I hesitated before replying, and I sensed that he detected the hesitation.
I crossed the Rubicon! “I think Lieutenant Barker was the heaviest loser, but he would, doubtless, let you have that information. Surely, you don’t imagine——”
“That’s all right, Bill,” said Anthony. “The Inspector can easily satisfy himself.”
I made a mental note to tell Anthony as soon as the coast was reasonably clear of the Barker I. O. U. That had certainly not come to light.
“Any idea who was the last person to be with Prescott, last night?” asked Baddeley.
I reflected. After all, it was best to be candid with this man.
“I can’t answer that for certain,” I said, “but I can tell you this. I went to bed about a quarter to twelve, and on my way I saw Prescott in conversation with Lieutenant Barker.”
“Where?”
“At the foot of the staircase.”
“Anything in the nature of a quarrel?”