There had been enough meaning in the sergeant's voice to put Collins on his guard.
"I could hardly say that I knew him, Sergeant," said the valet suavely. "I hope I know my place. But I had met Mr. Brown in Upper Nettlefold one afternoon when he was not quite himself. Upon that occasion he was extremely friendly. Indeed, so very friendly that he attempted to make me a present of his cigarette case. I believe that alcohol does take gentlemen like that sometimes. Mr. Brown seemed to be under the impression upon that occasion that I was a friend of his. Nothing would do but that I should take his cigarette case. Naturally I returned it as soon as possible."
"You sent it back to him?"
"No, Sergeant, I took it to Ivy Cottage myself and gave it to Mr. Brown," said Collins tranquilly.
The sergeant shot an eloquent look at Amberley.
"Mr. Brown," continued Collins, "was quite sober at the time and behaved just as a gentleman should."
"It sounds to me like a funny story," said the sergeant. "But go on! Why did he go up to see you at the manor?"
"I have no idea, Sergeant. It has been troubling me a good deal, if I may say so. The young gentleman attempted to shoot me, as you, sir' - he bowed to Amberley - "will no doubt remember. Mr. Fountain, not wishing to be hard on Mr. Brown, who was not himself, let him go. But he used certain expressions towards me which I was quite at a loss to understand. In fact he threatened to shoot me at the first opportunity."
"Which was why you went dogging his footsteps, I suppose," said the sergeant, sarcastically.
"Exactly so, Sergeant." Nothing could shake the valet's calm self-possession. "It was a very unpleasant feeling to know there was a young gentleman suffering from such a dangerous delusion. It seemed to me that I could not do better than to try to meet Mr. Brown and endeavour to discover what it was he fancied he had against me. Of course, it is not always convenient for me to get off duty, but this evening, Mr. Fountain being in London and not expected back until late, I was able to leave the manor. Knowing Mr. Brown's - habits - I took the liberty of waiting for him at the Blue Dragon. Not wishing to have any sort of a scene in public, it was my intention to follow him home and there ask him what I might have done to offend him. Then everything happened as I have informed you, Sergeant."