‘Thanks. I think I will.’
The butler preceded him to the small sitting-room into which he had shown the two detectives on their first call.
‘I heard at the Sûreté that M. Boirac had gone to London to identify the body. You don’t know, I suppose, if he was able to do so?’
‘No, monsieur. I knew he had gone to London, but I did not know for what purpose.’
The detective settled himself in a comfortable chair and took out a cigarette case.
‘Try one of these. They’re special Brazilian cigarettes. I suppose we may smoke here?’
‘Certainly, monsieur. I thank you.’
‘It’s a long way over from London. I don’t envy Monsieur his journey. You’ve been, I suppose, monsieur?’
‘Twice, monsieur.’
‘Once is all right to see the place, but after that—no, thank you. But I suppose M. Boirac is used to it? They say you can get used to anything.’