The Inspector turned towards him. "Would you say that there had been a quarrel, sir?"
"No, I wouldn't. I'd say my uncle had quarrelled with every one of us, with the exception of Miss Clare."
"Did you have words with him, sir?"
"Many," said Stephen coolly.
"Stephen, don't be silly, old man!" Joseph interposed. "Whatever may have passed between you and Nat earlier in the day, I for one can bear witness to the fact that you and he were on the friendliest terms by teatime! Inspector, this stupid fellow loves to make himself out to be a regular old bear, but I saw him with my own eyes link arms with my brother as they came in to tea, and no one could have been nicer to him thereafter than he was! Indeed, I noticed it particularly, and was so happy to see it!"
The Inspector's appraising gaze travelled from his face to Stephen's. "But there had been a quarrel between you and the deceased today, sir?"
Stephen shrugged. "Well, I hadn't been thrown out of the house."
"I should like a plain answer, if you please, sir."
"Yes, then," Stephen said.
"But, Stephen, you're giving a false impression!" Joseph said. "We all know you and Nat rubbed one another up the wrong way, but he was very fond of you, and you of him!"