The Inspector nodded in agreement. Sir Charles Considine rose. “I’ll convey your message.” He passed through the door.
“We are now going to have a few words with Lieutenant Barker’s ‘brother officer,’” declared Baddeley, “and military blood is thicker than ...”
Sir Charles entered with the Major on his heels.
Baddeley commenced with a direct action. In this instance the attack came early.
“Of course, Major,” he said, “doubtless you are quite cognizant of the fact that you are not bound to answer any of my questions ... all the same, I hope that you will ... your rank and position have taught you that Duty is very often unpleasant ... but nevertheless remains Duty ... it is my Duty as an Inspector of Police to prosecute these inquiries ... however much against the grain....”
Major Hornby’s face remained set ... immovable.
“Your apologies are unnecessary, Inspector,” he said.
“Apologies? You misunderstand me ...” Baddeley was floundering now, a trifle out of his depth ... these people were different from those of his usual encounters ... he went straight to his objective ... safer, no doubt.
“We have been informed, Major,” he remarked, “that on the evening before last, you lost a large sum of money to Mr. Prescott.”
“Quite true.”