"And that was at 9 p.m., or thereabouts? Did you hear any sounds of altercation?"
The butler hesitated. "I wouldn't say altercation, Sergeant. The master's voice was upraised once or twice, but I didn't hear what he said, me being in the dining-room, across the hall, until I withdrew to my pantry."
"You wouldn't say that a quarrel took place between them?"
"No, Sergeant. Mr. Budd did not strike me as a quarrelsome person. In fact, the reverse. I got the impression he was afraid of the master."
"Afraid of him, eh? Was Mr. Fletcher a bad-tempered man?"
"Dear me, no, Sergeant! A very pleasant-spoken gentleman, usually. It was very seldom I saw him putout."
"But was he put-out tonight? By Mr. Budd's call?"
The butler hesitated. "Before that, I fancy, Sergeant. I believe Mr. Fletcher had a - a slight difference with Mr. Neville, just before dinner."
"Mr. Neville? That's the nephew? Does he live here?"
"No. Mr. Neville arrived this afternoon to stay with his uncle for a few days, I understand."