"It was what is known, I believe, as a dead market, was it not?"
Budd nodded.
"Did you buy those shares, Mr. Budd?"
The directness of the question startled Budd. He stared at Hannasyde for a moment, then said feebly: "That's a funny question to ask. I had my instructions, hadn't I? Perhaps I didn't approve of them; perhaps it didn't seem to me wise to invest in Huxton Industries; but was it my business to advise Mr. Fletcher?"
"Did you buy those shares?"
Budd did not answer immediately, but kept his troubled gaze on Hannasyde's face. It was plain that he was at a loss, perhaps uncertain of what Fletcher's papers might have revealed. He said uneasily: "Suppose I didn't? You know that a block like that isn't bought in the twinkling of an eye. It would look funny, wouldn't it? I know my business better than that."
"At the time when you received Mr. Fletcher's instructions to buy, Huxton Industries were not quoted?"
"Moribund company," said Budd tersely.
"The stock was, in your opinion, worthless?"
Budd shrugged.