“Right. Now about this scene in the wardrobe-room. Had Master Gordon Palmer spoken to you about his curious theories?”

Liversidge passed his rather coarse and very white hand over his gleaming head.

“He—well, he did say something about it. Sort of mentioned it, don’t you know. I was astounded. I simply can’t believe it of dear old Court. Simply can not credit it.” Mr. Liversidge added that Courtney Broadhead was a white man, a phrase that Alleyn had never cared for and of which he was heartily tired.

“I wish,” he said, “that you would repeat as much of the conversation as you can remember. How did it begin?”

Liversidge hesitated for some time.

“Never mind,” said Alleyn, “about getting it quite correct. We can get Gordon Palmer’s version too, you know.”

This was far from having a reassuring effect on Mr. Liversidge. He darted a glance full of the liveliest distaste at Alleyn, made several false starts, and finally bent forward with an air of taking them into his confidence.

“Now look, Inspector,” he said earnestly, “this is damned awkward for me. You see someone had said something about Val’s money to both Gordon and me, and Gordon afterwards asked me what I thought was the true story. That was just after poor old Court had paid up. Well, I said—not meaning Gordon to take it up seriously—just as a joke—I mean I never dreamt he’d think for a moment—” Mr. Liversidge waved his hands.

“Yes?” said Alleyn.

“Gad, I wouldn’t have had it happen for the world. I said—laughing—something about—‘Well—Court’s suddenly flush—p’raps he’s the dirty-dog.’ Something like that. I mean, never dreaming—”

“Did you pursue this joke?” asked Alleyn.

“Well, don’t you know, chaffingly,” explained Liversidge. “What!”

“My God,” thought Alleyn, “it’s supposed to be Oxford, that language.” Aloud he said: “Did you also talk about the attempt on Mr. Meyer in the train?”

“In point of fact—yes. It was all meant for comedy, you know. I just said, all laughingly, that perhaps Alfred Meyer had caught him at it, and he’d tried to tip him overboard. Well, I mean to say! When I heard Gordon tonight! Well, of course! I was flabbergasted!”

“Did you have any further joking references tonight—after the fatality?” inquired Alleyn, evenly.

“My dear Mr. Alleyn!” expostulated Liversidge, greatly shocked.

“No reference of any sort?”

“Actually, do you know, Gordon did say something to me in the passage. I don’t remember what it was. I was too shocked and grieved to pay attention. I think he just said something about, did I remember what we had talked about.”

“I see,” said Alleyn. “Mr. Liversidge, do you know at what time during our train journey the attempt on Mr. Meyer was made?”