'I'll put it this way, then. Are you interested in Poe? If you were offered the authentic manuscript of one of his stories would you buy it?'
This sudden swoop to the practical put Arbor right again. There was a trace of a smile on his face.,
`Now I see, Mr Hadley,' he said to Dr Fell. `This tribunal, then, was called because of Sir William Bitton's stolen manuscript. I was a bit puzzled at first.' He smiled again, a mere wrinkle on his pudgy face. Then he considered. 'Yes, I should certainly buy a Poe item if it were offered to me.'
`H'm, yes. You know there has been a theft at Bitton's house, then?'
`Oh yes. And you, Inspector, know that I am stopping at Bitton's home. I should say,' Arbor corrected himself, impassively, `I was stopping there. To-morrow I shall remove
myself to the "Savoy".'
`Why?'
`Let's be frank, Mr Inspector. I am aware of what. Bitton thinks. I am not insulted. We must accept these little things. But I dislike awkwardness. You see; or don't you?'
`Do you know the nature of the manuscript that was stolen?'
`Perfectly. In point of fact, I had some intention of intending to buy it?