buffet when I came down.’

‘Was Sir Herbert Carrados in the buffet?’

‘He left as I entered. It was after he left that Monsieur ordered his little supper.’

‘When did you go home?’

‘As I have explained to your colleague, at three-thirty, with Monsieur. The police rang up this flat before Monsieur had gone to bed.’

‘You carried Monsieur Dimitri’s luggage for him, no doubt?’

‘His luggage, sir? He had no luggage.’

‘Right. I think that is all. You have been very helpful and obliging.’

François took his tip with a waiter’s grace and showed Alleyn out.

Alleyn got a taxi. He looked at his watch. Twenty past twelve. He hoped Fox was keeping Dimitri for him. Dimitri! Unless François lied, it looked as if the odds against Dimitri being the murderer were lengthening.

‘And the worst of it is,’ muttered Alleyn, rubbing his nose, ‘that I think François, blast his virtue, spoke nothing but the truth.’

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Dimitri Cuts His Fingers

IN HIS ROOM at the Yard Alleyn found Dimitri closeted with Fox. Fox introduced them solemnly.

‘This is Mr Dimitri; Chief Detective-Inspector Alleyn, who is in charge of this case.’

‘Ah, yes?’ said Dimitri bowing. ‘I believe we have met before.’