Kenneth looked at it, then held out his hand. Hannasyde put the pipe into it. Kenneth inspected it more closely and gave it back. “Many times. It belongs to me.”
“I found it on the mantelpiece in your half-brother's flat, Mr Vereker.”
“Did you?” said Kenneth. “I must have left it there.”
“When?”
“Two or three nights ago. I was dining there.”
“You haven't missed it?”
“No,” said Kenneth indifferently. “I don't always smoke the same pipe.”
“A meerschaum is usually a somewhat cherished possession,” Hannasyde said. “I too am a pipe-smoker, you know.”
“You may be, but you're not a Vereker,” returned Kenneth, the ghost of his impish look in his eyes. He pushed his plate aside, and set his elbows on the table. “And now may I ask a few questions?”
“In a moment, Mr Vereker. I want you first to tell me the names of the other members in your party last night.”