"Had he said that before at any time?"
"Never, Inspector, to my knowledge. Quite remarkable it was, the way he put up with Mr. Stephen. It has been, I may say, a Wonder to us in the Hall."
The Inspector looked at him for a reflective moment. "Where were you between the time the deceased went upstairs and the time he was discovered dead in his room?"
"I was occupied about my Duties," replied Sturry, "between the dining-room and My Pantry."
"Did you see any of the guests during that period?"
"No, Inspector, but I have reason to believe that Mr. Herriard's valet and the second-housemaid can give you some information on this point."
"Well, you can send them in," said the Inspector. "I'll see the valet first. Has he been here long?"
"Only a matter of a few months," Sturry replied. "It was nott customary for the late Mr. Herriard's personal servants to remain long in his employment."
"Difficult master?"
"Mr. Herriard was very particular, and not, I regret to say, above throwing his shoes, or, upon occasion, even weightier articles at his valet, when his rheumatic complaints troubled him. Modern servants, as no doubt you are aware, do not Hold with that sort of thing."